Views from the Porch
ON THE PORCH WITH...
Pam Michels
Photo provided with compliments of Yolanda Gorman
INTERVIEW by JACQUES STEINBERG
In each edition of Views from the Porch, we feature a Horseshoe Harbor member who has had an indelible impact on the club – or on people or places well beyond our beloved deck. In this issue we’re pleased to feature Pam Michels. Pam and her husband, Steve Rosenblatt, along with their son, Arden, joined HHYC about 20 years ago. Pam later served as an officer, including as rear commodore, vice commodore and commodore. Pam is a retired, longtime sales executive at IBM, which is where she met Steve. “We were an office romance,” she says. Late on an early summer afternoon, as a gentle breeze rolled in from the Sound, Jack Steinberg sat down on the porch with Pam. What follows are excerpts from their conversation.
Q: Do you have an early memory of the first time you saw a body of water big enough to float a boat on it?
A: As kids we spent a lot of time on the Jersey shore. I love swimming in salt water. I love the waves. Also we would go to Long Beach Island. My Dad liked to fish. So we would rent a little skiff. Sometimes we’d go clamming. Sometimes we’d go crabbing. It was very idyllic.
Q: How old were you when you went for your first sail?
A: I was probably an adult. My Dad was in the Navy but he never wanted to sail. We moved to Larchmont from the city. We had to move because Steve’s job moved up to Somers. When we were looking for a house we knew we wanted to be in a waterfront community. Because we knew we wanted to sail. We took some lessons. Our first lesson was at City Island. And then we came here to Horseshoe Harbor.
Q: Any memories of that first visit to Horseshoe?
A: I have a very vivid, funny memory. Steve and I knew we were not very good sailors at that time. This is probably 20 years ago. Bob Ribituso took us out on a Day Sailor to qualify us. It was pretty obvious we couldn’t really handle the boat. He tried to be very diplomatic and tell us we probably shouldn’t take the boat out on our own. And we didn’t. Then we took a lot more lessons. We took lessons here, actually and in many other places, places like the Caribbean where we thought we might like to sail
Q: What do you think sets this club apart?
A: To me, it’s a very self-selecting community. We just have a very particular niche. It’s low-key. I think that’s what makes it so special. It’s enabled us, I think, to develop a very significant community feeling. I think people feel generally pretty connected to each other.
Q: How would you describe to someone who has never sailed before how it feels? What’s the attraction for you?
A: To me it’s like skiing. You need to pay attention. I like that total concentration of doing something. Sometimes we just laze around and flop. But your mind is very focused on what you’re doing. And it feels magnificent.
Q: What were some of your priorities as commodore?
A: We got the pier rebuilt after Hurricane Irene in 2011. I had worked on that as rear commodore. But I was also focused on building our community and making sure people really felt at home. That what we had to offer them was being on the deck and getting to know people who most of us wouldn’t know otherwise. People with very common interests and very diverse lives. Just making sure people were happy and safe, and treated fairly.
Q: Was Ladies Sail an initiative that existed before you were commodore?
A: I don’t know if I was commodore when we started it. But Sara Levin and I decided to do it. We needed something that would give people an opportunity to be together. You have all these women who were pretty much wives of sailors, as opposed to sailors themselves. And so this was an opportunity for people who wouldn’t normally get an opportunity to get out on the water to do it. And also for people to pick up some skills. We have a great motto in our women’s sailing. We say: ‘Give me a minute.’ Or, to put it another way: ‘Let me figure it out.’ Usually you’re not crashing into anything. If you spin the boat around or you go the wrong way or your sails are luffing, it’s like: Who cares? And so it gives everybody that opportunity in a very friendly environment to just try it out. Just let me figure it out instead of screaming at me.
Q: What is something you’ve eaten at Ladies Sail that’s truly memorable?
A: It’s all pretty memorable. Susan Oakley makes a great tomato tart. Jennifer Miller makes the best desserts. She just made a really good one. It had apples in it. Mary Rubin makes the best desserts. She makes kind of a blueberry buttermilk cake. Every Tuesday night at Women’s Sail just an extraordinary meal.
Q: What else would you want people at the club to know about you?
A: I don’t know if it’s about me. But I think it’s just important that people reflect a little on how special this club is. You don’t get this opportunity every day. Steve and I won’t go on summer vacation because it’s just too nice here. To me it’s a very precious place. And I think it has to be thought about that way.
Photo Essay By Wendy Popp - Simmons with many contributions from adoring friends.
It seems perfect metaphorically to illustrate an interview with Pam Michels by sharing a portrait of her at the helm. Pam has infused her generous spirit into the HHYC culture at every level and in almost every aspect for decades. It is as palpable inside the clubhouse, as it is on her beloved vessels, Ambitious; a Pearson 30, and her new Tartan 41; Nimbus. Many of the photos in this essay were submitted by members who have traveled in her company, by land on off-season hikes, sailing throughout the Long Island Sound and into the Atlantic; a rare and unique glimpse into the meaning of community. No matter where, or in what capacity, Pam has always been one to stem the tide in favor of the harmony in our precious cove.
Pam with Nimbus moored in the distance under lofty cumulus clouds stretching over the eastern portion of the mooring field.
New York Harbor photos submitted by Susan Oakley and Yolanda Gorman
Commodore Michels flanked by her officers. Circa 2016
Toasting from the head of many tables, donning many hats. Photos compliments of Yolanda Gorman and Susan Oakley
(Above) Photo compliments of Susan Oakley
Commodore Michels flanked by fellow offers, circa 2016
Key Largo
Photography compliments of Susan Oakley, Yolanda Gorman, and Jerry Keyes
Pam with her husband Steve and son, Arden
WIND and WAVES
Photography by Wendy Popp - Simmons
Horseshoe Harbor shuttered on a fall day; 2023.
A reflection on a day in January 2024 when we yearned for temps to be a tad warmer.
Some of us may have chosen to jet about beyond the breakwater in the hearty weather conditions. Some enjoyed the view of competing frostbiters to the east of the stained glass windows of the Larchmont Yacht Club Library. Everyone welcomed the annual meeting of The Horseshoe Harbor Board.
Frostbiting, LYC, in February, 2024
(In order of appearance left to right)
Presiding over the HHYC Annual General Meeting on February 11, 2024: Vice Commodore Marie Cattau, Commodore Josh Klein, Treasurer Mark Manley, and Secretary Mick Russell. Not pictured; Rear Commodore Ian Milward.
The review of the former year and details of the future involve us all, and the meeting was well attended. To be sure, anticipation of a truly lovely brunch awaiting friends who are eager to see each other was a welcomed incentive for this winter gathering. We thank Larchmont Yacht Club for this courtesy.
Photography by Wendy Popp - Simmons
David Morris takes the helm to describe the virtues of upcoming Can One Races that promote an opportunity for fellowship and seamanship. This has been developed through The Can One Evening Racing Association. Thus far, racing during the setting sun has been a great success. Facebook.com/groups/CanOne.
It was an honor and complete surprise for Butch Almer, AKA, Charles "Butch" Almer, to be inducted into The 2024 Sailing Hall of Fame. Many know him from UK Sailmakers New York. He has been a devoted sailor and friend of the many classes who navigate Long Island Sound. A huge congratulations from all of us! Pictured above, Butch generously shares a refresher course for the future participants of Can One. You will recognize a number of HHYC sailors in the audience concentrating as we are quizzed about rules we thought we knew... Thank you Huguenot Yacht Club for hosting this illuminating evening.
Photography by Wendy Popp-Simmons
While the skippers brush up on their rules, the wooden classics from HHYC await a brush of their own; with fresh varnish and paint, preparations for an early spring launch.
Photography compliments of Wendy Popp-Simmons
Bill and Wynn Simmons decide to take the restorations down to the wood on the hull this year, ( hoping for thirty more years of wear which may actually outlast team Allegro!)
Diligence, well above and below decks before the spring season. Photos compliments of Josh Klein
TENACIOUS - literally and figuratively! (pictured above, first row) Members Elias, Ian, and Dwight with differing perspectives on the coming season.
The view from the porch in late April; Taken during the still of the morning when only a family of Bufflehead braved the chilly waters, giving breakfast new meaning.
During a walk in the Manor, this author spies early signs of spring as the docks arrive. Photo and video by Wendy Popp-Simmons
Excitement for the new season mounts as clean-up day arrives in March. All hands arrived on deck and elsewhere during the annual clean-up morning.
On April 22, 2024; Clean-up day commences with many hands making the work lighter. A special thanks to those who showed!
Click on the mid/right side of the above pic for a slideshow of the day!
Photos compliments of Wendy Popp-Simmons, Michael Engelbert, Bill Simmons and Marie Cattau
HORSESHOE HARBOR COMMISSIONING 2024
Horseshoe Harbor Yacht Club Commissioning 2024
(Officers pictured left to right) Former Commodore Pam Michels, Rear Commodore Ian Milward, Vice Treasurer Mark Manley
Vice Commodore Marie Cattau, Commodore Josh Klein, John Santalone, Tony Kroell. Photos by Wendy Popp -Simmons
Events Celestial
On April 9th, 2024 the Northeast witnessed a partial solar eclipse to usher in a special year of celestial events to come. We are promised 12 full moons, a seasonal blue moon, two solar eclipses, and four full Supermoons. This editor is doing her best to include them in our landscape shots. This lovely capture below was sent by our friend, (Ms. Gabalski).
SEASCAPES and WEATHER EVENTS
Hurricane Debby
Somehow we expected that this category in our news outline might not last, but this season has provided some challenges for our cove. Many sudden and fierce storms have punctuated this sailing season and the weekend of August 4 and 5th were formidable. However, team Allegro enjoyed the view from morning until late afternoon, when we were delighted by the rewards of sensuous color in the east of our
mooring field.
Photography by Wendy Popp - Simmons
The advancing darkness from the south was breathtaking at first.
As the storm blanketed us thunder was quite profound and the lightening thick and close. A number of us were concerned about the whereabouts of Jim Allen and his crew who had not returned by this point from a day sail.
Within 20 minutes this storm had passed with more drama promised for later in the day. Jim appeared with his son Jeff and guests after winding through Glen Island for protection and was welcomed with relieved smiles by the few of us on the porch and a fabulous display of light in the east.
Detail of a photograph taken by a fellow photographer Bonnie Weinbach who wanted to exchange rainbow shots as we shared our enthusiasm in the downpour.
Wave action on August 9, 2024; Sharing the last effects of 40+ mph winds in our area and 4 ft waves in the cove. Thankfully. no major damage occurred. Video compliments of Bill Simmons
Paddling
It will be nice to make this segue to paddling with a safe and sound shot of Jim Allen. He had just retuned from a morning of kayaking during more serene conditions, in this beautiful vessel, one of many, that he himself has built. Photos by Wendy Popp -Simmons
Above paddlers meet up to review technique and safety before kayaking on the mornings tranquil surface.
Photographs from this exquisite morning. February 10, 2024 are compliments of Carine Verschueren
Photo by Wendy Popp-Simmons
SWIM ACROSS AMERICA 2024
No, the movement in the water pictured below is not a run of bluefish, but hundreds of bobbing heads! Volunteers and swimmers destined for The Shore Club from their start at Larchmont Yacht Club. Many of our kayaker, paddle boarder and sailing HHYC volunteers shepherd the swimmers along the way, providing safety and course correction. Below, Eiton Haber with a fellow participant get an early start to prepare for the event.
Photos by Wendy Popp - Simmons
In a pastel setting at 7:30 am Marie sets out for a morning ritual of paddle boarding before heading to work.
Below, is pictured diving firefighter, Michael, popping up to chat with Bea Weinberger near a sight by Execution Rocks. Apparently, students that day were diving the remains of the steamship Maine which sank in 1920. During a winter storm packs of ice pushed the steamer close to execution Rocks eventually stranding the vessel. Caught between the rocks and some hard ice she eventually sunk to some 20 feet below. Everyone aboard the ship took advantage of the packed ice and walked across Long Island Sound to shore! Yet another story to add to the wild legends of Execution Rocks.
Photo compliments of Bea Weinberger
LADIES SAIL
Above, photo compliments of Susan Oakley
Above and below photos compliments of Yolanda Gorman
CREATURES AQUATIC
The Associated Press reported that there are an increased number of whale sightings this season off of New England; most notably a dozen of endangered Sei whales. Included in the unusual sightings were humpback, fin, minke, and sperm whales as well. Such a large aggregation is an exception to the rule for the month of May. One sighting included two Orcas.
Observations by NOAA and OCEANA have concluded that there are less than 360 Right Whales on earth and advocate strongly for their protection from extinction. Causes for the decline in the populations include fishery netting, shipping collisions, and climate change.
In an attempt to thwart the issue of coastal traffic, an interactive map of North Atlantic right whale sightings has been introduced.
We may not perceive them as being in our backyard, but our coastal waters are part of their territory.
Research biologist Brigid McKenna and team reported 45 Atlantic Right Whales feeding in and around the Hudson Canyon during a recent aerial survey! An extraordinary event.
Rarer still, the recent sighting of a Blue Whale off the coast of Cape Anne on July 8, 2024. This newsletter mentions this because this is extraordinary behavior that indicates changes that concern those of us who cherish our experience on these waters. The sailing community can assist in helping researchers plot sighting locations, protecting and defending our fragile habitat. For more information on these sightings and how you may help: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/map/north-atlantic-right-whale-sightings
WCVB reports the sighting with Cape Anne Whale Watch video, goosebumps promised.
It is hoped that the Blue Whale visit indicates the health of the waters and a "krill sweet spot".
Meanwhile, no whale sightings off of the coast has been witnessed by this editor, but plenty of healthy waterfowl activity is happening in our cove this season. Photos by Wendy Popp - Simmons
Long Island Sound; Health Updates
A few notes to celebrate some exceptional funding that has been granted recently to Save The Sound. This editor realizes that we may be preaching to the choir here, but if you are not familiar with this organization and it's significant influence, please take a look at the Impact Map, and the benefits of the work that is done affecting the northern watershed to our precious cove. https://www.savethesound.org/about-us/impact-map/
" Imagine a New York and Connecticut where the vitality of nature is protected for people and wildlife. A region in which citizens from all walks of life unite to transform struggling habitats, polluted waters, endangered wildlife, and a threatened planet into vibrant, inspiring places that sustain communities. With your passion and our experience, together we'll keep your air healthy, your water clean, and the natural places you love safe -now and for future generations."
CULINARY CULTURE
Fourth of July Potluck
The evening fireworks display was preceded by wonderful potluck treats; preparations from the bunting to the bounty on the tables. This year many enjoyed the rainless skies and spent a little time watching the fireworks provided by our neighbors in every direction. The video below is the Shore Club's presentation in case you missed it as seen from the deck of Allegro, Ingwe is a silhouette enhanced by the celebratory textures of the evening.
If you arrived early when the desserts were unveiled you might have been lucky enough to taste this lovely cornmeal strawberry shortcake created by member Lauren Kroell, patriotic and delicious.
What could possibly be sweeter than cornmeal strawberry shortcake? A new HHYC member! Introducing James, the grandson of our Commodore and his wife Bea. Congratulations to the Weinberger/Klein family.
Photos by Wendy Popp -Simmons
THURSDAY NIGHT BBQ
Susan snips some fresh basil from the beautiful herb and vegetable garden that was planted this year by Yolanda Gorman and Pan Michels. If you have not noticed this, it is set back in the corner of the porch near the "couple's" table, ready for that extra fresh pinch of dill, oregano, tomato, or piece of sage for your meal. -Nurturing our pollinating members as well!
This particular Thursday night's dinner was hosted by the Berger, Beals, Sklar, Aries, Mahler, Elkind, Charles, Golar and Lange families. So delicious! Thank you. The Can One racers were so appreciative to arrive after being becalmed and arriving to the finish (and dinner) much later than expected!
Photos by Wendy Popp - Simmons
THURSDAY NIGHT CAN ONE RACES
Matt delivers eager racers to their boats at 6:00 on this evening as members from HHYC unfurl their sails to race in the setting sun against other participating clubs.
Photos by Wendy Popp - Simmons
Skippers unfurl their mainsails and greet crew ahead of the Can One races on this evening.
Gaia heads into the amber sunset during Can One racing.
Photo compliments of Jill Ochacher.
Allegro foredeck crewman, John Cutsumpas captures the twilight, the spinnaker set managed by Michael Engelbert on the guy and Bill Simmons at the tiller ( pictured below.)
HHYC CELEBRATES JUNIOR SAILING 2024
Photos courtesy of HHYC Instructor Rebecca Power
Please click on the mid/right of the above images for a slider photo presentation of some of the year's highlights!
Below 2024 HHYC instructors flank Deborah Norris in celebration of a successful year. Photos courtesy of HHYC Instructor Rebecca Power
Thank you for instilling the confidence and joy in our young sailors to learn to master the art of sailing! Thank you, Deb and Sarah, for your wonderful meal and special touches for a delightful end to the season.
(Left to right) Instructors and two STEM SALORS, Jack, Eileen, Rebecca, Cory, Matthew, Director Deborah Norris and Olivia
REGATTAS and One Design Events featuring HHYC members
A pictorial compilation which include some of the events involving a number of our wooden HHYC classics and their crews; which include Larchmont Raceweek 2024 and the YRA races.
HHYC Eric and Danielle Rudi of Phoenix crew for Kandahar II, capturing the LYC Raceweek 2024 First Place for the S Class Division.
Photography compliments of John Cutsumpas
Team Allegro during LYC Raceweek 2024
Racers return from the LYC Long Distance Race under the brilliant full moon and the pink light of the setting sun.
Photos by Wendy Popp - Simmons
The Western Long Island Sound Herreshoff S Class Association has had many members who call HHYC home. The vintage boats; Allegro, Dilemma, Eaglet, and Phoenix have sailed out of the cove since the 1970's. Some earlier. The class is still very active, each racing past their 100th year in age. If you are interested is crewing with the fleet, or owning a vessel, or knowing more about these Herreshoff beauties please contact the skippers here: https://www.facebook.com/HerreshoffSBoatsOfWesternLongIslandSoundNewYork
HHYC EDUCATIONAL SERIES
On Sunday August 11th, HHYC was visited by Larchmont Fire Department to instruct us on the details of fire extinguishing. The information focused on mariners and extinguisher training for boaters. The class also touched on radio protocols. Lt. Charles Boettcher provided us with a demonstration on the beach. We thank them for their thoroughness and expertise. (No boats were burned in the demonstration!)
Photography of HHYC participants and firefighters by Wendy Popp - Simmons
Extinguishing photos compliments of our Vice Commodore Marie Cattau.
Navigation Basics for Sailors & Paddlers
Held Saturday, June 29th, 2024
Welcomed with bagels and coffee we learned the basics of coastal navigation and piloting. This session was very instructive for sailors and paddlers who wish to go farther than Larchmont Harbor!
Instructor and HHYC member Jim Allen covered the following topics:
How to read and use a nautical chart
Understanding buoys, channels and traffic patterns
How to use a chart, your eyes and a compass to navigate based on coastal landmarks
Getting to your destination when fog or rain shut down the visibility and you don’t have a GPS
Basics of “dead reckoning”
Looking up tidal currents and planning their effect on your progress
Photo compliments of Josh Klein
Thank you, Jim!
SAILBOAT INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
On Saturday, July 27th, we were welcomed with coffee and bagels, and our instructor, HHYC member Elias Dagher conducted a class on how to inspect the various parts and components of a sailboat. He explained their functions and how to assess their condition. Basically, he covered what a surveyor would look for when inspecting a boat and how to identify and prioritize what needs to be done.
Photo compliments of Josh Klein
Thank you, Elias!
Knot Tying and Line Coiling
On Saturday, August 3, 2024 we were welcomed with coffee and bagels to learn the art of knot tying. Boating requires a few secure lines from time to time and realize the significance of a well tied bowline! With patience, our instructors Boris Rauls and David Morris demonstrated; the half hitch, the clove hitch, the stopper knot, square knot and others; including how they should be applied.
Photo compliments of Josh Klein
Thank you, Boris and David!
(The humor above, compliments of your Commodore)
KAYAK CLINIC
A clinic for kayakers was held on Sunday, July 14. Two terrific local paddlers had graciously volunteered to offer a
a refresher course to go over strokes as well as an opportunity to get wet and practice rescues.
It was limited to 10 participants. A beautiful morning on the water to beat the heat. Thank you Beatrice Weinberger for coordinating this effort.
Photo compliments of Josh Klein
Thank you, all!
CLUBS and new porch events
Pop-Up Movie Night
Date: TBA
MAHJONG
(News to come in our second newsletter for the fall season)
BOOK CLUB
Featuring pizza and BYOB
August 19, 2024: Longitude, by Dava Sobel
September 16, 2024: Swell: A Sailing Surfer's Voyage of Awakening, by Liz Clark
October 21, 2024: A Voyage Madmen, Peter Nichols
This editor recently unearthed our family's dog-eared copy of A VOYAGE FOR MADMEN so that we can brush up on the awe that we remember upon the first read.
Discussing; The Ripple Effect by Sheila Harper
Photo compliments of Josh Klein
Eight Bells
Thoughtful reflections are being written for those of our friends and members who have recently passed. We will share these sentiments in our following newsletter. Until then we will share this lovely image of a golden moment captured by Mark Bunda.
COLORS
Would you like to nominate someone for consideration for an interview for our ‘On the Porch with…’ feature? Send your suggestions – whether it’s someone else, or you! – to Jack Steinberg (jacques.steinberg@gmail.com) and Wendy Popp Simmons
(popp.arts@gmail.com). Through this feature, our hope is that members can get a better understanding of one of our own – and the impact they’ve had at the club, or in their lives, their work, or their service outside the club. We hope to hear from you soon.
We will conclude this edition with a quote from one of the Book Club choices; A Voyage for Madmen by Peter Nichols, which may be af