The October 19 LPSC midweek cruise took place in warm weather (95 degrees F) with surprisingly good winds. JOKEN2 launched for the first time since last spring. A radio call on the VHF radio raised 'Federal Offense'. Jim was having too much fun sailing to raft up for lunch. Apparently, there were only two LPSC boats on the lake. You all missed some good sailing.

The weather at the Ice Cream Social at Kawanas Park was a bit unseasonably warm, but we cooled down by offering lots of shade, having a balloon toss and eating ice cream. The home-made cherry and rasin rum flavors whipped up by the Goldmans were mighty yummy! A large fleet of remote controlled sailing yachts whizzed around the park lake and a few paddle craft were there for club members to take for a cruise. Thanks to all who helped!

Ten boats responded to orders and attended the Commodore's Cruise on September 17-18, 2011. Joining Frequent Flyer in Honeymoon Cove were Bliss, C-View, Got Rum, Moonshadow, Panacea, Peridot, Scotch Mist, and Spontaneous, along with first-timers Pam and John Teresinski on Lambeau Leap and Greg Fine on Mariana.
Afternoon swimming and taking turns on Tony Kozlik's paddleboard kept us cool while the last few boats were tying up. Shared appetizers got the festivities started. We had some fun activities involving a famous and notable sailor and his lady love—Popeye and Olive Oyl. As the evening progressed, people got sillier, swapping jokes and making up an LPSC Fight Song.

As Commodore of the club and cruise skipper, I commend the sailors who answered the call and showed incredible courage and fortitude in fulfilling the cruise objective: to socialize and have fun.

Emily Kaufmann, Commodore and Cruise Skipper

Between July 16th and 24th, 13 LPSC members and guests enjoyed the sights and sounds of San Diego. It was a cool reprieve from the hot Arizona desert. Three trailered boats, Smooth Jazz, Rudder Chaos, and Scotch Mist joined in with San Diego – slipped boats, T.S. I love You, Blue Odysea, and BT Cruiser. Scheduled activities included seafood at The Brigantine, a hot-dog roast over a fire-pit on the Shelter Island beach over-looking North Island and the San Diego skyline, a picnic on Harbor Island while watching the "Beer Can" sail-boat race, a walk-about and music concert at Balboa Park, and watching Sea World's fireworks show up-close during a night-cruise. Unscheduled events included sight-seeing walks, a trip to Dog Beach, sharing prepared meals, story-telling, relaxing, and plenty of sailing on Mission Bay, San Diego Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.

There was quite a spectacle of Navy and Coast Guard presence on the water and in the air during the week; from Aircraft Carriers, submarines, high-speed rigid-hull inflatables, and hover-craft to fighter jets and helicopters. We want to thank the US military for taking time out of their busy schedules to demonstrate their wares to LPSC.

Watch the slide show. To anyone who hasn't experienced the sights, sounds, and character of San Diego, or wish to experience them again, you are encouraged to escape the Phoenix heat by participating in the LPSC San Diego Cruise next year. Better still, plan on two-week back-to-back cruises of San Diego and Santa Catalina Island.

Note to Perfesser Kaufmann: Diligent time was taken from the summer break's R&R in San Diego to perform an in-depth study of the historic Point Loma Lighthouse which contains a Fresnel lens. An abridged thesis has been duly published on the web site. (webmaster's note to the cruise skipper: the thesis must have gone to the wrong address or perhaps Ruckus ate your homework.) Extra credit for this scholarly endeavor is expected to be applied to the grade score in this year's Maritime Academics 101 Course for all students participating in the LPSC San Diego Cruise.

Tom Dumbauld, 2011 San Diego cruise skipper