Classic Currents Issue 1-2026
- Alan Almquist
- Jul 11
- 16 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Issue 1 - 2026
Commodore’s Report - Nicolas Romero
As we move into the heart of the cruising season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the positive momentum within our Northern California Fleet.
This has already been a season of progress, participation, and renewed energy. Our recent weekend at the San Francisco Yacht Club was a strong reminder of why this association matters. The boats are certainly what bring many of us together, but the strength of this fleet has always been found in the people behind them — the owners, crews, families, friends, and supporters who continue to show up, participate, and keep these vessels part of our living maritime history.
The SFYC weekend gave us exactly that: time on the docks, time around the table, and time together as a fleet. I want to sincerely thank everyone who cruised in, attended the Bridge Meeting, joined us for dinner, or stopped by to support the event. Your participation is what gives these weekends their value.
I also want to recognize the San Francisco Yacht Club for once again extending such generous hospitality to our fleet. Their staff helped make the weekend smooth, welcoming, and enjoyable from arrival through departure. We are especially grateful to Kevin Tentis, Barbara Loy, Nick, Tully, and the entire SFYC team for their help with the docks, dinner, and all the details that go into hosting an event like this.
A special note of appreciation goes to David Thompson and Evie Ashcroft, who crossed the Bay in a small Boston Whaler to attend the Bridge Meeting. That level of effort and commitment does not go unnoticed, and it speaks to the spirit of involvement that keeps this fleet moving forward.
Beyond our time on the water, we are also continuing to make progress in how we present and organize the fleet. The launch of our new Northern California Fleet website, www.cyanorcal.com, is an important part of that effort. My hope is that the site becomes a useful and reliable home base for members, prospective members, sponsors, events, photos, fleet news, donations, merchandise, and general information.
This is not just about having a new website. It is about improving how we communicate, how we share information, and how we present the Classic Yacht Association Northern California Fleet to the public. A stronger and more consistent presence will help us support our members, welcome new ones, promote our events, recognize our sponsors, and better reflect the quality and history of the vessels we represent.
There is still work to do, and the website will continue to grow and improve over time. But it gives us a strong foundation to build from, and I believe it will become an important tool for the future of the fleet.
Thank you again to everyone who continues to contribute, participate, and support the direction of the Northern California Fleet. The energy within the fleet is encouraging, and I am looking forward to carrying that momentum into the rest of the year.
Vice-Commodore’s Report - Dino Barsotti
The Northern California Fleet is pleased to welcome one of its newest and most unique me
mber vessels, Guardian Fireboat No. 2, formerly known as Vancouver Fireboat No. 2.
Guardian was launched in 1951 and built by Yarrows Shipyard in Victoria, British Columbia. She is an 88-foot steel fireboat with an aluminum superstructure, a 22-foot beam, and a 7-foot draft. Her home port is now Jack London Square Marina.
Guardian is powered by twin GM 16V-71 Detroit Diesels and is equipped with five single-stage centrifugal pumps capable of delivering an impressive volume of water. During her working career, she served the City of Vancouver until her retirement in 1989.
Following the Loma Prieta earthquake of October 17, 1989, Guardian was purchased as a gift to the people of San Francisco by two anonymous Marina District donors. Their donation was made in appreciation for the efforts of San Francisco’s fireboat Phoenix, which pumped water into the city’s emergency firefighting system during the Marina fire. Guardian was then brought from Vancouver to San Francisco with the help of volunteer San Francisco Bar Pilots and members of the San Francisco Fire Department.
Upon arrival, Guardian joined Phoenix as part of San Francisco’s waterfront fire protection fleet. She remained in service and later reserve status with the San Francisco Fire Department until her official retirement in 2022.
After the City of San Francisco placed Guardian up for auction, a group of current and former firefighters, mariners, business people, and history enthusiasts came together to save her. The nonprofit Save Our Ships San Francisco was formed to preserve Guardian and keep her active on San Francisco Bay.
Today, Guardian’s future includes public access, educational programs, maritime and fire service history, water displays for special events, first responder ceremonies, and potential emergency support for Bay Area waterfront communities.
Guardian is a remarkable addition to the Northern California Fleet. Her history, service, and continued preservation represent exactly the kind of working-vessel heritage that deserves to remain visible, active, and appreciated on the Bay.
Special Report – Mel Owen with Classic Memories
A Yacht with a Piano on board? Mel Owens recalls his days spent on La Jota, a 65 foot, 1921 Harbor Boat Works yacht, currently owned and well-cared for by member Stephen Olsson, of Sausalito, likely our only classic with a piano on board.......
He tells the tale of the musical group called The Fantail Four minus one. It featured John Johnson Accordion, Bob Hamilton on Keyboard, and Mel Owen on Harmonica. Mel says they sounded best after cocktails on the dock.
Around the Bay – by Allan Almquist
Many of you know that my favorite quick vacation destination is Puerto Vallarta. I first started visiting over 60 years ago, shortly after high school, when it was still a much smaller village known for Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and The Night of the Iguana. While Puerto Vallarta has grown into a busy city, it has managed to hold on to much of the charm that made it special in the first place.
Recently, however, the area made headlines for reasons that gave me pause. Reports of cartel-related violence briefly disrupted the city, and not long after, I read about a tragic crocodile attack near Marina Vallarta Beach. While crocodile attacks are rare, local authorities have reminded visitors to be cautious near river mouths, estuaries, and areas where crocodiles may be present.
Fortunately, my recent trip was uneventful, and Puerto Vallarta still felt like the place I have enjoyed for many years. As of now, I have received no reports of crocodiles in our own estuary or Delta waters, and thankfully the Bay remains free of both cartel violence and crocodile attacks. Should that ever change, I may have to reconsider boating altogether.
Closer to home, the Classic Boat and Car Show is scheduled for August 15 at Encinal Yacht Club on the Alameda Estuary. Last year’s event was a success despite questionable weather, and this year’s summer date should make for an even better turnout. The club expects more classic cars on the lawn, and this year the event will also include the Classic Yacht Association, with our yachts cruising in beginning Friday. Guests will be able to enjoy classic cars shoreside and classic yachts at the docks on the same day. More details and sign-ups will be available soon.
I would also like to recognize one of our newest supporters, Wright Way Designs. Serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 1977, Wright Way Designs specializes in custom marine soft goods for boats, yachts, ships, and mega yachts. Known for quality craftsmanship, comfort, durability, and timeless style, they have earned their reputation as one of the Bay Area’s premier yacht interior resources — and their nickname as the Bay’s “Cushion Queen.” Click this banner below for more information.
For those willing to travel, ACBS has announced Vintage Boat Week 2026, taking place September 13–20 in Port Huron, Michigan. The week will include cruises through the rivers and lakes of Eastern Michigan and will conclude with the ACBS International Show at the James C. Acheson Marina. Activities include antique and classic boats, vintage cars, kids’ activities, a marketplace, food, beverages, and live entertainment. Visit the ACBS website for details.
Got a Classic Yacht that needs some TLC?
Thinking of playing matchmaker with a Classic Yacht—buying or selling?
Maybe you need Insurance?
Stop right there!
We've got the crew you need, all anchored in the Bay.
The Classic Yacht Association has accumulated a number of vetted vendors overs the years to help with all your boating needs. Click the photo link below to inquire about each vendor!
Special Report: Wayne Ettle and The Maritime Preservation Trust
A recent article in HERLIFE Magazine (Original Article Link) highlighted Wayne and Diana Ettel’s major effort to establish the Maritime Preservation Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving classic yachts, runabouts, maritime craftsmanship, and hands-on skills for future generations.
Fittingly, the Trust has secured space at the original Stephens Boatyard in Stockton, California, a location deeply connected to Northern California’s boatbuilding history.
The passage of time is like water against stone. Left alone, it will eventually wear all things down. Knowledge, history, craftsmanship and artifacts all require active preservation to ensure they are not lost forever.
Wayne Ettel has dedicated his life to fighting against this erosion, specifically by conserving our nautical heritage through wooden boat restoration and mentoring young people interested in sailing and the industrial arts. After relocating from Southern California, he recently opened a new workshop in Stockton and hopes to ensure these important skills are passed down to future generations.
Although Wayne may be relatively new to the Central Valley, he is a Californian through and through, with salt water in his veins. He grew up along the Southern California coast, spending his summers swimming, surfing, scuba diving and sailing with friends and family.
A self-described “aqua nut,” Wayne also served as a junior lifeguard and spent as much time around the water as possible.
“You can never keep me out of the water,” he said with a laugh.
Wayne began his maritime journey with the Orange County Sea Scouts and their tall ship, Argus, one of the first square-rigged tall ships in California. Built in 1906, Argus introduced thousands of Boy Scouts to sailing and played an important role in developing Wayne’s passion for historic vessels.
“There was a whole army of us that skippered the boats and maintained the boats,” he said. “We just grew up doing it.”
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With his lifelong affinity for the sea, it is no surprise that Wayne has dedicated his career to preserving and restoring the vessels that sail upon it.
An experienced mariner and craftsman, Wayne began his wooden boat restoration business in Costa Mesa in 1977. One of his earliest major projects was the schooner Spike Africa, owned by Bob Sloan. Since then, he has worked on numerous notable vessels, restoring them to their former glory while preserving the history contained within their timbers.
“I spent my whole career fixing things. We have a lot of pride in what we do,” Wayne said. “Some of the boats I work on are 100 years old. They’ve been in the family for generations.”
Over the years, Wayne noticed that Sea Scout participation was declining and that fewer young people were being introduced to sailing, woodworking and the industrial arts.
Determined to provide younger generations with experiences similar to those that shaped his own life, Wayne founded the Maritime Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic vessels and the skills required to maintain them.
“We started the Maritime Preservation Trust because I wanted young people to experience what I had experienced,” Wayne said. “We’re preserving history, training people in the arts and crafts of woodworking and boat restoration, and providing an activity for youth.”
The Trust also shares maritime history and restoration techniques through its YouTube channel, allowing its knowledge to reach an even wider audience.
In addition to preserving historic vessels and traditional craftsmanship, the Maritime Preservation Trust serves as a launching point for young people interested in careers within the maritime industry.
“My favorite part is working with the young people. It keeps you young. Without them, there’s no future,” Wayne said. “You can’t put a price on a young person’s face when they work on a boat, fix something and then get to go out and drive it.”
Earlier this year, the Maritime Preservation Trust hosted its first Central Valley open house and launched its flagship vessel, Athena.
Originally built in Stockton in 1929, Athena is a beautiful vessel with deep connections to California’s maritime history. Her launching represented a fitting culmination of the values Wayne has always prioritized: preserving historic vessels, protecting traditional skills and mentoring the next generation to carry that work forward.
Through his restoration business and the Maritime Preservation Trust, Wayne hopes to rekindle interest in Stockton’s rich nautical heritage while mentoring future sailors and craftspeople.
Under his careful guidance, these essential skills can pass from one generation to the next, helping protect them from the erosion of time.
“I can’t fix everything,” Wayne said. “But I’ll do the best I can.”
Learn More
For additional information about the Maritime Preservation Trust and its work, Wayne has provided links to several short videos on the Trust’s YouTube channel.
Athena Maintenance
Athena Support Group
Dispatch from the Delta – by Bill Wells
Ranger: A New Chapter and a Lasting Legacy
As many of you know, I sold my boat, Ranger, about a year ago. I had mixed feelings about letting her go, but I was fortunate to find a new caretaker who truly loved her.
From my standpoint, age was beginning to make boat ownership more difficult. Crawling into the bilge to check the oil or complete other maintenance tasks had become a chore. Getting into the bilge was not necessarily the problem—getting back out was often the exciting part. I was also beginning to have difficulty stepping aboard from the dock.
The idea of selling Ranger came about unexpectedly at a cocktail party while I was speaking with my friend Clemon Charles. Clemon was searching for a suitable place to live, and I jokingly suggested that he buy my boat and live aboard her.
Clemon later mentioned the idea to our mutual friend, Shane McDaid. The two of them came down to take a look at Ranger, and Shane ultimately decided to acquire her for his nonprofit organization, Fall2Flight.
Fall2Flight helps people living with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress rediscover resilience and creativity. It seemed that Ranger had found not only a new owner, but also a meaningful new purpose.
Before delivering her, we hauled Ranger out of the water and completed several important repairs. A couple of planks were replaced, new anodes were installed, the bottom was painted and the fuel tanks were filled with fresh gasoline.
Clemon, Shane and I then departed Oxbow Marina for the approximately 50-mile trip to Shane’s waterfront home on the Sacramento River, near Sacramento International Airport.
The trip went smoothly as far as Walnut Grove. Then one of the engines stopped, and despite our efforts, we were unable to restart it. For the remainder of the journey, we continued upriver against the current on a single engine at little more than walking speed.
Fortunately, we had started early. We reached Shane’s dock just as darkness settled over the river.
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Bringing Ranger Home
I originally purchased Ranger in early 1993 through Edgewater Yacht Sales in Sausalito. She had spent most of her life on San Francisco Bay.
Her previous owner was a furniture maker, and the woodwork was in excellent condition. Unfortunately, he did not know quite as much about engines. When I first inspected her, the engines required considerable cranking before they would start, and once running, they performed very roughly.
I replaced the ignition wires, spark plugs, points, condensers and rotors, and filled the tanks with fresh gasoline. From that point forward, she ran beautifully.
For the maiden voyage, I recruited my two cousins and my former girlfriend’s father, who owned a 40-foot Chris-Craft Constellation, to serve as crew. My former girlfriend drove us to Sausalito.
It was a perfect January day. We departed just as the tide began to flood and enjoyed a smooth trip to Arrowhead Harbor in Clarksburg. I kept Ranger there for several years before eventually moving her to Oxbow Marina.
Joining the CYA
Before purchasing Ranger, I contacted my insurance agent and told him I was buying a boat. He assured me that insurance would be “no problem.”
Once the purchase was complete, however, he informed me that the company would not insure a vessel built in 1937.
Fortunately, I found a business card aboard the boat belonging to CYA life member John Johnson. I later met Tom and Nancy Clothier when they cruised Eslo to Arrowhead Harbor.
Through those connections, I was able to obtain insurance through Jim Hackworth’s program and joined the Classic Yacht Association. The rest, as they say, is history.
Restoring Ranger in Shane’s Memory
Sadly, Shane crossed over the bar several months ago. His wife has said that the Fall2Flight project will continue and that Ranger will be restored in his memory. Although letting go of Ranger was difficult, I am grateful that she found a new mission and a group of people committed to preserving her. Her story is not over. Instead, she is beginning another chapter—one that will honor Shane’s memory and continue helping others for years to come.
Treasurer's Report – by Bill Adams
Balance Sheet as of May 31, 2026
ASSETS:
Checking and Savings
Mechanics 3534 | $5944.78 |
Mechanics CD | $7918.39 |
Total Checking and Savings | $13,863.17 |
Total Current Assets | $13,863.17 |
Total Assests | $13,863.17 |
LIABILITIES:
Equity
Retained Earnings | $16,632.80 |
Net Income | -$2769.63 |
Total Equity | $13,863.17 |
Total Liabilites & Equity | $13,863.17 |
Search for a new National Executive Treasurer
The Classic Yacht Association is seeking a new Executive Treasurer to replace our beloved Jim Paynton who is retiring from his position.
For more information, please contact Michael Topliss at mtopliss@me.com
The Treasurers Handbook / Job Description Is posted on the CYA National Website here. You will have to log in to CYA National Website Account:
Join Us!!! 2026 Change of Watch In Savannah Georgia
Savannah, Georgia | October 23–25, 2026
Classic Yacht Association members and guests are cordially invited to attend the Annual Change of Watch Weekend in beautiful Savannah, Georgia, October 23–25, 2026.
This year’s event will be hosted by the USA Fleet, with thanks to the planning committee of Ted Crosby, John Peckham, and Diane Lander.
The weekend will be based at the Hotel DeSoto in downtown Savannah. Hotel rooms begin at $230 per night, plus taxes and service charges. Members are encouraged to use the CYA room block when making reservations.
The $200 per person registration fee includes continental breakfasts, the Saturday evening reception, the Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour, and the buffet dinner.
Weekend Schedule
Friday, October 23:
Members arrive at Hotel DeSoto. No formal events are planned, allowing time for travel and check-in.
Saturday, October 24:
The day begins with a hosted continental breakfast in the Harborview Room at 7:00 AM, followed by meetings beginning at 8:00 AM and concluding by noon.
Saturday afternoon will include a Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour of Savannah’s historic sights, including the maritime museum and the waterfront along River Street. Lunch will be on your own, with many excellent restaurants nearby offering classic Southern cuisine.
Saturday evening begins with a reception in The Library at 6:00 PM, featuring appetizers and a no-host bar. Dinner will follow at 7:00 PM in the Ossabaw Room, along with the Change of Watch Ceremony. This will be a wonderful opportunity to socialize and enjoy time with fellow CYA members.
Sunday, October 25:
A hosted continental breakfast will begin at 8:00 AM in the Harborview Room, followed by meetings at 8:30 AM, concluding no later than noon.
Sunday afternoon will be open for members to continue exploring Savannah on their own. Additional sightseeing suggestions will be provided.
Registration and hotel reservation links will be available through the event announcement.
Your Savannah Change of Watch Committee:Ted Crosby, John Peckham, and Diane Lander
You will have to log in to CYA National Website to Register:
Special Report: Cruise of the "God Squad" – by Alan Almquist
Aurora V and the “God Squad” Cruise
Each year during Opening Day on the Bay, CYA National Rear Commodore and Northern California Fleet member Gerry Kamilos cruises his Trumpy motor yacht, Aurora V, to an anchorage in Raccoon Strait, the channel separating the southern tip of the Tiburon Peninsula from Angel Island.
Aboard Aurora V are members of the clergy representing several denominations who gather to perform the time-honored Blessing of the Fleet. Gerry volunteers Aurora V as the staging platform for the ceremony on behalf of the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association and the event’s sponsor, the Corinthian Yacht Club.
Last year, the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento asked Gerry to provide Aurora V for a special cruise along the Sacramento River. The plan was to carry Bishop Jaime Soto and members of the clergy past several riverside communities, allowing the bishop to bless parishioners gathered along the route.
The inaugural cruise was such a success that Bishop Soto agreed to repeat the journey this year.
The latest cruise of the group affectionately known as the “God Squad” began following a full Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Rio Vista. After the service, more than 300 parishioners and a children’s choir joined a Eucharistic procession through downtown Rio Vista to the city dock.
There, Bishop Soto and 26 guests—including priests, nuns and deacons—boarded Aurora V. The voyage upriver began with the opening of the Rio Vista Bridge.
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Blessings Along the River
The first stop was Isleton, where approximately 150 parishioners gathered on the public dock to welcome the bishop and his entourage. Bishop Soto raised the Eucharist and offered prayers and a blessing as part of an Adoration ceremony.
From Isleton, Aurora V continued upriver to Walnut Grove. Nearly 100 parishioners lined the public dock as Bishop Soto repeated the ceremony, blessing those gathered along the waterfront.
Shortly after leaving Walnut Grove, the Paintersville Bridge came into view—and the first complication of the journey unfolded.
Following standard Delta boating protocol, Gerry contacted the bridge tender and requested an opening. The request was acknowledged, and Gerry held Aurora V off the bridge while the opening mechanism was engaged.
A short time later, however, the bridge tender called back to report a malfunction. One of the roadway traffic barriers would not lower, and the bridge opening would be delayed for an undetermined amount of time. Fortunately, the nuns aboard Aurora V quickly gathered for a group prayer aimed at resolving the problem.
A miracle? Perhaps.
Soon after the prayers began, the bridge tender announced that the malfunction had been corrected and the bridge would open shortly.
With the obstacle cleared, Aurora V continued toward Freeport, a small town near Sacramento. The bridge there opened without incident, allowing the journey to proceed smoothly.
Arrival in Sacramento
After passing beneath the Pioneer Bridge, the Sacramento skyline came fully into view. Several vessels from the Sacramento Yacht Club joined the procession behind Aurora V, and the group continued beneath the Tower Bridge toward its final anchorage near the docks of Old Sacramento.
Once Aurora V was securely anchored, Bishop Soto, assisted by the clergy and nuns, began a final Eucharistic blessing and Adoration ceremony.
The accompanying yachts then passed along the starboard side of Aurora V, allowing the bishop to bless each vessel and its crew individually.
Following the ceremony, Aurora V raised anchor and proceeded to the docks in West Sacramento. Bishop Soto and the other guests disembarked to the greetings of another large crowd of well-wishers gathered along the shoreline.
That evening, Aurora V berthed at the Sacramento Yacht Club. Gerry later continued to the Delta hideaway of Grindstone Joe’s for a well-earned break before returning to the yacht’s home waters in San Francisco Bay.
With another successful voyage under her keel, Gerry is already looking forward to the next opportunity to carry the “God Squad” along the river in 2027.
Stay updated on upcoming events by clicking below!
Represent the Classic Yacht Association
Visit our new fleet store! Support the Classic Yacht Association and make a statement on the water or while strolling through town.
2026 Northern California Fleet Bridge Officers
Commodore - Nicolas Romero
Vice Commodore - Dino Barsotti
Rear Commodore - Bren Johnson
Staff Commodore - Rob Sesar
Corresponding Secretary - Nancy Clothier
Treasurer - Bill Adams
PICYA Representative - Roberta Manell
Newsletter Editor - Alan Almquist
Historian - Rob Sesar
International Representatives:
Alan Almquist & Gerry Kamilos
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