Commodore's Column

By Tom Sokoloski
Catalina 36 International Association

Changes, Changes, Changes…

It’s hard to believe that it has been almost three years since I assumed the role of Commodore. It seems like it was yesterday, yet it also feels so long ago. I don’t feel any older, and I certainly don’t feel any wiser, but the calendar argues at least one of those points. Many things have changed in the past three years. Probably the biggest change over that time period (at least in how it impacts C36IA) is that the Catalina 36 is no longer in production. 2305 hulls were made over a span of 24+ years, making it one of the most successful and popular sailboats of its size in history. Another change is that Catalina Yachts has moved all of its production from Woodland Hills, CA to its Largo, FL facility. C36IA has recently experienced a number of changes, too.

by Tom Sokoloski
Catalina 36 International Assocation

A couple of days ago I received an email from Chic Lasser, C36IA Vice Commodore. He mentioned that he had just taken a walk down his dock, and had noticed a C36 that was “new” to the dock. He introduced himself as a fellow C36 owner, and an instant connection was made. It turns out the couple had just bought the boat a few weeks prior, were delighted with the boat, and had never heard of C36IA. Chic told them about our Association, and they were very interested. A couple of emails later and they are now very happy new members.

by Tom Sokoloski
Catalina 36 International Association

Ahoy!

May is such a wonderful month, at least in New England. The ice has melted off streams and rivers, and most lakes and ponds. Snow (for the most part) is a distant memory. Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and there is a feeling of “rebirth”. More importantly, May is launch month!! After six months of the above-mentioned snow and ice and abandonment, Julandra gets splashed, and all is well with the world.

by Tom Sokoloski
Catalina 36 International Association

In more than a few places I’ve heard somewhat serious, somewhat tongue-in-cheek comments that told me if I had purchased a (new?) sailboat in 2007, instead of keeping my retirement money in my 401(k), I wouldn’t have lost 30-40-50% in value. I suppose there is some truth in that statement, but for someone who is not close to retirement, it really wasn’t an option.

by Tom Sokoloski
Catalina 36 International Association

The Catalina 36 International Association is really pretty amazing. This past August I was scheduled to attend a business convention in Seattle, WA. Having never been to Seattle, I contacted a couple of C36 owners in the area, looking for advice about area attractions. One of the immediate replies came from Paul Walchenbach, owner of Mata Hari. I had never met Paul, and he had never met me, but I remembered his correspondences on the list server, and I remembered several pictures of Mata Hari sailing along the Seattle waterfront.

by Tom Sokoloski
Catalina 36 International Association

On Wednesday nights during the summer, I race sailboats. Not my boat, but OPB (other people’s boats). It starts right after Memorial Day, and it ends just before Labor Day. I’ve been doing it for many years, and my family and friends know better than to plan something for me on a Wednesday night.

by Tom Sokoloski
Catalina 36 International Association

In the beginning there was a 22 footer. And life was good. And then there was a 27 footer, and life was better. And then there was a 30 footer, followed by a 25 footer, and life was better still. Next, a 38 footer, and then there was…..drum roll, please….a 36 footer! And then life was great! From July 1982 through November 2006, Catalina Yachts produced 2305 Catalina 36 hulls.

by Tom Sokoloski
Catalina 36 International Association

2007. Where did it go? Sitting around after a glorious Thanksgiving feast, I have time to reflect on the past year. From a sailing perspective, 2007 was one of the best ever, at least for me. After a rainy start in May, I cannot remember a summer with better winds, better weather, or better sailing, at least in New England.

by Tom Sokoloski
Catalina 36 International Association

NEW FACES

By the time everyone is reading this, fall will have descended upon those of us north of the Mason/Dixon line, with winter just around the corner. Bummer. Our beloved fiberglass creatures are being hauled out of the water, preparing to spend a lonely, cold winter under a blanket of snow. For those of you in the warmer climates, I’m jealous!!

by Tom Sokoloski
Catalina 36 International Association

According to company literature, the Catalina 36 officially has seven berths. Most owners, on the other hand, would say that their boats “Party eight, dine four, and sleep two, thank you.” On the rare occasion, maybe, just maybe, one might try to cram more than four or five into the cabin for a weekend of cruising, but the logistics of packing food, gear, and personal items into a seemingly voluminous cabin become daunting.