Catalina Mainsheet Magazine is a quarterly publication averaging 100 pages in length. It features 56 to 64 pages of Features and Class News as well as a 24 to 32 page Technical Notes Supplement.

Volume 29, Number 4, December 2011

Editor’s Bark
by Jim Holder, Editor

The Next Wind Shift
It all started with the 1994 C36 Nationals held in Narragansett Bay. It was a first-time event for Thom Reeves and Doug Smith. Neither had any race experience and weren’t too anxious to get involved. But alas, I was there with the Mainsheet and along came an invitation for me to jump aboard. This was the beginning of a long relationship with two people Carol and I respect and have enjoyed being with over the years.

They took on the duty of editors for the 36s. It was always a joy to see their interesting column come in with the latest from the association and Fleet 5. We always looked forward to the Atlantic City Boat Shows and the Italian dinners arranged by Fleet 5 and then later at the Annapolis Boat Shows, more food and more friendship.

A few years later, we were invited to stay on their new 400 at the Mystic Seaport, All Catalina Rendezvous for the East Coast. When Thom and Doug joined the “snowbirds” and moved south to Florida, they continued to support the 400s with their column.

Sometimes things happen that are a big disappointment. But this was a selfish reaction on my part. Their editor’s report for the C400 section was one of those moments with the announcement, that they “were selling their boat,” (story on page 28). My first reaction was obvious: I hate to lose a good editor. But in this case it was much more, friends and fellow sailors. Thom and Doug have been with Mainsheet for over 15 years through the C36s, C400s and Fleet 5. They are leaving a legacy that is a model for others to follow.

In Sailing, it is not always who is the fastest but rather who can read the wind patterns and anticipate that all-important wind shift coming up. This is the real key to success on the race course and in life. My sincere and thankful praise for the efforts Thom and Doug have given to Mainsheet and to their fellow association members over these past years. In my book, they will always be in first place.

–Jim Holder / editor

Click the buttons below to read more highlights from this issue: