8 • January 17 - 30, 2014 • The Log
thelog.com Challenged America Flagship Project Edges Closer to Completion
said. Plans are to bring the Grand Banks 42 to Challenged America’s dock at Sunroad Resort Marina on Harbor Island in January, where they’ll finish up the interior work, along with rewiring and furnishings. Challenged America will be hauled out and a new coat of environmentally friendly bot- tom paint will be applied prior to arriving at the Sunroad dock. Morales hopes to have the Grand
Banks 42 completed in the first quarter of 2014. Once that happens, the moto- ryacht will be used as a classroom plat-
form for lessons on seamanship, basic Captain 101 courses and navigation. “(We’ll) take program participants out whale-watching, fishing and (on cruises) for other needs, such as to give those who are still in hospitals a day out on the water,” Morales said. The flagship will also be used as a committee boat for races and regattas, a standby medical vessel, a media/photography boat, and a plat- form for friends and family to watch their Challenged America sailors. For more information, visit chal-
lengedamerica.org.
A Fresh Look – Challenged America is currently awaiting the restoration of a classic wood-hull Grand Banks 42 trawler yacht that once completed, will serve as the organization’s flagship vessel. The boat is scheduled to be launched under the new name, Challenged America.
After a period of inactivity, repairs on the 42-foot trawler are expected to be finished early in 2014.
By Shane Scott
SAN DIEGO — The hopes and dreams of many disabled sailors who partici- pate in Challenged America programs are currently being poured into a gleaming classic wood-hull Grand Banks 42 trawler yacht, now being ren- ovated at Nielsen-Beaumont boatyard. The soon-to-be flagship of the
organization, also to be named Challenged America, was donated to the group by Tom Nielsen of Nielsen- Beaumont almost two years ago. Challenged America, formed in
1978, provides sailing lessons and boating experiences for disabled veter- ans.
Nielsen, his crew and several Challenged America volunteers have already put hours of work into the cos- metic reshaping of the old boat. But with a lack of additional manpower and funds, organization president Urban Morales and director of dona- tions Dave Hopkins came to the con- clusion that they might have bitten off more than they could chew.
“I’m sure you can imagine the work and money involved in restoring such an old woody, and we’re probably about 80 percent there,” Morales said. “The engines are running, and the pre- vious deck structure has been removed and replaced, along with the interior. “What most know as a wonderful
cruising and liveaboard power trawler is now completely one level, with only the forward V-berths able to accom- modate anyone for a sleepover,” he said
Modifications, such as converting the deck, and several upgrades to the vessel have been made to allow full access to disabled passengers, espe- cially those in wheelchairs — from the stern all the way forward to the steer- ing station. “We are currently waiting for dona- tions of electronics, powered davits for lifting of heavy/motorized wheelchairs and other lifting needs in non-accessi- ble docks, and a laundry list of other items,” Hopkins said. That list includes adding the latest in accessible technol- ogy for the disabled, such as a talking GPS and other navigational aids. “As an all-volunteer organization, with the volunteers working hard to finish our flagship, it’s taken more time than expected — and, of course, more donated funds from the delays and special equipment needs,” Morales
SARRIS INTERIORS & CANVAS Paul Konapelsky Named Commodore at Bahia Corinthian YC
Attorney enjoys both powerboat- ing and sailing.
By Shane Scott
NEWPORT BEACH — Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club on Dec. 13 announced that Paul Konapelsky has been named commodore of the organization for 2014. “I am honored and enthusiastic about assuming the role of com- modore at Bahia Corinthian YC, aptly named ‘the friendliest club on the bay,’” Konapelsky said. The new commodore has been a member of the club since 2007, has served on the Bahia Corinthian YC board for the past three years as a flag officer and was judge advocate for two consecutive years before that. “My goal is to enhance our mem-
bers’ club experience, as it has become a true second family to us all — through support in times of crisis for family and loved ones, and in times of celebration,” Konapelsky said. “Emphasis will be placed on
Paul Konapelsky
bolstering member- ship and promotion of the club’s commit- ment to excellence, on and off the water,” Konapelsky said. Konapelsky, a prac- ticing business and real estate attorney in Orange County, is a powerboater. He and his wife, Kari, enjoy boating in their 40-
footer, Kona Kai. Konapelsky also enjoys sailing, and often competes in Harbor 20 racing. He also has joined in predicted log competition in his powerboat. As commodore, Konapelsky — who was the 2009 recipient of the club’s Commodore Siever Appreciation Award, as well as a 2010 and 2011 recipient of the Award of Merit for Outstanding Service — will oversee drafting a 2014 Strategic Plan for the club. In addition to ongoing efforts to maintain the club’s facilities, he will oversee a remodel of the lower level of the club, encompassing new facil- ities for marina tenants and visiting boaters, along with lower patio enhancements.
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(562) 531-8612
www.sarrisinteriors.com
8225 Alondra Blvd. Paramount, CA
Bimini Tops Enclosures
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Serving Dana Point to Marina del Rey
Photo courtesy of Challenged America
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