I recently had a chance to sit down to a wonderful Thursday Night Dinner at NOYC with our outgoing Commodore Rudy Brunken. Rudy has been a member of New Orleans Yacht Club for over thirty four years. When I went before the board as a junior, to join NOYC in the early eighties, I was asked by one of the board members, how I was going to pay my monthly yacht club bill. Before I could answer, a fella wearing a black cowboy hat, black boots, black jeans and a black shirt (kind of looked like Billy Jack from the old TV shows) told the other board member that he ought worry about his own delinquent account. I’m pretty sure that it was Rudy. That was the first time I met Rudy Brunken. Now here’s how our evening or history lesson went:
NOYC.org: How did you get started sailing?
Rudy:. I was training at the Lake View Branch for National American Bank in 1964 and went to lunch at Bart’s. I saw these kids sailing a Sunfish. I had never been on a sailboat, but that weekend I went and bought one. I launched my new Sunfish in Bayou St. John and learned the hard way.
NOYC.org: When did you join NOYC and what attracted you to the club.
Rudy: A college friend from South Eastern University, Mo Molaison invited me and my long time girlfriend "Mollie", to go sailing one weekend on a Cal 25’. The boat was owned by the Slotness & Summers families. They let me drive the boat and then asked if I’d be interested in racing. I thought it would be fun and started racing. They took me to the club and I joined in 1967.
NOYC.org: You and the board have done a tremendous job for NOYC the past two years what are you most proud of?
Rudy: I’m not sure that "proud" is the term I would use. I think "privileged" is a much better term. NOYC is probably recognized best for being very competitive and the last to leave the party. But, it takes a lot of hard work, from a lot of good people, to keep the club going. I feel privileged that I was able to have the board and membership support to keep the club on the right track. I can point out a lot of things that the Club did that I’m proud of, but none of them could be done without the generous, hard working, sometimes difficult, membership. I’ve had a lot of fun being Commodore, so instead of "proud" let me say that the most fun I had was hosting the Lipton’s. It brought out the best in everyone and added to NOYC’s reputation for being a great GYA Club. As Regatta Chairman, it also highlighted Ben Fontaine’s contributions to the club. He will certainly be missed.
NOYC.org: You have a long history at NOYC and have made some incredible friendships, tell us about your favorites.
Rudy: When "Mo" Mollison bought a Cal 20’ and I started racing with him, I was "exposed" to the most popular fleet in the club. Names like Rupple, Dovie, Callahan, Pizzeck and so many others made for some great racing, great parties and stories. Back then there was a touch football game between the old guys and the young guys. Without knowing many of the players, I played on the old team and literally ran into a very young Dave Bolyard & Benz Faget. They have been a big part of my sailing history. Through Mo I got to sail with Tom Trenchard on Avanti. On one of the Pensacola races I met Bruce Blanchard. He was impressed with my ability to stay up all night eating little Hershey bars and drinking Budwiesers. He introduced me to Jim Bates and his boat "Lord Jim", so I started racing off shore. I could write a book about my "Lord Jim" experiences. Through Jim I got to meet the Wientjes family. They bought "Stormvogel" from Jack Dane and I started racing with them. They won a lot more races than Lord Jim but never did well in the Mexico races. The J-24’s were the hot fleet then and I started racing with Frank. Actually, I sailed the Pensacola race on his J-24 with Chris Wientjes and Jerry Seal because the engine on Stormvogel was in need of repair. Also did two Regionals in Corpus Christi with Bruce Blachard on "Grapenuts". You’ll have to ask me about 5 for 1’s and "Slasher Slade" sometime. My next venture into one design racing was on Easterly 30’s with Pat Albert, Doug Dovie and Lou Lambou. During these fun times Henry Lopez got me invited to race with Jack Dane, Pat McCurnan & Rich Rubin. I had some great times with some very interesting characters over the years that I consider my friends.
NOYC.org: Other than sailing, LSU football and ladies, what do you like to do?
Rudy: I like all of those things mentioned, not necessarily in that order though. I like to travel and play in a card game started at the club way too many years ago. Over the years many have sat in for a hand. A number of them have passed away and a some have been asked not to return, but Tom still hosts the game every Thursday night and everyone (except females) is invited to take a hand. If you see any of the poker gang ask them about Pat Albert’s famous "Pat hand", that story usually still gets a pretty good laugh.
NOYC.org: Now that we know that you’re a betten’ man, any thoughts on who will win the America’s Cup?
Rudy: I actually went to the last one in Auckland when the USA couldn’t make the finals. Until we get our best guys on the same team, I don’t think we have a chance. After watching the New Zealand team in person. I would have to bet on them.
NOYC.org: I’ve had the pleasure of sailing with you on a half dozen occasions and some of the things that come to mind that may describe your sailing personality are: laid back, quiet, easy going, stable, extremely chilled out, humorous (Rudy likes to second guess and make fun of the brain trust under his breath so that only the guys on the rail can enjoy) and considerate. How would you describe your sailing personality?
Rudy: I like to think that I know my limitations, control my emotions, respect the water but am not afraid and will do what I’m told while having a good time. I love to win, but I can enjoy sailing without winning.
NOYC.org: Is their any one that comes to mind that helped mentor you along the way to make you a better sailor?
Rudy: I would hate to blame this on or give credit to just one person, so…I’ve learned a lot from Tom Trenchard, Robert Rupple and Jack Dane, but without a doubt, Benz Faget is the best sailor I know and have learned the most from him.
NOYC.org: What is your dream boat?
Rudy: My dream boat is my old Columbia 22’. Other than the Sunfish, it’s the only boat I’ve ever owned and I still dream about it. Having never been married, there’s a phrase I use to describe that feeling, but it is not for publication. I like to charter a boat every once in a while but I do not "dream" of owning one.
NOYC.org: If LSU hired Bum Phillips as its head coach and lost 20 games straight would you still go to Tiger Stadium to watch?
Rudy: Some people golf, some collect stamps, some ski, some scuba dive, I go to LSU football games. Yes, I would still go! My first trip was in 1954 as part of the halftime ceremonies, playing a clarinet in the S.J. Peter Jr. High School band. When I attended LSUNO after high school, they gave us student tickets to the LSU football games. This was during the era of the Chinese Bandits and the National Championship. I bought season tickets when I got my first job out of college. I’m not a fanatic, it’s a hobby.
NOYC.org: How’s this Nick Saban guy?
Rudy: Seems to know what he’s doing. He responds to my letters.
NOYC.org: How often do you clean that LSU cup you drink out of?
Rudy: As much as I drink, they’re not usually empty enough to clean.
NOYC.org: What’s the longest one of your LSU cups ever lasted?
Rudy: I’ve kept one or two for over a year.
NOYC.org: Rudy, you are quite the dresser and definitely have your own good sense for style. Tell us about your sailing attire.
Rudy: The long socks are a result of my playing a lot of softball, football and basketball. When I realized that they attracted so much attention while racing, I made them part of my sailing attire. The bikini is the result of a bet I had with a girlfriend back in the 60’s. We would meet at conventions twice a year and compare tan lines. It was worth wearing the bikini to win the bet (she doesn’t wear them anymore and maybe I shouldn’t either). The head band is a result perspiration and long hair. I started using them when I danced and played ball. They would keep the sweat and my hair out of my eyes. They still serve the same purpose.
NOYC.org: Has anyone ever not let you on their boat because you wore a bikini?
Rudy: Yes, I was invited to sail on an unnamed yacht, provided I did not wear the bikini. I wore a pair of shorts over the bikini for that race but have had no problems since. I might add that their boat sunk not to long after.
NOYC.org: What do you consider your biggest sailing accomplishment?
Rudy: Without a doubt wining the Cuba race on Alan Karmona’s Obsession, then finishing second by 7 seconds on the Mora Castle race the following Tuesday.
NOYC.org: We are all aware that you have given much more than just time to NOYC, if you inherited a big chunk a change would you do it again?
Rudy: If I had the opportunity, I would direct it towards a NOYC Junior Program. NOYC has been great to me, but at a cost. The cost is that we do not have whatever it takes to attract younger sailors and it’s begging to take it’s toll. If I learned anything these past two years, it’s that we have to do more to get young people involved.
NOYC.org: Rudy, your efforts and work have been greatly appreciated by all of us the past two years, thanks for making time for noyc.org any closing comments?
Rudy: I had a great time and would like to thank all those who helped me. With the election coming up, I’d ask everyone to come out and support the new officers and board. I also want everyone to know how much the web team has contributed to the New Orleans Yacht Club. I’ve received nothing but compliments about our webpage. Keep up the good work.
-steinkamp
