The Latest Fleet Scuttlebutt ...................

Now that February (the longest month with the shortest number of days) is behind us, we can plan for our spring opening and fleet readiness. Both of our Keel boats are at Holiday Marina in Hayes near Bena and will need their hulls sanded and painted for the season. For Wagtail, I’ve begun repairing some of the deteriorated wood and plan to refinish the cabin slats, tiller handle and replace the cockpit locker boards which have rotted. I will be looking for volunteers to assist sometime in late March early April. For our 30’ Islander Tranquility Base, there isn’t much to do other than a coat of paint, putting on some prop speed, a new zinc and checking over the systems.

The spring workday at the club will center around checking over the Lasers and Opti’s, dollies and chase skiffs so they will be ready when our Jr. Sailing program starts. Don’t worry if you have never worked on small boats before as there are plenty of us who have and can direct you on what to do. It’s also a GREAT way to learn about basic sailboat rigging. This year’s club Fleet workday will be Saturday March 30th starting at 9:30. Weather permitting, we will be working outside checking over all the club sailboats, skiffs and dollies to make sure they are in good repair and ready for the season. We’ll also be checking out sails, spars and blades in the loft and making any necessary repairs. Depending on participation there are many other items we could tackle such as engine oil changes and possibly painting the Carolina skiff’s bottom. Tools will be provided but please feel free to bring basic items like screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.

We should be finished between 1:00 and 2:00 PM and if you sign up prior to March 27, lunch will be provided by Nuttall’s! Signup is easy, just send an email to jgarret1@gmx.com or call me at 757-349-5980.

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you on March 30th at 9:30. I hope you will consider helping ………. we cannot operate the Club without our member volunteers.

Fair winds and steady seas,

Jim Garrett, Fleet

Spring Building and Grounds Work Day

Join me on March 30th at 9:30 for the Annual Building and Grounds work day.  Weather permitting we will be working outside, trimming, mulching, etc. and repairing the screen porch and walkway to the front door.  Depending on participation there are many other items we could tackle all towards maintaining and improving the grounds around the club. If inside tasks are more your thing we have those as well.

We should be finished around 1:00 and if you sign up prior to March 27, lunch will be provided by Nuttalls!

Signup is easy, just send me an email at jwoodward214@gmail.com or call me at 804-314-0832.

Thanks and looking forward to seeing you on March 30th at 9:30.

Lucky Valentines

This month, a Valentine’s Brunch was hosted by the McGlohns/Marthinsons/Roys/Woodwards! The event was catered by Creekside, and was well attended. Thank you all for stepping up to support WRYC! The food, decor, and the people all were divine. If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry—there is another social on deck.

The St. Patrick’s Day Social will be held on Saturday, March 17 by Jane Smith! We are still looking for volunteers to assist Jane in the kitchen, so please reach out to Jane (804) 824-4505 or Autumn (240) 520-2109 to get the ball rolling! Corned beef, cabbage, soda bread, and more—sounds like a lucky match.

Membership Updates

The membership committee has been working diligently to develop fresh additions to the lineup of activities offered at WRYC. Thank you to those who filled out the membership satisfaction survey! Your feedback is appreciated and will be used to provide more activities for current members and attract potential new members. WRYC donated a sailing cruise, including tickets to our flag raising event, to the Ware Academy Annual Auction & Gala. Moreover, the WRYC will be featured on social media the week of the auction as well as name recognition at the event. This is a great way to highlight WRYC and I will be attending the auction to network and raise awareness. Plans for casual summer happy hours, reviving the tennis/pickle ball program, hosting community-wide wine and music events, and drop-in yoga sessions are underway. Stay tuned! Last thing - consider volunteering to support WRYC at the Daffodil Festival either in the booth or with decorating the float! Sign up by clicking here

2024 Social Calendar

Ware River Yacht Club Calendar for 2024

WRYC Board meets 2nd Tuesday of each Month @ 6:30 pm

March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Social

March 30 Spring Work Day

April 6/7 Daffodil Parade & Festival

May 4 Flag Raising/Derby Day

June 24-28 Junior Sailing Session 1 Week 1

June 29/30 Independence Day Social (Host choice)

July 1-3 Junior Sailing Session 1 Week 2

July 8-11 Junior Sailing Session 2 Week 1

July 15-18 Junior Sailing Session 2 Week 2

July 22-25 Junior Sailing Session 3 Week 1

July 29-Aug 1 Junior Sailing Session 3 Week 2

August 2/3 60th Governor’s Cup & Junior Regattas & Awards

September 7/8 Labor Day Social (Host choice)

October 5 Oktoberfest

November 2 Oyster Roast

December 14 Christmas/Holiday Social

From the Helm

I would first like to thank Bob Davis, and the entire 2023 Board for their hard work in having a successful year! We experienced some challenges in 2023 and Bob and the Board navigated those amazingly. We will strive to carry on that momentum into 2024 and beyond.

Thank you to everyone that attended the Annual Meeting. There were two major items that were voted on, and approved. The first was an increase in dues, which are now set at $750 annually, with Ancient Mariners and Junior members being $375 annually. Dues notices will be sent out shortly, it is also possible to pay dues on the website using e-check. Thank you to everyone that gave feedback to the Board and attended the informational meetings. As you are aware, this was not an easy decision to come to, however, it is necessary.

Jim Woodward, Building and Grounds Chair, is in the process of preparing a long-term facilitates /capital plan. Once we have the plan completed, we will share with the membership and look forward to the discussion.

The second item that was approved at the Annual Meeting was a revision of the bylaws. There was some very productive discussion before passing. The revised bylaws will be sent out to the membership electronically once they are finalized, they will also be available on www.wryc.org . A big thank you to Bill Brown for spearheading that project.

We have already started off 2024 well, Autumn Taylor, Social Chair has entered the club into the Daffodil Festival parade, and there will be a booth set up to get our name out to the community. Joshua James, Membership Chair, has some amazing ideas to boost membership. Jim Garrett is working on making the 60th Governor’s Cup one to remember. I have high hopes for a great 2024!

Always remember, this is your club, things can’t happen without you. Please use the club, enjoy a nice sunset, have a picnic on a nice day, take a walk around the grounds, it is yours after all!