Fleet Scuttlebutt

Greetings sailors and all club members!  We’re looking at a weather forecast that includes most days in the low nineties (on land).  This makes being on the water more welcome, and those temperatures can strengthen our afternoon sea breeze that makes sailing more enjoyable.  If you’re not receiving our bi-weekly emails to Adult Sailors, please email me at sailing@wryc.org, and we will include you.

With water temperatures now mild if not downright warm, we are looking to activate our Albacore fleet for the benefit of adults.  Our club is the recipient of a third Albacore due to the generosity of West River Yacht Club in Edgewater, MD.  Depending on your sailing experience, handling a smaller boat such as a Laser or Albacore can offer immediate feedback in response to changes in sail trim and rudder position.  This responsiveness really helps to emphasize the basics of sailing, which can then be transferred to handling any size boat under sail, as the principles are identical.  As long as you’re OK getting wet, dinghy sailing is great way to enjoy the river.

A note about water safety – in addition to wearing a life jacket or other floatation, please be aware of the risk of a Vibrio vulnificus infection.  This is a rare infection, but it is more common in warmer months and may cause serious issues.  An open wound or a break in the skin can allow the bacterium to enter the body, and it can spread rapidly.  Fortunately, treatment with antibiotics is very effective if it’s caught early.  Since it’s much more prevalent in warmer months, consuming raw oysters in months with ‘r’ reduces the possibility of food-borne transmission.  Meanwhile, be aware of any cuts or scratches that don’t heal quickly, and don’t delay seeking treatment if you suspect this infection.

For what it’s worth, I don’t let the remote risk of that bug to interfere with my enjoyment. Stay cool and healthy, and we look forward to seeing you on the water!

John Dudley, Fleet Captain