From the Helm

Happy 250th Birthday, America!

As I write this, it is the morning of July 4, 2026. So thankful that we’re blessed with a beautiful waterfront property in lovely southeastern Virginia in the greatest country on Earth. I hope each of you enjoy this holiday weekend safely. Please consider joining us later this month for the July social to celebrate our Nation.

Hard to believe we are only one month away from the Governor’s Cup Regatta. Registrations are coming in and work is already underway. However, more help is still needed. Whether your skills and interest lie ashore or afloat, there’s a place for you to help out with the event (and we need everyone’s help). If you’ve not already volunteered, I encourage you to consider reaching out to Ray Mazzocco for positions ashore with the hospitality team or John Dudley for positions afloat with the race committee. If you have any questions about the event or where your skills may best fit, please reach out to me.

It’s come to my attention that local hotel rooms are rapidly filling during Governor’s Cup weekend. If you have space to host any of the sailors please let me know and I will connect you to a sailor looking for a spot to stay.

Hats off to Samantha Preddy and her team for a strong start to the 2026 Junior Sailing program. The coaches and boats are ready to provide a strong foundational program to our youngest sailors. The Junior Sailing program at WRYC provides so much more to the young attendees than how to sail. So many life lessons accompany their time at camp. Thanks as well to Sharon McGlohn for working with Samantha and the Junior Sailing coaches to conduct a fundraiser in support of Sail Beyond Cancer - Virginia! Session One brought in $100 for SBC-VA! Find out more about this local charity that is supported by many WRYC volunteers at www.sailbeyondcancer.org.

Once again, have a safe and happy 4th! See you on the water!

Scott Titus, Commodore

2026 Ware River Yacht Club Flag Raising