Boat Storage
Building & Grounds has been cleaning up and organizing the boat parking area. We now have designated twelve foot wide “slips” numbered 1-34. Those members utilizing the boat parking areas need to make sure their boats are registered with the Club by filling out the Boat Storage Form (link here) and sending it to: WRYC, P.O Box 856, Gloucester, VA 23061 or the below listed e-mail address. Please contact us ASAP so we can sort out whose boats/trailers are currently using the area. Senior members will have first picks for parking areas.
Thank you,
Jon or Gary at wareriveryc@gmail.com
Welcome to Summer
Summer is here and there is no better place to spend it than on the grounds and surrounding waterways of the Ware River Yacht Club!
As we enter Phase III of the Governor’s reopening plan, it is my sincere desire to resume Club activities in the safest manner. Myself and our Board continue to engage in conversations regarding the seriousness of Covid-19 and preserving the health & well being of our membership.
With this in mind, we have decided to move forward with our plans to host the 2020 Governor’s Cup. The dates for our annual regatta will be the first weekend in August (8/1 and 8/2) and to ensure this a successful and safe event for all, we will be changing the format.
All events/activities will be held outside. We will forgo the traditional social, hold our awards ceremony outdoors, and are exploring catering/food truck options for meals. We are expecting a smaller than average fleet because of Covid-19, however, we still need help from membership to make this event a success. We are looking for assistance in the following areas: finish line boat, mark boat, safety boat, as well as onshore support.
A Notice of Race has been posted on our WRYC webpage (wryc.org) and registration/payment information can be found there as well. Online registration is required before July 24th to participate. For safety purposes there will be no (in person) day of race registration. If you are interested in lending a hand, please reach out to Clayton and Ginger James or our Fleet Captain, Scott Titus. Let’s all get together and make this event a huge success!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Matthews, Commodore
Is Your Boat at the Club?
There is no charge for members of the club to store their trailered boats at the club, but we do ask that you complete a Boat Storage Form when they bring their boat to the club. The member is responsible for securing the boat / trailer in the event of storms or hurricanes. Unless you are using the boat often, you are asked to park the boat in the big field near the club boats, which is a safer location than near the shore. This is important so that we may contact you in the event your boat needs to be moved or secured.
We Are Sailing!!!
Sailing has resumed at the Ware River Yacht Club! While practicing all practical social distancing recommendations, the Sunday Series fleet made it back on the water this past month. The fleet has been small in recent weeks, but several boats have made it out on the water and enjoyed some rather “sporty” conditions. With the Governor announcing a move to Phase III in early July, fleet size is expected to increase in coming weeks. By all means, go with your gut feelings and return to the water and club activities as you feel safe. If you are interested, feel free to come out on Sundays and either jump on a boat or just enjoy the sailing from the beach, maybe fire up a barbecue or bring a picnic. If you’d like to sail, please contact Joe or Jim.
One change around the local waterways includes the reality that there are far more boats out and about than in recent memory. While seeing other boats in the Ware River and Mobjack Bay has been an oddity over the past three or four years, boaters have been out in force the past month or so. What an absolute joy to see other boats out enjoying the beauty of the lower Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The keel boat fleet remains in transition. GABI has returned to the club and will soon be moored up the river in Steve’s cove. GABI is for sale/donation and available to a good home. She is a real project boat with some potential, but too much work for the club fleet. WAGTAIL is getting some fresh bottom paint this week and should be back to the club soon! WAGTAIL will be available for adult sailing lessons and use by qualified club members. We have already had several inquiries in to check rides and look forward to working with members to provide the opportunity to sail and eventually skipper the Club’s fleet on their own. Please contact me if interested.
And now I can finally say, once again, SEE YOU ON THE WATER!!!
Scott
Putting the 'Social' back into WRYC
Greetings ! To update our Social Committee plans, which are still in the planning stages, we will be having our annual Governor”s Cup Regatta. Yea!!!! Registration will be done totally online with a check -in station that morning.
Meals will be handled by Va. Blue Crab Co. food truck offering breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. It will be a seafood inspired menu with non seafood options as well. We have not yet finalized the choices as yet, but will keep members informed. This is one of our biggest events and we are trying hard to be able to host this while keeping safe so we can continue with this tradition. If you wish to participate in any of the meals, we would appreciate you making a reservation……particularly for dinner so enough food will be available.
We would also like you to be aware that friends of members are welcome. The outside picnic tables or the screened porch will be available for your enjoyment. There is also a charcoal grill that is can be used as a dinner option. Just make sure the grill embers are all burned out and cool before you leave.
This is our first Social Plan since the outbreak of the Coronavirus and we know everyone would love to see friends and enjoy the WRYC as usual, and we are planning with your safety in mind. We will see how this goes before making any future plans. We will keep you updated.
Looking forward to seeing many of you in August!!!
Social Chairs: Alice Bredin-Karny & Jane Smith
Greetings New Members!
I have had several inquiries as to why new member last names are not included in the TellTale. This is not an oversight. The new format of the TellTale is on-line and for security purposes, it has been suggested that we not disclose last names.
That being said, we have several new members to welcome aboard. Both have close ties to WRYC through family.
First we would like to welcome Matt and Karen of Richmond, VA. They are interested in getting involved with the sailing and racing committees. We are always happy to have Junior members as they are the future of the Club.
Lastly, we have Alice of Washington DC. Alice grew up in Ware Neck and wants to continue her family’s legacy at WRYC. She is very interested in supporting the Club and participating in events whenever available. I think everyone knows Alice and we are so happy she has continued the family membership!
We look forward to our upcoming socials where we can welcome all of the new members in person!
Ever Changing Rentals
Many Rentals have been forced to move their event dates due to COVID-19. At this time we have moved 6 rentals from 2020 to new dates in 2021. It has been a bit challenging to keep up with the ever changing regulations to ensure everyone’s safety during these unprecedented times.
At this time WRYC is moving forward with the planning of the 56th Annual Governor’s Cup Regatta. Anyone wishing to lend a hand your help would be greatly appreciated. ALL planned activities will take place outside and we will be securing a food truck to serve meals.
Stay safe,
Layne Brown, WRYC Manager
Memorial Day Gratitude
Greetings from the Seaford quarantine zone. I hope this message finds you all in good health and that you were able to enjoy Memorial Day. Despite the strange times we are living in, it is still important to remember the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.
Governor Northam’s quarantine Phase 1 restrictions are still in place and the Club has been abiding by the guidelines set forth in these documents. These include gathering size restrictions, stay at home orders for at risk populations and the elderly, and the soon to be added face mask guidelines. That being said, all Club social events are still on hold.
As we look to the future, it is encouraging that WRYC continues to receive membership applications. I am excited to meet our new members as soon as we can do so, safely. Our Club has a lot to offer and it is good to see that the word is getting out!
Remember that the Club grounds and boat ramp are available to members. There are worse ways to spend quarantine than out on the beautiful Ware River and Mobjack Bay.
Here’s hoping we will be able to gather again by the end of summer!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Matthews
Commodore