Adult Sailing Update
Despite a slow start due to weather and scheduling, we were able to get fifteen brave souls out for the adult sailing program. No prior sailing experience was necessary and classes began inside with an overview of the basics. Afterwards it was out on the water using the Albacores, Lasers and Wags (the Club keel boat). Everything was very informal, low key and NO pressure, which was great for everyone’s confidence. After a few Saturday sessions, students learned sailing basics, terminology, rigging and de-rigging the boats. The objective of Adult Sailing is for students to be competent when taking a small boat out for a sail, and with a little more practice, that goal will be met. Everyone has done a tremendous job of braving requests and demonstrating a willingness to adventure out on the Ware.
We will likely finish the summer with another class or two and then resume again next spring.
I’d like to thank Jim G., Stephanie P., Bill B., and Ian P. for assisting me on various Saturdays.
Joe M.
Albacores, Albacores everywhere...........
July was filled with lots of boating activity as the Club saw 2 sessions of Junior Sailing Classes, Adult Sailing Saturday with Joe Morgan featuring Albacore and Laser instruction, and of course the Albacore Nationals.
The highlight of the month was the Club’s hosting of the Albacore Nationals, which went off without a hitch thanks to the dedicated Club members who did a FANTASTIC job helping our core committee organize and work the event. My biggest shout outs go to Layne Brown (who wore multiple hats) , Jane Smith and Jane Wilson (Food) John Singleton & team (RC), Gary Hermanson (Logistics), Joe Morgan (Event shirts) and Trish Schengber and Carolyn August ( goodies for the SWAG bags) There were many other members who donated time, talents and or boats and to all of them I say………….THANK YOU !! We couldn’t have done it without you.
I also want to mention Hayes Sailmakers who provided the tote bags made from old sail cloth! Thanks Phil !
We ended up with 21 boats registered and 20 that started the series. Despite some tough wind situations mid-day Saturday we finally managed to get in 3 races and another 3 on Sunday (One was a bit long). All in all it was a big success and the sailors all commented on what a terrific place Ware River is to sail, and host these events. For those of you who know the Albacore class, Barney Harris, a top Albacore sailor for years took first place in the Presidents Fleet. For those skippers who had never sailed in the Class Nationals before, there is the Challenger Fleet, and in that division our own Joe Morgan took first place. Congrats to Barney with crew Lee Mullins and Joe with crew Ian Palmer, and all the winners !
We still have some great looking long sleeve rash guard shirts from the Nationals available for sale in multiple sizes. Please see me or Layne Wilson if interested.
As I write this article we are getting ready for the Governors Cup Regatta and looking forward to another active weekend on the Ware River. I hope to see YOU at the Club soon!
Respectfully
Jim Garrett - Fleet
Bookings Continue
We all know what a beautiful spot the WRYC grounds are. The word is spreading, we already have 5 rentals booked for 2022. Keep spreading the word about “the jewel on the Ware'“.
Layne, WRYC Manager
Because You've Asked...
Before I introduce the newest members, I would like to address a concern that keeps popping up. Many of you have asked why we don't include last names in the TellTale. I must admit it feels awkward when writing the articles to omit the last names of new members. I mean, what kind of introduction is that? The simple answer is security. Because the TellTale is on the internet, we have been advised NOT to use last names for security purposes. That said, we do send a follow-up e-blast to WRYC membership only, welcoming the new members and using full names.
New Members in July:
Andy & Anne M. of Richmond and their twins; Graham and Isabel
Erich & Gerilynn M. of Williamsburg
Jim & Suzie D. of Gloucester
Alyssa A. of Yorktown
Welcome and we look forward to getting to know all of you!
Beve H.
Smooth Sailing
Summer is in full swing at the Ware River Yacht Club and there are a lot things happening in the near future not the least of which is the Albacore Nationals happening the weekend of the 9th. With adult sailing classes and Sunday racing,it is great to see the Club and grounds being enjoyed. I look forward to seeing you all soon and sincerely hope that everyone enjoys their Fourth!
Cheers,
Jonathan Matthews
Commodore
The Nationals are coming !!
That’s right, the Albacore Nationals are coming to Ware River. July 9, 10 & 11. WRYC will be hosting the 2021 Albacore Class Nationals Regatta and we are excited to announce we have 20 boats registered. This is a tremendous honor for Ware River and an opportunity to show off our club facilities, beautiful surroundings and of course our great sailing grounds. I encourage all club members to consider coming out to watch some top notch sailing…….make a picnic of it!
As you know Jr. Sailing kicked off on June 21st and is now in full swing so the club has plenty going on during each week thru July. In addition, we’ve been offering Adult sailing classes on Saturday and have had a very good turnout thru June. Joe Morgan is leading the effort on that so if you have interest in learning the basics please reach out directly to Joe, me, or send an email to the club and Layne will forward it on. We’re using the Albacore’s as the main training sloop but if you’d like to explore learning how to sail a laser, we can help with that too. Bring a life jacket, water shoes, something cold to drink and a snack
As for our Sunday sailing series, we had a slow start but interest is growing and we have had 4 boats out the last few Sundays. We were also fortunate to have Barney Harris, one of the top Albacore Sailors in the country, come down from DC to put on a rigging and tuning clinic for us. We will continue the series thru October and are still looking for folks to sail with us every Sunday so if your interested, come join us starting around noon. Again, bring a life jacket, some good water shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting wet, some cold beverages and lunch !
Finally, our Keel boat WAGS is back at the club and on the hook with new bottom paint, all nav lights working, a new VHF radio and a serviced auxiliary outboard. We will start to offer adult sailing on this vessel again and of course its available for member use, once you are checked out on her. Please let me know if you have interest in using WAGS or getting checked out.
That should be it for now. Until next month…………
Happy Sailing
Jim Garrett - Fleet
Welcome Aboard!
We are excited to welcome two junior members and two families to WRYC.
Ian and Katie of Yorktown. Ian is an experienced Laser racer and a Level 1 US Sailing certified instructor. He is sailing in the Sunday Series and Katie is participating in the Adult Sailing classes on Saturday.
Cam, Alex and baby daughter Helen of Midlothian. Cam is returning to sailing and Alex is learning. They are also taking the Adult lessons and looking forward to volunteering and meeting new families.
Carl and Laura are transitioning to full-time Gloucester residents as Carl nears retirement. They are looking forward to getting involved and meeting new people.
It’s great seeing so many of the new members jumping in and taking advantage of activities like the Adult Sailing and Sunday Racing Series. Both programs are garnering a lot of interest in WRYC memberships this year.
Beve H
LET'S HAVE A REGATTA!!!
First let me recap Flag Raising! It was a very warm day, but with a nice breeze. 80+ people enjoyed a little bubbly and a Scoot’s BBQ dinner. While it wasn’t on the normal weekend…we managed to get the club up and running for the season! Speaking of normal…we may not be quite there yet. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel the 4th of July Social. This decision was not made lightly; part of this was due to lack of manpower and also fireworks had not been purchased. I know in Beve’s last eBlast, she was asking for people to step up to the plate to help with functions. We had 2 new members respond right away to help with the Albacore Nationals. This was very welcomed!
The next major function at the club will be The Governor’s Cup Regatta, July 31st-Aug 1st. and I believe this is the 56th year!!! This brings sailors from up and down the Chesapeake Bay and is a fun weekend to be around the club. Since registration is all done on line, less volunteers are needed inside. More of the volunteering comes with actually running the regatta, which the Race Committee does an admirable job!
The inside volunteer people fix breakfast for Saturday and Sunday morning that sell. We also have lunch that can be purchased for the sailors to take with them. Saturday evening dinner is offered from a Food Truck that members and sailors can all partake in. As I said, whether you are a sailor or a spectator, this id a FUN time to be at the CLUB!!!
Jane Smith
Social Chair