57th Annual Governors' Cup a Success
August proved to be another busy month with our sailing activities which started with the 57th Annual Governors Cup Regatta. The event was a success thanks to the dedication of Scott Titus and the Committee members who supported it. Special thanks to club members Bill and Layne Brown, Clayton James, Jane Smith and Gary Hermanson. We ended up with a respectable showing of 43 boats and despite challenges with the weather on both days, the RC did a good job adjusting for the wind conditions and managed to get in 4 races on Saturday. Unfortunately weather moved in on Sunday and all races were cancelled. Nevertheless, the sailors and crew managed to make the most of it and had a terrific time.
This years Governors Cup Trophy went to Gordon Stokes, winner of the Hampton One Design fleet which had 14 boats represented. This was followed by the Albacores with 8 boats, Lasers, Buccaneers, a PHRF Class and our Opti Fleet. This years Chamber of Commerce Cup recipient, awarded to the Top participating skipper under age 18, went to William Sutten in a Laser Radial. And the Congressman’s Cup, awarded for sportsmanship throughout the regatta, went to OPTI sailor, John Ackerly. John also took 1st in the OPTI Green fleet. Congrats to all the winning skippers and their crews !!
Now to Fleet business. As I mentioned, we had plenty of sailing activity in August and with the addition of new members, continued to expand our adult sailing program and had over 8 folks checked out on club boats. Our keel boat is securely moored in front of the club and available for use. I also plan to keep a few Lasers and Albacores available for use thru October so please take advantage. I‘ve also confirmed rumors of a Ladies group who are sailing regularly on Saturday’s…………….terrific !! For any ladies who might like to know more please send me an email.
Lastly, we have divested ourselves of our 25’ Irwin “Gabby” and are now down to one keel boat, our 26’ Paceship Wagtail. If you would like to get checked out on this boat for use, please let me know. My plan is to add an additional Keel boat by next year so we have 2 solid, reliable vessels members can have access to. There is still plenty of sailing season left so I hope to see you out on the water.
Happy Sailing,
Jim Garrett - Fleet
Fall Rental Count
It will be a busy Fall with Rentals and Events at WRYC. We have 5 rentals scheduled for September and October. One rental in November. The hope is we will have a late September Club social as well as one October and the ever popular November Oyster Roast.
Please step up to help assist with the planning, set up, serving and clean up of these fun socials. Hope to see you on the Ware soon.
Layne, WRYC Manager
Gone so Fast!
July certainly has flown by and was a busy month at the WRYC, full of sailing activities. I would like to thank all who had a hand in making these events so successful. Without naming names (there are many) you know who you are and without your unwavering support of sailing our Club would not be what it is. As summer winds down remember that there is still plenty of time to make it out to the Club and enjoy time on the water or enjoy the beautiful grounds. Sundays are for racing as well as fellowship with other members. I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Be Well,
Jonathan Matthews
Commodore
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