Clinging to Summer
As summer comes to a close, we hope to see you for one last hurrah to celebrate Labor Day on Sunday, September 4th! If you have any questions, please contact Autumn at bariautumn@gmail.com.
As mentioned in the previous TellTale, a social committee will be forming to help spread the workload and facilitate new ideas to generate interest at the Club! Please reach out to Autumn at bariautumn@gmail.com if you are interested in joining.
Stay tuned for our upcoming socials, and be sure to add them to your calendar!
October 1st: Lasagna Dinner, hosted by Shannah Cooper and Pat Carlton
October 15th: possible Halloween Party
November 12th: Oyster Roast, still needs hosts!
Christmas or New Year’s Party: to be determined, need hosts!
This is your Club—we run on volunteered time, please step up if you are able!
AUGUST NEW MEMBERS
We would like to welcome the following families to WRYC.
John & Michele Beck of Gloucester.
Judy Doyel of Ware Neck.
Tony & Jania Miltenberger and their three daughters: Charli, Reylan and Lucca of Ware Neck.
As always, thank you for your referrals! They are instrumental in bringing new members to the Club!
Beve Hermanson
Membership
Commodore Ramblings
State of the Club report. At the beginning of 2022 a challenging transition was apparent. We needed a transition from Covid doldrums back to an active invigorated club. At the halfway point of the year - the available information suggests a major success - big thumbs up. Activities - adult sailing, junior sailing, Sunday sailing, and socials are thriving. Facility upgrades - pier and tennis courts - have been accomplished and membership has increased. Thanks again to all who have contributed.
Followup on July 4th Social: Incredible planning and effort went into this event and it seemed to be a spectacular success. Then the food issue reared its ugly head.. Members have received a communication about this previously. The Board has addressed this issue - working towards eliminating it as a problem in the future. We thank the many people who forwarded compliments to the Board about the quality of the event. One take-away - as previously communicated - is that volunteering helps to solve and prevent problems.
Tennis/Pickleball Court followup: The court repairs are almost complete. At the onset this seemed a difficult task due to years of neglect. The courts look great - in fact better than in the heyday of tennis socials in the distant past. They are getting frequent use now. Minor further repair is underway - the courts are however readily available for use. Again - huge thanks to Gary Hermanson for his dedication to this effort. Members will be getting further information about this upgrade project.
Another aspect of this transition is a change in leadership. With great reluctance we note the resignation of Commodore John Singleton. Having previously served in that role- John stepped up at the beginning of the year to fill a void. His previous experience and wealth of knowledge of “all things yacht club” were instrumental in our success this year. Many thanks to him for his contributions.
As part of this transition I will now take the role of Acting Commodore for the rest of the year. In addition the Board will work towards back-filling Board slots. Issues that are to be addressed to me may be sent to rtdsr13@gmail.com or my cell 804-725-8791. Texts are welcome.
Looking forward to a great Gov. Cup.
Bob Davis
Acting Commodore
The latest Fleet Scuttlebutt
Since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness (Oscar Wilde), I thought I’d imitate our commodore and provide the historical meaning of the word Scuttlebutt. Back in the early 1800s, the cask containing a ship's daily supply of fresh water was called a scuttlebutt (from the verb scuttle meaning "to cut a hole through" and the noun butt, also "cask"); that name was later applied to a drinking fountain on a ship or at a naval installation. As sailors gathered around the “drinking cask” they would share the latest gossip around what’s going on. We apply this term today around a water cooler and for the same reason! Now for the latest news!
We are in full swing with Adult sailing classes and have had folks on the water consistently through the summer. Our plan is to continue offering these classes through August and possibly into September. Several folks are progressing from Lasers to Albacores and getting familiar with the keel boats as well. If anyone wishes to use a club Laser or Albacore we have the reservation form on the website now and you can reserve a boat. Please let me know if you have any questions about this.
With the help of David Waldman and his dive skills and Ian Palmer topside, we were finally able to get the 4th mooring ball installed in the mooring field. The latest ball is directly in front of the club dock and available for use. I need to adjust the chain length but otherwise its ready for use. We inspected the others moorings as well and they seem to be in good shape and holding firm.
One issue we need to address is our fleet of runabouts. If you have, or know of anyone who may have a small runabout skiff ( like a 14’ Carolina) they might consider selling the club please get in touch with me. We are in need of a 3rd skiff as we have retired the Privateer ( I have a buyer for it) and need 3 boats for Jr. Sailing and for use during regattas. We have limped by this year (so far) with the help of Dave Brown and his Boston Whaler but we need a permanent solution. If you can help please contact me directly at (757) 349-5980.
Not much else to report as we are in full swing with Jr. Sailing classes and getting ready for the Governors Cup Regatta August 5th, 6th and 7th. If you are available to help please contact Layne Brown or Scott Titus as we can always use an extra hand somewhere.
Happy sailing,
Jim Garrett - Fleet
New Beginnings
The next social is hosted by Harry and Autumn Taylor on Sunday, September 4th at 6:00pm to celebrate all who labor! Whether that is at a 9-5, hands on in the field, or at-home, this day is a reminder that we as working Americans have rights and are subject to recognition for America’s strength and prosperity. Come spend your hard-earned money on some good food in a laid-back environment. There will be cornhole, some tunes, and great company! RSVP by Wednesday, August 31. to Layne at wareriveryc@gmail.com or Autumn at bariatutumn@gmail.com.
Speaking of labor, I know the last social left some memories—good and bad. Antenette did a phenomenal job, and the things she did have control were executed beautifully—you haven’t seen the last of her work! We are all human and strive to be our best versions. Let us move forward, leaving behind the negative, and only cling to the positive!
Was there something you did not like, or have a great idea for socials? We are always looking for helping hands. Starting January 2023, a social committee will be formed to help facilitate conversation, ideas, and workload. The idea is that by having a committee, there are multiple members to learn from, give their ideas on future events, and finding hosts and helpers for events. This would require minimal effort, especially when spread around multiple committee members. If you are interested in joining the social committee, please reach out to Autumn at bariautumn@gmail.com.
Welcome New Members!
We would like to officially welcome two new families to WRYC.
Pat Hickman and his two daughters; Grace & Gladys of Gloucester.
Todd & Paula Mooradian and their two daughters; Andie & Addison, currently living in Louisville, Kentucky but transitioning to Gloucester. Paula grew up in Gloucester and was a member of WRYC. You might remember her as Paula Hicks!
Member Comments.....
Dear WRYC Members,
To reiterate John's points in his letter to membership, there are a few things I'd like to say. First of all, throughout the years social chairpersons have really devoted a HUGE amount of time and energy. Often it seems like a thankless job - which it should not be. I challenge all of us to be more gracious in our support and gratitude for anyone stepping up to do this job.
We are not able to attend July 4 celebrations very often now. Five years ago, we welcomed a grandchild on July 3 so we try to travel to celebrate with him. Prior to that, we were "front and center" to enjoy the patriotic WRYC celebration. It has always been well done. When we returned to Gloucester after our grandson's birthday, we heard from many folks how great the 2022 celebration was! Hats off to ALL who contributed to the planning and execution.
Pleasing everyone will never be accomplished. Yes, there will always be unexpected things occur during an event even with the best laid plans. As members our # 1 commitment to the success of any WRYC social event is to display courtesy with a simple RSVP. IT IS VASTLY IMPORTANT! As an individual, if you have ever planned a wedding, retirement party, rehearsal dinner, or even a family gathering, you know how important it is to know how many will attend. Adequate planning cannot be done unless you know this information. Please, let's be courteous to those members stepping up to plan and execute social events. Let's offer our gratitude and assistance with kindness and support.
Regards,
Sharon McGlohn
Commodores Comments
When a fiberglass vessel gets soft or spongy, you take quick action to repair the problem. It is worse than you thought. We have a 1994 Boston Whaler that has been a steady and fun boat, but the ravages of time created some soft spots in the deck. Fortunately, past Commodore Steve Hanson is an experienced boat builder and speaks fluent glass.
Steve is very generous with his time and knowledge in everything boat related. He loves to sail and teach sailing as much as he enjoys boat building. I called Steve and described my problem. He invited me to his home for a lesson. Steve unraveled the mysteries behind the WestSystem epoxy and resin, the myriad product numbers, pumps, the mystery of the fiberglass (“glass”) cloth, the filler and fairing compounds. Warning: there is a fair amount of grinding, sanding, cutting and safety gear involved. Fire is a real possibility.
After touring Steve’s beautiful grounds, he gave me a hands-on course applying epoxy and glass. These are skills I’ve heard about for years but have never seen or practiced. In a short visit, Steve lifted the veil and I’m an avid devotee. I came home and went to work on our Boston Whaler. A few days later, the soft spots were cured and the sanding completed. I’m not signing up for the shipyard, but I am happy in the knowledge I’ve acquired.
The yacht club has a few soft spots and you don’t have to speak fluent glass to help fix them. TENNIS COURT. Gary Hermanson has a done a great job working with the contractor on the court. Ben Rennolds Tennis did the crack repair, painting and striping. The old courts were in very bad shape, but now we have two very good courts that are being used regularly by tennis and pickle ball players. Please check out the courts and play a few sets. We need all of you to help maintain the good condition of the courts.
Like a boat, a tennis court may not sit idle without maintenance. If you see water on the court, please grab the roller and push the water off the court. If you see leaves and other debris on the courts, please grab the broom and sweep them off or get a blower and clean the court. You don’t have to speak fluent glass to keep the court in good shape but you have to help. Organizations struggle because 10% of the members do 90% of the work 100% of the time. The Ware River Yacht Club prides itself on being a member supported organization. Members, please get out and support your club.
The tennis court renovation was very expensive. If you have not donated to the renovation fund, please do so now. The courts are beautiful and playable. It is a very private setting for fun and competitive games. Organize your friends in weekly games, a tennis ladder or a weekend Tournament de Ware Neck. Use your club facilities but also help maintain them.
Keeping on the self help, learn how to fix and fix things theme, please sign up to help with the Governor’s Cup Sailing Regatta August 6-7, 2022. This is a great event. It is the showcase event for the yacht club, and we are proud to host and run it. It is always a great crew of people that travel from afar to enjoy the bounty of our club. We need volunteers to help with traffic control, food service and preparation, skipper and crew
check in, sales, scoring calculation and on the water work (crew and boat operators). You do not need prior experience. A good attitude carries the day.
Nautical term: Baggywrinkle - a soft covering for lines on vessels to prevent chafing the
sails.
Fair winds and following seas.
John A. Singleton
Commodore