FROM THE HELM
The official opening of the Yacht Club year went very well. The weather was excellent - not too hot or wet - no bugs, the scout troop did well, the new lines on the flag pole did not foul, the food was excellent, the Derby came off without a hitch, the mint juleps went down smoothly, and a fine time was had by all. Just a rumor that Board members profited from the Derby betting. Again many thanks to Josh James for a superb job of organizing.
A less happy topic is that we seem to have gotten ourselves into somewhat of a pickle. This has to do with the tradition of volunteers organizing social events. I think this was becoming an issue before the Covid years - accelerated during Covid - and has become a very limiting factor. We will need to find a way to incentivize people to step up. I honestly at this point do not know the answer. Suggestions are welcome.
On a happier note - the wine testing event with Nuttall’s store turned out to be a very nice event. A repeat will happen in the fall - tentatively on the Friday of labor Day weekend. It ws formatted to be a benefit to both the Club and the Store. There will be tweaks to the format to accomplish those goals.
Quiz of the month - 2 chances: who said: “Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded” “In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, in practice there is.”
Bob Davis, Ccommodore.
The Latest Fleet Scuttlebut............
My how time flies when the weather gets warmer. I can’t believe we’re thru May and its almost June. We’ve been busy in the Fleet group prepping and moving boats back onto their moorings. Thanks to Scott Titus, John Dudley and a few others the keel boats are home.
I have personally been extremely busy the last few months but I believe we are ready to launch our adult sailing instruction starting Sunday, June 4th at 12 noon. An email has gone out and the expectation will be that anyone interested, needs to confirm attendance the week prior. Our goal is to accommodate both keel boat and dinghy instruction. For additional information contact me directly at jgarret1@gmx.com.
And of course, I can’t forget to include May’s “Sailing terminology of the month”. This months term is “Hunky Dory”. We know the term to mean that everything is “Ok, or just fine”. Its origin is a phrase commonly attributed to American sailors who used it to describe a particular street in Japan called Honcho-dori. This street was known to lonely sailors for the services it provided. I’ll just leave it at that.
I’ve mentioned it before but if you have a boat (sailboat, motorboat, kayak, etc.), you’re thinking of selling and would like to advertise it in the TT, please let me know, I’m happy to take care of it. That said, member’s Cordon Davis and son Cordon III are selling their 1988 28’ Ericson Sailboat. The boat is currently at Mobjack Bay Marina. For more information contact Cordon directly at cordon.davis@gmail.com.
Until next time…….
Fair Winds and Steady Seas,
Jim Garrett - Fleet
Derby Success
May saw the annual Flag Raising and Derby Day event, which was a huge success! I think we were all shocked with the race results, and I am still thinking about those tomato bites from Creekside. Many thanks to Joshua James for stepping up to the plate and planning the social beautifully, and Harry Taylor for keeping the libations flowing.
Onto a more somber note: thanks to those that volunteered to set-up and clean-up, however, the July 4th Social is cancelled. With no one to host the event, we unfortunately had to come to this conclusion.
A reminder that the socials here at WRYC do not just magically happen (though we have a few fairy godmothers who make it appear that way). We need volunteers to step up and host the socials, or we will continue to “read the room” as members simply aren’t interested in socials.
What does it take to be a host/hostess?
Host/Hostess: can be a single person, or a group. The host can choose the time of the event, food, entertainment, decor, budget, you name it! You would have creative liberty on designing the event, and overall planning. You may choose to have the event catered or served by volunteers. All expenses on the Club's dime, and can either be reimbursed or utilize a Club credit card. We do ask to keep on budget (meaning, attempt to break even/profit when setting a ticket price and expected number of guests).
-Set-Up: reports to the host on when to arrive to the event, and may include hanging up decor, setting tables, serving food/beverages, grilling, etc.
-Clean-Up: stays after the event to help get the Club back in shape for the next event.
A social committee is now being formed. The committee would be a group of members dedicated to the success of social events (could be game nights, movie nights, potlucks, etc.) If you have the time and would like to be a member of this committee, raise your hand!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS....
Please welcome Jim Englert and his sons Alex, Ryan and Jack. They reside here in Gloucester and look forward to participating in our sailing programs and fleet maintenance.
Next welcome Sara Stoneburner and Gregg Strader who have a home in Ware Neck. They reside full time in Greensboro and look forward to participating in our grounds maintenance and socials, once they move to Gloucester full time..
We look forward to meeting both of these families at a WRYC social soon!
2023 Jr. Sailing Camp - Volunteers Needed
Just a reminder that the 2023 Jr. Sailing Camp starts in full swing on June 26 ending on August 3, 2023, followed by Governor’s Cup on August 5 & 6, 2023.
Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday thru Thursday each week (no class on 7/4), with a banquet and awards the last night of each session. If you would like to enjoy the water views from shore and would be willing to sit on shore and assist as “extra eyes”, we welcome you to come out and volunteer for a morning or afternoon and watch these kids have a blast and learn to sail. If you have availability, please email your availability to wareriveryc@gmail.com .
Pickle ball Anyone???
Our tennis courts have be refurbished and we need to use them. They are marked for both Tennis and Pickle ball, with members taking advantage of both.
Interested in playing or learning more about Pickle ball? We are seeking interest from members to start a Pickle ball group in the Fall. If you have interest, please email wareriveryc@gmail.com with your level of interest. We will access interest and move forward from there.
June, July & August Events
June
June 10, Saturday Member Rental
June 11, Sunday Member Rental
June 26 thru Aug. 3 Jr. Sailing Camp (Mondays thru Thursdays)
July
July 1 or 2 July 4th Social
July 22, Saturday Member Rental
August
August 5 & 6, Saturday & Sunday Governor’s Cup
Cruise Ships Coming To Yorktown
The following is a press release from Princess Cruises.
SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Feb. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, Princess Cruises will call at Yorktown, Va. and Virginia's Historic Triangle, as part of a series of custom-curated itineraries in summer 2024 that will highlight opportunities to experience Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown in addition to visiting the historic seaside town.
Princess Cruises is planning five day-long calls – three via Island Princess (2,200 guests/900 crew) and two via Emerald Princess (3,080 guests/1,200 crew) – that will result in a significant economic impact to the region, which has played an important role in American history.
Additional details, including specific sailing dates, itineraries and shore excursions, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
"Princess is already well known for our unique itineraries that appeal to our guests who gravitate toward interesting historical and cultural opportunities and Yorktown is perfectly in tune with that philosophy, offering not only a glimpse at the Revolutionary War but also dining, shopping and activity options with wide-ranging appeal. It's a win-win for everyone," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.
Padgett added that the new itineraries are even more significant as interest builds ahead of events and festivities across Virginia to commemorate the 250 anniversaries of the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence.
"Our community is rooted in history and it is an important part of our visitor mix. We are honored that Princess Cruises sees the value in bringing their customers to Yorktown," said Kristi Olsen-Hayes, Director, York County Economic & Tourism Development. "Additional visitors coming to our area via the cruise line would contribute to the region's economy, benefiting retail, restaurants, and regional attractions, as well as generating revenue for both the Commonwealth and multiple local governments."
As the first major cruise line to call on the region, Princess understands and appreciates the significant role it plays in boosting area tourism and, as it does with other homeport and port of call communities, the company will work with local tour operators to showcase the attributes of this fascinating historical region while benefiting local residents.
"We couldn't be more excited about this incredible opportunity to add this truly unforgettable destination experience to our already impressive array of itineraries," said Padgett. "As a native Virginian myself, I can attest that an itinerary that offers the chance to visit Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown promises to be a most welcome addition for our guests, providing them memorable vacation experiences that they can't find anywhere else."
Yorktown offers 300 years of history from revolutionary battlefields to 18th Century homes. Picturesque streets provide the backdrop for art galleries, antique and specialty shops, while attractions like the Watermen's Museum offer hands-on programs and exhibits for all ages. Entertainment, including Fifes and Drums performances, abounds, and visitors can stroll along the scenic riverwalk lined with charming restaurants and shops that offer a view of the York River.
Sure to be a popular shore excursion, a visit to Colonial Williamsburg will allow guests to discover why this was the capital of Virginia and the largest, most prosperous American colony. Men and women from all walks of life strolled these streets, and Princess guests will follow in their footsteps as they re-trace history They'll also explore dozens of original buildings, homesand shops reconstructed on 301 acres – most on their original foundations. Rare animal breeds, historic trades, and lovingly restored gardens add layers of authenticity to the Colonial Williamsburg experience. Guests will feel as if they've traveled back in time.
Guests opting to visit Jamestown, just a short, 30-minute motorcoach ride from the port, will be captivated by the history behind the original site of the first permanent English settlement in North America and the story of the role of the three cultures - European, North American and African - that came together to lay the foundation for a uniquely American form of democratic government, language, free enterprise and society.
Princess Cruises sails to more than 330 incredible destinations around the world. More information is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800- 774-6237) or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.