Lederhosen to Oysters

Thank you to all that came out to the Oktoberfest! There was great food, great drink, and great fun. We especially want to thank René and Marcus for coming from Germany just to host the event. They had such a good time, that they have aggressively insisted on coming back next year and make it even better than this year. If you weren’t able to come, you really missed out, so mark October 5th, 2024 in your calendars now!

You can see some photos from the Oktoberfest here: https://www.wryc.org/2023-oktoberfest (Some of the extra food was donated to the Sheriff’s Office, no one was in any trouble.)

We hope to see you at the ever popular Oyster Roast on November 11th. You might have noticed that for the Oyster Roast, there were two different prices. The member price is much lower than the guest price in order to provide a benefit of being a member of the yacht club, and to provide members priority over guests to limited capacity events. Additionally, the member/guest pricing is planned to be used for future events as well. We are a not for profit club with below-market dues, and many upcoming maintenance projects to keep our Club thriving.

Start thinking about events that you might want to host or volunteer to help with in 2024. Socials are only possible with your help!

FROM THE HELM

Well - it happened again. Good weather, great food, and then fireworks. The labor Day social was a winner. People commented that they could not remember a spaghetti dinner at the Club in the past. The presentation was attractive, choices plentiful, and tasted great. Thanks to Nick’s Spaghetti and Steakhouse for their efforts. Thanks again to the Davis/Fenstermacher/Davis team for hosting.

Jane Smith was true to her word and was able to organize the fireworks. Thank you for your efforts. Bill Fenstermacher and Jay McGlohn ran the show which was remarkable - far more extensive than expected and enjoyed by all.

Next up is Oktoberfest. Harry and Autumn have been planning this event for some time - I expect it will be a lot of fun. Great food as advertised on the menu. Plan to attend and have another fun evening.

Third out of six: Please plan to attend the Annual Meeting in January. Facility and budgetary issues need to be addressed. We will attempt to provide information before the meeting so that all are aware.

Monthly Quiz-who said - still in the sports arena: “The only place success comes before work is the dictionary.” “Defeat is worse than death, because you need to live with defeat.”

Bob Davis, Commodore

The Latest Fleet Scuttlebutt ...................

I guess you could say we dodged a bullet this month with Tropical depression “Ophelia” landing on top of us (almost). Both club keel boats and the fleet, in general, was spared any serious damage despite wind and extremely high tides. Not much to report this month regarding the fleet and sailing, as it’s been fairly quiet on the waterfront. We did have a couple of very nice Sunday adult sailing sessions in both keel boats and Albacores and will be wrapping those up in October.

For all those members that have boats stored on the property, please take time to secure and protect them as we begin to approach the winter months. If you have questions about that let me know. Also, we have had a couple of inquiries from the general public looking to buy a boat and have asked if we have any for sale. If you’re considering selling your boat, send me an email and I’ll pass it on to any interested parties.

Now for the nautical phrase of the month, “Slush Fund”. Most people think this term originated in the smoke-filled boardrooms of corporate America. Surprisingly, however, it can be traced back to some clever merchant ship cooks who saved the slushy mix of fat and grease that was left over after every meal. The slush would be stowed away in a secret hiding place until the ship returned to port. The cooks would then sell the fat to candle makers and other merchants, earning themselves a tidy sum in the process. Thus, the term "slush fund" refers to a cash reserve obtained in a less than above board way. I think my wife may have one! Until next time…….

Fair winds and steady seas, Jim Garrett - Fleet

Lederhosen and Bivalves

What do these two things have in common? Both are upcoming socials!

For those that RSVPd, we will see you at Oktoberfest! Don’t forget your lederhosen and strong arm.

Mark your calendars for the annual Oyster Roast on Saturday, November 11. Invitation to follow!

New WRYC Merchandise

WRYC needs updated merchandise! Want input into what we order? We are looking for a few people who are interested helping with the selection. If interested please email or call Layne at wareriveryc@gmail.com or 804.502.7354

Upcoming Events

October 7, Saturday Oktoberfest

November 11, Saturday Oyster Roast

December 9, Saturday Holiday Social

January 20, Saturday IMPORTANT Annual Meeting *NEW DATE*

FROM THE HELM

Well - it seems to me that the Club had a pretty good month. The Governor’s Cup weekend came off in fine fashion. The weather cooperated - no bad heat - no storms - adequate wind to get races in. Multiple factors contributed to a lower number of boats than in the past. The event was however a great success. Many people volunteered - food preparation - registration - grounds - on water and of course those running the races. Thanks to all of you. Special thanks to Scott and Joe for taking this event on again - spectacular job. Next year will be the 60th - even better.

The Gov Cup dinner was as good an event as ever. The caterer’s presentation was great - as was the food - for the second year in a row. I think this was arranged by Scott - again a great choice! Thanks.

Next up is the Labor Day social. Italian meal with multiple options - should be great. Thanks to the team of Davis/Fenstermacher/Davis for arranging it. At the Gov Cup dinner a proposal was made to have fireworks at this social since they didn’t happen on July 4th. Jane Smith was the instigator. Several people agreed to assist in supporting this - after being voluntold by Jane of the opportunity. The cost is $800. DONATIONS towards this cost will be accepted at the table. Looking forward to a fun evening.

SECOND OF SIX: Please plan to attend the annual meeting in January. There are significant facility and budgetary issues to be addressed in addition to changes in the bylaws.

We had in the past mentioned a repeat of the Spring wine event. At this time it has been penciled in for the Friday after Halloween.

Quiz of the month - easiest one yet: who said “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help’.” Also “Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other”.

Bob Davis, Commodore

The Latest Fleet Scuttlebutt............

It’s a wrap! The 59th Annual Governors Cup Regatta was a great success once again thanks to so many Club member volunteers who ALWAYS step up when it counts. I would love to mention all the folks that provided their personal support and expertise, from shirt design, racecourse management, food prep, trophies, logistics, safety and mark boats etc. but there isn’t enough room on this page. This year’s Chair, Scott Titus, will provide a separate write up, I’m sure. Congratulations to the Hampton One Design Class for taking home the Cup this year, and thanks to all who participated. I’m also happy to report that Ware River had quite a few participants in the Laser, Opti and Albacore Class this year!!

Adult sailing continues to show strong participation and we consistently have a number of new(er) sailors joining us each Sunday we have class. We’ve had several new inquiries from folks looking for instruction again this month and these more often than not tun into new members! A special shout out to John Dudley who has moved from student to assistant instructor! John has taken out a few groups on Wagtail and has gotten quite adept at handling her. We will continue to offer these classes through October.

And of course, what would the Scuttlebutt report be without the nautical phrase of the month. This month’s phrase is “Pipe down”. Of course, we know it to mean to be quiet or stop talking. The phrase originates from 18th century when the ships Boatswain mate’s whistle or pipe, was used to summon the crew or relay orders. A crew would be "piped" to a meal, for example. To dismiss a crew, the boatswain's pipe is sounded and the command “pipe down” is given. Because it got much quieter after the dismissal, the command became associated with quieting down or making less noise. Until next time!

Fair winds and trailing seas,

Jim Garrett - Fleet