Junior Sailing
Junior Sailing Camp Sets Sail June 15th!
Summer is here, and so is one of the most beloved traditions at Ware River Yacht Club — Junior Sailing Camp! We are thrilled to announce that camp kicks off on Monday, June 15th, running for six weeks across three sessions. Whether you spot the colorful sails from the dock or cheer from the clubhouse, this program is truly a highlight of our summer season.
A Warm Welcome to Our New Camp Director
This year, we are especially excited to introduce Louise Strawn as our incoming Camp Director. Louise brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a deep love of the water to this role, and we couldn't be more pleased to have her at the helm. Please join us in giving her a warm WRYC welcome when you see her on the water!
A Staff to Be Proud Of
One of the most heartwarming parts of this program is watching it come full circle. This summer, we are proud to have a wonderful mix of returning counselors alongside former junior sailors who are stepping up into counselor and junior counselor roles for the very first time. These are kids who learned to sail right here on the Ware River — and now they're the ones passing that love of the sport on to the next generation. It doesn't get much better than that.
Sailing with Purpose: Sail Beyond Cancer
New this summer, our junior sailors will be taking part in something truly special beyond the tacking and jibing. WRYC's Junior Sailing Program has partnered with Sail Beyond Cancer, a wonderful nonprofit that uses sailing as a healing and empowering experience for those affected by cancer. Our campers will be selling buying candy throughout the six weeks, and at the end of camp, we'll present a collective donation to the organization on behalf of our junior sailors.
It's a beautiful opportunity for our youngest members to learn that sailing — and community — can make a real difference in people's lives.
A Program That Grows With Our Kids
Junior Sailing Camp has long been a place where kids build confidence, friendships, and skills that last a lifetime. From first-timers finding their sea legs to returning sailors refining their racing instincts, there's something for every level. We're grateful for the volunteers, instructors, and families who make this program so special year after year.
Here's to a fantastic summer on the Ware River — fair winds and following seas to all our junior sailors!
Junior Sailing Camp Fundraiser for Sail Beyond Cancer - Virginia
I am happy to announce that our junior sailing campers will have the opportunity to participate in a fundraiser for Sail Beyond Cancer - Virginia. This idea came about after I heard two fantastic presentations by this wonderful organization. There are several area adult sailors who participate in this organization – one being our very own Commodore Scott Titus. The sailors will learn about Sail Beyond Cancer at camp and be able to purchase frozen treats for $1.00 during lunchtime. Proceeds will go to Sail Beyond Cancer - Virginia. This will not be a huge fundraiser but the point is for the sailors to learn about caring and giving to others.
So please encourage your campers to tell you what they have learned about this organization. You can also Google “Sail Beyond Cancer - Virginia” to learn about it as well. I hope the campers will do a small chore at home to earn $1.00 each day so they can purchase the ice cream treats at lunch. If they earn their money, it will make the fundraising experience even more meaningful for them.
I will have a variety of frozen choices at camp including fruit flavored popsicles, fudgsicles, dreamsicles, and ice cream sandwiches. If a camper forgets their frozen treat money on any given day but would still like to make a purchase, I will have an ongoing credit sheet. Parents and grandparents can “settle up” at the end of camp banquet. Thanks in advance for supporting this cause.
-Sharon McGlohn
2026 Rentals
The WRYC Rental Calendar is filling up for 2026. Here are the numbers by month:
June 2 Socials, 2- Member, 3- Non-member Wedding Rentals, Jr Sailing Camp Starts 6/15
July 1 Social; 1- Member Rental; Jr Sailing Camp Continues
August 1- Social Governor’s Cup & Fireball Nationals, 1- Non-profit Rental
September 3- Socials, 1- Harry Sindle Memorial Regatta
October 1- Social-Albacore Nationals & Oktoberfest, 1- Non-profit, 1- Non-member Wedding Rentals
November 1- Social Oyster Roast, 1- Non-member, 1- Member Rentals
December 1- Social Holiday, 1- Member Rental
WRYC 2026 Calendar of Events
June 18 Summer Happ Hour (Host Choice) Free, BYOB, Appetizer to Share
June 15-18 Junior Sailing Session 1 Week 1
June 22-25 Junior Sailing Session 1 Week 2
June 25 Junior Sailing Banquet
June 27 Open Play Tennis/Pickleball Round Robin
June 29-July 2 Junior Sailing Session 2 Week 1
July 3/4 Independence Day Social (Host choice)
July 6-9 Junior Sailing Session 2 Week 2
July 9 Junior Sailing Banquet
July 13-16 Junior Sailing Session 3 Week 1
July 20-23 Junior Sailing Session 3 Week 2
July 23 Junior Sailing Banquet
July 31, Aug.1/262nd VA Governor’s Cup, Fireball Nationals & Junior Regattas & Awards
August 20 Summer Social Hour (Host Choice) Free, BYOB, Appetizer to Share
September 5/6 Labor Day Social (Host choice)
September 12 Pickleball Round Robin
September 16 Trivia Night
October 9-13 Oktoberfest – Albacore Nationals Regatta
November 7 Oyster Roast
December 6/7 Christmas / Holiday Social (Host choice)
*Members are encouraged to sign up to host or help organize each event. Co-hosting is
perfectly acceptable – you don’t have to host alone. Please contact Membership Chair,
Josh James, at socials@wryc.org with any questions or fill in your name and number in
the sign-up column above.
From the Helm
The 2026 season was declared officially open on May 2 during the annual flag raising and commissioning of the fleet ceremony. Originally the weather looked questionable, the forecast calling for rain and cool temperatures. But as happens, the sun is always shining on the Ware River Yacht Club and the rain held off! What a lovely cool spring day we had! Thanks to all who showed up, in particular thanks to Sharon and Jay McGlohn for hosting! It’s always so much fun to see the beautiful derby hats. My horse even led over half of the Kentucky Derby (unfortunately it was the first half, not the last half).
As you heard at the annual meeting and again today at flag raising WRYC has an exciting year ahead! From many socials and happy hours to numerous regattas to adult sailing and junior sailing camp, there’s certainly something for everyone at the Club.
The WRYC Albacore fleet is looking to re-energize, refresh, and rejuvenate this year. Dave Huber and I have plans to hold informal clinics and race nights at the club, but we need crews. We will conduct training for anyone interested, no experience needed. If you’ve sailed before and are interested in helming, we can make that happen in one of the club Albacores. If you’re not quite ready for the back of the boat, come down and get some experience as crew. The goal is to have several WRYC Albacores in the Governor’s Cup and at Albacore Nationals, hosted right here at WRYC! Get in touch with Dave, Fleet Captain John Dudley, or me if you are interested. If you have any questions, call me! Look forward to seeing you on the water.
See you at the Rivah,
Scott Titus
Commodore
Fleet Scuttlebutt
Greetings sailors and all club members! My apologies for being tardy with April’s Telltale contribution – it remained in ‘draft’ status after I missed the cutoff. There is an Adult Sailing calendar within that Scuttlebutt, and the same outline was also sent to those members whose email addresses are in our roster of adult sailors. If this interest describes you, and you did not receive an email from me on April 14, please let me know and I will send you the calendar and include you in future emails. Please use this email address to let me know: jdudley5@triad.rr.com
During April we have been fortunate to have the participation of several dedicated members as we address preparations and maintenance in our sail loft and aboard our keelboat Tranquility Base. Due to the lousy weather forecast, our Flag Raising on Saturday, May 2 will not include a keelboat regatta, but don’t let that discourage you. We do expect to have the boat shipshape for the subsequent weeks of May.
Our focus will shift more toward preparations for the Junior Sailing Camp sessions during May and early June, and if you would like to participate in those activities, I would love to hear from you. In addition to that email address above, you are welcome to text or call me at (704) 363-0483.
Rummage sale from the hold: There is an Albacore sailboat available for sale, located in North Jersey (i.e. the northern part of New Jersey). Also, there is a Hobie 16 offered for sale (perhaps listed on Facebook Marketplace), belonging to a former club member. If you have an interest in either or both of these, please let me know at the number above and I will put you in contact with the respective owners.
Many thanks for your interest, and I look forward to seeing you on or near the water!
John Dudley, Fleet Captain
Membership Corner
Hello WRYC Members!
This month we welcome John and Michele Beck back to WRYC. They want to meet other members and enjoy the social side of the club. Please look for them at upcoming events and welcome them!
And, sadly, over the past two months, we saw the passing of two long-time members of WRYC…Tabb Farinholt and Betty Zahn.
Tabb was a founding member of Ware River Yacht Club. She and her husband Blair were the driving forces behind establishing the club’s current site and facilities, as well as encourag ing the spirit of volunteerism that still maintains us today. https://www.andrewsfuneralservices.com/obituary/tabb-farinholt
Betty and her husband, George, joined WRYC in 1987 and were members for 37 years. They loved sailing on the Ware River and Mobjack Bay. Betty was very active in the Gloucester community, contributing her time and energy to numerous organizations and causes. https://share.google/Mpw1eb5RYwPldgCTp
We offer our condolences to their families and friends.
Ray Mazzocco
Membership Chair
From the Social Chair: May Updates & Beyond
Greetings, fellow members!
As we gear up for a fantastic season at the Ware River Yacht Club, I have several exciting updates and upcoming events to share. Whether you’re a longtime regular or a brand-new face at the club, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and enjoy our beautiful facilities.
Upcoming Events
Flag Raising Ceremony, Dinner, and Derby Watch
When: Saturday, May 2nd | 5:00 PM
Join us for this time-honored tradition as we officially kick off our season.
First Happy Hour Series
When: Thursday, May 7th
This is a free event and the perfect chance to meet and mingle. If you are new to the club, please come by—we’d love to welcome you!
Note: This is a BYOB event. Please bring an appetizer to share with the group. RSVP to socials@wryc.org.
Trivia Night (Save the Date!)
When: Wednesday, June 3rd
We are currently in the planning stages for a club-wide trivia night. Stay tuned for more details on how to register your team.
Facility Updates
Our tennis courts are scheduled for a professional power washing very soon. Once completed, they will be fully refreshed and ready for all your pickleball and tennis matches. We appreciate your patience as we get the courts in top shape for the summer.
Get Involved
The success of our social calendar depends on our wonderful volunteers. If you are interested in hosting an event or would like to volunteer your time to help with a social, please reach out to me directly.
Contact: Josh James Email: socials@wryc.org
See you at the club!