Last week, most of your received a questionnaire from the Commodore regarding a possible Kayak program at BHYC. Is this ever growing access to the water a viable part of our program, and is there interest is the question being asked? Please take a few minutes  to share your thoughts with the flags.

Last Thursday Howard and Dee Wright opened their newly decorated and lovely home on Southport for our February winter social event. Many regulars were there plus a smattering of newcomers to the monthly gathering. Topics of discussion went from the winter weather, or lack thereof, to upcoming summer events and, of course, politics.

Messages from Scotty come in from time to time and last week brought another from the West Coast  so we know that the venerable scribe is doing well and thinking of us back here in the East.

Again this week, we are saddened by yet another passing, this time the wife of Past Commodore Ken Walbridge.  Jean was originally from New Jersey and considered Monhegan her first love until she found permanence in the Boothbay region. Jean and Ken were close to their 72^nd anniversary at the time of her death in Florida. Her smile and gracious hospitality will be sadly missed.

The watch over Jim Matel’s beard continues and although it has suffered a trim and some obvious care, the length continues to appreciate and spectators are predicting a possible political run for office….there must be a reason!

  For additional information you can go to the website  WWW.BHYC.net  for the very latest of news and reports.

The Red Sox truck left Boston for Fort Myers last Saturday and Jet Blue has just unveiled their newest airplane all decked out in BOSOX livery……. Can boat launch day and the opening of the Club be that far away? Another sign of spring is the parade of interviews for various spots on the 2012 staff including the head chef’s position. We will look for more announcements soon.

Tonight (Thursday) is the February social event at the home of Howard and Dee Wright on Southport. Since we missed having one in January, we expect that the turnout will be double in number so pack your goodies and “head south”. Please also mark your calendar for March as it will be on a Wednesday – specifically March 14^th - at the home of Past Commodores’ Louise and Andy Holmes in Edgecomb.

The lunch bunch is spreading its wings and last week welcomed a prospective BHYC member to their fold.

PC John and Peggy Chapman have been working on cruise plans for this summer including filling out the necessary forms for the U.S. Custom and Border Protection in preparation for the upcoming BHYC trip to the St. John River. There is a new pass that can be obtained which supposedly will simplify our return from Canada. The Chapman’s have appointments for separate interviews with the Border and Customs Patrol officials in Portland this week.

We were saddened to hear of the passing of long time past member Ken Eldred. Ken was an active sailor and racer and had a long and distinguished career in the Airport Architectural field. Ken’s long time  44’ sailboat AMMERSEE will be missed but in tribute, Ammersee sails on in the club livery as PANACHE under the ownership of Bob & Lucy Scribner. We are hoping to see her sail in the Lobster Run this summer.

        For additional information you can go to the website  WWW.BHYC.net  for the very latest of news and reports.

Marianne Reynolds, Commodore, has announced the appointment of Geoff  McKuskey as our new Director of Adult Sailing and racing effective immediately.

Geoff has been sailing and racing big boats and one design boats for the past thirty years.  He taught adult sailing for ten years at the Sound Sailing Center in Norwalk, CT and spent the past three summers as Junior Sailing Director with Madison Beach Club and Cedar Point Yacht Club in Connecticut.

He has sailed and raced extensively on Long Island Sound, up the east coast to Maine, in the Caribbean, and to and from Bermuda. Geoff has US Sailing certifications in Basic Keelboat, Level 1 and Level 2. At the Club he will handle teaching and intra-club sailing events and will run such events as the weekly evening races, men’s sailing, and of course the Commodores Cup and Chamber Pot races.

Introducing Geoff McKuskey

We welcome Geoff to our fold.

The passing of Jeanne Cleaver leaves a big hole in our Club family. She and Laird have done so much over the years for the Junior Sailing Program. Our fleet of 420’s and the J-22 program both remain as legacy testimony to the Cleaver dedication to BHYC. Our thoughts and prayers are with Laird as we carry on.

A  recent note from Scotty reports him doing well on the West Coast and starting to plan his journey home sometime in March.

The Lunch Bunch continues to meet at the Gallery every Wednesday and although their numbers are depleted by winter travels, the discussion is lively and the food excellent. The Business Man’s Lunch continues its “business” meeting on Wednesday’s at Mr C’s and the Business is usually of the monkey variety but sometimes politics intervenes as well.

Don’t forget the February 16^th gathering at the home of Howard and Dee Wright in Southport.

The usual plans and procedures prevail.

        For additional information you can go to the website  WWW.BHYC.net  for the very latest of news and reports.

Chair Mary Neal reports that the new Communications Committee met last week at the club to discuss the sail/race events scheduled for the summer and how we can alert the local community to what is happening on the water. We do have a plethora of such events which you will hear more about in coming weeks. The happenings include the THIRD BI-ANNUAL LOBSTER RUN (July 27, 28, 29, & 30), the Annual BHYC REGATTA (July 21 & 22),  a new event  J DAYS (July 20 & 21) (for J Boat owners), and we are also hosting the MAINE STATE OPTI CHAMPIONSHIPS (Aug 8 &9) this summer. PC John Chapman, PC Andy Holmes, Bill Hunt, and Rear Commodore Bob McCann are chairing the events.

Work continues on the pilings and underpinnings of the club and it is a real relief to see Joe Blake’s crew working in sunshine and calm weather instead of the snow and windy cold they usually face. Work is also underway on the new floats and wide ramp for the connecting dock between the old Jr Program dock and the McKown dock.

Word also comes that there will be a gin pole/hoist installed on the McKown pier to allow members to step and work on masts and rigging. This author  having seen temporary and makeshift rigs used over the years since he joined in ’69 , considers this a major development!

There will be a Thursday evening social event in February, on the 16^th to be exact and at the home of Howard and Dee Wright on Southport. In March mark your calendars for the 16^th and that event will be at the Past Commodores Louise and Andy Holmes residence in Edgecomb. And while marking, look at April 19^th and plan on going to Wiscasset and the home of Greg and Joan Shea.

        For additional information you can go to the website  WWW.BHYC.net  for the very latest of news and reports.

We opened last weeks column with a request for someone to step up and offer to host a monthly social for January, February, March and April. So far no one has called Howard with an offer to do so… so as of now we have no event. Please get on the phone right now and call Howard Wright at 633-2142…. We need you!

Big news from the Lunch Bunch! Laura Francis is opening the GALLERY for Lunch and the bunch will start gathering there next week on the 25^th. She is serving reasonably priced soups, salads and sandwiches and is now able to also serve wine.

Rumor has it that Manager Jim Matel is growing a beard.  We have tried to get to the bottom of the reasoning behind his actions but Jim and Sarah will not disclose any information.

If you have been about the club recently, you will note the activity on the waterside. Joe Blake and his crew are busy replacing pilings and deteriorating support beams as a part of the annual maintenance program. They are also increasing the width  of the gallows and ramp and also the length of the Jr Program ramp to accommodate opti’s on their dolly’s!

Commodore Marianne Reynolds reports that VC Neil Newton is chairing an ad hoc  committee to assist the Long Range Planning Committee to chart a course for the Club’s Future. Also she reports that the new Marketing , Communication, and Publicity Committee under the leadership of Mary Neal is exploring ways to spread our good news to the membership and to the community.

Stay warm and focused on the fact that the day’s are getting longer and it will soon be time to get the boats out of storage and into the water.

        For additional information you can go to the website  WWW.BHYC.net  for the very latest of news and reports.

Howard Wright is the custodian of monthly winter events and he has less hair now than he did last week. This is because he is still seeking a host/hostess for the January social event. You don’t have to do very much, just open your house, provide some ice and glasses and a few mixers and viol`a you have made a major contribution to the clubs annual social life. So get on the phone right now and call Howard at 633-2142…. We need you now…. And yes we also need February and March hosts.

As you know, ghosts from time to time get  visions and one came to me yesterday which described the recent activity of our fearless scribe  SCOTTY. He arrived in CA about a week before Christmas and is visiting his daughters and  had a wonderful holiday. The two daughters and two grandkids made Christmas a delight.

Scotty reports that they were all Presbyterians on Christmas Eve. The carols were traditional but  presented with a keyboard and guitars – a bit unusual for New England folks , but great fun and much enthusiasm. He spent most mornings with CA friends over coffee and a view of the broad Pacific.

Grey Whales ar migrating South, not far off the beach at Cardiff by the Sea, part of Encinitas, and visible to the naked eye. Scotty has a short term membership at the local ‘Y’ and a near-by beach to walk and  watch the surfers.

One couple in the group own 3 vintage aircraft and ex aviator Scotty flew with them out to the desert and the Geo. Pattern museum on New  Years Day in perfect CAVU weather. The plane was a Cessna 180 tail dragger. An aerobatic flight in a Stearman Bi-Pl and and another flight with  my grandaughter in a 1929 bi-plane is on the agenda. Pretty exciting stuff for this old man, he says. Please say hi to BBH friends – they are the  greatest!

The Lunch Bunch( Ladies) continues to meet weekly ( 7 present last week)at McSeagulls and Peggy Chapman reports that the theme of the day was Christmas presents… good, bad, and indifferent. At the same time each week, the “ business man’s luncheon” takes place at Mr C’s  and it was reported that seven regulars attended last week. The organizers of both events indicate that all BHYC members are welcome to join with no reservations or prior notice. 

For additional information you can go to the website  WWW.BHYC.net  for the very latest of news and reports.

Sunday June 24^th is destined to be an exciting day for many Boothbay region Sailors who own and participate in the activities of the historic Boothbay Harbor One Design fleet. As a part of the Windjammer Days  Celebration BHYC will host a race open to all One design Owners  be they Yacht Club Members or not.

The BHYC One design was designed in 1938 by Internationally famous  naval architect Geerd Hendel and also designer of the famous J-Boat  RANGER. To date there have been 56 BHYC One Designs built but several are no longer in existence. Sandra Blake-Leonard BHYC member is President of the BHOD Association Other BHYC involvement with Windjammer Days will include a ramped participation in the Antique Boat Parade and the traditional reception at BHYC following that event. Mary Neal is the BHYC representative to the Windjammer Days Committee.

We are still waiting for plans to be announced for the January social event but plans are well underway for the March 8&9 winter reunion in Fort Lauderdale. Thursday night March 8 will feature a cocktail reception and dinner at the Lauderdale Yacht Club on the lawn facing the spectacular Intracoastal waterway. If you have never been there, this is a must! Several BHYC members are also LYC members including the Kearns and Gillette’s. Buck is a Past Commodore of LYC!

Friday the 9^th there will be a luncheon at the Coral Ridge Country Club. Ralph Doering is the contact person as of this writing!

Please give Howard Wright a hand and volunteer to host a winter reception in the Boothbay Area. Call him today to discuss a date and location. It is really very simple and is much appreciated by all of the membership.

Happy New Year messages are forthcoming from the Flags- Marianne, Neil, and Bob!

And from Scotty and the Ghost as well.

        For additional information you can go to the website  WWW.BHYC.net  for the very latest of news and reports.

Lots of meetings have been happening in the past weeks and news is starting to come out relative to plans and preparations for next season. The Hill house off ice meeting area is busy almost every day and many meetings involve the telephone conference call setup to involve members who are away for the winter.

The Commodore has issued a challenge to the membership regarding the critical element of volunteerism which is the founding generative spirit of our club. In her words: “ I’m hoping this will be the year to celebrate and expand volunteerism at BHYC. We have such talented members, some of whom are willing, able and eager to be asked to help out. I’ve asked the committee chairs to provide a list of activities for which they need help. Tasks will range from watering flowers for a week to setting marks for a race to scheduling tennis matches. The list of opportunities will be sent in the membership mailing. We hope each member will volunteer for one or several. You don’t have to be a committee chair to send in requests. I welcome all of your ideas.” You can contact the Commodore directly to offer your services or call the club and speak to Club Manager Jim Matel who will pass on your interest to the Responsible committee chair or leader.

Had a chance to see the last few of our moorings being removed last Wednesday. Did you know that our moorings are some of the safest in the Harbor as they are pulled every fall, completely refurbished during the winter and reset in the spring just before the club opens. The docks likewise get a thorough going over each winter and plans are underway to considerable expand the dockage area between the main club floats and the McKown house access. More news about this in coming weeks.

Don’t forget to contact Howard Wright if you are willing to host a monthly winter Event in January, February, March or April.

For additional information you can go to the website  WWW.BHYC.net  for the very latest of news and reports.

The old sly fox has taken off again and after a summer of health trials and tribulations Scotty has been cleared to pack his bags and catch up with family across the country. He reported to the Ghost on Sunday that he had just completed a 12 hour drive and his excursion was underway. We wish him wonderful holidays and safe and healthy travels.

Patty Zinkowski opened her beautiful home last Thursday for a record attended first event of the winter series. Your reporter counted over 50 persons enjoying fabulous edibles and responsible beverages. Talk was on a range of subjects headed by the weather and the demise of the Red Sox as well as welcoming folks back from the South and saying goodbye to others headed out for warmer climes. The December event will be held at the home of Commodore Marianne Reynolds…. Directions and details will be e-mailed from the club office.

Peggy Chapman reports for the Lunch Bunch that the crowd last week was small but the excited rhetoric loud. They were even joined by some of the men who dropped in to check up on the going on of the fairer sex following their men’s lunch.  No meetings this week because of the holidays and the meeting of the 30^th and December 7^th will be at McSeagulls with December 14^th at a new location, LeGarage in Wiscasset. Please mark yourcalendars.

Howard Wright, maitre’d of the winter monthly gathering events has asked that members who would be willing to host the event in January, February, March, and April, please call him at his Southport home.

The Junior Program has some exciting news which impacts the adult members as well and that is that Larry Rioux has agreed to return as Director of the tennis program. A detailed announcement will appear in the Jr. Program column in the next week or two.

For additional information you can go to the website  WWW.BHYC.net  for the very latest of news and reports.

In the meantime, preparations are already underway for an exciting and busy 2012 summer.  John Chapman hosted a tri-club meeting in October to plan for the Lobster Run.  Greg Shea already has his cruise dates and itinerary.  Jim has started work on the calendar.  Bob McCann is working with the Junior Program committee in planning for the Maine State Optis at BHYC, and the list goes on.

At the October board meeting, the board approved the Membership/Membership Enhancement Committees’ request for help in recruiting potential legacy members.  A legacy member is anyone whose parent or grandparent is or was a BHYC member.  For the 2012 calendar year only, we are offering them a 50% reduction of the initiation fee.  This is particularly significant for the “under 40” group who would pay a mere $250 plus very reasonable dues.  Some of our members are thinking of membership as a holiday gift for their adult children.  Please help us spread the word.  We would like to send a personal invitation letter to likely candidates.  If you can help us with names and contact information, we would be happy to follow up.  You can contact me reynolds.marianne06@gmail.com, Margaret Reiser, Membership Enhancement chair Margaret@boardwalkconsulting.com, or Donna Brewer at the office bookkeeper@bhyc.net.

I’m hoping this will be the year to celebrate and expand volunteerism at BHYC.  We have such talented members, some of whom are willing, able and eager to be asked to help out.  I’ve asked the committee chairs to provide a list of activities for which they need help.  Tasks will range from watering flowers for a week to setting marks for a race to scheduling tennis matches.  The list of opportunities will be sent in the membership mailing.  We hope each member will volunteer for one or several.  You don’t have to be a committee chair to send in requests.  I welcome all of your ideas.

I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at my house for the December Holiday cocktail party on December 15, on the slopes at Sugarloaf in February and at our mid-winter reunion in Fort Lauderdale on March 8 & 9.