WYC Moody Gardens

For those of use that got an early start on Friday, it was quite a surprise to reach Pelican Cut and hear on the VHF that the Galveston Causeway Railroad Bridge was closed until 4 p.m. The unexpected delay made it feel like we were really cruising. The bridge actually opened earlier than scheduled and the remainder of the trip into Offats was uneventful.

Twelve WYC boats arrived between 4 and 6 p.m. and docked at Moody Gardens or anchored out. Everyone was quick to get settled, begin the cocktail hour, and share their day with friends. A potluck dinner was served and quickly disappeared.

Saturday brought the arrival of four more WYC boats and plenty of activities. Many members took advantage of the location and spent the day touring the pyramids, enjoying the hotel pool and running around in their dingy; a traditional Offats favorite.

Six two-person crews competed in the Dingy Challenge with many non-competitors participating by keeping everyone cool with water balloons and water cannons. The course consisted of four legs: row 50 yards and switch positions, motor forward through a tight slalom course and switch positions, motor backwards though the same slalom course and switch positions, throw a beach ball in the water and push with oars to the finish. Various levels of dingy handling skills were exhibited at this event, but fun was had by all.

Challenge results: T/T Yaga, Mickey and Debbie McHugh, first place and winner of a dry box (donated by Triad Marine) filled with safety gear; T/T Mirage, Gene and Maggie Huser, second place and winner of a dingy size collapsible cooler; T/T Indigo Star, Phil and Saundra Peron, third place and winner of a rubber duck.

Actually, that was the test duck. The original plan was to use rubber ducks instead of beach balls, but the test duck kept on floating upside down. Apparently the manufacturer forgot the ballast.

Saturday evening kicked off with a dock party and Fajita dinner catered by The Original Mexican Café. Entertainment was provided by various WYC members during Talent Night. I would normally describe some of the acts for the reader, but was told that “what happens at Moody stays at Moody” (see the pictures).

The weekend was over much too quickly and it was time to return to Waterford, clean the boat, and unpack the cooler. See you on the next cruise.

SPECIAL THANKS to the WYC Board for all their help and to the members who pitched-in setting up tables and tents, picking up buoys, and hauling equipment. You people are great! THANK YOU to TRIAD MARINE for donating the Dingy Challenge first place prize. THANKS also to my husband, Colin, for running around Waterford marina in our dingy pushing a rubber duck so that I could test ideas for the Dingy Challenge.


The Fleet	Cocktails

Potluck	Potluck










Dinghy Challenge!



	Evening Entertainment