Waterford Yacht Club Newsletter – April 2019

April Activities

Spring is here and WYC is on the move. April and May could be some of the busiest months of the year. We started the month with the previously reported Happy Hour at the T-Bone Toms restaurant and it just keep getting better.

Little Yacht Sales Event:

WYC supported our well-known yacht broker by taking a table in Kent’s big tent event. Many local service vendors were on hand as well as former yacht broker and now well-traveled C&W singer Kelly McQuire for an evening concert. Treasurer Vickie Voorhies, Director Sarah Winston and Commodore Chet Jachimiec spoke to all who passed by the WYC table and two new members signed-up.

Freeport Regatta:

High winds and a USCG small craft advisory caused the offshore sailing of Plan A to be cancelled. WYC boaters are resourceful and Plan B put us inshore for the Easter weekend and moved Friday night from the Freeport Bridge Harbor to Pelican’s Rest. Fleet Captain Simone Gordon coordinated many details that included three sailboats, three power boats and other members by car. Everyone enjoyed BBQ on Friday night and Plan B Burgers and hot dogs on Saturday. The “Good Samaritan” nature of WYC members was on display this Easter weekend. Ask around for details.

Bloody Mary Sunday:

For those members who can’t make the Friday night Happy Hours, WYC held one on Sunday morning, and also invited the general Waterford Harbor Marina population. Treasurer Vickie Voorhies set-up the beverage basics, Director Sarah Winston, Amy and Steve Holdaway prepared the drink components complete with olives, carrots, celery and bacon ‘sticks’ along with many other spicy additives. More than 40 people stopped by to enjoy the morning, the beverages, boating news and stories.

Special Interest:

Here’s a nice-looking C&C 44 sailboat, blue hull, graceful lines and triple spreaders on her big mast. Still there’s something extra special about her. Question – can you guess what? (see below for the answer).

May Plans

Gumbo Cookoff:

The busy schedule is continuing in May with our annual gumbo cookoff on Saturday May 4th, hosted by former Commodore Scott Stillman, former director Jenifer Stillman, and Karen and Tony Townsend. Prepare your family’s favorite recipe for gumbo or cornbread and bring it to the event. WYC members will vote for their favorites and the winners will receive valuable thematic prizes. Check your email for the evite.

Redfish Raft-up:

This is one of WYCs favorite events. Boaters will gather at the island on Saturday May 18th, drop anchor, hitch a ride to the island and enjoy the sights and picnic style cookout with other club members. Some of us will just stay the day and others, given good bay conditions will stay the night. A night at Redfish Island is sure to be a memorable event. Check your email for the evite.  The club needs uber dinghies to help move people and supplies to shore. Please contact Fleet Captain Simone Gordon spg33333@gmail.com if you can assist.

Diesel Engine Mechanics:

Here’s an opportunity to learn about the do’s and don’ts of engine operation, service and repair from an expert. Rear Commodore Jeff Peterson has recruited Pier 11’s Sean Ballard, a practicing mechanic with a lifetime of experience, to lead a highly informative presentation at 9:00 am Saturday May 18^th in the Members room at Sundance Grill II. The engine is you most important piece of equipment, know how to take care of it!  Check your email for the evite.

It Just Keeps Getting Better:

WYC will organize a Happy Hour at 6:30 pm on Friday May 3^rd in Pavilion B (by the large parking lot). Stop by with beverages or appetizers to share along with your latest news.

Past Commodore Mike Pantoja is celebrating wife Tina’s birthday with a WHM pool party and outdoor movie, and WYC is invited to join the festivities.  Sundance will provide $1.00 hot dogs so just come as you are and enjoy the evening. The show starts at 7:30 pm on Saturday May 18^th.

Director Michael Gordon is keeping track of the Highway 146 bridge construction project and encourages you to visit the www.sh146.com website for updates. Upon occasion heavy lift barges will block our boat lanes, other times overhead work will cause lane closure.

Special Interest:

Answer: It’s Ruben Koene’s sailboat ‘Veritas’ with which he just completed a circumnavigation of the world. He left WHM, sailed the western Caribbean, passed through the Panama Canal, sailed the South Pacific, Indian, and South Atlantic oceans and back to the Gulf of Mexico – single handed. Be sure to say “welcome back Ruben!” when you see him around the marina.