Things are happening all over the property and even off property as well as BHYC starts action for its 123rd-plus season. We say that because our charter shows that it is the 123rd season but the club actually functioned for a number of years before being chartered and you can read all about this in your copy of the club history. Which, by the way, you should all have on your living room coffee table for easy reference. Peggy Chapman spent the better part of two years researching and writing the book and I spent almost a year putting it all together into book form ... so we both want you to read it regularly!

Whatever the number is, Commodore Rob Wheeler caused the activities to proceed at the commissioning last Sunday afternoon and a goodly populated crowd gathered for the event. Notable this year was a return to the traditional Blazer and Tie dress code which it appears will be in effect for all major club events. The GEIER cannon echoed across the harbor, the BHYC burgee and Old Glory were raised on the mast and, lickety-split, we were underway!

Launch service has begun and lunch service began on Tuesday under the direction of Chef Raymond. In case you are not sure, lunch and dinner will be available Tuesday through Saturday. Dinner only on Sunday and no meal service on Monday except for special events. As always call 633-5750 for reservations for all meal events.

Many weekly events are also beginning including the Wednesday Men’s lunch and Ladies lunch bunch. Thursday night cocktails are this week BYO hors d’oeuvres to share and starting next week we will have the “hosted” cocktail events. There are many regular groups that love to sponsor a night and you can call PC Louise at 882-5525 to sign up or you can take a pen or pencil to the ever present neon clipboard in the front hallway on the left.

On the construction front the GIB folks apologize for the delays on the 29th when the road was cut for the water main hookup to the new building. We did have water at the McKown house but it was a ¾” line for residential service and the sprinkler system in the Sailing and Education Center demands a much larger flow of water. The cupola is up and proudly overlooking the bay and if you were to cast your eyes seaward you would also see that the enlarged dock, ramp and float is nearly complete. This is to permit the Junior program to launch all of its boats (Optis, 420s, Tech Dingies, Lasers and Turnabouts) from this one ramp. In addition to being far away on the other side of the casino the old ramp is exposed to the high tide twice daily and quickly grows a slippery beard of marine slime and nasty life which has, in the past, caused many accidents some of them serious. This ramp will still be available for members to launch their small craft but we advise : do it at high tide and with great care.

Painting and installation of telephone and communications systems plus completion of the retaining wall are the few remaining tasks pending before dedication and building opening for use.

The membership committee is hard a work handling a rush of new applications for membership and shepherding such events as orientation tours, and visits to the Thursday cocktail event. There is still time to apply if you have friends who are interested or if a non-member might be casually reading this column. Call Sandy Wheeler for specifics or call the club office for contact information 633-5750.

The kayak float is in the water and there is space either on land or on the float for folks needing to base their kayaks.

Be sure to have your calendar tuned to the Commodore’s reception which is on the schedule for June 2 at 1800 hours. The flag officers will receive the membership, new members will be welcomed and heavy appetizers and welcoming drinks will be the order of the evening.

In case you wondered the High School sailing team was active again last weekend and they journeyed to Mt Desert Island for the Great Harbor Regatta. The squad finished 6th out of eight teams in an event which marked the final competition of two senior sailors. The good news is that of all the teams in the league, BRHS has the strongest returning field of talented and experienced sailors compared to all of the participating schools. Next up is the fall season so stand by for more big events and wins.