Monday, Aug. 5 was cold and windy as another week of sailing kicked off at the Southport Junior Yacht Club Sailing Foundation. Week six brought nine new sailors to the beginner program and each child eagerly jumped into the cold Maine water to take their swim test. The SJYCSF welcomes: Ayden Hochstein, Evy Hochstein, Haiden McKay, Will Dougherty, Emma Dougherty, Graham Routhier, Owen Routhier, Kimball Khetani and Aaron Willgren.

Week six also brought more competitive sailing to the afternoon program as the Turnabout, Opti and 420 sailors all held their weekly race days. Sailors faced heavy winds at the beginning of the week providing a great experience for all beginner and advanced racers. In Turnabouts, Halle Hutchinson and Nate Jones got first with Kate McPhee and Harriet Matthews coming in second. In Optis, William LaBrecque received first with Bryce Jacobs and Tia Freund battling it out for second. On 420 race day, Jasper Houston and Annie Britton got first with David Turley and Jen Killian in second.

Ice cream was on the children’s minds and faces during the August Ice Cream Social hosted by the Junior Officers and Afternoon Helpers. Thank you to all who helped make the Ice Cream Social another fun and successful SJYCSF event.

Last week approximately 300 Opti sailors from around the world participated in the Opti New England’s in Portland. We are proud of the five Opti sailors who represented the SJYCSF in this intense and extremely competitive regatta. Congratulations to Kieran Lorentzen, Dane Phippen, Max Freund, Blake Erhard and Andrew Turley. We are proud of your amazing accomplishments.

On Friday, Aug. 9, the beginner program held their weekly Friday fun day with a trip to Powderhorn. Despite the cold weather and a slight drizzle, the beginner sailors had a fun time playing on the beach and exploring the island. The instructors and sailors enjoyed a fun skipping and frowning competition with Jasper Houston as the victor.

Monday, Aug. 12marked the start of the seventh week at the SJYCSF. The beginner program welcomed two new sailors that morning, Lilly Perkins and Mia Galrao. In preparation for next year Jack Murray also took his swim test.

This week, Opti and 420 sailors will travel down to the Harraseeket Yacht Club to race against sailors from all over the state of Maine. Sailors are looking forward to two great days of racing and competition.

Friday, Aug. 23is the annual SJYCSF Banquet to celebrate another great season of sailing. All sailors, family members and friends are welcome to join us at the Southport Town Hall for that banquet that evening.

Junior Treasurer Jen Killian will be selling banquet tickets next week with more information to follow. Although the end of the summer is always bittersweet, the banquet is a fun way to look back on the great summer we have had.