As we glide into our fifth week of the summer program, we’re humming along with two of our state-wide regattas under our belt and the next one — hosted right here by BHYC — right around the corner.

Our fourth week saw lots happening on and off campus for our sailors. Mahate Carreiro and Pippa Schoenthal started off the week at Biddeford Pool Yacht Club for the Pram Invite. Along with coach Caleb Gray, these young sailors got a taste for competition while also getting the opportunity to meet new kids and sail in a unique location. They were proud of their third-place finish.

Back at home Tess McComiskey lead a group of teenage beginners in our afternoon session. Many programs do not have boats that work well for teenage and young adult beginners. Adding our fleet of Techs last summer has helped us to really to cater to that age group. After a few days on their own, Tess left them in the capable hands of Caleb to get a taste for 420 sailing on Thursday before enjoying a sail out to Burnt Island for some fun on Friday. Not all kids learn to sail at 8 and we are proud to have staff and equipment that can cater to a wide range of ages, sizes and interests. 

Our racing crowd worked hard through two days of light and shifty winds in Camden at this year’s Junior Olympic Sailing Festival. While the results were not what they wanted, Coach Payton Thompson kept her Opti Sailors inspired and working hard until the end. Our young fleet of 420 sailors had fun and placed respectably. Due to some logistical challenges and having a mechanical issue on Payton's boat, Sailing Director Chris Liberti did not get to be right with them as much as he would have liked, but this crew did not miss a beat. Sailing is a sport that rewards preparation and self-reliance, and this group really worked as a team and had fun. It was a blessing to be a part of. A special shout out to the parents who volunteer their time to make sure that regattas can happen for our kids, and the staff who help down the fort back home while we were away. 

Wrapping up the week back home on Friday our morning sailors sailed into town for ice cream while our afternoon sailors went to Burnt Island for some fun. 

With JOs happening, we took a break from the scamper campers, but we look forward to hosting them this week. 

Next week, Aug. 1and 2, we’re hosting the Maine State Championships for both 420s and Optis. If you’re in the Harbor, hop on the water and come see Boothbay Harbor and Southport sailors vie for the state championship with the best young sailors in the state.

Our Tennis players aren’t left out of the fun — inter-club tournaments with Juniper Point and Christmas Cove are coming right up!

It’s hard to believe the season is almost half over — but there’s still time to join us on the water and on the courts!