We were sobered and saddened by the news of the recent death of former member Capt. Ron Blake (USCG Ret.). Your reporter knew Ron for many years remembering him from days here at BHYC and one very impressive day when we were welcomed to his USCG office in Boston when he was commander of the New England Sector. Ron started his working career at the Oak Grove Hotel (now site of the Oak Grove Condos) and learned to sail at BHYC. This quote from his Obituary: “A lifelong sailor and lover of the sea, Ron learned to sail in the Junior Program of the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club, a tradition carried on by his sons and now by his grandchildren.” Our thoughts go out to Scott and VC-elect Liz , their children and all of Ron’s extended family.

Wednesday racing concluded last week with a 3 race event, won in a landslide by RC elect Jon Dunsford sailing BITTERSWEET. FRAULEIN (Debbie Swan) took one win but finished second for the day with CHARISMA (PC Hakanson) finishing 3rd and BABY Z (Cathy Latta ) 4th. Thanks to Charles for running these races all summer and to Cole Brauer for her assistance this week as well.

BHYC Sailing is not over, however, as the High School Sailing program started its eighth fall season this week with eight young sailors exercising the 420s every weekday afternoon. They will soon be sailing in Regattas each week and we may even host one of them this fall. Results later in this column. You can help support this program through your contributions to the BHYC Junior Sailing Foundation. The sailing team also won the A division against a powerful team from Marblehead and tied for 5th in the B Division to take second place overall in the Polar Bear Open at Bowdoin college Sunday. Clear skies and winds from 2 to 12 knots and chilly late summer temperatures greeted the sailors in a competitive qualifying event for the ACC Championships. 

A wild thunderstorm last Thursday threatened to limit attendance at the weekly cocktail party but the fact that BHYC escaped power loss and had plenty of food for dinner provided a foundation for another stellar party. The hors d’ouevres provided by groups has ended so for future weeks it is bring something to share for everybody. Plans for the winter gatherings will be addressed at next weeks event and use of the new sailing and education center will be included in the plans.

The commodore-elect has informed me that the decommissioning scheduled for Sept. 30 will, for the first time, be the formal closing of the clubhouse but not the decommissioning of the club as, for the first time in history, we will be “open for business year round.”

The clubhouse is abuzz with meeting after meeting planning events for 2019. One day your reporter saw six folks ensconced in the casino for over three hours planing an August cruise. What I overheard was reminiscent of years ago ... go guys let’s make it a fun exploration of the most fabulous coast on earth. A day later I attended a meeting of folks planning the racing events for 2019. The interest is there and what we need is a cadre of members who are willing to learn the skills and donate their time to manage the races. BHYC has a reputation and history of being both hospitable and having race expertise for management. For example the J-80 folks this summer rated our team as the best in the USA. If you are willing to serve in 2019, please let Sandy Taft know.

There are not many clubs in the U.S. and Bermuda who have the resident skillset of an experienced US Sailing certified sailboat race official as their general manager. The challenges that our manager faces on a daily basis extend far beyond the water based events and then, when coupled with the fact that he/she has a new set of “bosses” with expressed needs and demands every year, there is a daunting challenge inherent in the job description. At one time during my 50-year membership, I spent 10 years as our house chairman, which was the volunteer equivalent of our now paid general manager. It is a demanding job which requires a unique understanding of needs and goals and the ability to juggle the daunting requirements of respect, understanding and support.

I got sidetracked into this “editorial” by an unexpected visit from Mathew Kurtas who was here this past weekend on his holiday from general managership of a golf and tennis club in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. A visit that reminded us that, as a yacht club, we have a totally different set of overall skills that demand attention and effort. Good to see you Matthew and to hear that you have found a position that meets your needs and desires and stimulates your abilities.

Speaking of abilities, the High School Sailing team operated and sponsored by BHYC got off to a flying start last weekend taking a strong first place over 17 other teams from all over the state. In the “A Division” Ella Beauregard and Hamilton Barclay along with Toby Clarkson took three firsts, a second and a third for the overall title and in the “B Division” Nate Rideout with Alan Coolidge and Bobby Clarkson had two firsts, two seconds, and an 8th for 14 points. Combined our gang was a 23-point winner over second place MDI... what a start for the season.

After the clubhouse closes for the “winter,” we hear that many of the special interest groups will keep up their activity and meet in the BHOD room at the Sailing and Education Center. If you have a good sturdy card table that you can donate to the club it would be a wonderful addition to the effort. Contact Charles Barclay to complete the gift and thanks in advance. They will be used for Mahjongg, Bridge, and possibly even for a potluck supper or two.

The dining room remains open and serving excellent food. We need to use it or we will lose it this time of year. The view is great and BHYC is still serving lunch and dinner with the best view in the harbor.