The Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club has lost a giant with the recent passing of Jim Hunt. In his own quiet and careful way, Jim had more to do with the life and growth of this club, ever since he joined in 1957, than folks realize. He was a true naval historian, a lover of boats (he has built some fabulous models in the cleanest shop I have ever seen) and the ocean and always had the future in mind with his love of our Junior Program. He preferred to serve in the background but there is no question ... he did serve and serve well.

Your reporter recalls the day when Jim personally came to Louise’s office in Brunswick, as chair of the Nominating Committee, to ask Louise to serve as Commodore. Louise’s immediate question was “why not you Jim? You should be Commodore!" Jim’s answer was that he preferred to serve out of the limelight and so he did.

Jim and I worked on the McKown House project concept together from day one and it was his love of detail and his careful cautious approach that allowed the project to proceed to successful completion. Understanding of the laws, the co-operation with the town and adherence to codes all were his expertise and despite declining health he fought for the project right up to the dedication this summer.

Jim's impact on the club will continue thanks to his son Bill plus Bills wife Heidi and granddaughters Caroline and Laura ... all three part of our current club life. Our support and best wishes go out to Ann (a quite giant in her own right). John, Bill, Jeannie and all of his surviving family. Thanks Jim for giving so much of your lifetime to our club and what it stands for. He was our "Commodore" in background fact if not in formal title.

Paul Schacknow and PC Lee Krow continue to honcho the Men’s and Women’s Sailing weekly event throughout the remainder of this month. Every Friday, lunch and afterwards, time on the water is the recipe for a great day so welcome aboard. Remember that the launch operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and will do so until decommissioning.

And get your calendars out to pencil in: the potluck supper on Friday, Oct. 5 - Jody Rosenbaum is coordinating the food for the supper and Lee Rowan is in charge of the setup/service and cleanup. Call them to do your share; and the workday on Saturday, Oct. 6 when we close up the waterfont and clubhouse.