The Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club (BHYC) is back up and running again this summer with plenty of highlights from the waterfront, the tennis courts, and activities in the clubhouse. The junior programs are in full swing, and both program directors are enthused about the upcoming summer activities.

Tennis Director Chantalle Arsenault stated that the “BHYC tennis players have started strong in the first two weeks. Focusing on groundstrokes and consistency in the beginning weeks, they have now progressed to serving and point play in all groups.” The in-house singles champions for the past two weeks in the afternoon junior clinic have been Sabrina and Sebastian Moen along with Henry and Graham Pinkham! The BHYC tennis players competed against Juniper Point at both clubs on Friday, July 7, and were victorious,10-7. Another interclub match was held at CCIA on Thursday, July 13, and matches against Ocean Point, Juniper Point, CCIA, and Squirrel Island are on the horizon. “All players showed great sportsmanship, competed hard, and most importantly had fun!” said Chantalle, of the Juniper Point scrimmage.

The BHYC sailors are also packing in the fun, despite the seemingly endless fog that came at the beginning of camp this summer. Instructors Holden and Bobby worked with the beginner sailors who enjoyed a bit more of a breeze towards the end of last week, as well as a swim. The intermediate and “feva” sailors worked hard to prepare for the Battle of the Bay, which was the first or second regatta for many of the sailors. Sailing Director Chris Liberti said, “it was pretty awesome to see the smiles amongst all the learning, especially on Friday as they put it together for some practice races ahead of the regatta. Special thanks to Pearl Jane, one of our most experienced Opti sailors, for her help in showing everyone what it looked like”. The Battle of the Bay, which originated as a friendly competition between Christmas Cove Improvement Association (CCIA), Southport Yacht Club (SYC), and BHYC, has grown over the years to allow for eligibility to participate amongst all clubs. The trophy is a battered oar that began as one piece and has mysteriously been reduced to only half an oar over the years. More about the battle of the bay can be found in the sports section of the Boothbay Register.

BHYC’s Thursday team racing tradition is back and better than ever this summer. “It is pretty awesome to see the teamwork and watch our sailors explore a whole new component of the sport,” said Chris. On Friday afternoon, sailors headed to the Sheepscot River to celebrate Southport Yacht Club’s 100th anniversary. Chris said of the SYC sail, “...we were happy to be there to support our fellow sailors, help spark some rivalry and comradery ahead of the Battle of the Bay, and get a taste of sailing in the more open water ahead of the ‘Round Southport 420 Race to be sailed later this summer.”

Aside from the Junior Program, BHYC brings a plethora of events to its members this summer. The Tuesday Speaker Series continues this season with a wide variety of speakers on the schedule. Later this summer BHYC welcomes Jonathan Putnam, author of “A Lincoln and Speed Mystery,” and Colin Woodard, author of “American Nations,” along with many other interesting speakers. The Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club also offers a series of medical lectures to its members, as well as cruising events, live music, and more.