letter to the editor

Congratulations BHYC sailors

Mon, 09/06/2021 - 2:15pm

Dear Editor:

I want to compliment Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club sailors (and their parents). Skipper Arden Carleton, Piper Carleton, Toby Clarkson and Otto Schoenthal had a remarkable performance at the 2021 Sears Cup in Marblehead. None had competed at the national level, yet they won two of eight races in the stiffest Sears Cup competition in a decade.

The BHYC team was always in the hunt except for one race. You could also tell they were well coached as the kids remained calm through the series and knew the boat more than most. With the help of boat owners in the area, the kids practiced on a Viper and a J80 (sport boats) before the event. They sailed in Marblehead for the NOOD regatta two weeks before. That’s how its done! Great coaching.

Skipper Arden is a fine helmsperson with good tactical sense. Not sure who was trimming but they must have been fast too! It was great to see these sailors and talk to parents Deanna Clarkson and Molly Carleton again. Boothbay should be proud of these sailors and this accomplishment. They can do even better should they try again next year in Michigan.

They also made friends with the Hawaii team who finished right behind in 5th place. I recall one of the Boothbay sailors saying something like, “Makani was so helpful in showing us how to get the boat moving in light air.” Whether the quote is word for word is less important than the certainty of the sailing friendships made across the country.

Most impressive about the BHYC team was their demeanor on shore. They are well spoken, poised, good sports and cheerful. BHYC can be proud to have these sailors represent the members and the state of Maine.

I spoke to Isleboro’s Mike Horn a few days ago. Mike was the 1990 Boothbay team’s coach for the Sears Cup. He’s retiring from coaching this year, no longer able to coach. Know that both of us are proud of your accomplishments at the Sears Cup.

Four people deserve behind the scenes acknowledgement. Past Commodores Andy Holmes, Eric Hakanson and Tony O’Neill sought to upgrade the junior program, and along with Jim Hunt, got a million dollar Sailing Center built in 2017-18 where these sailors can sail from mid-March into November.

Congratulations on a fine regatta!

Charles Barclay

Sailing Director

Houston Yacht Club