The Down East Yacht Club gathered at the Tugboat Inn in Boothbay Harbor on Saturday, Aug. 29 for its Annual Meeting, closing out a busy 60th anniversary season and welcoming a new Bridge to take the helm.

A warm DEYC thank-you goes to the Tugboat Inn and General Manager Bonnie S. Stover for the exceptional hospitality extended to the Club. The Tugboat has been a wonderful host and gathering place for DEYC for decades.

Fifty-six members attended the meeting—an enthusiastic turnout that reflected members’ understanding that their votes, opinions and participation are critical to the continuing health of the Club.

Outgoing Commodore Bob Ewing reflected on a year that demonstrated why DEYC has long called itself the “Fun Club.” The Club’s major gatherings—the Launch Party, Commodore’s Luncheon, July Summer Cruise, August Commodore’s Cruise, Annual Meeting and upcoming Haul Out Party—were complemented by Day Trippers, raft-ups, winter gatherings in Maine and Florida, an ice cream social, impromptu get-togethers and plenty of time spent together on and off the water.

It was a fitting conclusion to a milestone year. What began in 1966 as a small group of boaters has grown into a thriving organization whose traditions remain remarkably consistent: boating, friendship, volunteerism and a willingness to pitch in when another pair of hands is needed.

Fleet Captain Scott Warren reported on a particularly successful July Summer Cruise, with approximately 110 members and guests and 46 boats participating at various points along the Maine coast. He thanked Cruise Director Catherine Plourde, the Cruise Committee and the many members who helped make the cruise a success.

Membership Chair Beth Flaherty welcomed 19 new members who joined DEYC during the year, another encouraging sign of a healthy and growing Club.

Reports from the Bridge and DEYC’s numerous committees highlighted the substantial volunteer effort dedicated to maintaining the Club’s active status throughout the year. These efforts encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including planning cruises and social events, tending to the Woody Wagon, managing the Ship’s Store, maintaining the website and roster, preserving Club history, and communicating with members.

The Club’s growing commitment to the Boothbay community was also highlighted. The DEYC Scholarship Committee reported that its second $1,000 scholarship was awarded this year to Rose Campbell. The committee is now working toward sustainable funding that will allow the scholarship program to continue supporting local students for years to come.

A new watch takes over

Past Commodore Kristen King presented the incoming slate and conducted the oath of office. Steve Marin was installed as commodore, Terry Traver as vice commodore and Scott Warren as rear commodore. Incoming Commodore Marin announced Jeff Banger as fleet captain. Bob Ewing moves into his new role as past commodore.

Newly elected to three-year terms on the board of directors are Joe Comer, Mike Vocaturo and Ted Huger.

DEYC also extends its sincere thanks to outgoing directors P/C Sandy Young, P/C Joe Blake and Jay Hackett for their service to the Club.

As one watch ends and another begins, the Club also thanked the outgoing Bridge, Board, committee chairs and the many members and spouses who contributed their time and talents throughout DEYC’s 60th year.

Next up: Haul Out!

There is still one more big gathering before DEYC puts a wrap on the Maine boating season.

The annual DEYC Haul Out Party will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hodgdon South Port in Southport.

Expect a classic DEYC gathering: good food, the Woody Wagon, the Ship’s Store, old friends, new friends and plenty of stories from another summer spent on the Maine coast.

And you don’t have to be a member yet to get to know DEYC. If you know a DEYC member and have been wondering what the Club is all about, reach out to them and ask to join us at Haul Out. It is a great opportunity to meet members and discover the camaraderie that has kept the Down East Yacht Club going strong for 60 years.

Those interested in learning more about membership may also contact Michele Barter Ripley at admin@downeastyachtclub.com.

There is always something a little bittersweet about Haul Out. Boats begin disappearing from their moorings, daylight gets noticeably shorter, and conversations inevitably turn to winter storage and southbound plans.

But after 60 years, DEYC members know better than to confuse the end of the Maine boating season with the end of the social season.