Down East Yacht Club

Fri, 09/07/2018 - 11:45am

August is always a busy and enjoyable month for DEYC members. It begins and ends with fun on the water, which is what our club is all about.

Sunday, Aug. 5 was the kick-off for fun-filled August activities. Fifty DEYC members and guests were shuttled to beautiful Burnt Island on DEYC members’ private boats where they enjoyed a perfect summer afternoon and evening. The enjoyment was made possible thanks to our gracious hosts, Lighthouse Keeper Muise and his wife, Annie Muise (played by DEYC members Bob and Jean McKay) and two of their children (played by Azalea Bennett and Katie Cladis). The meal was of course beyond expectations. Two 20-pound turkeys cooked in a deep fryer as well as two large baked hams were featured menu items preceding a huge assortment of scrumptious deserts. To conclude the day, DEYC Commodore, Susan Pope presented Mrs. Muise with a generous check towards the Burnt Island Lighthouse Restoration Fund.

Next up, the Mini-Cruise, Aug. 16-19, is an annual event intended to accommodate some of the smaller vessels in our fleet which may not be suited for the 8-day Annual Cruise in July. The fleet stays closer to home, but still enjoys the beauty of our coastline and the great fun of sailing and boating together with friends. This also allows members to participate by land.

On Thursday, Aug. 16, some dozen or more boats gathered at the docks of Bittersweet Marina in South Bristol. Boats either found dockage or moorings provided by Bittersweet Landing Boatyard or anchorage west of Witch Island. At 1700 hours, members gathered on the docks of Bittersweet Marina for Cocktails and appetizers and a light meal provided by Osiers Wharf.

Friday, Aug. 17, the fleet moved to Round Pond Harbor where moorings were provided by Past Commodore George and Linda Masters. Most dinghies rafted together awhile before gathering on the deck at Round Pond Lobster at 1700 hours. Here, as is customary, everyone shared appetizers and enjoyed cocktails before ordering dinner from the restaurant’s menu.

Saturday, Aug. 18 was the last night of the cruise. Boats traveled to Greenland Cove a pleasant little harbor approximately 3 miles north of Round Pond past Ram Island. On this little piece of heaven on earth lies the residence of member hosts, Allen and Joyce Ivester, who graciously offered their home for the day’s activities. Once again, the fun club that we are, members enjoyed a beverage of their own choosing and a potluck dinner that would rival any of the weekly local public assemblies.

Sunday, boats cruised in all directions to their home ports having enjoyed a wonderful three days together on the waters of Midcoast Maine.

Saturday, Aug. 25 was the date for the DEYC Annual Meeting, held yearly at DEYC Headquarters, the Tugboat Inn in Boothbay Harbor. This is the time for the changing of the guard and completing Club business.

Commodore Susan Pope completed her term in office by providing a final report of another successful year. We are all indebted to Susan for her astute leadership, steadfast loyalty and inclusive approach to improving our wonderful Club. Thank you Susan!

The DEYC will be in the good hands of the new Bridge and Board of Directors for the 2018-19 term: Commodore, Steve Arkley; Vice Commodore, Dennis Hopkins; Rear Commodore, Ron Richardson; Treasurer, Jack Brenan; Directors: P/C Susan Pope, Barbara Gray, Richard Devries, Alice Thompson, Melanie Hodgdon, Ed Lawton, David Yetman, Jane Williams, Theresa Hamiltonand Bob McKay.

The last Saturdays of June, July and August are designated on our calendars as DEYC Day Tripper adventures, so immediately following the Annual Meeting several DEYC boats headed to Barretts Park in Boothbay Harbor for lunch. The ride thru Linekin Bay was delightful.