Saturday, Sept. 15 was marked on the DEYC calendar of events as the final official gathering of the summer season, the annual Haul-Out Party.

On this day, Joe and Gary Blake and families, owners of Blake’s Boatyard and long-time members and past officers of DEYC, graciously opened their premises to the Down East Yacht Club as they have done for many years. On this lovely afternoon over 200 members and guests enjoyed sharing stories, jokes, laughter, camaraderie, delicious food provided by Lisa Hallinan Catering and plentiful drink courtesy of the legendary “Woody Wagon,” the club’s traveling tavern.

Our newly elected commodore, Steve Arkley, introduced 12 of our 25 active past commodores who were able to attend, showing their lasting relationship with the Down East Yacht Club. The presence of John Barsomian, Joe Blake, Amy Goodwin, Bill George, Tim Parker, Susan Pope, Dave Quist, Win Russell Jr., Woody Thompson, Bob Wheeler, Dick Wood and Sandy Young added ceremony, tradition and cheer to the party.

Following a standing ovation to the past commodores, Commodore Arkley introduced the new bridge; Vice Commodore Dennis Hopkins, Rear Commodore Ron Richardson, Treasurer Jack Brennan, and new members of the board of directors, Jane Williams, Bob McKay, Theresa Hamilton and Richard DeVries. Club members were urged to communicate openly with members of the bridge and board of directors. And as is common practice of the club, new members since the last DEYC meeting were introduced and presented with DEYC burgees. John and Helen Leddy, Dewey and Anne Harris and Larry Mintz and Julie Ladouceur were welcomed with a warm applause. The popularity of the DEYC is evidenced by the continued flow of new applications.

The calendar of events for the upcoming year promises another “fun uear!” Fleet Captain Bob Ewing promised members that plans for next year’s “cruise” are well underway. Members were reminded of the upcoming monthly off-season gatherings held at members’ private homes both in Maine and Florida.

The voluntary cooperative atmosphere was once again evident as many members joined in the clean-up effort following last call. Thanks again to the Blake families for their generosity.