Down East Yacht Club

2020 Summer Cruise
Fri, 08/14/2020 - 7:00am

Among the many beneficial aspects of DEYC membership are the frequent social activities, including great friends, enjoyable gatherings, and special time together on the water. As expected, the most popular events are those associated with “ On the Water activities. The “DEYC Summer Cruise” is undoubtedly the major event of the year, followed by the “Mini-Cruise” and the “Day-Tripper” Saturdays.

This writer was not able to join the cruise, therefore, much of this information is unfortunately “Author’s privilege.”

This year’s Summer Cruise was a great one. Fleet Captain, Brent Pope, and his committee; P/C Susan Pope, Laura and Bucky Reed, and Jean and Bob McKay, worked extremely hard to organize the cruise during an unprecedented time in our history. The committee designed stringent “safety protocol” to be followed at all times.

The 2020 Cruise was an opportunity for camaraderie over a week of “8 short hops” along the coast of Maine. Each Port of Call had a volunteer “Host Boat” who is responsible for port activities. Boats fly the DEYC burgee at all times and radios should be on at all times. VHF 9 Listening and hailing : VHF 16 Emergencies: VHF 68 Club Communications. Name tags are helpful at all events. The Fleet Captain flag will be flown. A “Morning Roll Call” is held each morning at 0800 hours on VHF Channel 68 for general announcements, weather updates from the Fleet Captain, and most likely, irrelevant words of wisdom from Ed.

2020 Ports of Call

July 10: Pre-Cruise Meeting, Luke’s Boat Yard

July 11: Peter and Beverly Edwards, Tenants Harbor/Long Cove

July 12: Ed and Nancy Gillis, Camden Harbor

July 13: P/C Joe and Brenda Blake, Stockton Springs Harbor

July 14: Mac and Barb Gray, Bucks Harbor

July 15: Dick and Nelda Keith, Seal Bay Vinalhaven

July 16: Chet and Carol Clarridge, Burnt Coat Harbor

July 17: P/C Bill and Anne George, Northeast Harbor

July 18: Cruise Committee, Winter Harbor

The weather as always plays a part in the schedule and some ports and activities were canceled. The following is a sample summary of the events (courtesy of cruise port hosts (please excuse my editing).

Brenda Blake: On Monday, July 13, 17 boats and 39 members DEYC fleet headed to Stockton springs from Camden. Upon Arrival we were warmly greeted by Dave Estes, the Stockton Springs harbor master who made sure we did not have to do a thing. Our supplies, including the stove and the “Clarridge pancakes” ingredients, were delivered safely to SSYC. SSYC member, Helen, had decorated the clubhouse nicely with lovely flowers and tablecloths. By 1700 hours F/C Brent Pope and P/C Bill George were serving libations. Meanwhile P/C George Hamilton and his partner in crime, Theresa were flipping shrimp and chicken quesadillas for the Mexican Quesadilla Party. Everyone assisted in the activities. As hosts we would like to thank co-hosts P/C George and Theresa Hamilton, Dave, Helen, and Commodore Davis for all their assistance. We watched the gorgeous sunset before retiring.

Barbara Gray: The DEYC cruise yachts ventured from Stockton Springs on July 14 and moored at Buck’s Harbor on a cloudy, cool, and intermittent rainy day. The dark clouds and dampened decks did not delay the 5:30 cocktail hour. All skippers and crews assembled on the Buck’s Harbor Marina’s dock for as always, wonderful appetizers and BYOB libations. The dock master/owner was welcomed and thanked . All returned to their own yachts for a dinner. Hope for a drier day was rewarded. As the following day dawned bright and clear, all cruisers set sail and auto pilots for Seal Bay.

Dick Keith: July 15; Seal Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Maine. The running of “The Dinghy Races” was great fun and all competitors were gracious. No need for the “Protest Committee!” My sister, Liz, had great time at the turning mark with F/C Brent Pope. I found some nice wild Maine mussels! My thanks to all for a great cruise!

Anne George: July 17; Northeast Harbor, as always is a welcome port for DEYC. This year we enjoyed a new restaurant in an old familiar place. The “Nor’easter” restaurant did us well with an awesome dinner. All port hosts were awarded “Thank you” gifts for a job well done. On Saturday we enjoyed our last cocktail party at the welcoming home of Bob and Cindy Robertson. Cruisers deported for diverse ports, including home.