As this column is being written, the third Lobster Run has not yet been completed. This 300 plus mile sailboat race from Stonington, Conn. to Boothbay Harbor occurs every other year. 2012 did not provide spanking winds: it was a slow race. Our own Ken Colburn at the helm of Apparition beat the odds dramatically by crossing the BHYC finish line, off Burnt Island, well ahead of his competitors. Several competing boats are still under sail, struggling for the finish line. The order of finish and more will be published in the Register next week. The process of managing this event in an orderly fashion takes a lot of talent and manpower. 18 volunteers from the Stonington, Conn. Yacht Club and the Corinthians along with BHYC members stand four-hour watches 24/7 at the finish line, in fair weather and foul. A communication center is in operation at the BHYC clubhouse, also 24/7. Many folks check in for hourly updates on how the race is progressing. Computers are monitored by volunteers 24/7, which report the exact position of each competing boat. It is a tribute to the three organizations in the manner it all happens so efficiently. PC Andy Holmes, PC Louise Holmes, PC John Chapman and Peggy deserve special recognition for their outstanding, sleep deprived, efforts to make it all happen.

The Lobster Run is an exciting BHYC event but then, much of what we do is exciting. Our weekly Thursday Night well attended soiree continues weekly as does the Men’s and Ladies’ Sailing programs, it is always a great thrill to watch the Kids in the Jr. Program improve their skills on the water and on the tennis court, and to watch the late afternoon sailboat races just off our mooring field. Bob and Joan Chase report that the Annual Golf Classic, which includes members from the Down East YC, Southport YC and the BHYC, was a howling success. During the happy hour and dinner at the BHYC clubhouse, awards were presented to Richard Gerstein and Pat Ridlon for closest to the hole, and to John McIntosh for the straightest drive –dead center on the fairway. Lo-net went to the foursome of Don and Janie Griffin and Bill and Bambi Holly who also had the Lo-gross on a net basis, beating out the foursome of Ann Wise, Ken Colbert, Maggie Newton and Bob Chase. The teams were awarded dinner at the Rocktide Inn and the Boothbay Golf Course. This is the third year that these local firms have supported the event and we thank them for their support. 

The hors d’oeuvres were prepared and served in elegant style last Thursday night by the folks from the Back Narrows part of town: Ellen Herman, Susan Haney, Sandi Hakanson, Bob Vawter, Melinda Welter, Carole LaFountaine, Jim and Mary Lou Newstead, Cotty Peabody, Betty Barker and Leigh Anne Farnell – they were great – Thank You. 

Lynne Nordoff, who, I found out last week was a cheerleader just a few short years ago, leads a book discussion group, which is concentrating on the World War II years. Check with George Whitten, John Druce and Dr. Ed Gibson for some of their experiences during that war. They were in the thick of it. They had a successful book sale: the proceeds went to the Junior Foundation. 

Check out the colorful poster at the BHYC entrance describing the Sizzling Summer Soiree which is a new approach this year. The dress is casual and we are to be sure we bring our dancing shoes. I suspect that this party originated in the fertile mind of Cynthia Edwards and it will be great one. Cynthia says that the hors d’oeuvres will be SUMPTUOUS with a return to D.J. Chuck Brady. The date is August 18. Jitterbug anyone?