This week marked the halfway point of the sailing program, which is a sad realization for many of our sailors. Although a bulk of the sailors started early in the summer, new sailors arrive each week. We would like to welcome Eli Rossi, Callie McCarley and Sophie McDonald.

The morning class had a lovely week of sailing. We were lucky to have beautiful sunshine and a breeze every day. For the Friday Fun Day, the kids ventured to Powderhorn in motor boats where they were able to swim, build sand castles, and explore the island.

The Optis had an exciting week of racing. The results of the race day were Sawyer Bates, 3rd, Ryan Peterson, 2nd, and Conner McWhan, 1st.

Afternoon 420s were able to fit in and numerous drills and two race days this week. Mondays work focused on starts while on Tuesday the sailors went through a series of spinnaker drills in order to practice raising, gybing, and dousing quickly. A light Southerly breeze and ripping tide in the Sheepscot River made difficult sailing weather for the Thursday race day. It ended with tie between two boats for first place: Dane Phippen and Abby Thress and Bryce Jacobs and Lily Quinn. Charlie Apolinski and Abbie Peterson took 2nd. On the Friday race day, there was only enough wind for one long race in between Cedarbush and Davids Islands. Bryce Jacobs and Lily Quinn earned 3rd place, Charlie Apolinski and Abbie Peterson took 2nd place, and Martha Rand and Sara Morrison landed 1st.

Thank you to everyone who came to the ice cream social on Thursday night. It was so successful that the chocolate ice cream was gone halfway through the night. Our next event will be Bingo on Thursday, Aug. 2.

Friday Fun Lunch brought morning and afternoon sailors together for camaraderie, cornhole, and chicken sandwiches. Although ages range from eight to seventeen, and competition during sailing can be fierce, we all share a love for the special little island and the beautiful seas that surround SYC. In the words of Robert Wyland, “The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul."