Southport Yacht Club
Our 100th celebration summer is proving to be one that we won’t forget easily. Although the fog came in around noon on Friday, that did not stop us from moving forward with our goal of getting 100 boats to gather on the Sheepscot River to honor the 100 years our yacht club has been operating. Gradually the fog cleared and we let out yells of excitement as we could see across the river. Not only did we assemble 100 boats, we assembled 113 boats! You could see people sidling up to each other’s craft and greeting each other much like you would see at a shoreside gathering. As we frolicked around the Cedarbush nun, we saw kayaks, paddle boards, dinghies, canoes, sailboats and motorboats, many of which were adorned with decorations. Special thanks to Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club’s sailing program for sending sailors and towing boats over to join us. Sailing Program Director Shannon Killian deserves a million thanks for amazing decorations and for encouraging so many families and friends to participate.
On Saturday morning our board shared progress and goals at our Member Meeting. It was another celebration as many individuals in the room have dedicated so much time to ensure the continuing success of SYC.
Saturday afternoon proved to be a light wind day but steady for the Norma Smith Turnabout Races. A total of seven turnabouts came out and were on the line. For the adults Chris Jacobs came in first, Dane Phippen in second, and Oliver Phippen came in third. For the kids Graydon Smith and Nathan Phippen came in first, Chapman Brinegar (in Dane’s boat) came in second and the Smith girls Taylor and Paige came in third.
While Saturday evening featured fog, fog and more fog during our sunset sail aboard the Pink Lady II, our hearts were merry and spirits were high as we left Pier 7 for the Reggae Cruise. We had a full boat and at least three generations of SYC members represented. Everyone enjoyed chatting and dancing to the sounds of the Dani Tribesman as we took in the salt air and foggy views of Squirrel and Burnt Island.
Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate for the “Round Southport” race on Sunday given the fog and very light air. This annual race between SYC and BHYC is a time-honored tradition racing for the prize of a decorated trash can. The trash can will stay at SYC for another year!
This weekend we will have the annual Seguin Island Trophy Race which will start at 11 a.m. on the Sheepscot on Saturday, July 15. Please sign up for the race using the Google form sent via email. Saturday evening will feature our annual Lobster Bake at 6.
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream! For at least 100 years one of the classic SYC afternoon turnabout sails has been to cross the Sheepscot to Five Islands, buy some ice cream, and then return. Sunday, July 16 at 1 p.m. is when the first ever SYC Five Islands Ice Cream Turnabout Race/Sail will be happening. It’s a “Race/Sail” because not only are racers welcome, but those who just want to participate in a supervised turnabout sail to Five Islands are also welcome.
Looking ahead a few weeks to July 29 is our 10th annual Rock the Boat 5K. This is a run/walk loop that has outstanding water views and watermelon at the finish. Winners of each age category get a homemade pie for a prize! Proceeds benefit the Southport Junior Yacht Club Sailing Foundation.
It’s been a full summer celebrating the history, community, friendship and family that embodies SYC – and it’s only July!