It’s August, and that means that it’s time for the mostly-annual Solo Cup Turnabout Race started by Dr. Hugh Snyder. It’s never listed on the calendar and always happens on a weekday. Usually our members have a couple days’ notice to prepare. This year Oliver Phippen took the win, and was awarded and actual red solo cup adorned with an SYC burgee and a Sharpie-emblazoned “1st Place.” 

Maggie Doyle, our Junior Sailing Commodore, had asked for 100 donated baked goods for last Thursday’s BINGO to commemorate the Centennial year of SYC. There were actually 114 donated baked goods! They sold out of bingo cards and had a wonderful evening. THANK YOU to all who came and played bingo, and of course to those who baked and donated all the goodies! 

SYC was a busy place on Saturday, starting with our Annual Meeting at 9:00 a.m. including a recap of the Centennial summer’s activities.  At noon the SYC campus was crowded with members and friends recalling Reverend Kit Sherrill’s life and his generous spirit. The luncheon sponsored by the Sherrill Family included a reading of a proclamation from the State Legislature recognizing Kit’s many contributions to the community.

It was a beautiful day in Cozy Harbor and Saturday afternoon included the Mark Island Open Race. There were 5 total boats that entered. Four Rhodes 19's and 1 Sonar. The wind was a bit shifty and as usual, the tides played a particularly big role in the outcome. In first place was Chris Jacobs followed by second place with Rachel, Kelley, and Oliver Phippen, and in third place were Jason Harrington and Chris Uhrich. Sadly, our Sunday David’s Island Turnabout races ended up being called off due to lightning and some rain in the area.

Saturday evening the SYC grounds were filled again for the ever-popular Beer Tasting. Past Commodore Geoff Chatterton offered informed commentary plus a special beer that he brewed for the SYC Centennial that was a hit with the crowd.  It included hops whose names started with S - Y - C, with the final hop being the very appropriate Centennial Hops! (S = Simcoe, Y = Yakima Chief Magnum, C=Citra & Centennial)  Thanks to Geoff and the Chatterton Family for hosting this annual favorite. We also recognized many past sailing instructors who were present for the Alumni Instructor Reunion, swapping stories with colleagues while enjoying a taste of summer ales.

Looking ahead to this weekend we have the Junior Banquet at 6:30 pm at SYC. All sailors, families and members are invited to attend. The more, the merrier! We all look forward to the awards, summer recap, fantastic slideshow documenting the summer adventures and an ice cream sundae. This year’s sundaes will be served in personalized take-home cups to remind attendees about the Summer of 2023. There is no cost to attend the Banquet but we need a head count. Please email Nancy@thenutshellmilton.com with your family name and number attending. 

Saturday night is the Commodore’s Closing Reception at 6:00 pm. As we wrap up our Centennial Summer, we will reflect on SYC’s first century and look forward to charting our course for the next century. We will say farewell to many of our members who are closing up cottages and heading home in the next few weeks. Please bring a bite to share if you’re able.

Next up for SYC members is the Labor Day Potluck on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. 

I’m signing off for this summer and while it’s always hard to put the finishing touches on a great time on Southport, it’s a comforting thought to know that we will be back for another great summer in 2024.