Summer is decidedly here. Not only did it arrive with blistering temps this week, but the yacht club was bustling, most notably with several youngsters coming and going from the dock to the fleet of Opti’s and 420’s in the harbor.  

On Saturday, June 21, the annual BHYC dock party saw over 60 members come to tour member boats and enjoy a rare sunny Saturday. Boats ranged in size from 26-footers to 47-foot power and sail craft and were tied up at the dock for members to climb aboard and poke around. A buffet dinner containing a taco bar with pulled chicken and shrimp, as well as jerk chicken and other island delicacies and deserts followed, and the festivities harbinged all the good summer things to come in the weeks ahead. We are profoundly grateful for each and every one of them.   

Sunday, June 22, saw the first ever BHYC Marine Swap and Yard Sale, hopefully the first of many to come. It was a huge success. Open to the public, the event drew members and nonmembers alike who brought their marine gear of all shapes and sizes to sell or swap. Items that were contributed ranged from complete radar systems to an International 210 sailboat, outboard motors and a brand-new life raft. Antique nautical items were also available including brass running lights and a taffrail log system for measuring boat speed. The weather cooperated and the Junior program generously provided coffee, muffins and danish.  

The Junior Program kicked off Monday, June 23. Young sailors and tennis players from all over the peninsula began their BHYC summer on Monday morning with PFD’s, lunches, and tennis rackets in hand. On Thursday, June 26, the fleet received a blessing from the United States Power Squadron National Chaplain and BHYC Member William Wood. 

The BHYC Junior Program provides a full calendar of summer long tennis tournaments, sailing races and regattas, family adventure days, ice cream socials, themed nights, and an end of season awards dinner when the summer comes to a close. But that’s a long way off… For now, the fun has just begun and staff and kids are speckling the grounds of the Yacht Club in anticipation of summer on the Maine coast.  

The BHYC summer looks to be full with all the usual happenings and a few new ones. Our speaker series begins July 1 with Cindy Wade, president of MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital. She will be talking about the challenges and success of rural health care in today’s economic landscape. Other events coming up include the annual Scavenger Hunt on June 29, the riotous Battle of the Bay with Junior sailing programs from all over the state on July 6 (which also marks the start of the regular social raft-up and the beginning of the Commodore Cup series.) Please keep in touch here to keep track and call the Club with any questions.