The Southport Junior Yacht Sailing Foundation began last Monday, June 29, with seven newcomers bravely taking the chilly swim test. We are excited to welcome the new sailors, Kieran Mohindra-Green, Finn Uhrich, William Maddox, Cameron Bringer, Molly Brown, Hannah Hills and Elsa Poler. After warming up with a cup of hot cocoa, they joined the rest of the morning class in a successful first day of sailing. In the afternoon, the intermediate and advanced classes, consisting of turnabouts, Optimists, and 420s, took to the water for a fantastic first sail of the summer.

On Tuesday, June 30, the afternoon class elected their junior officers for the 2015 summer season. Max Freund will be serving as the junior commodore with Sally Apolinsky as the junior vice commodore. Tessa Houston was elected treasurer, and Kelley Phippen earned the position of secretary. Congratulations to the 2015 junior officers. We know you will do a great job.

Once the 420 class got back into the groove of sailing, they competed in an afternoon of racing on Thursday, July 2. After five races, Sally Apolinsky and Tessa Houston earned first place, Max Freund and Dane Phippen got second place, and Joe Hawley and Jason Goldsmith ended in third place.

Friday, July 3, was a busy day both on and off the water. The morning class competed in the annual Independence Day Challenge, consisting of events such as a water balloon toss, knot tying relay, bubble blowing contest, sailing and rowing relay, and the ever popular watermelon swim. The class was split into six teams for some friendly competition, and the Blue Team won overall.

In the afternoon, the Boothbay Harbor sailing program welcomed six of our Optimist sailors for a happy day of racing. We greatly appreciate their generosity and look forward to many more friendly races between the two clubs.

We look forward to another great week of sailing. Thursday, July 9, will be the program’s first family event, bingo. There will prizes for all ages, generously donated to us by the local businesses. The doors will open at 7 p.m. We hope to see everyone there!