From our “stringer” Greg Shea (aka the Fleet Captain) comes this report: “The 7-day July Cruise to Casco Bay was blessed with wonderful weather and calm seas. Eleven boats participated with a total of 26 people involved. At the end of the cruise, three vessels headed south for some time at Wentworth by the Sea and the Isles of Shoals. Next up will be the August Cruise, which is heading to Penobscot Bay and Mount Desert Island for two weeks.”

We understand that all of Greg’s paychecks for his contributions have failed to reach his desk, yet he remains a faithful contributor!

Last Friday night was a memorable one, at least in the home of one member family. For two years, the “Friday Night Feast Drawing" has been held and never a winner. Last Friday broke the rule and Don and Claire Tomlin were the lucky recipients of a $500 dining room gift certificate to be used this summer. This week the prize goes back to $300 and will increase every week thereafter by $50 until there is another winner. Great to be new members and to win in the same year.

Foundation Cup Regatta

Sunday afternoon was the running of the second annual Foundation Cup Regatta, held on a beautiful afternoon with favorable racing winds. Directed by club pro Jeff Hankins, 12 boats crossed the staring line in two divisions, Racing and Cruising. Patti Berger at the helm of Wildfire, a Boothbay Harbor One Design, took top honors in the Cruising Division. Patty’s crew included sailors Hazel Downs, Maya Downs, Ava Downs and Paul Faulstitch. Second place went to Panache, sailed by Rear Commodore Bob Scribner with aide Ken Culbert and juniors Eleni, James, Sophia, and father Christopher Caprio and Sara Gray.

In the Cruising Division, Bill Hunt and his family, including wife Heidi and daughters Caroline, Tyra and Tove, took the honors in his J80, Firebolt. Second place went to another J80, Breakaway, skippered by Chuck Koch.

In all 32 junior sailors joined the older generation to get the experience sailing big boats and to raise funds for the Junior Program Foundation. It was a highly successful event and promises to grow in future years. Other boats participating were Carol Matwiczyk in C Fever, PC Tony O’Neill in Cynara II, the Baker family in Allegrisa and Sally Smith in her Hinckley sloop Priscilla. In the Racing division Charles Barclay sailed Pirouette, and Butch Minson came all the way from Castine to sail Cats Paw. We thank all for participating.

Monday night the Junior sailors had a chance to race in their 420s with one of their parents as crew. Reports are that the parents can’t figure out how the kids can move around so easily on such a small boat. Following the race the juniors and their parents enjoyed a potluck supper and talent show.

Sunday night was a busy one in the dining room as well, as both the tennis folks and the bridge group had a cocktail event followed by a buffet dinner.

On Saturday the One Designs are sailing to Linekin Bay. Instructions are to meet at the Tumbler buoy at 12:30 p.m. if you want a leisurely sail or 1 p.m. if you want to race. All will join at BHYC following the sail for camaraderie, prizes, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and ice cream for the smaller crews. Tie up at the dock or pick up a free mooring during the cocktail hour.

On Saturday, July 23, any member is invited to participate in a Schooner trip on Casco Bay. The itinerary includes the Casco Bay Islands, the port of Portland, and commentary by the ship's crew. Please call the club office to reserve space.

On Thursday, Aug. 20, members are invited to participate in a tour of the Back Cove Yacht building facility in Rockland. Back Cove and its sister company Sabre are the largest yacht manufacturing company in Maine. Members are invited to participate in this tour without charge but reservations must be made by calling the office prior to Aug. 1.

Next Sunday Jim Hunt will offer an amazing presentation as the next in our Sunday Dinner series. As a former officer in the U.S. Navy, Jim has long been interested in the ships that take sailors to sea in combat roles. Combine this with his long-time residence in the Boothbay region and the result is a well-researched and documented chronicle of the history of wooden ships in World War II along with the part the men and women of the Boothbay region played in the war effort.  

There were five major yards in the region that built boats during the war and four are still in existence. Dozens of craft were built in the region during the war, including sub-chasers, rescue boats, tugboats and mine sweepers. Call the club to make your reservation. We are limited to 72 participants.

Next Wednesday, July 22, is the annual Golf Outing and Dinner. Again, please call for reservations. Details are available from Byron Borst.