Although the wind was pretty fickle and blustery on April 16th, six sailors had a great time on the water. The first race was won by Nancy Strite, 2nd Place Diana Sowers, 3rd Place Colleen Kennedy. The second was once again won by Nancy Strite, 2nd Place Colleen Kennedy and 3rd Place Diana Sowers. We were fortunate that only one sailor capsized and one decided it was not worth the effort and went to the dock. Once again Barbara Watson-Clapp shared her expertise.
Near perfect conditions on the 20th made for a great sail around Bird Island in front of the “Don.”' Sailors returned to the Club and with time to spare, sailed back around the island once again. This fun sail really was fun, especially so since the tide was in and no one ran aground. Another rare treat was the sighting of young pelicans at feeding time, roseate spoonbills and great blue herons. Other sailors were Captain Mary Jane Peabody, Martha Metcalf and Tricia Billings. Race Committee headed by Mary Robinson was Barbara Shaw, Mickie McMenimen, and Sue Lapp.
Safety Boat was manned by Steve Peabody, Barbara Watson-Clapp and Rick Sowers and Walt Shaw. We were privileged to have an extra dock hand, the grandson of Captain Mary Jane and Steve Peabody, Hudson Hilton.
The Chapel at the Pass-A-Grille Church was full to overflowing for the Memorial Service and Interment of Sue Lapp's mother, Nona Bolster, on the 21st of April. There were photos dating back many years, one taken at a camp in Michigan with Nona supervising a cabin full of teenagers, and dressed to the nines, including, of course, high heels. Young people loved to have her chaperone! Another beautiful day to remember a beautiful lady who made us all laugh so many times.
We were full to capacity as the 51' "Magic" set sail for a delightful afternoon cruise out of Dolphin Landing with Captain Dan Peretz. The afternoon sea breeze was delightful and seven or so dolphins were sighted close by. The first guest to take the helm was the husband of Susan Huff, Norm, followed by Wendy Savage, Kathy Johnson and Karen Aldrich. They all did a superb job.
On May 14, the Friendship Race was hosted by the Salty Sisters at Pass-A-Grille. This is a very special event commemorating the merging of the two Clubs in 2007. A unique perpetual trophy was dedicated to the women by Peggy Lonnon and her husband, Rick. All of those present received a lovely and very unique beaded sailboat necklace, hand-crafted for the occasion by Barbara Watson-Clapp.
There were eleven sailors on the water and conditions were a little slow at times, but otherwise it was just a perfect day. It was truly fitting that Ellen Pavone, a Salty Sister, won First; Carol Hansen, a Salty Broad, placed Second, and Broad Reacher Diana Sowers placed Third. Superb job, ladies! Other sailors were: Gina Bowden-Pierce, Penny Levin, Trisha Birkenstock, Charl Hadfield, Martha Metcalf, Tricia Billings, Wendy Savage and Jeanette Erb.
Race Committee that day was: Mary Robinson, Waldo Jones, Betty Sanders and Sue Lapp. Assisting on the dock were: Sigrid Lovald, Mickie McMenimen, Nancy Shrivers, Marilyn Wall and Captain Mary Jane Peabody (boat handler). Others present were Alice Emmett and guests Karen Aldrich and Diana Sowers' mom, Pat Whitescarver. Steve Peabody, Walt Shaw and Captain Mary Jane Peabody (she really does do it all!) manned the Safety Boat and Steve Emmett helped store prams.
Broad Reacher's General Meeting will be May 14th and later on that day, the ' End-of -the-Year' Party will be held at Captain Mary Jane's home and the spring FWSA meeting will be on Thursday, May 19th in Venice.
Several of our regular Junior Sailors have signed up for the Sailing Course at the Sailing Center -- this will be a great experience and we are fortunate to have this program available. Sailing is a lifetime sport and this is a great start for our youngsters to master the art and enjoy time on the water.
