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Randy Whitney
Fleet Captain
Ahoy! Before we all know it, the summer of 2009 will be in full swing. If you have been a faithful reader of the CYC Newsletter, you are well aware that, even though the windows at the Club are shuttered in the off-season, a tremendous amount of effort still goes on in preparation for activities that we all so enjoy. Please take a moment to review some important updates below; mark your calendar!
CAYSP, the Junior Sailing Program, under the very capable guidance of Sue Conover, is fully staffed and equipped for our younger sailors. We are lucky to have a strong and solid team returning to instruct this summer. During the mornings, for the beginning and basic sailing classes, Eleanor Conover, Brydon Mitchell and Lizzie Mitchell will be guiding our youngest and newest sailors into the world of boating. All three of them have been sailing for many years and will surely bring upbeat energy and security to our new sailors as they are brought out onto the water.
Working along side of them, is the very competent and enthusiastic crew of four including Andrew Beauchesne, Camille Conover, Alexander Liem and Marnie Merrill. These four will also plug into the Rowing class, designed for ages 6 and 7 and led by Nina Jones, a Camden local who is often found around the harbor on all kinds of boats. We have two steady and caring apprentices, Jack McGuire and Spencer Bienvenue, who will be ready to help in any way possible.
The afternoons will bring Brydon to lead the 420 racing class. She will be practicing with the class in the harbor daily as well as coaching at regattas state-wide and throughout New England.
Lizzie will take on the Optimist Racing class and will be traveling to races as well. The intermediate sailing class will see new faces to the yacht club but all are local sailors who are excited to share their love for boating. Jen Andrus, Steve Pixley, Gabe Finkelstein and Heather Wyman will work this class on a rotating basis.
Our crew of four from the morning will be plugging into this class as well. David Beauchesne will be standing by to teach the Introduction to Racing class. Eleanor will be there to guide us all through each afternoon. We are very happy to offer such a diverse group of instructors. Each come with their strengths and are ready to work hard and long to bring their excitement with sailing to others.
New this summer is a pilot program with Otolith Day Camp of Camden, providing a full-day of activity in conjunction with CAYSP afternoon sailing classes. Please visit www.otolithed.org /summer for more information about this full-day offering.
Three Optis are on their way to add to our fleet making a total of 17! A new/slightly used 420 will arrive in June bringing that fleet to a total of 8 boats.
A women's seamanship course is being offered this summer. It is a four-day intensive course, held August 3-6. The first two days will be based at CYC and then the group will prepare for an overnight. This will be taught by two very competent sailors, Ry Hills and Meredith Currier. This course is limited to ten students, however there still is room to sign up. Don't miss this opportunity in your own backyard!
The annual July 4th (held on Friday, July 3rd) boat parade will be held in the morning and based out of the yacht club. The Island Party is scheduled for July 16th. Awards night will end the season on August 14 and is a great way to celebrate all the learning and hard work during the summer. All are invited and welcome to any of these fun-filled events.
A reminder to members, if you are interested in signing up for sailing this summer with CAYSP, please go to www.camdenyachtclub.org website, sailing link and learn about all the options. We look forward to seeing you at the yacht club!
CYC Cruise is scheduled for August 7-9, or longer, if you wish. Aaron Henderson is the chairperson/skipper of this weekend.
King of Spain Race Series, while thwarted by poor weather last year, will be held July 11 and August 15. Start times will be a bit later, 1:30-2PM, to hopefully secure the best wind conditions. Please note that on August 15th, there will be a dinner and award ceremony after the race that night, open to all members. All Adult Sail Racing awards will be given out then.
The Camden-Castine Race will be held on August 1-2 this summer. Volunteers are needed! No experience necessary. If you can follow directions, want to have fun, and want to support big boat racing on the coast of Maine..."Come on Down!" We sure need your help.
The J24 series will start up soon, right after Memorial Day weekend. Start times are at 5:30pm, each Thursday, right through to Labor Day week. Again, Race Committee volunteers are needed to run these races. Pete Conover is Fleet Captain for the J24's. It is our hope to run PHRF races along with the J24's; same Race Committee, different course. If you are interested, let me know.