 Commodore's Corner
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Rainy, Windy, Cloudy, Blowy, Blustery, Dopey and Doc – are they the names of the 7 Dwarfs in Snow White, or the weather conditions this spring? I know I cheated and added the last two since I could not come up with two more weather words that fit (excuse me)!
What a spring. At least it is not the dreaded “S” word. I do recall a number of years ago when I was out sailing with one of our sons, it actually did snow on April 15! But not to worry, it will hit 98 in no time, what a great region of the country to live in! What’s the old saying “Chicken one day feathers the next”, oh well it’ll have to do.
I was reminded the other day of just that; what? “It’ll have to do”, that’s what. How’s that? you ask. Well I’ll tell you.
I was putting my boat in the water early this year, since I have another commitment in mid May. At the moment I stepped on board my thoughts were all about what a tough and cold winter we had and the spring was late as well. I felt her (the boat) moving under me and as I headed out into the Chesapeake again, my thoughts were all consumed by the demands of the vessel. Soon, I knew she was working right, all the gauges where at the proper operating level and no alarms were going off. As I was driving her around to the summer slip I realized just how wonderful it was to be out on my boat again driving through the bay feeling her roll under my feet to the rhythm of the water. I thought, “this is so great”, I really felt alive; the bay seems to bring that out in me (just like you, I bet). At that point, my thoughts were instantly transported to what I love about this place. Here I am doing what most would like to be doing, in an area that people from all over the world travel to experience. Does it get any better than that?
The words “Oh well, it’ll have to do” were forgotten in an instant!
What a great place to live and enjoy, are you with me on this? So a little snow and cold made it difficult for a month or two this winter, so what? I have come to the conclusion that’s the price I have to pay for enjoying the rest of the year in this beautiful place. And if it gets too difficult one can always drive to Florida for a week or two. Or, sit by the fireplace at the Club with an adult beverage of your choice and wish you had decided to drive to Florida.
Speaking of the club, I must congratulate everyone on standing tall and making dinner reservations, letting Mike know you were going to show up. That knowledge has made a big improvement in our food service preparation, staffing and costs. Therefore, with this ability to plan the club is not losing money serving lunches and dinners any more. It also helps keep the raw ingredients from not having to be frozen; we all know that makes it taste better. Good work and thanks for doing your part in this effort!
How many YC Members does it take to screw in a light bulb? Answer: 40 some! What?
Yes, well that’s how many showed up to do that and the many more projects that required attention at Spring Cleanup Day. They are all to be congratulated for volunteering, pitching in and getting your club ready for opening day and the season.
There were some well established members and a good mix of newer ones too. Plus some muscle knots (no doubt) to go along with some laughs.
I spoke to some ladies (who will go unnamed) that suggested next year they would hire one of their cleaning people to substitute for them. Sounds like the Army draft during the Civil War!
In all seriousness I wish to thank everyone that took their time away from whatever else they had to do and came out; the place looks great! Special thanks to Col. Heather Ransom for putting it all together and getting everyone to march to her cadence, left, right, left!
Well done, Heather it’s time to smile now!
I’ve got one other thing to discuss with you as the season opens, please take this in the positive spirit it is meant. We all know that as members you are not only permitted to bring guests but are encouraged to do so. It’s also a way to introduce new folks to our “little slice of heaven” on the Bay and attract new members. To that end, we would like to remind everyone that the club’s policy is, and for about the last 20 years or so has been, an annual three visits limit for the same guests; excluding family, of course.
The club does not have the ability nor do we want to keep records on members/guest visit activity; we leave that up to member discretion.
However, there seem to be a couple of non-members that don’t feel that membership is worth the cost of the dues. But, they continue to show up with different members on a regular basis. If these folks enjoy the food and company of club members so much, let’s ask them to join. While it is great that these folks are buying a meal, purchasing two or any number of dinners does not really pay the cost of our overhead. As an example, it takes $207 out of each membership’s annual dues just to pay for the required club insurance and property taxes. Don’t panic, we are working on that and hope to lower it as much as possible but as of this writing that’s the number.
Enough of the “straight talk” for now, I trust everyone (including guests) that shows up enjoys the club and what RHYC has to offer!
Be sure to check the club calendar and attend and participate in as many regattas and special events as you can fit into your personal schedule. It’s going to be a great season!
Here comes the Hazy, Hot and Humid days of summer; isn’t it wonderful? See you at the club.
Lee Urbani
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Easter Brunch
Members, their families and friends enjoyed beautiful weather and a scrumptious brunch that included scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, salad, fresh fruit, Easter Cookies and more on Sunday, April 5. There were 80 attendees.
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Annual Spring Cleanup - A Big Success
The Club’s Spring Cleanup was a Big Success thanks to 40+ members who showed up ready to work. The lists of tasks were ambitious but the volunteers were energized, skilled and self starters. There was water everywhere - 3 power washers going at one time - chairs, umbrellas, grills, siding, decks and bathrooms were touched by the “water wand”. Teams of painters attacked outside fences and sign posts throughout the grounds, while inside bathrooms received fresh paint.
The smell of cleaning products waft through the air: bathhouses and showers now sparkle, windows do too, and even the silver trophies were polished! Now for the odds and ends: tables assembled; dining room chairs repaired; outdoor furniture scrubbed white; toilet dispensers installed; toilet tanks repaired; wire mesh attached to the eaves of the pool house to keep birds out; and, don’t miss admiring the bell on the deck! A special thanks goes to member Beau Santa Maria. He was found in the pool house starting the equipment for another swimming season. He offers his professional services at no charge to the club and provides assistance throughout the summer season. Thanks for the "sparkle" Beau.
We are not yet done putting a new face on our old historic RHYC building and grounds. New ideas will be shared and certainly help to make it happen will be solicited.
Please accept my sincere gratitude for all those who came out to work, and not to worry there will be other opportunities for those who missed our FUN spring cleanup day.
Heather Ransom, House & Grounds Committee Chair
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Club Racing Schedule
Dyer Harris leading club racing this season!
Here's the club racing schedule for 2015:
Sunday, May 3
(Get out and sail day, check your boats out)
Sunday, May 24
Club Race 1
Saturday, June 6
Club Race 2
Saturday, June 27
Club Race 3
Saturday, July 11
Club Race 4
Saturday, August 1
Club Race 5
Saturday, August 22
Club Race 6
Sunday, September 6
Club Race 7
Saturday, September 12
Club Race 8
We need sailors of all ages, all skill levels, and in any sailboat to build club racing this season on Lankford Bay! These are low-key, fun, but skill-building races run by club members for club members.
If you need a boat, contact the RHYCSS, if you need a crew call Dyer. Come on out and join us this season for on-the-water fun and camaraderie.
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Sailing School Starts in June
Sign up now, classes are filling fast!
We have a great group of US Sailing certified instructors and a boatload of fun, new friends, learning sailing and seamanship, and more … all ready for this summer. Sign up now at www.rhycSailingSchool.org or contact Denise or Connie for assistance at 410-775-TACK
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Welcome Aboard!
Barbara and Earle Sandberg - Cedar Grove, NJ
Rob and Lauren Powelson - Kennett Square, PA
John Pia and Sue Sagers - Hockessin, DE
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Keels & Wheels
Classic Boat and Car Show
Saturday, May 2
10 am to 3 pm
Classic wood power and sailboats. Boats of special interest. Antique, Muscle, Custom and special interest cars.
And more!
Food and Beverage Tent
This free event will be held rain or shine!
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Opening Day Celebration and Kentucky Derby Party
Saturday, May 2
Opening Day Ceremony 4.30 pm
Kentucky Derby Party 5.30 pm
Hat contest after the race
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SUP and SUP –YOGA
We are lucky to have Julie coming back to RHYCSS this season for all of you that know you want to try Stand Up Paddling or want to return for more SUP-Yoga!
Here are the SUP offerings:
Saturday, May 30
10:30 – 11:30 am SUP Lessons for Beginners
12:00 – 1:00 pm SUP & Yoga
Saturday, June 27
10:30 – 11:30 am SUP Lessons for Beginners
12:00 – 1:00 pm SUP & Yoga
Saturday, July 11
10:30 – 11:30 am SUP Lessons for Beginners
12:00 – 1:00 pm SUP & Yoga
Saturday, Aug 8
10:30 – 11:30am SUP Lessons for Beginners
12:00 – 1:00 pm SUP & Yoga
More dates can be arranged as needed, just give us a call.
Julie is a, ACA certified SUP Instructor as well as a Registered Yoga Teacher, and she’s a great instructor and fun to learn with! Sign up for either or both classes.
One class is $25, both for $45 + rental fee. Signup form online or call 410-775-TACK.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Down River Race - Friday, June 19
RHYC One-Design Regatta - Saturday June 20 and Sunday, June 21
Summer Solstice Celebration - Saturday, June 20 at 6 pm
Hoedown Party - Saturday, July 25 at 6 pm
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Please watch your email for This Week at the Club to get updates and specials. And don't forget our Facebook page, website and club calendar!
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