With my first two weeks at AYC behind me, I’ve barely been able to take a breath! It’s been extremely busy with the culmination of summer programs. I’ve always known Annapolis was a town for sailors – and the last two weeks have proven that reputation warranted.

The summer junior sailing program ended on Friday, Aug. 8 with a huge awards ceremony highlighted by Juan Carlos’ excellent video. The video will preserve the fun and accomplishments of AYC’s summer 2008 forever. When you run into Juan at the Club, make sure you say THANKS! Having Juan involved makes a huge difference in our program, he is one in a million!!!

You may have already heard that our accomplishments this summer on the national stage were tremendous: second in 420s at US SAILING Youth Champs with Joe Morris and Justin Doane, third at Opti Nationals with Alex Ramos, third at Bemis with Brady Stagg and Courtney Alexander, and currently (as I write this on the final day of the regatta) Scott Houck and Jack Ortell are in fifth at the 420 North Americans.

I understand we’ve been ripping it up on the local scene as well. In particular, I can tell you our Opti team rocks after coaching them at the Tred Avon Regatta. AYC sailors took home a lion’s share of the trophies. It is a true testament to how hard our junior team is working.

Exciting New Programs Planned for the Fall

The waterfront is alive and well with new programs popping up for the fall. Here are a few of the new programs that we will be running this fall (more info coming up on the website).

§ “Ladies Night Out” on Tuesdays - Come learn to sail, or sharpen your skills on the Club’s J/22s with a lesson and then a group dinner at the club. All included in one low price. Starts Tuesday, Sept. 9 and continues through Sept. 30.

§ Fishing Tournament – Late September, Details TBA - check the web.

§ Multi-Class High Performance Clinics - starting Sept. 14 going every other Sunday until November.

§ Junior Women’s Doublehanded 420 Clinic – Nov. 8-9; AYC will host an open junior women’s clinic with top coaches.

We are going to be very busy this fall. We’re already busy looking into winter activities and seminars, including hosting a US Sailing race committee seminar. So far, I’ve met many members who have given me great ideas for new programs. Please let me know if you have any program ideas for fall, winter, spring or summer.