Commodore’s Message
Juniors and Wednesday Night Racing Wrapping up Great Summer; Race Committee Gearing up for Fall
by Peter J.D. Gordon
The summer yachting season is quickly drawing to an end and the weather has provided excellent sailing and cruising conditions throughout the Chesapeake Bay. Now we may look forward to racing and cruising in the fall with brisk breezes and the changing of colors. Please take a look at the calendar since there are many activities to bring you to the Club.
The Entertainment Committee, chaired by Jeff Wagner, regularly considers new events for our members. On Sept. 25, we are bringing back the Golf Tournament at Hunters Oak. If you have additional ideas for consideration please give him a call.
Junior Fleet Summer Program Includes Participation by 350 Sailors
I had the privilege to attend and present awards to the sailors that participated in the Junior Fleet program this summer. The participation level is very gratifying with 350 sailors involved in the program and an average of 75 sailors attending every day. The new Creek Critters program was very successful and a joy to see five to seven year olds learning to enjoy playing with boats.
In the course of the summer, the various competitors participated in fifteen 420 regattas, two I 420 regattas, and fifteen Optimist regattas. The coaches were excellent! The video of the Summer Program reflects the wonderful opportunity all of us are providing to share our love of the water. Copies are available at the Front Desk, or ask the staff to play it for you on the second deck.
The Junior Fleet program started in 1948 and, this year, we were honored to have several past participants and recipients help with the major awards. Jimmy Scott, 1962 winner, gave out the Bill Bennett Memorial Leadership Award. P/C Art Libby and his crew, 1953 winners, awarded the Penguin One Design Award.
I want to recognize Arthur Libby, chair of the Junior Fleet, and his committee along with Jay Kehoe, Waterfront Director, for the effort they have made to make this a great summer program.
Wednesday Night Series Coming to an End and Awards Ceremony Scheduled for Sept. 16
The series started with some difficult weather conditions and is ending with exceptional evening races. Bobby Frey and the Special Events Race Committee are to be congratulated for organizing this very special activity for the Club and the City of Annapolis. Over 125 boats with their skippers and crew actively participated in the races.
I also want to recognize the participation of the Cruising Committee for actively providing many of the signal boats for hosting the Race Committee.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.
Race Committee Ready for Fall
The Race Committee is ready for a very busy fall schedule starting with the CBYRA Regatta over the Labor Day weekend and leading to the Fall Series in October. Take a look at the race calendar and sign up.
AYC Recognized for Clean Marina Award at Luncheon
The State of Maryland recognized the Annapolis Yacht Club for achieving the certification as a Clean Marina. We were one of 12 new "clean marinas" recognized at a luncheon held at the Club. The certification recognizes the adoption of environmentally friendly practices such as installing rain gardens to treat polluted stormwater and educating boaters on preventing fuel spills. The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative has 139 certified facilities or 23 percent of the facilities in the State.
I want to thank Julie Winters, Chair of the Environmental Issues Committee, and the staff for making this possible.
Well, that’s it for this month. If you have concerns, questions, or thoughts concerning the Club please contact me at
petergordon@gordoninvestment.com
Peter Gordon
Commodore