Posts for December 2020

Jim is currently FBYC's Long Range Planning Committee Chair.  He's as colorful off the water as his boat is on.  Here's his story:

"It all began in 1983 when a group of us at Virginia Tech decided to charter a sailboat for spring break.  One of us had some experience so our band of misfits sailed a Morgan 44 OI to Bimini in the Bahamas. (Can anyone ID Jim in this photo?)  It was my first sailing experience of any kind.  It's amazing how much beer fit under the settees in that boat,  Some years later, I bought my first boat in 1990, a 27' Jeanneau Fantasia with the intent of family sailing and didn't think about racing until Brooks …

From our much loved Chaplain and FBYC Honorary Member Doug Anderson:

During this holiday season of both tremendous stress and great hope, I am mindful of the gifts that don't go under the tree. These gifts are often priceless and just as often, cost very little.  They seldom have to be wrapped, but most often are. You and I are the gift givers,  as well as the recipient of many of these gifts.  We, you, are the wrapping, and it is your time, talents and your service that is the substance of your gifts to us all.

As members of FBYC we are in a community of gift givers and gift receivers. Whether you know it or not,  you are …

We are planning to dispose of all remaining abandoned boats in the Laser racks next to the Junior Shed. The old racks will be disposed of as well, and new storage for the club’s 420s will be installed. While the “Laser Graveyard” has a certain rustic appeal, we will end up with a much neater and useful space.

Unclaimed Lasers are available for club members to take, but must be removed from property by December 13^th. Please note that these boats are going to need a lot of work and most have hull integrity issues.

Please contact Jason Angus (jangus@hilbgroup.com) or Mark Wensell (mark.wensell@gmail.com) if you would either like to claim one or …

Winter decommissioning is well underway. 

We have winterized Mr. Roberts, closed the Bathhouse, and shut off the water to the docks, ramp and yards.  Jackson Creek Docks' power will remain on.  

The Clubhouse will be closed down by Friday, December 11.  Unfortunately, the Clubhouse will be closed until ceiling work is complete.

Fannie's will remain open all winter.  The front door will remain locked for security purposes.  But you can access the building through the key-coded porch door on the Jackson Creek side of the building.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions and stay warm.

- Brian Ankrom

Even though "real sailors" are still out on the Chesapeake's waters, many of us spend the winter to regroup, work on boats and plan for the next sailing season.  So now's a good time to share some stories about your board of directors, especially for new members. 

We start with our club historian, George Burke.  

George, wisely, embraced his wife Lyon's, childhood love of sailing.  Lyons had sailed at the Hampton Yacht Club as a junior, but George didn't step aboard a sailboat until he was 40 years old.  Long-term FBYC member Tony Sakowski, invited him to crew on a one design boat and taught him the fundamentals of sailing. They soon became members, initially to teach their two children …

While some were eating turkey or putting boats to bed, other members were keeping our club looking beautiful.  Especially during the winter months, there's always work to be done.  Whether it's clubhouse cleaning, dock repair or lawn clean-up, there's always something to be done.  Thanks to Susan Roberts and Margaret Montgomery for ushering in fall at FBYC.

Now on to winter!