Weekends at the ranch

David Hazlehurst on Thursday August 7, 2003 03:16PM

Another day, another dollar. Another month started off with a bang Friday August 1, with a Board meeting at the club and a reception for new members. Some 55 people stayed for dinner, and it was good to meet partners and newcomers who have not used the club as much as our hard core members. Hopefully they all enjoyed their new found friends and will come back regularly. Saturday Sam and Nancy Stoakley did a great job hosting the racers after the Cruising Regatta. The 14.5 mile race with a staggered start was masterminded by Chip Hall, and after it was all over Commodore Cole finished in second place, helped immeasurably by the loan of a well trained crew member, Robert Jureit, who joined the club as recently as June.

Sunday started off quietly, but by noon we were way beyond starting white caps. So much so that David Porter, who relishes heavy air, held back until the wind speed fell back into the teens. We suspect he may have been nursing his second new hip, but expect to see his transom this coming weekend if you sail a Laser. The Junior shed was a hive of activity with Jay Buhl and Melanie Clore most noticeable amongst others getting boats ready for the Annual Regattas this coming weekend and next Tuesday. Other notables were Chris Jankowski, his wife Maria and two children, also members since June. Chris was working avidly with his new found crew, Alex O'Toole, on his Jet 14 for the upcoming Nationals in Annapolis. Later our first visitors for the Annual One Design Regatta arrived, five Albacores, staying over after sailing at Ware River.

There's good news and bad news on our head coach, Melanie Clore who has made a wonderful impression on our Junior program this summer. She will be teaching in Lancaster County starting at month end, so will not be far away. The bad news is that August 12 is her last day. She is however willing to make herself available for private lessons until school starts. More about that later in an e-mail to the membership. Ironically she has had at least as many calls for help from members this past week as she has had all summer. Perhaps some parents have recognised what a good thing they have missed.

For the Rip Van Winkles amongst us we must remind them this coming Saturday and Sunday we will be holding our 64th Annual Regatta. And on Tuesday,August 12 we will be holding the August Junior Regatta. A Notice of Race is posted in the Sailing Events book with Kelly O'Toole as Social Chair. Y'all come out and race!

Weekends at the ranch

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