High Tidings May 2023

A bit of levity at the Spring Cleanup with Rear Commodore Len Van vLiet and fleet Captain David Chan

Upcoming Events

• Tuesday May 2, 6:00 pm – Activities Meeting at NCYC

• Wednesdays ongoing, 6:00 pm – Grill Night at NCYC

• Wednesday May 3, 6:30pm – Outer Light Planning Committee Meeting at Myrcene Brewery

• Thursday May 4, 5:00pm – Jr. Sailing Committee Meeting at NCYC

• Saturday May 6, 9:00 – Work party to put up flagppole at NCYC

• Saturday May 6, 6:00 pm – Kentucky Derby Party at NCYC

• Saturday May 13 – Launch Service begins: check Club calendar for days and times

• Thursday May 18, 6:30pm – Offshore Racing Skippers Meeting at NCYC, including Thursday Night Racing, Belle 8, and Outer Light

• Sunday May 21, 4:00 pm – NCYC 54th Commissioning, arrive by 3:30

• Wednesday May 24, 6:00 – Cruise Meeting at NCYC. Optional:Come at 5:00 for Happy Hour/Grill first.

• Friday May 26, 6:00 pm – Friday Night Social, Moe’s Fajitas at NCYC

• Saturday May 27- Monday May 29 – Memorial Day Mini-Cruise

Commodore Remarks

Boating season has arrived!

There was a wonderful turn-out for the Spring Clean-up on April 15! So many members showed up and got the Club ready, inside and out, for the upcoming season. Special thanks to Bob and Cathy Murphy for organizing and implementing a thorough re-do of the gardens, including taking out the rotting lumber in the parking lot planted areas and installing good-looking concrete block in their stead, sprucing up the planting containers and pruning and/or removing leggy shrubbery. Inside, everything that needed to be outside was moved outside and a thorough cleaning of the Club interior was implemented. We have such great volunteers and their willingness to pitch in is greatly appreciated.

The initial raising of the flag pole

Great to see many of you at the Spring Meeting. We had a quorum and the minutes will be posted on our website, northcoveyc.com. Add a link on your browser because thanks to our Web Master Jon Mason, that’s the best place to find updated club information and anything you want to know about NCYC.

A work party to lower, assemble and raise the flagpole, plus launch the whalers was originally scheduled for April 29th. Due to weather, however, it has been postponed to Saturday May 6th at 0900.  We will need eight to ten able-bodied seamen to achieve this. There are also a couple of grounds items we can wrap up. Watch your email for updates. 

The membership photo board pictures are a bit faded so we would like to update this. I know everyone likes their ten-year-old+ younger smiling faces–and we tried! But finding all the digital records is not possible. So, please send an updated smiling “head and shoulders” shot to our photo board chair.  Below is her request:

I am updating the membership board at NCYC. The membership board is particularly helpful to the stewards for identifying members. Members also reference it when at the club. Would you please e-mail me one photo of yourselves in landscape format and I will get it printed for the membership board. The board was created with space that is 4x3 for each photo. Meaning the photo is wider than it is tall. Thank you very much. 

Kathy Reddington  email: creekers@comcast.net

So…… looking forward, our next waypoint is the Kentucky Derby party Saturday May 6th at 1800. Do your research, pick your favorite three-year-old Thoroughbred, get your derby hats, and join us at NCYC’s version of Churchill Downs!

Following that is the club’s 54th Commissioning ceremony on Saturday May 21st at 1600 with appetizers and adult beverages to follow. Please plan to arrive ahead of time at 3:30pm because the festivities will start promptly. Anyone arriving late will miss out on this unique tradition.
Thanks to Dean McChesney, a hard copy of your club yearbook will be available at the Commissioning. I’ll again point you to the “members only” section of our website northcoveyc.com where you can see an online version.  

Thank to efforts of Dan Ferrier and Chris Bazinet, we have our night-time signal lights installed on the east side of the building above the NCYC letters. This is a yacht club tradition for yachts entering a harbor at night to be able to identify the location of the club and in some busy harbors there can be more than one club. Our colors are Blue-Yellow-Blue matching our burgee.   The lights were previously installed on the heavy aluminum flagpole but we did not want to drill holes and run cables in our new fiberglass pole and so chose to mount them on the building. 

Finally, the new IPE deck with cable railing is nearly complete and coming in under our BOG approved budget. The BOG has a sub-committee exploring purchase of new tables and benches for the deck that will match and be an upgrade from our current picnic tables.

Best of luck with your boat preparations.  Hope to see you at the club and on the water!

The Sea is calling,

Lou Vinciguerra, Commodore

Membership

The Membership Committee is working on several membership packages.  If you have anyone who is interested in hearing about membership in North Cove Yacht Club send their contact information to Membership Chair Caroline Miller (c.d.miller@comcast.net)

And posted to Membership: 

Tim and Debbie Matson

Old Saybrook, CT

Debbie: Executive Coach

Investment Management:  Semi-Retired / NT Designer

Proposed by:  Caroline Miller

Support letters:  Pavlos, Tuzzio, Paulson

Children: Jessica (24)

Boating: Tim has sailing and some racing experience.

Skills/interests:   They are interested in getting involved in sailing and meeting like-minded people.  They enjoy socializing and organizing dinners.  They look forward to helping to improve the Club. 

Jr. Sailing

Join us for a special Junior Sailing Committee meeting on May 4th at 5pm at NCYC!

Questions? Contact Melissa Mason.

Activities

 HERE WE GO!

The club started strong with our first in-house event, The Spring Meeting After Party!  Once again, members out did themselves with the fantastic food!  It was so good to be together with old friends and to meet new members! People even took advantage of the beautiful new bar!!  As a new Events Co-Coordinator I learned some valuable lessons about TEAMS. A HUGE shout out and thank you for the Vinciguerra Family, Linda Tuzzio and Kathy Reddington for getting to the club early and setting up. Also a big thanks to Lisa Elliot for helping with the kitchen. That was hugely appreciated!

Next meeting:  MAY 2 @ 6

Where: NCYC

EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO COME AND JOIN IN THE PLANNING!

NEXT EVENT:  MAY 6 - Kentucky Derby Party

Our next event is the Kentucky Derby party on May 6.  Dress in your best Derby outfit! There will be a hat competition so bring it!!  And maybe some friendly wagers?  This will be another heavy appetizer/BYOB event so start thinking about your best recipe for “southern cookin’!”  And what would the Derby be without Mint Juleps?  They will be available at the bar for a small donation. Please keep an eye out for the sign up, and sign up early! 

NEXT EVENT:  CLUB COMMISSIONING

DATE:  MAY 21

We will be working on this at the meeting on May 2nd. This is a big event and will need lots of help so again, to make this event a memorable one, please look for the sign up coming soon and sign up early.  SOMETHING NEW, there will be a silent auctioning at this event!  There are some really great gift baskets to bid on so don’t miss out. All proceeds are to help the Outer Light Race. 

Looking forward to seeing you all at the next event!  

Tally-ho!

Melissa Clark and Lucy Driggs-Armstrong,

Activities Co-Chairs

Launch Update

Greetings & Salutations Fellow Members,

The NCYC launch is looking awesome thanks to the hard work and determination of Elio Betty and those of you who have been to the club pre-season to help out in spiffing her up. That fresh coat of paint, boot stripe, and varnish work really look great.  All our returning launch captains are excited to get back aboard and see some familiar faces in the club and out on the water.

With all that said, the NCYC launch will be splashed in on May 8th, 2023, and will be undergoing our usual U.S. Coast Guard inspections. A big thank you to Len van Vliet, Tanya Anderson, and Stefan Golicz for prepping and seeing us through the process this year.

Your steady crew for the 2023 Marine Season is the cast of usual suspects:

Tanya Anderson, Stefan Golicz, Steven Lee, and Jack Cardello

Filling in on a few occasions will be:

Dave Miller, Len van Vliet, Dave Chan, Walter Gayeski, Bill Porter, and RJ Lavallee

During the NCYC Spring Meeting some updated procedures were announced to the membership which include:

• The launch schedule (hours of operation) for any given day has been posted on the club’s website thanks to Melissa & Jon Mason.

• The hours posted on the website are the hours the launch will be running. With the exception of any temporary weather-related delays or cancelations.

• Keep your VHF tuned to channel 78A to ensure you’ll hear the announcement for the final evening run. “Don’t miss the boat”. -pun intended…

Recap of Launch Rules

Nobody likes to be reminded about the rules. Rules can be like a wet blanket; however, please stick to some of our basics policies for your and your guests’ safety on the launch:

•  Please stay seated while riding the launch. Sometimes you may have to provide a little coaching for your guests and little ones that may not possess the sea time you do.

• Kids 12 and under are required by law to wear a life preserver aboard any vessel.

• Consuming alcoholic beverages on the launch is not permitted. We will however help you smuggle your packaged alcoholic provisions across the cove to your vessel. -For all you rumrunners, the prohibition era lives on, lol…

• Remember to standby on your boat or in the launch until the launch has successfully tied alongside your boat and the launch operator is satisfied with the stability between both boats. This is extremely important during periods of wind and choppy waters. The launch operator will let you know when he or she is ready for you to board or disembark the NCYC launch. Remember that our launch is a smaller size and movement aboard the launch affects the maneuverability of the boat.

• Even though on some shifts our members double as launch operators, remember that the launch operator is a licensed captain and commissioned by NCYC in that capacity to ensure the safety of you and your guests while transitioning to and from your boats with people and gear. During the ride, they’re in charge. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

On behalf of all our launch operators, we are looking forward to seeing everyone down at the club for what is shaping up to be a great year for boating and enjoying the club and waterfront at North Cove. I wish you fair winds and following seas wherever the breeze takes you this season.

Truly,

Bill Porter, Launch Operations 

Cruising News

We had a very good–and amusing–cruise meeting on Saturday April 15! We have a tentative cruise fleet of a dozen vessels, and we did firm up our second week ports of call.

There were ideas for the Tigress Cup that require serious consideration – more to come. Lots of fun-filled activities also to come as we try to have a very comfortable cruise itinerary. Find out more at our next cruise meeting on Wednesday May 17 at the Club house – we will be enjoying our Happy Hour/Dinner at 5pm before starting the meeting at 6pm.

At this meeting, we would like to firm up our July 4th cruise, Three Mile fireworks cruise, Wine cruise, and our ever-popular Labor Day Mystic Drive/Cruise weekend.

We would love to hear your ideas and thoughts for our cruises! Lots of fun and sweet memories. See you soon.

Many thanks and regards,

David Chan, Fleet Captain

Block Island Mooring Rules

This missive from Block Island Harbormaster addresses our NCYC club mooring in Block Island.

Protocols for bad weather and having to possibly break up rafts on moorings if necessary.

1. If there is impending weather and you are advised to relocate, it is a $55.00/night fee to be on a town mooring and $60.00/night fee for a private mooring for the 2023 season. This is also based on availability. It is your responsibility to make proper arrangements to vacate the Pond if there is a possible hurricane. The Harbormaster is always monitoring VHF CH 12, 24/7 Memorial Day to Labor Day.
2. Reminder that there is a maximum of three vessels on a club mooring. Upon arrival, you are to fly the proper club burgee in a visible location.
3. You are to utilize the mooring for a minimum of two weeks during the season Memorial Day to Columbus Day. At the end of the season, the club is to verify use by showing the department your reservation system which should include boat name and type, captain last name and contact number.
4. Valid vessel registration and insurance is not a requirement yet, but very much advised for each club member.
5. The Town does not rent out club moorings and only utilizes them in an emergency. If you see a vessel you do not believe is a member, you can contact the Harbormaster on the radio.
6. Vessels are getting larger, but we only have so much designated space. If you have your allowed three vessels on the mooring, but they are all over 45' you may have issues with swing room. To avoid conflict with your neighbors you may need to separate.

Kate McConville
Harbormaster
401-466-3204

From the Chaplain’s Corner of the Cove

Infinite Spirit, Father Sky, Earth Mother, Creator:

We gather to praise your creation, to celebrate this special place,
to remember the swimmers, sailors, cruisers, past and present
to honor the winged, the finned, and the legged.
we give thanks for the beauty and glory of creation
and open our hearts to new ways to understand
our place in the universe,
as a humble and balanced place,
where every step we take becomes a prayer,
where every word we say
makes harmony with the vast, vibrating cosmos,
and where we know we are singing the song of life.

Free Jet-14 Sailboat to Good Home

1972 Jet 14

I’m looking for a home for my old neglected, but not abused, red fiberglass Jet 14.  It was built by my brother-in-law Dave Siddons  (a.k.a. Siddons & Sindle) in Island Heights, NJ. about 1972-73. This was among the first glass Jet 14s built. All you need to do is come pick it up! I would give it to anyone who would restore and enjoy it. It has sails, rudder, center board, mast, etc and needs some TLC. It has been outside under a tarp and hasn’t been sailed since 1986 when I discovered large sailboat cruising. I’ve own it since the summer of 1974. My sister was married to Dave Siddons, his father, Howard (“Sid”) Siddons, was the man who designed the Jet-14. 

She does need some work, no serviceable trailer (it’s old, rusty with old wheels, wouldn’t pass inspection I presume because of the old wheels…I will probably need to junk it). But the boat has 2 nice sails (sail number doesn’t match the hull number), a sail bag and 3 battens, a generic wooden rudder in nice shape with a tiller extension, galvanized steel centerboard, aluminum mast and boom. Running rigging and stays need servicing or replacing. Needs 2 inspection port rings & lids (4”). Two self bailers in floor need replacing or glassing…I just taped over them. Cosmetic aging of gelcoat needs at least some cleaning/polishing. The boat has been kept under tarp dry on the trailer, and all accessories have been kept inside my house.

Thanks!

Jim Lawless

From the Editor:

Thanks, as always, to everyone who contributed to this issue of High Tidings. Photos are by: Jim Lawless, Deb Paulson, Richard Sachs, Tom Tydeman, Lou Vinciguerra

High Tidings April 2023

the new ipe deck!

Upcoming Events

• Saturday April 15, 9:00 AM – Spring Clean Up at the Club

• Saturday April 15, 3:30 PM – Cruising Club meeting at Club

• Saturday April 15, 5:00 – Happy Hour, Penny Lane Pub, Old Saybrook

• Saturday April 22, 8:00 – Marine Yard “Sail” with Power Squadron, Westbrook Outlets, Clinton

• Saturday April 22, 4:00 – NCYC Annual Spring Meeting

• Tuesday May 6, – Activities Meeting 6:00 at Club

• Saturday May 6, 6:00 – Kentucky Derby Party at NCYC

Commodore Remarks

Hello from the Commodore’s cabin,

Hope you all got a kick out of the April 1st issue. That was the work of our creative genius NCYC magazine producer/editor Deb Paulson and the various contributors. [Ed. note: yes, Lou wrote this, and I saw no need to edit it :) ]

On a serious side, there is a lot happening at the club right now.  Deck renovation has begun. We received a proposal that was within our approved budget set the project underway.  Demolition is complete. Most of the existing joists were in fine condition but we replaced and doubled the end joists for more support to the railing posts and also replaced and sistered just a couple in the interior where needed.  The Ipe decking is 90% complete. If the weather cooperates with us, the Ipe/Cable railing will be completed soon along with Azek facia trim on the Rim/Band joist. When you see it, it gives the waterfront side of the club a whole new vibe and it will be nice not having to annually repair and maintain the previous grey painted pressure treated deck.

Work for installing the new fiberglass flagpole has also begun. The old steel support sections were cut off and four 28” deep 7/8” dia. holes drilled for the threaded anchor bolt rods to be epoxied into the foundation that will anchor the baseplate for the new pole. Once the moorings are cleared; with a group of hands we can stand it up using its hinged base plate.

Major launch restoration going thanks to the tireless efforts of Elio Betty and his crew. More about that in this issue. Sorry to report it will not have the Tiki Bar version but we did receive a fair amount of interest in the concept…..

Next contact on the radar is the clubhouse and grounds clean-up day April 15th. Hope to see many of you there. There is a lot to do to get our NCYC shipshape for the season but with the typical turn-out we get each spring, I’m sure we can get it done. Sign-ups will be going out for specific outside grounds projects as well as inside the clubhouse. Please sign up or just show up with a rake to help pick up the sea straw that the storm tides deposited or to assist in moving boats and cleaning up the interior.

As a reminder to all members who are getting their moorings ready, please be sure to pick up any bits of seizing wire that you’ve cut off, or just any you see around, so that nobody (especially the Jr. Sailing students) steps on them. Thank you.

The Sea is calling and we must Go!

Lou Vinciguerra
Commodore

Vice Commodore Remarks

In preparation for the upcoming season, members Karl Frost and Chris Bazinet have reconfigured the bar area to incorporate the large refrigerator under the existing counter. This upgrade requires new cabinetry which our members are building as we speak. 

Our application for a grant for a resuscitation device called an AED has been accepted. We are on a waitlist for the funds and hope to have the AED available soon.

We are looking forward to an early start this season, thanks to a mild winter, and will be seeking out volunteers for the club clean-up day on April 15. Many hands make light work!

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Tuzzio

Vice Commodore

Jr. Sailing

Spring has sprung for junior sailing and we're excited for the summer. Our instructor team is hired and 79 of 84 slots are already filled. Session 2 is completely full with several levels in Session 1 & 3 also full! If you haven't registered your child/grandchild/niece/nephew, don't wait!

We are also working on updating our fleet with some new-to-us boats including the beautiful Peggy Ann (generously donated by Pete Stump in memory of Peggy Stump) and four 420s from Pettipaug Yacht Club. We've got our eyes out for a few Opti replacements as well. To offset cost, we have some Dyer Dhows, Optis, and older 420’s for sale. If you or anyone you know is interested, reach out to Commodore Vinciguerra (aka the jr. sailing fleet guy.)

As always, the junior sailing committee is always happy to have new members and can use the extra hands to manage the fun! 

Melissa Mason
Jr. Sailing Chair

Thursday Night Racing

Today on this cold, rainy, raw April day, I am reflecting on the importance of sailing. Everybody else in my home is in their warm bed, and I am in front of my fireplace with the raindrops that make it through the chimney and onto the fire exploding into steam. What else should I be thinking about?

I remind myself of a quote by Hunter S. Thompson, Gonzo journalist and leader of the Freak Power movement and a proponent of making quote-worthy utterances when licking LSD stamps. Hunter once asked himself: “Who is the happier person? One who has braved the storm of life, and lived, or one who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed.”

There are many parallels in our everyday lives to sailing. Sailing a boat calls for quick action, a blending of feeling with the wind and water, as well as with the very heart and soul of the boat itself. Sailing teaches alertness, resourcefulness, and courage; and gives in return a joyousness and pleasure that but few sports afford. 

There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is though everything is a miracle. I believe that sailors become fast believers in miracles. Their belief in miracles is formulated when they see the high winds of a storm settle down to make an easier passage, or the nonexistent wind of a Thursday Night Race suddenly accelerate to push their boat across the finish line out in front of the other boats. The Hail Mary wind. Or, the Hail Mary tide change. Or, the Hail Mary clearance of fog. Sailors are witnesses to the miracle of the environment. They see firsthand the mammals, birds, and fish of the sea and therefore they understand the importance of humans conserving and protecting our natural resources. The happiness of the bee and the dolphin is to exist. For sailors, it is to know that and to wonder at it.

Young or old, short or tall, beginners or world champions, sailing will provide years of fun. That is why it is important that we NCYC members support our Junior Sailing program, and other sailing programs that introduce young and old to sailing and power boating.

President Kennedy once said that “we are tied to the ocean and when we go back to the sea whether it is to sail or to watch we are going back from whence we came.” So, it is with this quote in mind that I am off to pick up my new hand-stitched sail at the John Fries home-sail loft in Waterford. I can’t wait to hoist the new sail, and get out on the water. But first, the bottom needs sanding & painting, the seacock needs replacing, the topsides need polishing, the halyard needs replacing, and I could keep typing and typing up things that need to be done to my mistress named “Madaket”.

See you on the water! And don’t forget to participate in Thursday night racing!

Joe Carroll

Activities

Well, we feel bad for anyone that couldn't make it to the first Events Committee meeting!! The energy was high, the Mimosas fizzy, and the Dark & Stormy’s flowing. And the FOOOOOD!!! We have a really good feeling about this year! We have some great, family oriented (and a couple not-so-family oriented) events scheduled by a lot of creative, enthusiastic folks!  

We are starting early with a new event on May 6th: the Run For the Roses Kentucky Derby Party which kicks off at 18:00.  Root for your favorite pony!  Ladies, create your best Derby hats, and gents, we wanna see your best too!! (Who knows! There may be a prize in it for you!) And what would the race be without Mint Juleps?  We will be serving them at the bar for a small donation! Look for the email later to sign up for heavy hors d’oeuvres.

We have so much fun in store for you all this year that we can hardly wait for summer!! If you are interested in being part of the committee, we will be meeting at the club May 2nd at 18:00. We’d love to have you join us!!

Melissa Clark, Lucy Driggs-Armstrong,

Activities Co-chairs

Marine Yard “Sail”

Instead of holding the Yard “Sail” in the NCYC parking lot this year, I’m renting two spaces for NCYC at the Hartford Power Squadron Yard Sale at the Westbrook Outlets, April 22, 8:00 - 3:00. The spaces are 18’ x 9’, so there’s should be plenty of room for everyone’s stuff.  

Try to think back to your collection of usable spares and parts gathering dust in the garage.

My collection of good stuff includes:

·      A boarding ladder extension

·      A bait or bilge pump

·      Deck and hand rail parts and fittings

·      A working VHF with antenna and remote handset

·      A working propane grill

·      A storage tub of stuff for someday

I’m sure there is more I need to sell, swap, or give away. You are likely in a similar situation. A member in the club probably needs some of your spares and hopefully mine. Come have fun, enjoy a swap party, and say hello as we start the boating season. Contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Pete Stump

Cruising News

We had our very constructive first cruise meeting on March 11 at the Acton Library and a splendid happy hour at the Surfridge Brewery.

The tides are very favorable for an eastward sail from Saybrook to Stonington to begin our NCYC annual cruise on Saturday August 5. Our cruise itinerary for the first week has been formalized and includes Watch Hill, Block Island, Montauk, and ending at Coecles Harbor.

At this first meeting we also confirmed the dates and ports of call for the Wine Cruise, Labor Day Cruise, July 4th Cruise and the Fireworks Cruise to Three Mile Harbor.

There’s a lot more planning for the second week to the exciting ports between the Forks of Long Island. Please join us on April 15 at 3:30pm, at the club as we complete the annual cruise itinerary and learn more about these local ports from our very own club members. If you have some important details, we would love to hear from you. We will also be seeking out our very important and helpful Port Captains who make our destinations so entertaining and enjoyable.

We will convene at Penny Lane Pub after the April 15th cruise meeting for Happy Hour in which all club members are invited – cruisers, land cruisers, weekenders, day sailors, everyone! See you soon.

Sincerely,

David Chan

Grounds Clean Up

There is plenty to be done at the Club clean-up on April 15th! Below is a current list of things to be done and another list of things to bring (if you have them.) Hope you can join us! Please click the link to sign up—thank you!

Bob and Cathy Murphy

Outside House Chairs

Things to be done at the grounds clean up

• Replace rails on split rail fence 

• Secure parking lot timber pile borders (Lou V leadng)

• Rebuild concrete block planter walls (for planters near parking lot entrance and club entrance) - remove timbers and build new concrete wall in those locations (Bob Murphy leading)

• Rake Grass Area and remove debris

• Rake parking lot and remove debris

• Rake waterfront and remove debris

• Clear drainage trench

• Straighten rope support poles in parking area

• Dig out and realign brick between deck steps

• Place 4 Concrete Flower Pots into place and paint (Cathy Murphy leading)

Things to bring (if you have them.)

• Pick-up truck 

• Shovels, rakes and other implements of destruction

• Chain saw

• Shovels, rakes and other implements  of destruction

• Hand truck 

• Skill and endurance

• Bengay

Launch Update

We had a very successful Launch Prep Party at the end of February. Eight hardy souls showed up in the twenty-degree weather to scrape and sand and a huge amount of progress was made. The launch is now under a canopy, which will make work on it much easier since the canvas cover doesn’t have to be removed and re-installed each time. The launch is going through a complete cosmetic overhaul and will have beautifully varnished teak, a newly prepped, primed, and painted hull and interior, and refreshed fenders, among other improvements. She will be totally yar when this spring’s work is completed.

At this point, there is still sanding to be done, so anyone who is interested in helping out, please reach out to me at ebetty@boatus.com.  Thanks so much!

Elio Betty, Launch Maintenance

Women on the River

Come join in on the fun! WOR is starting the 2023 season. Our first meeting is on May 17th at Essex Corinthian Yacht Club. We are expanding to include the Hamburg Cove Yacht club along with Essex, Corinthian, Pettipaug and of course our own North Cove. Sailing dates include May 17 Kick off, May 31, June 7, 14, and 21.

Last year we had a fabulous time with eight of our members participating. The evenings included two hours of sailing on Essex Yacht Club’s Ideal 18’s. After, we enjoyed drinks and dinner at EYC. There is no cost to sail and dinner (if you wish to participate) is approximatly $25. No skills are necessary. You can captain a boat of three or four or you may decide to be crew. If your interested, please email me:  cjhmurphy@gmail.com or call: 860-227-7122 by May 1.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Cathy Murphy

Many thanks to Old Saybrook Historical Society and author Lamar LeMonte for permission to share this fascinating bit of North Cove history.

William Goodspeed and the Hartford to New York Steamers

by Lamar LeMonte, OSHS

The remains of the luxurious steamship Granite State lie in shallow water at the entrance to Old Saybrook’s North Cove. What’s left of the hull has been submerged in the shallow water of the Connecticut River for almost 140 years. The demise of the Granite State not only symbolized the end of William Henry Goodspeed’s life but also the age of the elegant Hartford to New York steamers.

The Granite State did not sink there. The wooden hull was towed to the location in 1884 after the steamer had burned upriver in East Haddam the year before. The burned hull was supposedly placed there as a North Cove breakwater.

Presumably the hull extended above the water at that time, but winter ice and rot has reduced it to an underwater fixture. It is also theorized that the hull was to help slow the silting of North Cove which had been a growing problem after the railroad had sealed off much of the cove from tidal currents to build the tracks to Saybrook Point and Fenwick.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue. If you have anything you’d like to put in the next issue, please contact me at 860-581-0713 or email using the link below.

Deb Paulson, NCYC magazine editor

High Tidings April 1, 2023

Commodore Remarks

Greetings from the desk of the Commodore.

Lots of happenings at the club, and temps are warming up. Folks are getting their moorings ready for the season, extensive work is being done on preparing the club launch, etc.  
Speaking of the launch, part of this year’s launch restoration includes the creation of the floating North Cove Tiki Bar. ( see photo below )
Yes !!!  We are installing bamboo posts, a grass thatch roof, and a sound system for island music.  Oh, and solar-powered flickering tiki torches!
Grass skirts and coconut bras and bros provided.  When this significant upgrade is completed, not only will you be able to call the launch for a ride back to the club, but you will also be able to order your favorite umbrella drinks–Mai Tais, Pina Colodas, or Margaritas! 

Even if you’re not going out to your boat, or don’t have a boat, members are encouraged to just ride along, dance, and socialize with folks on their moorings, enjoy the sunset, etc.

We are looking for other ideas to expand this party concept with fit-training; perhaps maybe Tiki bar YOGA classes?  Or using old exercise bikes linked together for propulsion and having on-the-water Spin classes!     

I’m looking forward to a fun 2023 season at NCYC!

Lou Vinciguerra
Commodore

NCYC Tiki Launch

Vice Commodore Remarks

As we undertook the task of clearing out the attic, we realized what a wonderful space we have up there. Consideration is being given to creating a loft space, perhaps moving the bar upstairs. A picture window will provide a spectacular view of the cove! Access will be via a spiral staircase where the current bar is located. Your input is welcomed!

Linda Tuzzio

Vice Commodore

idea for spiral staircase up to ncyc loft bar

Membership

Potential Members – Posted 04/01/2023

Dennis Connor and Louise Daintry Bell

San Diego, California

Dennis:  American Yachtsmen

Louise:  Retired freelance writer

Children:  Five Children over age 21

Proposed by:  Caroline Miller

Support letters:  Mason, Tuzzio, Chan

Boat: J/105 Pholly

Other Yacht clubs:  San Diego Yacht Club

Boating: Won bronze medal at the 1976 Olympics, two Start World Championships and three wins in the American’s cup

Skills/interests:   They would like to learn more about boating and sailing from members with more experience.  Dennis and Louis look forward to participating in Club activities and socializing with other members.  Dennis looks forward to Thursday Night Racing.  He has heard about Past Commodore Joe Carrol’s sailing winning record and hopes to beat him. 

Beyonce (Queen Bey) and Jay-Z

Bel-Air, CA

Beyonce: Greatest Entertainer Ever

Jay-Z:  American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Roc Nation.

Children:  Blue Ivy Carter, Rumi Carter, Sir Carter

Proposed by:  Cheryl Miller

Support letters:  Pavlos, Tuzzio, Mason

Boat:  450’ Super Yacht Flying Fox

Other Yacht Clubs:  None

Boating: Jay-Z and Beyonce have owned several super yachts.  Beyonce kept a boat in Old Saybrook for several summers. 

Skills/interests:   Jay-Z and Beyonce are very interested in learning how to sail.  They have heard that NCYC has a world-class sailing Jr. Sailing program and hope to get their children into the program this summer.  While they have no skills to help with the day to day activities, they are willing to buy the Old Saybook middle school and build club tennis and pickle ball courts as well an Olympic lap pool.

Jr. Sailing

After a strong initial outlook, registrations for summer 2023 have unfortunately plummeted. The junior sailing committee brainstormed creative ideas to turn things around! I am pleased to report we are now heading in the right direction again.  

First, we adjusted our approach to our instructor search and started to look for some names that could draw some attention. After some intense salary negotiations, our final instructor position was accepted by Gary Jobson. We are pleased to steal him away from coaching for the Naval Academy Offshore Sailing team to teach our beginner Opti classes. Gary will be a great addition to our program and bring the experience our beginners need! 

Also, this summer, we will be adding live music to our last Friday sail parades. After the Old Saybrook High School Band turned us down, Jimmy Buffett kingly offered his services in exchange for an occasional mooring. Thanks to the Harbor Commission for making an exception to allow his 15.24 metre Pacific Seacraft into North Cove! All club members are encouraged to attend our last Friday events.
Finally as you start to think of ways to get involved at NCYC, the junior sailing committee is always happy to have new members join the fun! 

Melissa Mason

Jr. Sailing Chair

Cruising Club News

7 Continents & 375 Destinations!

We are looking into doing a 36 month cruise starting at $30,000 per year. Would there be any interest from the NCYC Fleet? We will discuss at our next cruise meeting – April 15 at 3:30pm at our clubhouse.

Departs Istanbul on November 1, Barcelona on November 5 & Miami on November 16. So much to talk about!

A Launch Update

We are very excited about the in-the-works NCYC Tiki Bar Launch, and this has inspired us to expand the whole launch concept. Why just use the launch for partying and boat service? To that end, we are looking into procuring a second launch–an all-electric one–which will also be used as a fast ferry service from NCYC to NYC & Block. We will be setting up a future launch committee and soliciting members to serve on that committee as well as looking for launch captains.

Outer Light Classic

Planning for the Outer Light is in full swing! Weather predictions show an area of high pressure moving through Long Island Sound for that weekend of July. Due to the unpredictable weather, we are holding the Outer Light Classic this year for trailered boats only. Trailer your boat, hitch it to your vehicle and race around the course, which will be the parking lot. Round and round. We'll be doing laps. Trophies will be awarded for the top three finishes in each class. Classes will be adjusted as follows: Class 1- Single Axle, Class 2- Double Axle, Class 3- Dollies. Come set up your lawn chairs and cheer on the competitors from the sidelines!

Bell 8: Men at the Helm

Late in the season, North Cove sponsors our annual Bell 8 race to recognize those who do not often have the chance to show their skills behind the wheel of a yacht: Men. This year the Bell 8 will be switching to a Men at the Helm race. Most races at North Cove see women as the superstars. Women at the helm display the sought after traits of any sailor: sharp decision making, wise tactics, fair sportsmanship. The women of North Cove have set an example for clubs across the region that we are the better sailors. This year it is time to give the men a chance. We will be setting up a small race course of only half a mile. This will give them a small experience of what it's like in a real racing environment. Any male members who would like to participate can contact our current female racing champions to ask permission for use of a boat.

Activities Report

Have you ever wanted to learn to rap? Or maybe you already rap, but want to take it to the next level. Well, have we got a treat for you!

North Cove Yacht Club and Essex Yacht Club are teaming up to bring history-making rapper, entrepreneur and business mogul (and prospective NCYC member!) Jay Z, to NCYC to give a workshop on “Nautical Rap”. Using iconic sea shanties (“Way aye blow the man down…” etc.) participants will work with Jay Z to identify the overall theme of each shanty as a predicate to re-writing it in the nautical rap style.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity caps at 14 participants at a cost of 10,000 dollars per attendee. The workshop runs two consecutive Tuesdays from 9:00pm to 4:00am.   

We are thrilled to be able to offer this to our membership and look forward to hearing your Nautical Rap efforts at the next NCYC outing!

Sincerely,

Melissa and Lucy,

Activities co-Chairs (Here’s our first attempt—so excited!)

We been spending most our lives
Livin' in a sailing paradise
We're just plain and simple guys
Livin' in an NCYC paradise

Guest Editorial

by David Crosby

David Crosby was a member of the Byrds, with whom he helped pioneer the genres of folk rock and psychedelia in the mid-1960’s and later was a part of Crosby, Stills & Nash, which helped poplularize the California Sound of the 1970’s. Sadly, Mr. Crosby died in January of this year, but not before he had forwarded this guest editorial to the editor.

Hey everybody! How are you all doing? I’m honored to be asked to write this bit for your groovy magazine, and I’m also excited, because I know this subject. Like, real well.

So, now that weed is legal, we’ve all got tons of choices and don’t have to trust that street stuff. Never know what’s in the street stuff. I remember (vaguely) one time….what?.....oh, this is a family magazine?....oh, never mind.

So, to get right down to it. There’s like two strains of weed and one makes you sleepy and the other one makes you, like, kinda creative and you can mix and match to get the mood you want. I personally,….what?....this isn’t High Times?.....well, what is it then?

…..High Tidings?? What the heck is that?.....Boats??......Kinda think it still applies, just sayin’…..you don’t?.....whatever dude….your magazine.

….if you’re sure…I know my weed…ok, whatevs….Hey tho, for all your weed needs, be sure to check out the real High Ti….Okay! I’m going! 

Love + Peace dudes,

David

Many, many thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue! The “real” April High Tidings will be coming out on April 3rd.

Deb Paulson, Editor

High Tidings February/March 2022

oh dear. What is going on? Read to the end to find out!

Upcoming Events

• Saturday February 25, 9:00 – Prep The Launch at NCYC

• Wednesday March 1, 6:00 PM – Outer Light Classic Planning Meeting, Mycene Ale Co

• Saturday March 11, 3:30 PM – Cruise Meeting at Acton Library

• Saturday March 25 12:30 – Activities Meeting

Commodore Remarks

Arrrr…….  Welcome to minus 4 degrees in Old Saybrook Saturday morning, February 4th.  Think the groundhog turned around and went right back in the hole.

Lotsa ice!

   
The ice props were struggling against the cold and we had an issue with the dock power electric breaker tripping.  Thanks to Dan Ferrier for answering the call and providing a heavy duty extension cord from the deck outlets to keep them running overnight, and for installing a new breaker.

Pretty amazing Hat Trick how Elio Betty, with help from his son, Carter, dismounted the launch from her trailer. (I give it a 9.9) 
Elio found us a great deal on a single-axle roller trailer that will make it much easier to maintain the launch off season. Speaking of which, I hope many of you will be helping out with the Prep The Launch Party, given by Elio, to prepare our launch for a thorough and much-needed paint and varnish refresh. Read more about this further on.

NCYC Launch off the trailer and on blocks and stands

In other news, fun seeing many of you at the Stony Creek brewery gathering on Saturday. Great turn out! I’m hoping for some more snow in Vermont and New Hampshire for skiing. It’s been a tough season so far with the warm temps, but maybe March will deliver the snow. Soon we will be stripping covers and prepping boats for a great 2003 boating season! 

NCYC still needs a volunteer to fill the vacant “House Operations” position.  If you may be interested please contact Vice Commodore, Linda Tuzzio. The House Operations person ensures we have necessary supplies for the galley and restrooms, and directs the inside clubhouse work parties during the Spring Clean-up and fall shutdown. They are also the “go to” person for how the clubhouse interior is decorated, furnished, and maintained through the season. Thanks!

That’s all for now!

Lou Vinciguerra, Commodore

Vice Commodore Remarks

Reducing the use of plastic at NCYC

As many of you know, the club has switched from plastic or plastic-coated paper plates for club events to compostable plates made from plant based materials. A few years ago, when I made the switch for our Thursday night post-race dinners, I had to order compostable plates, bowls, and utensils online. Thankfully, the local grocery stores have started carrying the products.
If you have not already done so, please consider a reusable water bottle for beverages instead of single use plastic, glass, or cans. Mark your reusable bottle with your name in indelible ink and we will put in in the kitchen if left behind!

Thank you!
Linda Tuzzio, Vice Commodore

Love it or Launch it

Our launch’s sister boat at the Provincetown marina

It’s your launch; show it some love! We’re trying to make a great leap forward with the launch before May Day. Frankly, it looks dingy next to the dinghies and needs to be dolled up for the season. We all use it, and hopefully take a bit of pride that we have such a yar* launch in our club.

*“My, she was yar…easy to handle, quick to the helm. Fast, bright. Everything a boat should be.” Katharine Hepburn, The Philadelphia Story.

The launch is mechanically sound, although it will be getting a few upgrades. However, the whole thing needs paint and varnish. We can’t apply coatings until we get over 50 degree weather, but that will be here soon! We can, however, do the prep while it’s chilly. That means sanding and scraping and a bit of wire brushing. Not the most fun work, but much more fun when you’re not alone doing it. Lets get together as a group and blitz the prep in a morning. If we can get a good group of people, it will go quickly. Many hands make light work. 

So, Saturday, Feb. 25, at 9:00AM we will have a work party for the launch. If it’s raining or too cold, we will punt to the next Saturday. But it’s been so mild, I’m hoping we will get good weather.  Please sign up so we know who can help, and also communicate if we need an alternative date. Please bring, if you have: Random orbit or vibrating sanders, Sandpaper (120-180-220-320), Scrapers, Masks, Ear protection. If you don’t have any of these things, come anyway; there will be spare implements of destruction. I’ll bring a compressor so we can blow all the dust off the boat and ourselves.

This will go a long way towards getting the boat ready for the early start of the season. Those that prep may enjoy the fun part if they so desire; applying the paint and varnish later in March and April.

Just think of how good you’ll feel everytime you step on the launch this summer knowing you contributed to its sparkle. Thanks!

Elio Betty, Launch Maintenance

Membership Committee

As usual with this time of year, the Membership Committee is very busy.  

In January we welcomed to Membership:

• ·       Lois LeSieur and Bill Thomas

• ·       Carol Quimby-Bonan

• ·       RJ and Heather Lavallee

• ·       Peter and Fay Bisson

And posted to Membership: 

Joe Radojevic and Theresa Molisse

Wallingford, CT

Theresa: Physician

Joe:  Physician

Children:  Adriana (2012), Dante (2014), Blaise (2016) and Cassian (2018)

Proposed by:  Caroline Miller

Support letters:  Peters, Cheryl Miller, Chan

Boat: ’42 Motorboat Different Drummer

Boating: They have owned this boat since 2019.  Joe has had a passion for being in and on the water since childhood when he spent his summers in Croatia.  Most of his boating experience has been on kayaks and his friend’s boat. 

Skills/interests:   They would like to learn more about boating and sailing from members with more experience.  Their family is eager to learn about being on the water.  They will bring their enthusiasm and curiosity for boating and sailing.  They look forward to participating in Club activities and socializing with other members while contributing to the care of the Club. 

Caite Whitbeck and David Fisher

Old Lyme, CT

Caite: Chef/Caterer

David:  Executive Producer

Children:  Mae Fisher (2012), Burton Fisher (2014)

Proposed by:  Miller

Support letters:  Pavlos, Tuzzio, Mason

Other Yacht Clubs:  Chicago Yacht Club

Boating: David has moderate sailing experience and knowledge.  Caite is a beginner sailor.    

Skills/interests:   David grew up sailing with his family on Lake Michigan.  They have always wanted their children to have an opportunity to leave the sport.  The NCYC Junior sailing program seems like the perfect learning experience.   

Jr. Sailing

NCYc sailing instructors

Summer 2023 is promising to be a great one for our junior sailors. In the next week, we are making offers to fill our open instructor positions. We were fortunate enough to have five strong candidates. Thank you to our interview committee: MaryJane Peterson, Kathy Reddington, Vice Commodore Linda Tuzzio and Amy Vinciguerra for their time and input throughout the interview process. 

Our sessions are currently 65% full for the summer. If you haven't registered your child/grandchild, don't wait! We are filling up quickly.

Finally as you start to think of ways to get involved at NCYC, the junior sailing committee is always happy to have new members join the fun! 

Melissa Mason
Jr. Sailing Chair

Racing News

The Outer Light Planning Committee is looking for you! The Outer Light Classic is North Cove Yacht Club’s premier race and Amy V. is looking for folks to work with her on making this the most successful race to date! Our first planning meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 1 at 6:00 PM at the Mycene Ale Co, 39 Ragged Rock Road, Old Saybrook. [Ed. note; yes, this is a brewery. Yes, there will be beer. No, not every single NCYC event is at a brewery. For example the BOG meetings (Board of Governors) are held in a quite respectable venue, much to the dismay of some BOG members…but I digress.]

Thursday Night Racing

We are very fortunate to have boats–and the NCYC as the center of our boating, or sailboat racing. Instead of being couped-up inhabitants lingering on the waterfront on a Thursday afternoon looking out longingly toward the sea in search of the ungraspable phantom of life, we can get on a boat and immediately be transformed to another world. As individuals trying to find our way through darkness, as citizens of a nation trying to live up to the ideals set forth in our constitution, we need, more than ever before–Thursday Night Racing.

Thursday Night Racing also introduces us to other venues. It is the skills that we develop on Thursday nights that we bring to weekend regattas such as the Outer Light Classic Regatta, the Essex Rum Challenge, and the Off Soundings Regatta. Or–even a two-week cruise to Nantucket Island.

Because of Thursday Night racing you may start to enjoy a sort of sea feeling where your bedroom seems a ship’s cabin. You may wake up nights and hear the wind shrieking and fancy that there is too much sail on the house and perhaps believe that you should go on the roof and reef in the chimney. Don’t do it–seek psychiatric help.

As I write this article at a quarter past one o’clock a.m. of this 11th day of February, A.D. 2023 with the fire place going at full tilt, I am reminded of a natural occurrence that my crew Al and I experienced returning from an Off Soundings Race to Block Island. We left Block Island New Harbor at 6:00 a.m. and set a 2910 course from R2 bell to the Race. We had a favorable flood tide, and an 18 knot S.W. breeze which put us on a port tack going 8 knots or more towards the Race. As the boat’s huge 583.26 ft2 Dacron sail powered the whale-shaped hull through a steep chop like a butterknife through soft butter, a tropical bird suddenly appeared and sat on our boom, hitching a ride. The bird seemed to be fixated on us. He studied us, and seemed to be asking Al for a piece of his muffin. As I recall it, Al didn’t share his muffin with the emaciated little creature, but Al may have a different recollection. Meanwhile, channel 16 was blaring away about a dead whale floating somewhere between us and Montauk Point. Suddenly, the ocean became filled with dolphins–thousands of them–all around us for what seemed like miles. The dolphins, like the bird, became fixated on us. They were filling the atmosphere over the waters of Block Island Sound with the haze of their spouts sprinkling and mystifying the gardens of the deep. Did they think we were a whale? Maybe. They examined us with curiosity and swam under and around the boat. Maybe they were trying to figure out what our white sail drive is used for. For the better part of three hours the animals followed us and played with us and each other, until we arrived at the Race when they (the dolphins) all concentrated on fishing for lunch, and we concentrated on getting Madaketthrough the Race before the tide became an ebb with a five-knot current. Off to our starboard at the Race was a Virginia class submarine powering along much faster than us. It was at this time that the little bird decided to fly away from us toward either the submarine, or Fishers Island. Apparently, he had enough of us. I just wished that he cleaned up the boom after himself.

All of the above experiences probably wouldn’t have happened without Thursday Night Racing. Had we not been racing in Off Soundings we would have just been another cooped up inhabitant of the land peering out over the water wondering if the world was flat and where did the big waterfall begin. Or worse yet, sitting in an office getting berated for not achieving someone else’s goal. Thursday Night Racing starts around the end of May. Keep tuned for more information, and start planning to get your boats ready for launching early on.

Have a warm winter everyone, and happy President’s Day.

Joe Carroll

Women on the River

Women On The River is a collaboration between Essex, Pettipaugh, Corinthian, and North Cove Yacht Clubs, for women who enjoy sailing. We have been actively involved as a club for several years now. It’s been a big success and lots of fun for the women who have participated. We have started planning the 2023 season. Preliminary dates are orientation on May 24, sailing May 31, June 7, June 14 and June 24. We usually start at 5:00 PM and finish sailing at 7:00 PM. We enjoy wine, dinner, and lots of laughs after sailing. If you’re interested in being part of the fun this season please contact Cathy Murphy at cjhmurphy@gmail.com . 

Activities

Meet the new Activities co-Chairs, Melissa Clark and Lucy Driggs-Armstrong

Hi Everyone! My name is Lucy Armstrong and I am so excited to be co-Chair of the Activities Committee along with Melissa Clark. We are so excited about the calendar of events we’ve put together! The events can be found on the NCYC calendar as well as here, so I hope to see you all at several events this season! A little about myself—I am a retired United Technologies Corporate Flight Attendant (22 yrs.) and live in the beautiful town of Old Saybrook with my husband Mike and rescue puppy, Joey. We have four grown children, three grandchildren and another on the way! We enjoy a lot of family time, biking, hiking, and easy beach living. I've always loved being involved in anything hospitality so here I am on the Activities Committee eagerly looking forward to meeting you!

Hello NCYC!  My name is Melissa Clark and I am the new Events Co-Chair.  Ann Chan and Cathy Murphy left such big shoes to fill! I became a member of the club just last year and jumped at the chance to do special events.  I have always loved throwing themed parties! My kids’ birthdays were some of my biggest events! From the Glam Girl Disco Party in our dining room complete with a homemade giant lip cake, to the Harry Potter themed birthday where I staged “classes” and finished with a “shopping” trip in my basement where they could “buy” the 150 chocolate frogs I made.  (If you’re a Potter fan you know the frogs!)  I guess I missed my calling as a party planner, but now that I am co-chair with Lucy, another very creative person, I look forward to throwing some great events for you at the club!  

   LET THE GOOD TIMES BEGIN!!! 

On the coldest day of the year so far, quite a few brave souls came out to our first gathering at the Stony Creek Brewery in Branford on Saturday evening, February 4th. The fire in the fireplace was roaring, and the beer and wine were flowing as well as a lot of lively conversation! The pizza truck is there year-round and is always good. And we got an extra perk of a live band! Fleetwood Mac covers and dancing! It was really good to see everyone and reconnect!  If you have never been to Stony Creek, it’s on the Branford River and has a small dinghy dock, lots of outside seating and games like corn-hole in the summer. It’s worth the trip. Thanks to all who came out!

Our first Activities Committee meeting will be a pot-luck brunch held at my home 149 Squires Road, Madison, on March 25th at 12:30. Please RSVP using the link button. Also, there was some interest in having a St Patrick’s Day gathering but nothing formal yet. More to come soon.

Lucy and I have come up with some fun and different events that we are really excited about this year!  For example, Kentucky Derby Party (OH YES! We expect BIG hats!) Christmas in July Yankee Swap and a Friendsgiving Dinner.  Of course, we are also looking forward to planning our traditional events, such as Commodore’s Cookout, Fajita Night and Octoberfest with maybe a little extra twist. 

Looking forward to warm breezes and sunny fun filled day at NCYC!

Cruising News

From the Fleet Captain’s desk:

It is February and here’s to a mild second half of our 2022/2023 winter season. Warmer spring weather must be around the corner. [Ed. note: Don’t tell Lou]

We look forward to having our March 11th Cruise Meeting at the Acton Public Library in Old Saybrook from 3:30pm to 4:45pm. We will be planning the respective cruises for the upcoming sailing season. We do know that the Labor Day cruise will have the fleet docking at our favorite port – Mystic Seaport & Museum. Peter Stump, our Mystic Seaport & Museum Port Captain, has informed us that we can start making our refundable reservations now as the Seaport does fill up quickly for the Labor Day weekend. Please indicate that you are with NCYC when making reservations – this will help keep the fleet together.

We will resume the second half of our March 11 Cruise Meeting at Surfridge Brewing Company East located at 6 Main Street Building 3, Suite 333, Centerbrook. The Acton Library closes at 5pm.

Stay warm & we look forward to catching up.

David Chan, Fleet Captain

NCYC Facebook Members Forum

Have you ever needed to contact members of our yacht club quickly? Maybe you have marine equipment you’d like to sell or give away, need help with a repair, looking for a specific tool or would like to share a project or information? 

Now there is a way for you to connect…the NCYC Members Forum!

If you have a Facebook account you can join easily by selecting Menu, then Groups, do a search for North Cove Yacht Club Members then Join Group. Once you have been verified as a current member you will be able to post. The forum page was set up by Jon Mason complete with our club burgee and a link to the latest High Tidings. You can also access the forum from this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/674559057251079 or by clicking on the button below. 

The rules for the forum are pretty simple:

              1) You must be a current NCYC member

              2) Your posts must be related to the NCYC and/or boating

We hope you find this forum useful as an easy and quick way to connect with your fellow boaters. See you on the water!

Tom Tydeman

NCYC Weather Station

A weather station has been installed at the club.  The data collection unit is currently mounted on a piling at the north ramp dock.  This collects information and sends it to a console on the desk in the steward’s office, which connects via WiFi to the Weather Underground website. 

Users of the Weather Underground app or those using the WU website can find our station, which is called NCYC KCTOLDSA58. 

Note that we do have an issue with rainfall rate and total accumulation.  It seems that in the wind with wave action the piling rocks slightly– enough to activate the rain collection mechanism which makes the unit think it is raining, even when it isn’t.  This happens more in very windy conditions. So be aware that rainfall reports right now are not accurate.  We may move the station to the clubhouse, however this may subject the temperature reading to heat from the building–and it will be more difficult to change the batteries each year. 

Chris Bazinet

From the Chaplain’s Quiet Corner

Wild Elemental One,
bless us through your gifts of wind, fire, water, and earth.
May we awaken to new life each dawn
and feel your holy breath sustaining us.
Let the breezes whisper their secrets
and the winds strip away what is no longer needed.
May we bless the sky with our reaching,
the clouds a witness to our becoming.
May we feel the living flame of love
burning in our hearts.
Let the sun warm and illumine us
and may the ash that remains
from the fire bring us new clarity.  
May we bless the fire with our passion
letting all that sparks and kindles within
warm this world.
May we know the sea as our holy source
and the rivers and lakes carry us
toward our own unfolding.
Let the holy water of the wells
heal our broken places,
bringing us back to wholeness again.
May we bless the water of life,
yielding to its current, carrying us home.
May we bless Earth with our gratitude,
for the sweetness of every sip and bite.
Let the trees root us, let the mountains lift us.
May we endure like stone,
may we nourish like bread.
May the elements guide us on the way
to live more fully, to breathe deeply,
to ignite our longings, to follow the flow,
to create something which persists.

Christine Valters Paintner

The Art Gallery

What do NCYC members do in the off-season? Well, some dive into art and crafts.

Suzanne Miller (NCYC Fleet Surgeon) likes to sew. But not the sort of sewing you may think.

“I’ve been sewing since I was a kid. I took a long hiatus as I managed a busy career as an obstetrician/gynecologist and raised a family. I have a newfound interest in sewing and my latest passion is working with leather. I have four sewing machines at my house and three of them can handle leather. I look forward to creating more intricate projects as I learn new skills.”

Suzanne’s sneakers!

Hugh Hunsinger paints. Here’s how he got there.

”In 1965, I wanted to personalize my dentist office. Paintings were always my first choice and original oil paintings were the best. Only one problem. Money. So I decided to create my own. Another problem–I had no idea how. I had no art training past crayon doodling. So, I signed up for classes at the local gallery. To my great good fortune, the gallery owner was John Gould, the acclaimed illustrator/artist/painter. I was 28 years old. My first painting took me ages and lots of coaching. At that time I only painted when I was at the gallery. It was my refuge—my escape from the real world.

People coming to the dental office asked to buy. I couldn’t until I had all the walls covered in the house and office, and had fulfilled family requests!  It was therapy for me so I avoided a therapist with it–and later discovered sailing.   

Deb Paulson paints too.

“I have been painting in watercolor since I was a child. I went to UConn for art–but majored in non-silver photography, not painting. A few years ago, I wanted to see if I could paint waves in watercolor-not the easiest thing to do, since there’s not a lot of wiggle room with watercolor. I learned from books and trial and error. I would stare at waves on the beach, trying to memorize their patterns. When I start to paint, it’s always nerve-wracking. One wrong brush stroke and the whole painting is a goner. But when it works, there’s no feeling like it. (I also paint sheep, which seems to be a popular thing for people, why I don’t know. And sometimes fruit.)”

Jim Lawless also paints.

Jim pursued a career as a veterinarian, but art was always a love. He experimented with various media, eventually settling on oil painting. Primarily self-taught, he also studied under renowned marine painter Don Demers and contemporary realist Dominique Rickhard. He spent two years living on Martha’s Vineyard, concentrating on painting. In 2001, he was awarded Signature Artist Member status by the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA.)

Old Saybrook’s Finest Turn a Shade of Red

A Bluetits Adventure™

It was a fairly balmy day, 48 degrees and sunny and the indomitable Bluetits were meeting at the club to take their weekly plunge into the cove. The water temperature? A chilly 34 degrees with ice. Stripping down to their bathing suits, the gals (why no guys? C’mon guys) chittered like their namesake. Most of the chatter was about how freaking cold and icy the water was. Laurie and Jocelyn were encouraging each other in their positive way. Ann was on the phone. Deb and Caroline were commiserating (“WHY do we do this??”)

            Ann shushed us. “I’m on the phone with emergency dispatch!”

            We shushed.

            “No,” Ann said into the phone. “I dropped my phone by accident and it hit the emergency 911 button. We don’t need anyone out here. There’s no emergency.”

            Ann listened for a few minutes, then hung up. She turned to the rest of us as we waited shushily.  “They said they have to send someone out.”

            Oh, they won’t, we all said together and trooped outside to the dock in our bathrobes.

And then…a hunky guy in official blue walked up. He looked both confused and bemused as he was greeted by five women hooting with laughter in wet bathing suits and bathrobes. Ann introduced herself and explained. I asked him if he could arrest her so I could get a photo. He declined. Wishing us a good day, he left.
“BYE!” we called. “Join us next time!”  

Overhead we heard the rumble of an engine. “Now what?” we thought. A large helicopter flew directly overhead. Rescue services? We waited on the dock to see if another hunky man would appear at the end of a rope lowered from the chopper, but alas, no go.

Time for tea and cookies on the deck!

Après plunge with the bluetits

Thank you to everyone who contributed photos and videos to this newsletter: Elio Betty, Ann (bail me out!) Chan, Jean Golicz, Hugh Hunsinger, Jim Lawless, David Miller, Suzanne Miller, Deb Paulson, Lou Vinciguerra.

If you have anything you’d like to put in the next issue of NCYC magazine, please email me or text me at 860-581-0713

Thanks so much!

Deb Paulson

High Tidings December/January 2022-23

Commodore Lou and the winter storm

Commodore Remarks

For those who missed the Annual Meeting, here is my speech celebrating outgoing Commodore Caroline Miller.

I would like to make a few remarks about our outgoing Commodore, Caroline Miller.

First, she was lucky in that she skipped the Rear Commodore position and managed to twist my arm to support her as Rear Commodore. Then the storms hit–Caroline you may want to wear some foul weather gear for this ….COVID-19!  What the heck were we supposed to do?

Caroline kept a steady hand on the tiller and steered us through! She called numerous zoom meetings, and researched what direction was available from the State Governor’s Office and CDC.

Could we hold functions in the clubhouse? Could we run the launch? What about Junior Sailing School?

Working together with her Flag Officers and Board of Governors she developed the Threat Condition Matrix.  
Threat Conditions–Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta –each with different levels of restricted club activities. What a relief when we passed through the other side of that storm!

Then the next storm hit us on the night of Tuesday February 22nd. We awoke Wednesday morning to find that what we can only describe as a Micro Burst, had descended on North Cove Yacht Club. A good many shingles had been blown off the roof, resulting in water damage inside the clubhouse. Our flag pole had broken and crashed through the deck railing and punched a hole in the Carolina skiff. The cupola windvane was found next door in the marsh.

Once again our fearless Commodore Caroline held a steady course, scrambled a team to make immediate repairs, work with our insurance provider (Chris Bazinet is our point man there.)  New roof installed, railing and skiff repaired, ceiling water damage repaired.

With Caroline at the helm, there was no disruption to club activities. Our ship is not fully repaired from all the damage caused by that storm but we are well on our way.

It’s been my pleasure to serve under the steady helm of Commodore Caroline Miller. I think one of her greatest accomplishments is that, even with the storms we sailed through, she was able to build back the membership strength to where it is today.

I’m hoping for calmer weather ahead on my Watch!

Season’s Greetings! 

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and that our boat owners have their vessels snugged and protected under tarps, canvas or shrink-wrap. We had an excellent member turnout at our fall club clean-up and shutdown. Potholes in the parking lot were filled, the grade was raised at the steps, whalers were hauled and stored along with kayaks, paddleboards and sailing dinghies. A lot of cleaning inside the clubhouse and of the grounds.  Big thanks to all that participated!   

The recent storm we experienced on December 22nd [Ed. note What is it about the 22nd??] that brought an extremely high tide. Luckily, no damage to the clubhouse or docks. Just a bit of clean-up of debris to do during fair weather.  

Our new fiberglass flagpole is safely stored inside the club and will be installed early this spring using a large galvanized hinge plate that will facilitate raising and lowering when needed for severe storms or to replace halyards. We also received quote from a local contractor to replace the rear deck surface with Ipe boards and install new stainless steel cable style railing. This quote is much more reasonable than the previous bids. We are working on getting a more detailed breakdown for our BOG finance committee to review. 

With the cold temperatures upon us we are starting to see ice form in North Cove and have turned on the ice propellers at the waterfront to protect the floating docks and pilings.
Thanks to Chris Bazinet and David Miller for assisting in deploying them. In the picture you will notice that the Old Saybrook Town floating docks are winter stored alongside ours protected by the props. The town pays NCYC a fee each year for the service which more than covers the electric cost to run the motors.

Big thank you to the members that stepped forward to fill vacant committee chair positions.

Activities: Melissa Clark and Lucy Driggs-Armstrong
Grounds: Bob and Cathy Murphy
Club House Reservations: Ann Chan
Moorings, Docks & Dinghy Rack:  Chris Bazinet
Finance & Investments:  Rich Peters, Peter Stump, Dan O’Malley

NCYC still needs a volunteer to fill the vacant “House Operations” position.  If you may be interested please contact our Vice Commodore, Linda Tuzzio.  The House Operations person ensures we have necessary supplies for the galley and restrooms, and directs the inside clubhouse work parties during the Spring Clean-up and fall shutdown. They are also the “go to” person for how the clubhouse interior is decorated, furnished, and maintained through the season.

"Now—bring me that horizon.” —Captain Jack Sparrow, The last line from “Pirates of the Caribbean”

Lou Vinciguerra
NCYC Commodore

Vice Commodore Remarks

Happy Holidays!

May this note find you settled in the warmth of your cozy home.
The inside of the clubhouse is in excellent shape for the winter, thanks to the many hands that made light work. The Steward’s office is spotless. Every drawer in the kitchen was emptied and cleaned. Clean ovens, clean cabinets, clean floor. The main room houses the new flagpole, dinghies, and grills for the winter. Everything is washed and sparkling. 
One of the loftier tasks we will tackle next year is clearing out the attic. Surprising finds await us!

Wishing you a peaceful 2023,
Linda Tuzzio
Vice Commodore

Membership:

The following families are posted for membership:

Lois LeSieur and Bill Thomas

Old Saybrook, CT

Lois: Retired / NT Designer

Bill:  Semi-Retired / NT Designer

Proposed by:  Kathy Reddington

Support letters:  Miller, Mason, Pavlos

Boat: ComPac Cat ’20

Boating: Have sailed on off over 45 years. 

Skills/interests:   They enjoy the welcoming camaraderie of ‘nautically inclined’ people.  Club amenities are a plus.  At ECYC, they lent a hand maintaining and enhancing the Clubhouse.  They are happy to help. 

 .

Carol Quimby-Bonan

Old Saybrook, CT

Child:  Blythe Bonan (1997), Bliss Bonan (1995)

Proposed by:  Caroline Miller

Support letters:  Miller, Mason, Chan

Boating: Sailed as a child in California

Skills/interests:   Carol has been fortunate in her life to have had the opportunity to enjoy and participate in all manners of water sports: sailing, boating, kayaking.  Carol has been away from this for a bit but now that she is back in coastal CT, she is eager to reconnect with the all the activities the club and members offers.   

Junior Sailing

Winter means that planning for Summer 2023 is underway. From hiring instructors to opening registration, the Junior Sailing Committee is hard at work. As you start to think of ways to get involved at NCYC, the junior sailing committee is always happy to have new members join the fun!

Tuition for NCYC members is $540 (20% discount off of the non-member $675 fee) and registration for club members opens in January. Last summer we filled up by the end of March and we anticipate another full season.  

2023 Sessions dates are:

· Session 1: June 26 – July 7 (no class July 4th)

· Session 2: July 10 – July 21

· Session 3: July 24 – August 4

Stay tuned for an email announcing that registration is open!

Melissa Mason

Jr. Sailing Chair

Cruising News

We are looking forward to our scheduled Saturday March 11, 2023 Cruise Meeting at the Acton Library in Old Saybrook from 3:30pm to 4:45pm. All are welcome, cruisers, weekenders, overnighters and of course, overlanders & landcruisers. We will want to have different programs for 2023 and are looking at different itineraries to support our members. Please bring your thoughts, ideas & suggestions as we plan for 2023 – it is our club and our cruises. We will have our usual happy hour after the meeting – the upstairs at Penny Lane Pub has been our favorite but please let me know of any other well deserved alternatives. Possibly the Surfridge Brewing Company East in Centerbrook.

SAVE THE DATE

When: 3/11/2023. 3:30pm to 4:45pm
Where: Acton Public Library, Old Saybrook 
Subject: 2023 Cruises

After meeting happy hour to be confirmed.

David Chan, Cruising Chair

Weather Station at NCYC

The existing club anemometer is spinning, but not telling us anything, and we have weather instruments on the wall that are very nautical, but not working.  

So, a new weather station has been installed at the club. The data collection unit is currently mounted on a piling at the north ramp dock.  This collects information and sends it to a console on the desk in the stewards’ office, which connects via WiFi to the Weather Underground website.

Club members can now go to the WU site to get current data from the club dock. Users of the Weather Underground app or those using the WU website can find our station, which is called KCTOLDSA58.  WU has chosen to name this Old Saybrook Center Station and has placed it on the map at the middle school. In the future, perhaps before the start of the season in the spring, we may try to change that, and if we do, the location and name may change.  In the meantime, over the winter we expect this to be in operation. 

Jon Mason has placed a link to our station on the club website.  At the WU website at the link, you can scroll down to get historical weather information and can select a daily, weekly, or monthly report, from the time it was first installed.

Chris Bazinet

Thursday Night Racing

It’s a cold wintery Friday night. A cold northerly wind is leaking through my bedroom windows, causing the curtains to flutter, and the 1935 model Utica Cast Iron Boiler (converted from coal to oil) to strain itself to keep the house at a temperature where I don’t see my breath rising above my bed. Luckily, my computer is generating enough microwaves to keep my fingers nimble enough to type this article. Meanwhile, in the attic I can hear the pitter-patter of mice running through the eves searching for a warm nesting spot to sleep, dream, and procreate. Good luck to them. I know how they feel.

With all of the above going on, and months of long, lonely cold winter nights ahead, one can only dream of two things: Thursday night racing, and oh yea, Southwest Florida! 

In regards to Thursday night racing, I went to check on my boat on early Christmas Eve Day, and found that the 70mph winds had knocked down two out of 4 jackstands. The boat was teetering on its keel from one loosely standing jackstand to another. I chickened out trying to get the other jackstands off the ground and onto the boat’s bottom. The wind was moving the boat so much, it occurred to me that the boat could fall on me, and well, perhaps I would become memorialized via a Saturday NCYC workday. Later on, I left a message with the boatyard  manager about the situation. The boatyard manager and an employee came in Christmas Eve and put the jack stands back in place. Now, the boat is leaning to starboard, but at least it is somewhat vertically supported.

My winter dreams of Thursday night racing are mostly a recurring dream. The dream revolves around beautiful evenings with sunsets on Long Island Sound and enough wind to get Madaket moving along with the other boats. Sometimes, Madaket is out in front, and stays in front of the other boats. Sometimes, Madaket is getting beaten. Usually I wake up before that scenario plays out. Sometimes in a cold sweat. But even so, there is the fight to get the boat moving faster, or moving over a route that is shorter than what the other boats are taking. A route with less tide to fight, or more tide to push the boat faster than the other boats. Or a route with more wind. Also, there is the dialogue with my crew who presumably wants to win the race that we are in. Or, at least do the best that we can do.

If I am still asleep, the dream moves onto Thursday night dinners that await the racers when we get back to the clubhouse. Perhaps a tasty pint of beer with a grilled cheese burger and a salad. Sharing a meal with the other racers who recount the race tiller movement by tiller movement, tack by tack, gybe by gybe. Hold on-excuse me while I pound the ceiling to quiet the mice. “Hey you guys; I have an article to write!”

It’s the end of December, but May is coming fast. New subjects enter my dreams. What type of paint should I use on the boat’s bottom? Do the mouse chewed sails & canvases need stitching? Cleaning? What was that metallic engine noise I heard bringing the boat to the boatyard for the winter? What is causing the transmission to grind away? Is the boom full of water? Why was the disintegrating seacock leaking? Do the winches need greasing? Is the mast step deteriorating?

There is a lot to consider for spring preparations.

I am going to turn off the light now, and take a long winter’s nap. Maybe last night’s dream of pulling ahead of the fleet after being in last will continue. In any event, I hope that the mermaid I was following appears again in my dream…

Happy New Year everybody, and sweet dreams.

Joe Carroll, Thursday Night Racing correspondent 

A Skiing Opportunity

Hello Ski Friends, 

Terri and I have had a terrific first season with our boat Lucia at NCYC. It has been a pleasure meeting so many new friends. 

I would like to share and invite you to look into an opportunity to enjoy a Ski lodge at Killington, VT. I have been a member of River Hills Ski Club for over twenty years. All of my children have been raised tearing up that mountain. This ski club also provides year round fun like golf, river tubing, hiking, and just random Vermont getaways. The 'vibe' is very much like NCYC. Show up for fun, show up for a work weekend or project, and meet new people with a common activity to enjoy. Please clink on the link to go to the website, or check out River Hills Ski Club on FB or IG

As with any club there are a few requirements: 

• -A sponsor is required (me).

• -Attend three events including meetings and being a guest overnight. 

• -Initiation of $400

• -Annual fee of $730

• -Attend an annual work weekend out of the three scheduled. 

In-season rates are $30 for a weekday or $65 for a weekend. This includes breakfast and Saturday dinner at the house. 

Off-season is $15 a night. 

We have a few introductory weekends coming up this season.

Contact me for details. 

Rod Cross

rodcross6@gmail.com

203-240-1577

From the Chaplain’s Quiet Corner of the Cove

For Mary Oliver it was Mornings at Blackwater Pond, for you perhaps, it is mornings at North Cove. Regardless, “The past is the past, and the present is what your life is, and you are capable of choosing what that will be, darling citizen. So come to the pond, or the river of your imagination, or the harbor of your longing, and put your lips to the world, And live your life.”

May you receive many blessings in the New Year as you drink from the “ harbor of your longing” and fully live!

Happy New Year!

And Now For Something Completely Different…

The BlueTits are still at it!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this newsletter. Our photographers for this issue are: Chris Bazinet, Frank Borzenski, Jean Golicz, David Miller, Deb Paulson, Kathy Reddington, Lou Vinciguerra, and Linda Tuzzio.

As always, if you have anything you’d like to put in the newletter, please email me or text me at 860-581-0713

Thanks so much!

Deb Paulson, Newsletter Editor

High Tidings November 2022

moonrise over north cove

Upcoming Events

•     Sunday November 6th 4 pm – NCYC Annual Meeting 

•  Sunday November 6th after the Annual Meeting – Social hour after Meeting at NCYC

• Saturday November 19th  9:30 am – NCYC Club Cleanup

Commodore Remarks

It is bittersweet writing this, as this is my last High Tidings as your Commodore. It has been a pleasure to work with, and become friends with so many amazing people. I especially want to thank Joe Milke, our Past Commodore for his eight years of service to the Club. Throughout my role as a flag officer, I have relied on Joe for his guidance. Joe had the difficult role as Commodore during the start of Covid. I wish him the best and know we will continue to see him around the Club volunteering on other projects.  

Caroline at the helm of Whimsea

NCYC 53rd Annual Meeting - I hope to see everyone one at the Annual Meeting at the club house at 4 pm on Sunday November 6th.  As I indicated in the last newsletter, attending the NCYC Annual Meeting is one of the most important responsibilities of being a member of NCYC. The annual meeting requires a quorum of members to vote on the new slate, on the budget, and any by-law changes.  After the meeting, there will be a social hour at the Club (NOT at Penny Lane Pub as previously reported) to toast the outgoing Board and welcome the new Board and Flag Officers.  You are welcome to bring an appetizer. Refreshments will be available at the Club or BYOB.  

Here are a few reminders:

Moorings Once the harbormaster has finished pulling the moorings, come down to the Club to confirm that your mooring was placed on the Club Property and not on the town dock. The orange ribbons on the moorings indicate that your mooring should be placed on the NCYC property. If you are able to take your tackle home, please take it! We are hoping to have the deck replaced this winter and need to have as much room as possible for the construction. 

Stewards Don’t forget your Stewards. The Stewards not only serve as launch drivers but as stewards of the Club.  They look after the supplies, the Club House, the trash, and the grounds, as well as help the members. See below for the Steward’s addresses.

Club Cleanup Saturday November 19th at 9:30 am will be the club cleanup.  This is always a “all hands-on deck” event.  Check out the list of tasks we hope to accomplish. You can sign up for a particular task or just come and help. We even have a winter take-home polishing task if you can’t make it on the 12th. 

Open Positions It is time to start volunteering for next year’s open positions.  Please let Lou Vinciguerra know if you can help with any of the following:

o   Grounds

o   In-House Chair

o   Moorings, Dock & Dinghy Racks

o   Activities Chair

Outer Light Regatta Amy Vinciguerra is looking for a couple of volunteers to work with her this winter to plan the Outer Light Regatta. These plans may include a trip to Outer Light Brewery to see if they will help sponsor the event.  Please reach out to either Amy or Lou if you are available. 

Stewards

Tatiana (Tanya) Anderson                                                    

32 River Road

Old Saybrook, CT. 06475

Michael Misset

26 Deer Path Lane

North Branford, CT. 06471

Stefan Golicz

536 Main Street

Old Saybrook, CT. 06475

Jack Cardello 
2 Deerfield Road
Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Activities

the club decorated for the halloween social

The season is winding down. A huge thank you to Melissa Clark and Lucy Driggs-Armstrong for organizing our Howling Halloween gathering-the last scheduled Social Gathering evening for the 2022 season. We had many members ‘get their costumes on!” It was hilarious to see all the many original and scary ideas for dressing up. There were prizes and spooky cocktails too. Thank you to everyone who helped decorate and undecorate and set up and clean up this gathering. One thing is for sure, we have a lot of Halloween decorations at the club, but if you can’t find what you need, just ask Melissa-- she has a whole store at her house. 

Next up is the Annual fall meeting, Sunday 11/6 at 4:00. It is very important for everyone to attend this meeting if possible. After the meeting there will be a social hour at NCYC.

We are still looking for someone to host the annual Open House at their home after the Torchlight Parade in Old Saybrook, which takes place this year on Saturday, December 10th at 6:00. This party usually starts right after the parade ends. All attending should be courteous and leave after about 2 hours unless you are part of the cleanup crew. Everyone brings a bottle and an appetizer to share. Activities members can help with setting up, organizing and, of course, clean up if need be. Please let us know if you have any questions or will be willing to host your fellow members at your home.

Hopefully we will get to see all of you at one or two get-togethers during the months the clubhouse is closed. If anyone has any ideas for places we should look into for having a gathering, please get in touch with the Commodore. 

 Thank you for all the help and support this year. We have had fun working with all of you. None of our gatherings would be possible without all of you. We can always depend on many of you to step up when we need you most.

See you all at the Annual meeting.

Ann Chan and Cathy Murphy

Activities Co-chairs

Fun Winter Activity

Laurie Pavlos recently sent the Commodore an article about a woman from Denmark who was a member of the BlueTits (!! ed.) Chill swimmers. The BlueTitters believe that swimming (or dipping) all winter is good for one’s mental health, as well as for general exercise and companionship. BlueTits is a global community with members worldwide. Here is a link to their website: 

A few from NCYC want to see if they can get a group started – all are invited. If you are interested in joining our weekly dip (or swim), we will be at the Club this Friday at 11:00 am. Be sure to wear your bathing suit! Tea and cookies will be served after the dip. 

Here are the group’s first photos taken last week with a balmy water temperature of 58 degrees F.    

Power to the People

A closer look at some of our power boat members

Jen and Karl Frost

Pau Hana/ Mainship Trawler 34

The Milke’s are partly responsible for our cross-over from sail to power. Years ago, on the first night of a rainy club cruise, they invited everyone aboard Kindred Spirit, their 36 foot Sabreline fast trawler. Inside there was dry space for everyone, a view of the harbor from every big, bright window, teak and holly sole, and ice, lots of ice!  

At the end of last season Karl texted me to ask what I thought about putting Risky Business, our Pearson 36 sloop, on the market. Selling Risky Business was a bittersweet idea because the boat belonged to my parents, and my dad passed away in 2017. Dad had left a little sign though, a tiny framed cartoon mounted above a bunk, of two salty sailors. The thought bubble read:  “I went on a power boat and I liked it!”

Just a couple of months later, Pau Hana found us, and we love it!

Lisa and Craig Elliott

Serendipity/ Mainship 34

David MacVaugh

Ibis and Half Moon Too/ Devlin 26 and 22

A three-day stopover in North Cove about eight years ago spun my life in a direction that it could not or would not have ever in my wildest dreams thought possible. I attribute that to the sheer “cuteness” of my little boat, the Half Moon Too. If I had owned any other boat, I am convinced that no one would have talked to me, let alone made me feel as welcome as the folks here in Old Saybrook.

I’ve tried to live my life according to the Quaker philosophy of “live simply so that others may simply live.” My new boat, Ibis, or as I like to refer to her, my “pied a mer” has allowed me to enjoy all the Cove has to offer in a bit more comfort—and most importantly, with room for the kitty litter box for Dewey (aka Moochie) and Lucy, my shipmates.

Words cannot express how much I have enjoyed these last six weeks here in the Cove and the new friends that I have made.

Al Ebstein

Doubled Up/ Worldcat catamaran

From the Chaplain’s Quiet Corner of the Cove

May the nourishment of the earth be yours, may the clarity of light be yours,

may the fluency of the ocean be yours

may the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow wind work these words of love around you,

an invisible cloak

to mind your life.

Closing Prayer for the season on All Hallows’ Eve and All Saints’ Day

From Beannacht by John O ’Donohue

Winterizing Your Engine

BoatUS magazine generously allows boating newsletters to republish selected articles. Full attribution is given at the end of this article.

Your Engine’s Chillin’ 

It's that time of year again. Before the mercury dips below freezing, you need to winterize your engine or risk missing next year’s boating season

By Beth A. Leonard 

Fresh water expands in volume by about nine percent when it freezes and can push outward with a force of tens of thousands of pounds per square inch. An analysis of 10 years of freeze claims from the BoatU.S. Marine Insurance claim files found that more than three-quarters involved cracks in the engine block or the exhaust manifolds because water remained in the engine or cooling system during a hard freeze. Those claims come from all over the country, not just from the states that get snow every year. Unless you’re located in Hawaii or the Florida Keys, BoatU.S. recommends winterizing your engine if you’ll be laying up the boat for even a few weeks. It will minimize the chances that a sudden freeze will put you out of commission next season.

Engine Winterizing 101

At its most basic, winterizing means draining any water aboard or replacing it with enough of the right kind of antifreeze to protect against the lowest temperatures your boat might experience. No matter what kind of engine you have, there are four essential winterizing steps:

• Change the oil and oil filter. Residual acids and moisture left in the crankcase over the winter can pit bearings and other vital engine parts, so it's important to change the oil just before laying up the boat. For best results, run the engine for a few minutes to lower the oil's viscosity and pick up impurities. Shut off the engine, change the oil, and replace the filter. Restart the engine and run for about a minute to circulate the fresh oil to internal parts. While it's running, check to make sure the oil filter isn't leaking.

• Change the fuel filter and stabilize the fuel. Running the engine after this step ensures stabilized fuel reaches critical fuel system components. Replace the primary and secondary fuel filter(s) and/or change the fuel filter canisters. Like the oil filter, the fuel filter should be checked for leaks while the engine is still running. If your boat runs on gasoline and your gasoline has ethanol in it (E10), the ethanol will absorb moisture over the winter. If it absorbs enough water, the ethanol can separate from the gasoline, creating a caustic mixture at the bottom of your tank that can damage the engine. This process, called phase separation, can only be completely prevented by emptying the tank. If that isn't practical, add stabilizer to keep the gas from oxidizing over the winter, then fill the tank to 95-percent full to allow for expansion. A tank that's almost full has less "lung capacity" to breath in moist air, so the ethanol should not be able to absorb enough moisture to separate.

• Diesel tanks should also be left full over the winter to minimize condensation and algae growth.

• Drain the water from the engine or use antifreeze. This is the part that seems most often to confuse owners, and mistakes in this step lead to the vast majority of the freeze claims in the BoatU.S. Marine Insurance files. Exactly how this is done varies from one type of engine to another, as described below.

TIP: The oil will be much easier to remove if you let the engine warm up to operating temperature first.  

Winterizing An Inboard

Most boat engines these days are fresh-water-cooled. That means there are actually two systems – a raw-water side and a closed-loop system that contains a coolant/water mixture. The raw-water side cools the coolant/water mixture, which in turn cools the engine.

Winterizing the fresh-water side simply involves making sure its year-round permanent coolant is an adequate mixture of mixture to meet the manufacturer's recommendations for your locality, typically a 50/50 mix with water. The coolant you use in the fresh-water system is not the same as what you’ll use on the raw-water side of the engine - ethylene glycol is effective but highly toxic. With the engine at room temperature, slowly remove the cap on the expansion tank and check the mixture with an antifreeze hydrometer. If the coolant is rusty or dirty, it needs to be drained and replaced with a fresh mixture. (Resist the temptation to use more than 50-percent coolant. An overly rich mixture will congeal, with 100-percent antifreeze turning to a solid gel at -8 degrees F.)

The preferred technique for winterizing the raw-water cooling side of a fresh-water-cooled engine, circulating nontoxic antifreeze (propylene glycol) throughout the cooling system, protects the engine better than draining it and, assuming that the antifreeze you use also contains rust inhibitors, can actually extend engine life. It also is far less likely to result in freeze damage, as long as the engine is run long enough to circulate the antifreeze to every part of the cooling system. On some boats, it can be difficult to reach the intake hose for the engine, or to get it off the seacock. A variety of products have been designed to make getting antifreeze into the engine possible without undoing that hose. These include three-way valves that attach to the seacock or the sea strainer, funnels that fit inside the sea strainer, and reservoirs with hoses that can be run to the raw-water intake. Google "boat winterizing products" and you'll find a selection. If you choose to use one of these, just be certain that the antifreeze reaches everything downstream of where you're adding it, not just upstream. To winterize the engine with antifreeze the old-fashioned way, you'll need a five-gallon bucket and enough antifreeze for your engine and related plumbing (at least two gallons). If your engine takes a lot of antifreeze, you might also need a helper to add antifreeze to the bucket as needed. Note that in raw-water-cooled engines a thermostat blocks water flow in some cooling passages until the engine heats up. To be thoroughly protected, raw-water-cooled engines must reach operating temperature and the thermostat must be open before adding the antifreeze. One method is to remove the thermostat, a simple job on most engines. It can be left out for the winter, but don’t forget to reinstall it in the spring along with a new gasket.

To circulate antifreeze through the engine:

1. If the boat is in the water, close the intake seacock.

2. Fill a five-gallon bucket with antifreeze. Have additional antifreeze handy if you know your boat takes more than that, or if you've never winterized before. You can use any leftovers in the boat's plumbing systems.

3. Remove the raw-water intake hose from the seacock (this is sometimes difficult, as hose clamps and hoses may be mechanically frozen in place) and insert the end in the bucket.

4. Start the engine and run at idle until antifreeze discharges from the exhaust outlet for 30 seconds or more.

5. For gasoline engines, fog the cylinders (see below).

6. Shut off the engine and secure the intake hose back on the seacock.

In addition to the bucket and the antifreeze, for gasoline engines you'll also need a can of engine fogging fluid or light motor oil, some plastic sheeting, and duct tape.

If a fuel valve is installed, turn it off about halfway through the process to run the carburetor dry. For the last 10 seconds or so of engine operation, spray the fogging fluid into the flame arrester on the carburetor. Light oil can be trickled down the carburetor if fogging fluid isn’t available. This may stall the engine, which is OK. Finally, wrap duct tape around the flame arrester and cover the top of the engine with plastic after it has cooled. This helps prevent corrosion from forming on internal engine parts. Attach a tag somewhere as a reminder about the duct tape, which will prevent the engine from starting next spring. Note that diesel engines don’t need to be fogged. 

TIP: Use only nontoxic antifreeze (propylene glycol) everywhere except in the fresh-water side of the engine.

Winterizing Sterndrives

There are different types of sterndrives, so check your manual for winterizing specifics. Some inboard/outboard (I/O) engines take in cooling water from a thru-hull in the engine compartment, and some take it in through the outdrive. With I/Os that use a thru-hull, the outdrive will be protected once the engine has had antifreeze run through it because the antifreeze also runs through the outdrive. Other models may require the use of “muffs” to first flush and then run antifreeze through the drive. For those drives, warm up the engine with the muffs, then use a five-gallon bucket of antifreeze plumbed to the muffs and run the engine until it’s all been run through. Afterward, all outdrives should be stored in the down position to prevent water from entering the exhaust hub of the propeller. In cold weather, any accumulated water in the outdrive can freeze and ice may expand and crack the housing.

While not technically necessary for winterizing, it makes sense to drain and fill the outdrive oil now. It’s not difficult and will protect your outdrive from the effects of worn-out lube over the winter while letting you hit the water faster in the spring. Lower the outdrive as far as possible, and drain the oil by removing the lube drain/fill screw at the bottom and the vent plug screw at the top. Keep in mind that refilling your outdrive oil is counterintuitive: New oil must be pumped UP into the outdrive; never refill from the top port or vent hole. Pump fresh oil into the drive from the drain hole at the bottom until fluid appears out the vent hole at the top. Install the vent screw, which slows the lube from coming back out the drain, and then replace the drain/fill screw quickly. It’s a good idea to put new gaskets on the plugs. If your boat has a reservoir in the engine compartment, fill it also.

Outdrives are expensive and have become a frequent target for thieves. Even if the boat is kept in your driveway, consider taking the outdrive off and storing it in your garage or basement for the winter. 

TIP: Heaters are not a good alternative to winterizing – if the electricity goes out, your engine is left unprotected, and a fault in the heater, cord, or electrical system could cause a fire.

Winterizing Outboards

Consult your engine owner's manual or service manual before you begin. Today's engines (especially four-stroke and direct-injected two-stroke outboards) may have special winterizing, flushing, and maintenance instructions, so follow them closely. For example, Evinrude's E-Tec outboards feature a self-winterizing mode in the engine's electronic programming. It's simple to do by following the instructions in the winterizing section of the owner's manual, yet if you don't know about it, you might be tempted to try it the traditional way. If your engine is still under warranty, and you don't winterize it according to the manufacturer's instructions, you could easily void the warranty coverage. While winterizing procedures vary somewhat for older engines versus newer ones, and for two-stroke versus four-stroke outboards, the basics are the same.

• The engine's gas tank must be filled and treated with stabilizers or drained completely.

• The engine should be flushed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sometimes, this doesn't involve running the engine at all; newer engines have a garden hose fitting that allows for a quick flush without starting the engine. Check your manual for specifics.

• 
  The engine's lubricants (engine oil for four-stroke outboards, and lower-unit gear lube for all outboards) should be drained and refilled, and the fuel filters changed. Water or other contaminants must be flushed out and replaced with fresh lube before winter. Any water present in the gear case, for example, will sit on steel shafts and bearings over the winter, coating them with rust.

• Run the engine (use a small portable tank that has stabilizer mixed in if you’ve drained the main tank) to get the oil and lower unit lubricant warm before draining. This will make it flow easier and also get any contaminants in suspension so they drain instead of sitting inside. Change the oil filter when you change oil. 

• After treating the fuel and running the engine for a few minutes, the engine should be "fogged" with a storage lubricant. This protects the internals (bearings, seals, and rotating surfaces) with a thin film of lubricant, which helps keep rust and corrosion away. With the engine running, inject fogging oil through the carburetors or electronic fuel injection (EFI) system air intakes in such a way as to "flood" the engine with oil until it begins to smoke, then continue fogging it until it stalls. Fogging can also be done with the engine shut down; in this case, the spark plugs are removed and the oil is sprayed into the cylinders, rotating the flywheel to distribute oil.

Store the engine in the running (tilted-down) position; otherwise water that gets in through the hub can freeze and crack the lower unit housing. If possible, take smaller outboards home for safekeeping. – John Tiger

This article was reprinted with permission from BoatU.S. Magazine, flagship publication of the membership organization Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). For more expert articles and videos to make your boating, sailing, or fishing better, visit Boatus.com. https://www.boatus.com/syndicated

Photo credits: Ann Chan, Al Ebstein, Jen Frost, Jean Golicz, Hugh Hunsinger, Dave MacVaugh, Caroline Miller, Deb Paulson, Michelle Paulson

High Tidings October 2022

Upcoming Events

• October Wednesday evenings – Grill Night

• Monday October 10th – Last Day of Launch Service

• Wednesday October 12th 5:30 pm – Membership event at the Club. 

• Friday October 28th 6 pm – Halloween Party

• Tuesday November 1st 6:30 pm - NCYC Board Meeting at the Club

• Sunday November 6th 4 pm – NCYC Annual Meeting 

• Sunday November 6th after the Board Meeting – Penny Lane Pub

• Saturday November 12th – NCYC Club Cleanup

Bookmark the NCYC Calendar:  https://www.northcoveyc.com/calendar

Commodore Remarks

As the 2022 boating season comes to an end, there are a few reminders:

·       Annual Meeting – I hope to see everyone at the Annual Meeting on Sunday November 6 at 4 pm.  Attendance at the NCYC Annual Meeting is critical - there needs to be a quorum of members present to vote on the new slate of Club officers, the budget and any other official business such as by-law changes. After the meeting we will head to Penny Lane pub to toast the outgoing Board and welcome the new Board and Flag Officers.

·       Moorings - Don’t forget to put an orange ribbon on your mooring. This tells Scot Mitchell to place your mooring on the NCYC property

·       Stewards - Don’t forget your Stewards. The Stewards not only serve as Launch Drivers but as Stewards of the Club. They maintain the Club House, grounds, waterfront, and fleet on a day-to-day basis, helping members as needed. 

·       Club Cleanup – Saturday November 12th at 9:30 am will be the club cleanup. This is always a “all hands-on deck” event to winterize the clubhouse and fleet. 

Although the boating season has ended, the NCYC Board continues to work throughout the winter.  Work includes:

·       Filling Club Positions – I want to thank all those who have stepped up and helped for me for the last couple of years. The following positions are open.  Please let VC Vinciguerra know if you are willing to help with:

o   Clubhouse Reservations

o   Grounds

o   In-House Chair

o   Moorings, Dock & Dinghy Racks

·       Replacement of the Deck and new flagpole installation – We continue to look for a builder for the Deck. 

·       Dumpster enclosure – Volunteers are needed to help expand and enclose the dumpster and septic cover.

·       Launch work – We will be having “parties” this winter to work on the launch. Don’t miss out of the fun.

Membership:

On Wednesday, October 12th, the Membership Committee will be hosting one last Membership event for the season. If you know anyone that may be interested in hearing about NCYC Membership, send Commodore Miller an email.

Storm over North Cove

A beautiful weekend for the Mattituck mini cruise

Launch Operations

Greetings & Salutations Fellow NCYC Members,

Another marine season has come to an end on our beautiful and picturesque North Cove.  Here we are again moving through our final routines of tucking away our boats for the winter, enjoying some final days of fellowship at the club, assisting with work groups, attending the annual meeting, and eventually closing the club for the season. As we attend to all these things and button up, let’s remember the NCYC crew of Launch Captains. Please stand with me and extend a heartfelt thank you for their hard work, reliability and loyalty to the stewardship of the club during our 2022 season.

As you may or may not know, our Launch Captains serve a dual role as Club Stewards ensuring that the club is opened and a welcoming place for our members and guests. At the days-end these are the folks closing the club and ensuring that all is secured. I want to take this opportunity to offer our Steward’s home addresses. There may have been an occasion where you received exceptional service or perhaps there were several trips to and from your boats with guests and baggage in poor weather. Here’s an opportunity to say we didn’t forget, and thanks for being there when we needed you. Gratuities are not required here at North Cove, however it’s always nice to receive a note with some kind words and a little something extra to close out the season.

On behalf of all the Stewards, I thank you for the kindness and patience you showed throughout the season. North Cove Yacht Club members remain a great bunch of Old Salts! Cheers to another enjoyable and rewarding season at our stern. Our memories on the water, good times, and the friendships we’ve made along the way will surely last a lifetime. I wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable winter. I look forward to seeing you all at the next gathering.

Bill Porter / Board of Governors

Launch Operations

Our Club Stewards/Launch Captains

Tatiana (Tanya) Anderson                                                    

32 River Road

Old Saybrook, CT. 06475

Michael Misset

26 Deer Path Lane

North Branford, CT. 06471

Stefan Golicz

536 Main Street

Old Saybrook, CT. 06475

Jack Cardello 
2 Deerfield Road
Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Activities Report

September was another busy month. We had a meeting to finish planning the last few activities, which was very well attended. We had free yoga sessions twice a week, courtesy of newly certified yoga instructor, Cheryl Miller. Thank you, Cheryl! We look forward to many more years of you helping us with our practice.

On September 11th we had Frank Andrews and his mobile kitchen at the club for pizza night. He and his co chef, Max, kept cranking out gourmet pizzas like you may never have experienced before. Especially memorable were the blueberry, goat cheese and arugula and their signature pear pizza. Who knew fruit on pizza could taste so good? We finally had to go out and tell them they could stop making pizza, as we were all feeling quite stuffed.  We would love to have them back in the future. There was also salad and dessert and lots of camaraderie. Thank you to all of you who helped and contributed to this wonderful get together. 

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Oktoberfest was the last event of September held on the 30th for the end of month social gathering. It was a great turn out as always. We will most likely continue to have this event in the fall, because who doesn’t like a good bratwurst and a beer? Thank you to all who helped with this event, specifically, Lauren and Rich Peters who chaired the event, Kathy Reddington and her husband Frank Borzenski, Cathy and Bob Murphy, Caroline and David Miller, Carolyn Turner, Janet Vinciguerra, Lucy Armstrong Driggs, Linda Tuzzio, Nancy Miller, Jennifer and Karl Frost, Cheryl and Mark Miller and of course Pete Jenkin and his band, the Old Sauerkraut Band. I’m sure I may be forgetting a few, but we are so appreciative of your help. Thank you so much. 

Thank you to all my activities members and non who helped the following day with the memorial service for our great friend Peggy Stump. You are all such giving, energetic people.

ON THE RADAR: 

Please mark your calendars for the LAST social gathering of the season, October 28, at 6 pm. This will be a Halloween party with heavy, and spooky appetizers. Costumes are encouraged but optional. Watch the weekly emails for the link to sign up to help. As this is a social gathering night, you may bring your set ups and BYOB or make a donation for a howling, signature cocktail. And as mentioned already, this will be an appetizer-only evening. Start thinking about your costumes and if you are able to help either in set up, clean up, or be in the kitchen. Sign up at the link below or get in touch with Melissa Clark (860-848-1813 / maclark307@gmail.com)  or Lucy Armstrong Driggs (860-510-6944 /lucy.driggs@gmail.com).

The fall meeting will be on Sunday November 6 at 1600 (4 p.m) followed by a get-together at PennyLane Pub at 1700. Mark your calendars for this important meeting. 

Thank you for helping and attending all of our events in September.

Ann Chan and Cathy Murphy

Activities co-Chairs

Junior Sailing

Pete Stump donated a new-to-us 420 in memory of Peg. Lou V. says this will move our racers to the top of the fleet for every regatta we enter next summer! Thank you so much, Pete!

From the Chaplain

Poem from Peggy Stump’s Memorial Service

Gone From My Sight

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. 

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone." 

Gone where? 

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.

And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

Thursday Night Racing

the Last Thursday Night Race of the season.

It has been yet another memorable summer of Thursday Night racing, with several new NCYC members participating, and even winning races.

A race occurred almost every Thursday night this year; it was rare when racing was cancelled because it was either too stormy or there was not enough wind to race. Happily, nearly every Thursday evening race was visited with at least 8-12 knots of wind, just enough to get the heavier boats moving and strong enough to allow the smaller and lighter boats to beat out the larger heavier boats. Occasionally, a warm downpour accompanied the sailing, but what the hay? The damp clothes dry up quickly back in the clubhouse eating a hamburger/hot dog meal cooked by Linda Tuzzio. 

This year saw vast improvement in the racing fleet. The sailors learned and applied the rules of racing. They learned and utilized the tides and currents of Long Island Sound to their advantage and improved the timing of their starts. Sailors paid attention to race committee instructions.

At dinner, they discussed subjects such as sail draft, smooth bottoms, mast adjustments, weight distributions, and application of racing rules. Sailors improved their sail trimming techniques so that their boats go faster — even if it amounts to a small fraction of a knot more.

Many races, even long distant races are lost by fractions of a second just because the boat isn’t where the wind is, a sail wasn’t optimally trimmed fast enough at any given time, or any host of reasons that crews experience. Through trial and error, a crew can overcome these hindrances to make their boat and team come over the finish line first.

It was apparent this summer that all of the racers were out there to win.

However, there is consolation in losing. Rarely does anyone come away from a race without learning something about themselves, their fellow crew mates, their boat, and yes, there were many exceptional sunsets, dinners, and dinner conversation to enjoy this summer. But everyone very much wants to win! Or at least be “in the money.”

Meanwhile, our race committee and race officers are improving and developing expertise in running races. They attend racing seminars, and occasionally work with nearby yacht clubs’ race committees for improvement and coaching. NCYC is very fortunate to have a race committee that is so dedicated to running Thursday night racing. They use their own boats as the Race Committee boat and chase boats. The Race Committee usually has to stay on station during a race no matter what the wave action is, wind conditions, or any host of unpleasant inconveniences.  They do this all for us —the NCYC Thursday night racers.

Not all of the sailors in our club race. Some use their boats for day sailing, some for cruising. These are time honored NCYC activities. But, almost every boat over 23 feet has a PHRF rating which handicaps boats that are racing. So, almost everyone can take even an old sailing barge and race with us. You will not be disappointed.

Your navigation will improve and your sailing skills will improve. You’ll learn more about wind by the  smell of the increasing wind, by feeling the sensation of a wind change upon your neck, and observing how the changing tide affects wind speed and wind direction. You’ll experience how the heat of an afternoon’s summer day affects the breeze off Knollwood/Fenwick/Cornfield Point Beach, and see how a school of fish can indicate wind speed, direction, and changing tide. Something as simple as how the flags are flying in Fenwick, or any host of natural observations will positively affect how you sail your boat on to victory.

All of the above, forces sailors to become better sailors, since they have to be more in tune with the environment of wind, tides, cloud formations, boat-bottom to water-friction, sail trim, navigation, and anything that makes their boat faster than other boats. However, this knowledge take time to develop and apply. Knowledge that can be developed by committing oneself to Thursday Night Racing. Please consider racing with us next year starting approximately the end of May and ending in the beginning of September. And this year, starting October 9th please consider representing NCYC in Frost Bite Racing on the Connecticut River off Essex and Essex Corinthian Yacht Clubs.

Faithfully reported by,

Joe Carroll

The overall results of the 2022 Thursday Night Racing Series are…

Congratulations everyone!

The Racing Doesn’t End on Thursdays

NCYC has its Outer Light Regatta and the Belle 8 race in honor of Anne Troy, but other clubs also sponsor races that our club members participate in.

Congratulations to NCYC member Chris Griffin for placing 4th out of 17 in the fleet, and 2nd in his class at Duck Island Yacht Club's First Annual Bill’s [Seafood] Cup Regatta. He and the redoubtable Rob Hathaway double-handed Chris's boat, Shearwater, after which they enjoyed dinner and mudslides compliments of DIYC.  

Off Soundings

Off Soundings, put on by the Off Soundings Club took place on September 16-17. This two-day race goes from New London to Greenport NY the first day, and thence around Gardiners Bay the second day. Day one, a magnificent fleet of boats set sail…in theory. Except there was no wind; so much no wind that even the spinnakers were deflated.

There was a lot of drifting. The captain and crew on Shearwater were thrilled to reach 0.8 knots. As Shearwater drifted closer and closer to Race Rock, they kept their cool (sort of) and hoped that the current would pull them away, which, at the last minute, it did.

Race rock from Shearwater

The much-vaunted after-party in Greenport did not disappoint with its coolers of pre-mixed drinks, but one Shearwater crew member needed to go to sleep earlier than most (apparently.) As the captain informed this crewmember when she was heading back to the boat to retire, “You’re not doing Off Soundings right, Deb.”

(But remember those breakfast sandwiches and coffee this early riser delivered to you guys while you were still sleeping it off? We all have our roles to play and we must be allowed to play them.)

The following day there were hopes for some wind, which developed on the first two legs, but the third or fourth (downwind; a tack that is rapidly becoming a certain crew person’s least favorite) had no wind, and Shearwater once again poked along, as her captain and crew shared even more stories of their lives.

The highlight was seeing the dolphins (and be sure to turn up your volume so you can hear Amy greeting them.)

Cross Sound Challenge

This year Gumdrop, Madaket, Osprey, and Shearwater represented North Cove Yacht Club in Essex Corinthian Yacht Club’s Cross Sound Challenge regatta on September 24. It was supposed to be a very windy day and Osprey’s crew was ready.

Disappointingly, the wind lightened considerably, and the lighter, faster boats got the glory. Although Osprey, with its full spinnaker, takes the award for most beautiful boat out there. (Not that we’re partial to NCYC boats, oh no.)

As Joe Carroll has pointed out in his lovely essays, racing has many facets, a major one of which is the camaraderie. Please consider racing next season–and women, consider the Belle 8 race, where a woman has to be at the helm. It’s a great deal of fun.

Belle 8

The Belle 8 race, in memory of expert racer and NCYC member Anne Troy, took place on September 10 and had a healthy number of boats entered this year, all with a woman at the helm, as per race rules. The other (unofficial) rule for this race (thought up by the captains on the launch on the way out to their boats) “You don’t have to bring back the same number of crew you started with.” Hmmmm...tiresome boyfriend or husband, anyone? 

There was a very strong current on the initial windward leg, followed by an easy downwind leg and a finishing beam reach. The trick was to get around the first mark, which basically took forever. The committee boat, Sea Horse, with Rob Hathaway, Linda Tuzzio, Pete Stump, and Diane Stark on board waited patiently (as they always do.)

A lively pizza and beer party at the Club afterward brought a wonderful day to a close.

The Results:

First place: Osprey, captained by Sara Ferrier

Second place: Seacant, captained by Amy Vinciguerra

Third place: Bianca*, captained by Arden Rand

Fourth place: Kewalo, captained by Deb Paulson

Fifth place: Madaket, captained by Sharon Tracy and friends

Sixth place: Rascal, captained by Susan Wheeler

*Fittingly, Bianca was Anne Troy’s beloved boat.

the Belle 8 skippers. From left to right, Arden Rand, Sharon Tracy, Sara Ferrier, Amy Vinciguerra, Deb Paulson, susan Wheeler, and Sharon’s friends

Photo Credits: Ann Chan, Lisa Elliot, Chris Griffin, Melissa Mason, Caroline Miller, Dan O’Malley, Deb Paulson, Lauren Peters, Pete Stump, Linda Tuzzio, Amy Vinciguerra, Janet Vinciguerra,

High Tidings September 2022

In Memoriam

Peggy Stump

May 17, 1948-August 16, 2022

Everyone is invited to a memorial service for Peggy at NCYC on October 1st at noon.

---

Commodore Remarks

Upcoming events for September and October

• Saturday September 10 @ 11 am Anne Troy Belle 8 Race

• Sunday September 11 @ 4 pm Pizza Truck

• Restorative Yoga Tuesdays at 5:30 pm – September 13, 20, 27

• Wednesday evenings – Grill night

• Thursday evenings – Thursday Night Racing

• Yoga Fridays at 9:00 am - September 9, 16, 23, 30

• September 17 and 18 – Mattituck Wine Tasting

• Friday September 30 6:00 pm – Octoberfest with Pete Jenkins and his band.

• Saturday October 1st 12:00 noon – Memorial for Peggy Stump – all are welcome to attend

• Tuesday October 4th – NCYC Board Meeting @ the Club

• Friday October 28th 6:00 pm – Friday Night Social

  Check the calendar for late season launch hours

  Bookmark the NCYC Calendar:  https://www.northcoveyc.com/calendar

I hope everyone enjoyed August as much as the Commodore and her family. We were lucky to be away much of August starting with the club cruise. In all my years cruising with NCYC, this was one for the record books. More boats signed up for this cruise then we have ever had. However, due to weather, mechanical, and health issues, the cruise size decreased. And as soon as the boats set sail, a couple boats had to turn back due to mechanical issues.

We arrived in Pt. Judith Pond, a normally calm spot, to white caps splashing across of bows of our boats. Don’t think the waves deterred the hearty boaters, we still managed to dinghy to Pau Hana for a wonderful happy hour aboard Jen and Karl Frost’s new boat. 

happy hour on pau hana. Nothing interferes with happy hour. nothing.

The next day, due to the expected (crappy) weather, the cruise moved early to Dutch Harbor on Narraganset Bay.

In spite of the heat at the boatyard, Sea Horse was able to entertain everyone with an ample supply of mudslides served under the shade of a beautiful boat out for repair.

The fixin’s

the process

the happy result

Walt and Suzanne caught their mooring just before the storm. And later, there was a beautiful sunset.

And then there was the bagpiper…

The wind gods still appeared to be angry because for the next two weeks there was crazy winds and seas. The one-week cruisers abandoned the rest of the cruise and moved from Dutch Harbor to Block Island where they happily spent their time clamming, beaching, and socializing.

Avanti and Whimsea made it to Edgartown (though not at the same time) and Sea Horse gets the award for most closely following the cruise itinerary and running into the most North Cove Boats (but never where they were supposed to be). Once again everyone enjoyed their voyage, and we hope you enjoy our photos.

---

the commodore would like everyone to notice the lovely grass in front of the Rhode Island Yacht Club.

I hope to see everyone at some of the events this month. This weekend is the Belle 8 and the Amazing Pizza Truck. Next weekend is Mattituck. Cheryl Miller is leading Yoga on Tuesdays and Fridays for September. Wednesday Grill Night and Thursday Racing continue, and the last Friday of September is Octoberfest with Pete Jenkin and his band. 

This time of year is busy for the Board and over the next few months we will be developing a budget and finalizing the list of projects that will need to be completed this year and next. Several of these projects can be done by individual members on their own time. Please look through the projects and sign up for what you can. Remember we are a volunteer yacht club and your participation is critical to keeping our dues down.  

• Projects include:

  ·       Winter launch parties

  ·       Club screen and window fixes

  ·       Update outboard motor rack

  ·       Upgrade sail lockers

  ·       Work with team to build dumpster cover

  ·       And more…

Also, Lou is looking for help to Launch the O’Day 18 on Tuesday September 13th @ 10 am.  The plan is to meet at Club at 10 AM to rig and then take to the O’Day to launch ramp on North Cove Road.  We want to use this boat for the adult sailing program next year and want to confirm it floats 😊.   Let Lou know if you are available at 860-510-6128 

Over the next few months, the Board will be looking at the Outer Light Regatta.  We are looking to put together a team to review the budget, outreach and marketing, the regatta, and the party. I will be reaching out to members to help assist with next year’s planning.  This is a big event and in the past, it has been a big fund raiser for the club.  Because this is an Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association (ESCA) event, it provides our Yacht Club with a level of legitimacy and respect within the Sailing Community.   It is our hope to keep running this event in the future, but it takes significant effort and resources. 

Membership

North Cove welcomes our 16th new membership for 2022.  Please join us in welcoming Mark Yuknat and Mindy Hill to NCYC.

Usually at this time of year, the Membership Committee is winding down, but not this year. I am happy to report that we still have several families in the process of pursuing membership.   

Anne Troy Belle 8 Race

Saturday September 10th is a day for all of North Cove's female sailors to shine.  The Belle 8 race features a woman at the helm for the entire race. Come join us at the mouth of the river as we race to Bell 8. The specific course is to be determined by the race committee and dependent on weather direction and tide. 

After the race, join us for refreshments and awards, $5 suggested donation. 

Skippers Meeting: 1100 on the Deck 9/10

First Warning (race starts): 1200 near the Outer Light 9/10

After Party: TBD – this will be announced at the Skippers Meeting

Sign up to race by contacting Amy V. 860-395-7625

Plenty of boats are still looking for crew! If you are interested in sailing on a boat (male and female crew welcome!) please contact Amy Vinciguerra at 860-395-7625

Mattituck “Triathlon-Cruise, Bike and Wine Tour

September 17 and 18th - Send Caroline Miller an email if you are attending (c.d.miller@comcast.net)

Anchor or Dock at Transient Dockage Strong's Marine (strongsmarine.com).  Bring bikes or rent bikes there. 

Launch License

If you have time this winter, you may be interested in getting your launch license.  There are several on-line and in-person courses available:

https://northeastmaritimeonline.com/launch-operator/

https://www.northeastmaritime.com/maritime-training/courses/launch-operator/

https://www.nemaritime.com/launchtender.html 

There are several courses that allows you to receive a license to drive the Club launch – 

• USCG Approved Limited Master (Launch Tender) License

• USCG Approved Master 25/50/100 Ton In land Waters:

 The NCYC launch is an inspected vehicle so you must be 18 to get your license.  

If you have any questions, reach out to David Chan. David and Mark Raffa took the course last winter. Congratulation to Captain Chan who just received his Coast Guard Master’s License

Labor Day Cruise to Mystic Seaport

The Club had a fun trip to Mystic Seaport for Labor Day. Some came by sea, and some came by land.  Saturday night’s potluck unexpectedly turned into a Mediterranean cuisine night.  Sunday was a busy day with a Seaport Behind the Scenes Tour with Duck Island and Essex Yacht Clubs; David Miller prepared a scavenger hunt; Walter Gayesky arranged a ride on an electric Duffy 22 Bay Island that he hopes to see as our launch someday, and we finished the day with Sea Horse Mud slides (ed. note: “Again??”) and happy hour.  We hope to see everyone at Mystic next year. 

Activities

August can be a sleepy month for club activities but it doesn’t mean our members are inactive. The club cruise took place last month, so many members were away for that. Others, though not on the club cruise, were also out on the water, lazing on their boats or busy with all the fun that summer brings. The August social gathering did just take place. It was a good old fashioned potluck with a blind “classy” boxed wine taste testing. The tasting was a HOOT and enjoyed by all.

Ask Caroline when you see her, which boxed wine won the most votes. Thank you, Commodore for organizing and running this gathering. And thank you to everyone who helped and volunteered. As summer winds down and schools get back in session, many will adopt new or old routines. The club will still be open for a few more months, so make sure to utilize it and come to one of the upcoming events. 

ON THE RADAR

September 11, 1600, Sunday - Frank Andrews Mobile Kitchen = PIZZA Truck

This is an often suggested activity. For $25 you will get all the pizza you can eat, there will be at least 5 to choose from, salad and dessert. It is BYOB and bring your preferred beverage container as well. Everything else will be supplied.  Other than that you can just show up with your cash at the door to pay, BUT we need to know in advance that you will be attending. We need sign ups by September 6th. After that, we may or may not be able to squeeze you in, so look for the sign up on weekly happenings, notices or use this link now.

September 13, 1830 - Activities Meeting This SHORT meeting will follow the Tuesday night yoga session. We need to firm up a few things for the remainder of the year. Please try to attend and if you are taking the yoga, planning on staying a little longer after it’s done. Or come for the yoga and stay, you don’t have to pre register for the yoga session.  Namaste

September 30 1800, Friday  - Monthly Social Gathering = Oktoberfest 🍺

This social gathering is always a fun time. Once again Peter Jenkins has secured his OOMPAH Band, to supply the traditional music. There will be BRATS, SAUERKRAUT and POTATO SALAD among other items for a donation.  Last year this was a sell out event, so mark your calendars and make sure to watch for the sign up. Lauren and Rich Peters are the Commandants  for this event, and they could use lots of hands to make light work. Please email them at lpeters89@optimum.net (Lauren) or (Rich) at rcp222@yahoo.com, to tell them you want to be part of the fun group that pulls this all together.  They will need to know how many people are coming, so make sure to sign up in advance. 

September YOGA at the clubhouse:

Tuesdays from 1730-1830, Sept. 6,13,20&27 

Fridays from 09:00-10:00, Sept 2,9,16,23 &30.

For the month of September, join fellow club member Cheryl Miller as she leads you through either a restorative class on Tuesday evenings or a slow vinyasa flow class on Friday mornings. Bring a mat, and towel or blanket. Blocks if you have them. Did we mention that it is FREE for club members? See the weekly happenings letter for the links or use this one right here. There is a brief description on the sign up link, or you can email Cheryl at clmiller2008@aol.com with any questions.

Phew! That’s a lot of activity to think about. Now go sign up for all these events and let us know you want to help. If you said you would help with a social gathering, there are only a few more get togethers left to volunteer for. And any time you are at an event or see something fun at the club, please take a snapshot and share it with us or our editor, Deb Paulson.

 Thank you to all our volunteers and committee members. We couldn’t do it without you!

DON’T FORGET TO JOIN ACTIVITIES FOR A SHORT IMPORTANT MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 13TH AT 6:30/ 1830 FOLLOWING YOGA.  

Ann Chan & Cathy Murphy

Activities Co-chairs

The Fun Facts Section

Jon Mason

Thursday Night Racing

Sailors at North Cove Yacht Club are blessed to reside and riot on the sea where we go down to it in our boats; to and fro ploughing it as our own special plantation; our home which will not be overwhelmed by the ever increasing sea level.

Herman Melville wrote in Moby Dick: “Take almost any path you please, and ten to one it carries you down in a dale, and leaves you there by a pool in the stream. There is magic in it. Let the most absent-minded of men be plunged in his deepest reveries-stand the man on his legs, set his feet a going, and he will infallibility lead you to water, if water there be in all that region. Should you ever be athirst in the great American desert, try this experiment, if your caravan happens to be supplied with a metaphysical professor. Yes, as everyone knows, meditation and water are wedded forever…”

Also, Henry David Thoreau wrote about his longing to be sailing in “A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers”. In this book Thoreau relates his experiences sailing with his brother on a sailing journey from Concord Massachusetts to Concord New Hampshire and back in which he made observations about the need to prevent insult to the environment caused by the early industrial revolution. Among the Transcendentalists, Thoreau is considered the father of the Environmentalism and Conservation movement.

Today is Labor Day, 2022. I am typing this article for High Tidings from my kitchen table in Madaket, Nantucket Island. My writing surface overlooks the raging & turbulent Atlantic Ocean, the sun is shining brightly in the east, the sky is hazy, and just offshore the seals are eating striped bass and blue fish one after another with no regard for man’s laws concerning the size of the fish, or fishing limits. Also, the Nantucket seals are keeping a watch for sharks. It is hardly ever reported about the menace that seals are to sharks. The seals encircle a shark and attack it-devouring it. Much like the wolf did to “Little Red Riding Hood” and her grandmother.

As each day in September progresses, the daylight hours become less than the previous day. Today, sunset on Nantucket is at 7:07pm and complete darkness is at 7:35pm. Unfortunately, this causes a problem for our Thursday night racing program since most of us desire to be back at the clubhouse when the sun is still up. Thankfully, there is still plenty of weekend sailboat racing ahead for those who can’t get enough of it. For example, there are the following weekend races that are nearby for this fall:

·       Anne Troy-Belle 8 race at NCYC on Saturday September 10, 2022. A woman needs to be at the helm

·       Essex Corinthian Yacht Club’s Cross Sound Challenge on September 24.

Connecticut River Races in October:

·       Essex Yacht Club’s Willet Race (10/2)

·       Tom Clark Memorial Race Essex Corinthian Yacht Club (10/8)

·       Ed Birch Memorial Regatta Essex Corinthian Yacht Club (10/15)

Duck Island Yacht Club’ Thundermug Regatta Saturday October 15, 2022.

Also, frost bite racing at Essex Yacht Club and Essex Corinthian YC on Sundays for most of the winter. Check out participating in this racing to hone your skills for next summer.

Next July NCYC will again be sponsoring the Outer Light Regatta. A committee will soon be formulated to plan and execute this regatta which has the potential to be a great money raising event for NCYC. In recent years, there has only been one or two people on this committee and it represents a lot of work for them. Work is getting sponsors, preparing for the party, and getting the regatta itself to be successful. It is said that more hands make light work. The Outer Light needs your help. We are a yacht club, and one of the ways to keep NCYC at the forefront of being a sailboat racing club is to participate in the Eastern Connecticut Racing Association’s sailing regattas. So, please consider participating in the planning of next year’s Outer Light Regatta. No experience is necessary. You can see Amy Vinciguerra or me to participate on the Outer Light Regatta Committee.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe Autumn of sailing.

Joe Carroll, 860-908-0378

Jr. Sailing Program

From the Chaplain’s Little Corner of the Cove

O, to take what we love inside,

To carry within us an orchard, to eat

Not only the skin, but the shade,

Not only the sugar, but the days,

 To hold the fruit in our hands, adore it,

Then bite into the round jubilance of peach.

Excerpt from Blossoms by Li-Young Lee

May you harvest the warmth of these lingering summer days to nourish you throughout the coming months.

A Steward’s Tale

Stefan Golicz

This morning, Thursday, August 15th, 2022, we had a stowaway.

Around 0830 hours, I was uncovering the launch when I noticed a brown and black striped furry object on the starboard stern sheets.  The first thing that popped into my mind was, "Did Tanya find a coon skin cap floating in the cove?" 

I looked under the half-removed cover and was astonished to see a pair of little black beady angry eyes staring back at me.  A stowaway raccoon had occupied our beloved Yacht Club Launch. 

Jumping off the launch, I decided that the appropriate action was to vacate the dock immediately. I hoped the stowaway would conclude that his new house was unsuitable.

I yelled at the stowaway, rocked the launch, and retreated to the clubhouse for another waiting period. After 15 minutes, I decided to check. Our new guest was still enjoying his new home.

I cautiously approached the launch and proceeded to remove the stern cover and was in the process of folding the cover when to my surprise, a little head popped up behind the quarter seats between a couple of life vests. My cardiologist would not have been happy, be assured. You should have seen me jump out of the launch and head up the dock. 

After another round of vulgar language directed at our unwanted Stowaway,

like i would hurt anything on that lovely launch. Jeez,

I devised a plan. I obtained a boat hook to hold the intruder at bay and removed the bow cover. I then proceeded to slowly, much to our new members' dismay, remove life vests from the launch.  After most of the life vests had been thrown onto the dock, I performed a strategic retreat.

I had some coffee and contemplated my next move.  Our esteemed vice commodore arrived and asked why life vests were on the dock.  I related the morning events, and when we checked to see if our new resident had finally departed, we found an empty boat.  We discussed the situation and determined that 30 minutes was the appropriate time to assure that our recent stowaway would not return. 

After returning the life vests to their proper Coast Guard-approved storage areas on the North Cove Launch, I was relieved to report that the launch had resumed its regular operating schedule.

From the Newsletter Editor

Please send along stories, observations, photos, news, and what-have-you’s to Deb Paulson 860-581-0713 or debrasachs247@gmail.com. Thank you!

Photo contributors: Ann Chan, Rob Hathaway, Melissa Mason, Caroline Miller, David Miller, Cheryl Miller, Deb Paulson, Peter Stump, Linda Tuzzio, Janet Vinciguerra. (Sorry if I missed anyone, especially if your last name is Miller. Please let me know.)

High Tidings August 2022

The Picture Issue

Commodore Remarks

Upcoming events for August/September

• August 1st to 5th :  Final week Junior Sailing

• Monday 1st 4:30 – Jr.  Sailing. Monday Night Racing

• Wednesday evenings - Grill night

• Thursday evenings - Racing

• Saturday: August 6th – August 21st Annual Cruise

• Friday August 26th 6 pm – Good Old Potluck!

• Saturday September 3 to September 5th – Labor Day Cruise to Mystic

• September 6th  7 pm - NCYC Board Meeting @ the Club

            Bookmark the NCYC Calendar:  https://www.northcoveyc.com/calendar

Normally we do not publish a High Tidings in August but this summer we have been so busy, the newsletter editor felt we had too many photos to share and that it would be a shame to wait a month; so I hope you all enjoy this picture issue.

 July has been extremely busy. Thanks to all the volunteers for stepping up and helping to make all our events a huge success. A special thanks to the Masons for hosting the Naval Academy Offshore Sailing Team, to Amy Vinciguerra for all her hard work on the Outer Light Classic Race and to Ann Chan and Jennifer Chadukiewicz for another great Cove Cleanup teamed with the Ocean Recovery Community Alliance (ORCA). 

We are in our last week of Jr. Sailing. This has been a terrific season under the leadership of Sailing Director Amy Vinciguerra.  NCYC Jr. Sailors did very well at the Essex and Pettipaug Regattas.  The NCYC Jr. Sailors scored first places in both Regattas.  Also, thanks to all those that signed up for Duty Officer, they could not have done it without you. 

The Club Cruise with 15 boats sets off on Saturday August 6th.  The fleet is headed first to Narragansett Bay by way of Stonington and Point Judith.

Yellow Streamers:  Please remember to attach a yellow streamer to your mooring when you are cruising. The streamers can be found in the Steward’s Office.   

Caroline Miller, Commodore

NCYC Jr. Sailors Do The Club Proud at Paul Risseeuw Pettipaug Junior Regatta 2022

Yesterday’s regatta results can be found here: https://www.theclubspot.com/regatta/JrgMClV7AB/results

12 North Cove sailors attended, with 70 Sailors in attendance from Pettipaug Yacht Club, Madison Beach Club, Niantic Bay Yacht Club, Sachem's Head Yacht Club, NESS, and North Cove Yacht Club. 

Results for NCYC Jr. Sailors:

• Ceciley Buckley 1st place in Opti red fleet

• Cordsen Enman 4th place in Opti Blue fleet

• Hudson Lentnek 5th place in Opti white fleet

• Fritz Merrill 11th place in Opti White fleet 

• Scott Soukup and Kory Wells 1st place in 420 Spinnaker fleet

• Lucy Soukup and Gabe Waldo 2nd place in 420 non Spinnaker fleet

• Felix Zapf and Liam Fallon 4th place in 420 non Spinnaker fleet

• Natalie Buckley and Paige Plyer 6th place in 420 non Spinnaker fleet 

Congratulations!

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Jr. Sailing Program

Naval Academy Offshore Sailing Cookout

NCYC Participation in the Essex Rum Challenge

NCYC Outer Light Classic Regatta

Thursday Night Racing

Kayak Adventurer Visits NCYC

by Jim Lawless

Last Thursday, July 21st, just around noon after a long, hot morning coming to terms with the Yacht Club’s gas weed wacker, I was sitting, sweating in the main room, covered in gas, oil and wacked weeds, waiting for the shower shed to air out and cool down to a temperature that might sustain life as we know it, so I could clean up. Then, without notice or ceremony, a slightly disheveled woman of moderate height, clad in well-worn hiking gear, dripping in perspiration and exhausted, appeared before me beside the day’s Junior Sailing Duty Officer, Jon Mason. She was asking where the shower was and if she could possibly use it? Turns out, she HAD pre-announced her arrival and request to shower, with someone from the club days before. What I learned during this exchange was profound and remarkable. This woman of 65 years had just completed a 27 day voyage from one end of the Connecticut River to the other…from 300 yards south of Canada to the Outer Light…401 miles…by KAYAK, alone, camping along the way! 

North Cove Yacht Club apparently was the only place that welcomed her to ”take out” her Kayak after completing her planned attempt to navigate the entire river. 

Over a week earlier, after paddling 75% of the river’s length, she left her kayak “Jenny” in Turners Falls in upper Massachusetts and drove her car to the Middle School parking lot on Sheffield St. There she removed her e-bike, loaded supplies on the bike, and headed on a two day 115 mile bike ride back up to Turners Falls! This is NOT an Olympic event. This photo is from her blog:

“Jenny” was the name given to her kayak after a friend suggested all boats need names and she was like “Forrest Gump”! 

Over a week later she achieved her dream upon “Jenny’s” arrival at the Outer Light. There at the end of the jetty she must have taken a deep breath, absorbing the immensity of her victory, before turning back north against the current to paddle another 3 miles to reach the North Cove Yacht Club. Navigating the mooring field she found time to chat with Junior sailors as well as with my wife aboard Spináche. She decided to beach “Jenny” in the reeds along the driveway behind the dingy rack. With no press, no fanfare, no curious crowds, just little more than a shower, she emerged minutes later, dripping wet and many degrees cooler…nature’s air conditioning! Soon Jon and I were helping her haul the iconic yellow kayak, loaded with all her gear, over the bulkhead and on to the driveway: 

There she unfolded a cart that had been strapped on the stern, secured it to the kayak’s bottom, then rolled it up Sheffield St to her CRV. I helped her strap “Jenny” to the roof of her car as we exchanged book recommendations about kids sailing and transcontinental boating, then off she went to retrieve her e-bike, and disappear into folklore!

Meet the Amazing Unsinkable Mary Anderson from Bethel, Vermont. This is one tough, talented and remarkable individual. My grandson and I researched the course of the Connecticut River with much interest. My amazement of her accomplishment grows exponentially the more I learn. I think you will enjoy reading about her personal reflections and discoveries during this challenging experience. 

Here is the name of, and a couple links to, her blog:

TheMaryBadass.Wordpress.com

http://TheMaryBadass.Wordpress.com

https://themarybadass.wordpress.com/page/20/

“Badass”?  You bet!

I'm so glad I was unknowingly cooling the club's shower room for her historic arrival!

 Photo Credits: Alex Beauchene, Rob Hathaway, Hugh Hunsinger, Jim Lawless, Melissa Mason, Deb Paulson, Linda Tuzzio, Amy Vinciguerra, Janet Vinciguerra

High Tidings July 2022

Upcoming Events

Monday evenings – Jr. Sailing Racing

Wednesday evenings – Grill Night – Join for a drink or dinner

Thursday evenings – Race Night – Be at the dock by 4:45 if you want to join

Friday evenings – Join with your friends on the deck

Sunday mornings in July 8:30 – Bike ride with Jan.  Bring your breakfast for after the ride.

Monday to Friday 9:00 to 4:00 – Jr. Sailing (Duty Officer spots available)

Friday July 22nd 4:00 pm – NCYC is hosting the Navy Offshore Racing Team. (Sign up to help)

Sunday July 24th – Outer Light Classic Racing and Party

Friday July 29th 4:00 pm – ORCA Clean Up The Cove

Friday July 29th 6:00 pm – NCYC / ORCA hotdogs and sides

Commodore Remarks

The clubhouse has been in full swing. It is always great to see the energy the Jr. Sailors bring to the club. We are lucky to have such a well-run program–kudos to Amy Vinciguerra and her amazing instructors. Please remember not to leave any alcohol around the club (including in the refrigerator) while the sailing program is in session.

July is packed with events. On July 22nd, we are honored to host the Naval Academy Offshore Sailing team. Club member Ian Mason, who grew up in the NCYC Jr. sailing program, is the Helmsman of Gallant (Navy 44). Please come and meet the team members and join the cookout. On July 24th is the Outer Light Classic Race and Party. This race is sponsored by NCYC, and we encourage everyone to either race or attend the party.  On July 29th, NCYC will be hosting another Clean Up The Cove event with Ocean Recovery Community Alliance (ORCA).  We encourage everyone to bring your dinghies, kayaks, and paddleboards, and help collect trash around the cove.   

The summer has started out with some challenges to our moorings.  Both our moorings (Block Island and Hamburg Cove) are now repaired. In the clubhouse there is a pickup buoy that we want tied to the Hamburg Cove mooring.  If you are going there, please take it with you and tie it to the NCYC mooring. Until it is attached, you will need to use a boat hook to pick up the pennants. One more note about the Block Island Mooring: The harbor master has requested that we record the amount of time the NCYC mooring is in use. There is a log in the Steward’s office. Please record usage on the log. It is important that we record all our usage because we don’t want to lose our mooring for non-use. 

Yellow Streamers

Please remember to attach a yellow streamer to your mooring when you are out cruising. The streamers can be found in the Steward’s Office. The Harbor Commission rules state that “all vacant moorings are available to yachtsmen on a temporary overnight basis.” The yellow streamer attached to a mooring provides assistance to transients and to our Stewards, who need to know the mooring availability in the Cove.

Reciprocity

Reminder: the club has joined the Yachting Club of America. This provides NCYC members reciprocity to hundreds of yacht clubs across the country. The information can be found in the members section of the Club website, and there is a copy of the book in the Steward’s office.

Caroline Miller, Commodore

Membership

This month the Club welcomes to Membership:

·       Errol and Caryl Horner

·       Tina Pascoe and Mike Midgette

·       Chris and Gail Griffin

·       Sue and Dick Lacey

·       Ron Lamprecht and Susanne Mei

Vice Commodore Remarks

Our season is off to a great start, and I’m looking forward to seeing you at club events!

Flagpole Update:

Our new 50-foot fiberglass nautical-style flagpole is ready and the manufacturer in Michigan is waiting on the freight company for shipping. They’ve advised us that there is currently a back-up on shipping/trucking companies, but when I get the call that the pole is arriving, I’ll reach out for a crew to assist in unloading. (I know a few of you have joined the NCYC “happy to be retired” club.) The freight company is a long sleeper rig and trailer and cannot pull in to our parking lot. We will likely unload on Sheffield Street or possibly the middle school. The pole will be in two 25 foot sections so I think four strong backs can carry with ease. Our plan is to work with a contractor for the installation.

Junior Sailing is underway and Session One was a big success. It was a busy time getting the fleet ready as we had a massive influx of new beginner students and needed every OPTI dinghy and rig we have to be operational. Our instructor team worked their butts off during the prep week getting ready for the season.

I want to give a shout-out to members that assisted in getting Junior Sailing ready for the season. Expert marine carpenter Web Moore made us new tillers for the 420s molded from ash, and they look far better than factory-made. Joe Milke and Tom Tydeman were on the OPTI topside sanding and paint team, Ed Glynn (former member now) answered my call for drilling, riveting, and fixing rigs, Frank Borzenski was instrumental in repairing broken tiller hiking sticks, and Kathy Reddington impressed us with her sail hand-stitching ability, which enabled us to keep some older OPTI sails in service. Dave Gilmore was on scene for last minute epoxy on hull repairs. I hope I haven’t missed anyone.

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I know other members have expressed interest in assisting with boat repairs.  My plan is to have our instructors make an inventory of repairs needed on each hull or rig at the conclusion of the sailing school and have a few work parties in the fall to get the fleet ready for next season.  This will give us more time to do more thorough repairs. If there is interest, I would offer a workshop on what I’ve learned over the years in working with West System Epoxy and the various fillers, Gel Coat, and other tricks to keep our junior sailing fleet operational.

Other good news is that the new-to-us motor for the William–T coach boat is running very well.  Even though it is rated as three less horse power than the old motor it replaced,  it has more thrust and no smoking!

See you on the water!

Lou Vinciguerra, Vice Commodore

Junior Sailing

Congratulations to Cord Enman, winner of the Phillip Wick Jr. Memorial Trophy for Sportsmanship and Seamanship!

Turtle Alert!

The Jr. Sailors got to watch a turtle lay her eggs near the clubhouse. All sailing activity came to a halt until she was safely back in the water.

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Junior Sailing Duty Officer - Help out with Junior Sailing! You just need a willingness to offer a comforting smile and chat with a young sailor. 

Here comes the Navy…
Coming Friday, July 22 at 5:30pm, Sign up to attend or help with the cookout for United States Naval Academy Offshore Sailing Team – including Club Member/Midshipman 2nd Class Ian Mason!

Who doesn’t want to meet these fine young people?

Thank you!

Melissa Mason, Jr. Sailing Chair

Thursday Night Racing

THe thursday night racing fleet heading home

Out of the blue of the western sky on any given Thursday evening in the summer on Long Island Sound off Old Saybrook, races Kewalo, Stella Blue, Air Bus, Osprey, Seacant, Gumdrop, Bianca, Scoundrel, Shearwater, and Madaket toward the finish line between Karl Frost’s trawler and the pin.

Meanwhile, along the shoreline at Cornfield Point, Knollwood Beach, Fenwood, Fenwick, and Old Saybrook’s Maple Avenue, the curious multitude stop what they are doing to look at the racing sailboats. People on the beach, in cars, on bicycles, and the Fenwick junk-bond and hedge fund dealers in their beach “cottages” look out at Long Island Sound in awe at the sailing craft whose crews are fighting to get their boat in the lead; fighting to steal air from the leading boats; fighting to position their boat in what they believe is the strongest current toward the finish line or in the weakest current against them. The onlookers make wagers as to who will cross the finish line first, or even if one boat will beat out another boat. Each onlooker becomes a racing expert. “Why did the guy with the glasses gybe the catboat? That crazy bas….d should of done a “chicken gybe”; “Little Seacant needs to get her centerboard up more;” “Why is Shearwater in so close to shore?” “Osprey is flying her Shute 10 degrees to windward;” “Where is the yacht Defiance?” “How come Gumdrop’s skipper is on Bianca?” “Who is the guy offering unsolicited racing tips on VHF channel 1A?”

Why it is that NCYC racers are so committed to the sea? I think it is because in addition to the fact that the sea changes and the light changes and the ships change, it is because we all came from the sea. It is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean and therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch it, we are going back from whence we came. [editor’s note: This is beautiful.]

Thursday night racing also gives the racers a chance to think about something else other than work or how to squeeze more out of a deflating dollar. Thursday night racing allows the racers to bone up on their sailing skills. Skills like sail trimming, line handling, anchoring (if there is no wind some of us will anchor; others will drift to New York City) anticipation of wind shifts (reading the wind), balancing the boat for maximum speed, andreading tidal rips for favorable positioning of the boat. Also, paying attention to wildlife such as sea birds chasing bait, or even communicating with the occasional curious seal who is practicing mind-communication skills with Humans. At one of our after-race dinner parties the winning skipper was relating that the seal in the middle of the fleet was mind-communicating sailing intelligence to him. A psychiatric referral was offered to the “jubilant” skipper in addition to another pint of beer.

There are many races left this summer since we are not even at the halfway point!

Joe Carroll, NCYC Racing Enthusiast

Outer Light Classic: North Cove's Biggest Regatta! 

The Outer Light Classic is on July 24th! We need help on the water for the race, and on land for the after party. This is a great opportunity to get involved with racing by supporting not only North Cove, but all the sailors from across Connecticut who will be visiting to sail in our event. Click the link to sign up and to find more information. If you have more questions, contact Amy Vinciguerra amyvinci94@gmail.com 860-395-7625 

Activities

In June we had the annual Commodore’s cookout and dinghy race. A great number of members signed up and made it to the event. We had the chicken bar-b-que man, Mike B. again and he was fabulous. Our Commodores did a fine job of serving up the food and making everyone laugh. We had many interesting appetizers, and some wonderful desserts, thanks to our generous members. Thank you to all who helped with this event. 

June's social gathering was a requested repeat from last year, Fajita Night, catered by Moe’s Southwest Grill. We had approximately 50 people attend and this year, unlike last year, we just about ran out of food. Thank you to all who helped make this social gathering a success. 

Don’t forget to read the weekly update from our Commodore, there is always something going on down at the club this time of year. 

ON THE RADAR: July 15th, 22nd, 24th and 29th

On Friday July 15th at 17:30 (5:30 PM) there will be an Activities meeting at the club, please feel free to come and join in the fun and then stay for Happy Hour. All are welcome.

July 22 the club will be hosting the United States Naval Academy Offshore Sailing Team for a cookout at the club. Melissa Mason has made a sign-up for this, keep an eye out for this event. She will be asking for help setting up, cleaning up, and people to bring picnic salads or desserts. If you would rather, just reach out and tell her how you can help. 

Our July Friday, social gathering is on July 29th. This month we will be holding our 2nd Annual ORCA ( Ocean Recovery Community Alliance) cove clean up.  Last year we collected so much trash in the cove, that ORCA said it was the most they had ever collected. We will need volunteers to show up and offer to drive trash collecting people around in their dinghies or small boats. Paddleboards and kayaks or canoes are another way to get around the cove to collect unwanted items. 

After the collected debris is weighed, we will have a hot dog roast for anyone who helped. This is open to the community as well. We will need members to help supplement with a salad or dessert. This is truly a “feel good” get together. And you are doing something awesome for our environment. Here is the link to help out with this important community event.

Also, don’t forget that the Outer Light Classic is back. On July 24 there will be the race followed by a fun party later in the day. This is another important community sailing event. There are many ways you can help. They need sponsors, set-up volunteers, racers, and people at the party. Please look for the sign up and more information in this newsletter and follow up flyers. If you miss the sign up, just reach out to Amy Viciguerra. If you aren’t a sailor, the party is always a nice spread and a great time to party.

As always if you would like to organize any great ideas you may have, we are always available to jump in and get involved. Joining in on club activities is the best way to get to know people, whether you are a new or seasoned member. 

Thank you

Ann Chan and Cathy Murphy, Activities Co-Chairs

Cruising News

Our annual cruise itinerary is evolving due to the inability to confirm reservations at East Greenwich.  As a result, we have decided to spend two nights in Point Judith and two nights in Dutch Harbor before heading to Bristol. There are no changes to the itinerary from Bristol onwards. The latest Cruise Itinerary, version 3.0, has the mooring details and port notes. There are lots of social activities scheduled for August 6 in Stonington. Reservations are still available at the Stonington Yacht Club. As of June 20th, Dodson’s Boat Yard has stopped taking reservations, requiring a phone call on the morning of your arrival for any available moorings. Anchorages are subject to first-come-first-served. In the morning, Akvavit will plan to be on our mooring and should be able to monitor the anchorage area between the two mooring fields. Do text me on August 6 if you want a to know about the availability of anchorage space in Stonington. An alternative is West Harbor on Fisher’s Island or arriving on August 5 to enjoy the full Saturday’s activities of the 70th Annual Stonington Village Fair and the Stonington VFD twin lobster fund raiser. Details are in the latest Itinerary – Ver 3.0.

We will plan on another cruise meeting on Wednesday July 20 at 6pm to confirm the number of vessels and clarify any latest/outstanding issues. 

Mystic Seaport

The Club is going to Mystic Seaport for Labor Day.  MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW!  Make your reservations through Dockwa. Put in the comments section ‘With NCYC’.  The Seaport will release the spots reserved for North Cove in a week. 

Looking forward to a pleasant and exciting 2022 Annual Cruise,

David Chan, Fleet Captain

From the Chaplain’s Little Corner of the Cove

Mark Twain's best-known stories remind us of summer days adrift on a river. In addition to his tales about the Mississippi, Twain also spent time in the Connecticut River Valley. His poem Warm Summer Sun is about life's journey. May your travels this summer be filled with warmth. 

Warm summer sun,
    Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
    Blow softly here.

-1896

For Sale, For Free

Free core cell material. Various sizes. Longest at 36”; widest at 15.”

Contact Tracy van Vliet 1-860-575-3977.

The Great Umbrella Caper

Members Eddie and Ruth and their daughter Julia, are enjoying some wine on the NCYC deck. It is Father’s Day, and they are relaxed and happy. Deb comes off the launch and waves a hello. They invite her to have a glass of wine with them. She says sure, because, really, why wouldn’t you?

The friends talk about how incredibly windy it is. And just then, as if the gods of wind have heard, a huge gust sweeps across the deck and in an instant, lifts the open picnic table umbrella up and out of its holder. The umbrella sails gracefully over the driveway and lands deep in the marsh.

They inform Stefan the steward, who invites Eddie to take the skiff out with him to rescue it. Eddie says “no thanks.” Stefan appears not to hear and Eddie stands up somewhat reluctantly but with good humor, and the two men walk to the skiff. Stefan fires her up. The plan, apparently, is to run the skiff as far as possible into the marsh since it is high tide. Stefan thinks this will work. Eddie is not so sure. The women on the deck, enjoying their wine, withhold judgment, but Deb does get her phone out to record this possibly epic event.

The skiff is off the dock and heading for the marsh. Stefan guns it. Eddie hangs on. Swish! They have breached the marsh grass and are lost to sight. The women cheer.

Eddie jumps out and after a few valiant tries, captures the umbrella, which luckily has behaved itself and not sailed further away.  More cheers. He brandishes it like the winning gladiator and climbs back into the skiff. Stefan puts the motor in reverse and revs it. Eddie pushes with the oar. They do not move. The women groan and shout encouraging words. More revving, more pushing. They are free!

They tie the skiff back up and Eddie carries the umbrella to the picnic table where he and Julia anchor it down firmly, and Stefan goes back to the steward’s office to await the next, er, activity.

From the Newsletter Editor

If you have Club news to share, a maritime story to tell, a sailing read to recommend, a lively anecdote, or something boat-related to sell, please email me to have it included in the next newsletter.

Send me your pets-on-boats photos for the next newsletter. Thanks! Deb Paulson

Thanks!

Deb Paulson, Newsletter Editor

June 2022

The Season Begins, photo by Jim Lawless

Upcoming Events

• Wednesday evenings  – Grill Night – Join for a drink or dinner

• Thursday evenings – Race Night – Be at the dock by 5:00 if you want to join

• Wednesday 6/15  Cruising Meeting – Bring your dinner and eat then join in

• Saturday 6/18, 1:00 pm – Opti Racing

• Saturday 6/18, 3:00 pm – Commodore Cookout

• Wednesday 6/25 Full time launch service begins - Check the NCYC Calendar for hours

• 6/20-6/24  Jr. Sailing Prep Week

• 6/20-6/24  @ 4:30 pm Jr. Sailing Race Clinic

• 6/24 Friday Night Social @ 6:00 pm

• July 4th Mini Cruise to Watch Hill

Commodore’s Remarks

Welcome to summer! It has been great to see everyone on the deck on Friday evenings. I hope you come down and join us. 

June is a very busy month: Wednesday night grill night has started, and grilling is not a necessity to join in. Thanks to Kathi and Bruce for offering to keep an eye on the grills. In June, Jr. Racing kicks off. VC Vinciguerra has begun the prep on the smaller boats. We have a O’Day for adult lessons, but the boat needs a little love before it can be launched. Please contact VC Vinciguerra if you can help. 

Editor’s note: The Commodore is retiring from her other job this Friday ;)

As we continue to repair the damage from the winter storm, the replacement flagpole has been ordered. Hopefully that comes in before the end of summer.  And a very big thank you to Rich and Lauren Peters for lending the Club their flagpole in the interim.

NCYC Cart

Our spiffy cart

Check out the new cart to carry your bags to the boat. We are trying to limit the amount of driving in front of the Club, so we hope you give it a try.

Reciprocity

The club has joined the Yachting Club of American. This provides NCYC members reciprocity to hundreds of yacht clubs across the country. The information can be found in the member’s section of the Club website. There is a copy of the book in the Steward’s office.

Membership

This month the Club welcomes the Skidmore Family and Rod Cross and Terri Sullivan to NCYC Membership.

This month we posted:  (Note:The Commodore apologizes for the all the typos she had in her original posting. )

• Errol and Caryl Horner, Chester CT

• Errol:  Architect, Art Restoration, Framing

• Caryl:  Retired

• Proposed by:  Caroline Miller

• Support letters: Tuzzio, Chan, Pavlos

• Boat: 21’ Quickstep sloop

• Boating: Sailboat owner since 21 years old.  Mate of 59’ Boothbay Challenger.   

• Skills/interests:   Enjoy the co-operative nature of the supportive cause of Club.

Tina Pascoe and Mike Midgette, Old Saybrook, CT

• Tina: Pediatric Health Consultant and Owner Nurses for Daycare LLC

• Mike:  Civil Engineer-Aecom

• Children:  Alison Kalbaugh (1999)

• Proposed by:  Caroline Miller

• Support letters:  Miller, Mason, Chan

• Boat: Ranker- Fiesta V Single Engine Power 27’

• Boating: Michael and Tina grew up with boats. Tina’s dad had a 42-foot power boat which they took out every weekend.  She has her boating course license, navigation and advanced navigation and plans on taking the captain’s course. Mike has a 27-foot fishing boat also which he keeps on Mason Island in Mystic.  He has extensive experience both on his boat and assisting friends with boats. 

Chris and Gail Griffin, Wethersfield, CT

• Chris:  Computer Programmer

• Gail:  Computer Lab Assistant

• Proposed by:  Golicz

• Support letters: Murphy, Hathaway, Ferrier

• Boat:  38’ Ericson Sloop

• Boating:  Sailing since childhood, cruising ranges from NYC to Cape Cod.   

• Skills/interests:   Chris has been using North Cove harbor for a number of years and has met many club members during that time. He’s attended the Thursday night races and the Outer Light Classic for a number of years. He is attracted to the club amenities which are far superior to that of the town dock. Almost all the friends he’s made in North Cove are club members. He is interested to see how he can help.

Sue and Dick Lacey, Bristol, CT

• Dick:  Lawyer

• Sue:  Retired Actuarial Consultant

• Proposed by:  Caroline Miller

• Support letters:  Pavlos, Mason, Chan

• Boat: 30’ Catalina  

• Boating: 20 years experience in New England.

Skills/interests:  Dick and Sue are new mooring holders and have a nearby condo. They believe North Cove is a beautiful spot and look forward to the companionship of other sailors and participating in the activities the Club has to offer. They are more than willing volunteers for any maintenance projects.

Jr. Sailing Update

The Junior Sailing team is so excited for the season to begin! Prep week starts next week (June 20) and Session 1 begins June 27th. Thank you in advance to everyone as we have 25-27 young sailors around the club each week. A few reminders:

• Duty Officers: It's not too late! We still have plenty of openings. Sign up here:

• · Slow speed: Please drive slowly especially if you are pulling around to the waterfront! This is the safety of our sailors and instructors.

• Ed Godfrey Monday Night Junior Racing series: Begins June 27 and runs each Monday evening through August 1st. All returning 420 sailors and Junior Instructors are eligible. If any club Opti sailors are interested, please let me or Amy Vinciguerra know.

Thanks to everyone in our club community for your support. If you want to join our team, please reach out!

Happy boating,

Melissa Mason, Junior Sailing Chair

Save the Date!

All-American Cookout with two Navy Offshore Sailing team crews

North Cove Yacht Club will be hosting two US Naval Academy Offshore Sailing team crews for an All-American cookout on Friday, July 22 at 5pm. 

Join us for this great evening and hang out with these amazing young women and men.

Go Navy!

–Melissa

Activities

The 53rd Commissioning took place on a lovely Sunday afternoon on May 15th with plenty of members in attendance and plenty of food to enjoy. 

 Activities is happy to report that the first Friday Night Social Gathering of the 2022 season took place on May 27 and all that came had a wonderful time. Only one new member showed up, though,  so next time you see a new member at the club, please reach out and make them feel welcome. 

After the new member orientation on Saturday June 4, Activities held a planning meeting and much got done. Some highlights:

• This season we hope to hold the ORCA (Ocean Recovery Community Alliance) event on the afternoon of July 29. This is a Friday and the date of the July Social Gathering at the club. We will once again start around 1530 (3:30) or 1600 (4:00) to man kayaks, paddleboards, and dinghies to clean up our cove area. After the clean-up, we will have a hot dog picnic social gathering. 

• We also decided to give the Mexican themed night from last year another go. We are checking out other options, so we are not positive about the menu yet, but look for the signup when it comes out. 

We are looking forward to the Commodore’s Cookout coming up this Saturday, June 18th at 3:00. Don’t miss this chance to see your Commodore’s serve up the famous chicken barbeque!

As always, we welcome all ideas and help with this and all future events. There is a signup sheet in the club kitchen. Please stop by and sign up to volunteer to help with an event.

Many people have been showing up for both the weekly Wednesday grill night and Friday happy hours on the deck—hope to see you there soon!  

Thank you,

Ann Chan & Cathy Murphy, Activities co-chairs

Cruising News

The next Cruise Meeting is on Wednesday June 15 at the Club during the Wednesday grill night. Meeting will start at 6:30pm.

Please click on the link to see the updated Cruising Itinerary

From the Chaplain’s Little Corner of the Cove

My father always had this prayer above the companionway on the boat.

"O, God, Thy Sea is so great, and my boat is so small."

This is an old Breton fishermen's prayer. President John F. Kennedy kept a plaque with this prayer on his desk in the oval office. Although my father did not share Kennedy's political views, they had a common reverence for the vastness of creation and a shared perspective on their own independence and significance relative to that power and grandeur.

May your own voyages be safeguarded by this awareness.

 

Sending Out a Message to the Entire Club

Calling all club chair members or folks who need to get word out to all club members - you can contact me: jon.masonahoy@gmail.com and I can help.

If you'd like something sent out to the club, here's what I need:

• What you want to say (I'll likely copy and paste it).  If you are not sure, you can tell me that too and I can help.

• When you want people to see it (example: please send this Monday 7/3, Tuesday 7/4 and a last call on 7/10.)

• Links to stuff you want people to see.

• · Image if you have it (or want it.)

  Of, if you don't see emails from us regularly, I can check the email address(es) on file and attempt to diagnose the problem.  Just reach out.

  Thanks,

  Jon Mason

Lost, Found, For Sale, For Free

Free Dinghy. Needs love. Contact Lou V.

free dinghy. needs love. Contact Lou V.

North Cove Yacht Club

Where the women are strong,

The men are good looking,

And the children become brilliant sailors.

From the Newsletter Editor

If you have Club news to share, a maritime story to tell, a sailing read to recommend, a lively anecdote, or something boat-related to sell, please email me to have it included in the next newsletter.

Thanks!

Deb Paulson, Newsletter Editor

May 2022

Upcoming Events for May

• May 9 @ 7 pm – Jr. Sailing Committee

• May 14 @ noon – Launch begins (Check the NCYC Calendar for hours)

• May15 @ 3:45 pm – 53rd Commission – be at the Club by 3:45

• May 18 @ 9 am – Coffee at the Club with Vice Commodore Vinciguerra

• May 21 – Private Wedding - please don’t use the dingy dock in the afternoon, use the south docks

• May 27th – Friday Night Social

Commodore’s Remarks

This preseason has definitely been a challenge. We have been busy dealing with the aftermath of a winter microburst, among other things. The Board has authorized proceeding with the insurance claim and our insurance representative Chris Bazinet has spent hours working with our insurance company on the details and options. On the upside, at the last spring meeting the Club authorized spending the money on a new roof. That roof is now included in the insurance claim, and we will be replacing the flagpole and wind vane. The other part of the claim is the replacement of the deck railing. When replaced, the railing will need to be brought up to code. Since the railing will be replaced, we have gone out to several contractors to get quotes on replacing the entire deck, which has reached the end of its useful life. Stay tuned to see what happens.

stripping the old roof off

putting the new roof on

et voila!

The next challenge was a water line break several weeks ago. What we thought was a small leak that could be fixed with a few individuals (Lou, Chris, Rich) digging a hole turned into a large hole with heavy machinery. Thank goodness we with have so many talented members including Ed Rodier and Karl Frost who ran the backhoe equipment. Once the line was found and repaired, dirt filled back in, and grass re-seeded, there was still the challenge of flushing the lines. Thanks to all who were involved and once again we are lucky to have so many talented individuals. I am happy to report that the Club will have water this summer!

they’re having a great time, but have realized that a bigger rig is needed and that it’s now beer-thirty

the big rig

The club is almost ready to open! David Miller, Bob Murphy, and Al Ebstein have put the launch in the water. Next week Fred Williams will put the final touches on the paint on the inside of the house, Dan Ferrier is completing the light fixture replacement project, Bob and Cathy Murphy are sprucing up the flowers and grass, and David Chan will smooth out the driveway gravel. The list goes on, and I am so thankful that the Club looks so great.

The Club’s Committees are starting to meet. Please reach out to the Chairs and ask how you can help. They may not have time to call you, but they do need your help. Joe Carroll has held the first Race meeting, Melissa Mason has held the first Jr. Sailing meeting, Ann Chan has held the first Activities meeting, and David Chan had held several Cruising meetings.

the club’s new O’day

The Pavlos have donated an 18’ O’Day sailboat that we plan to put into operation as a daysailer to use around the Cove, and for sail training and classes. A big thank you to the Pavlos! Please take a look at the boat and contribute your skills as we clean it up and keep it operational.

At this time of year there are a lot of reminders that go out.  Here is one more:  the last Friday of each month is the Friday Night Social. Please sign up and be a host of at least one Friday Night Social. 

And lastly, the telephone handset at the Club needs to be replaced.  If anyone has an old landline telephone they no longer use, please drop it off in the Steward’s Office-thank you.

Caroline Miller, Commodore

NCYC Commissioning

The NCYC Commissioning is on Sunday May 15th.  This event marks the opening of North Cove Yacht Club for its 53rd Season. Please arrive at the Club by 3:45 pm. A reminder that this is the one event that everyone tries to look their best. You will look around and see all your friends dressed in their formal yachting attire. Bring an appetizer to share. The Club will provide drinks. There is always a nice party after the ceremony.

During the Ceremony the following new members will be presented with their membership packages:

• Melissa and Greg Clark

• Lucy Driggs-Armstrong and Michael Armstrong

• Michelle and Peter Corliss

• Skip Haskins and Gillian Belnap

• Thomas and Julie Tydeman

• Kevin & Brittany Glynn

• Abigail & Scott Skidmore

• Bob Brough

Membership

This month the Club welcomes Bob Brough to Membership. 

The Membership Committee is hosting two upcoming events. On June 1st at 5pm will be the Prospective Members Wine and Cheese.  If you know anyone that may like to learn about North Cove Yacht Club and all it has to offer, please send their email to Commodore Miller and they will be invited to the event. On June 4th at 9:30 am there will be a New Member Orientation. This event is open to all Club Members. It provides an overview and refresher on all the secrets of the Club such as how to turn the water on or where the ice key is. The beauty of attending this event is you can stay and join the 10:30 Activities Committee Meeting. 

The Skidmore Family is posted for Membership:

• Abbie and Scott Skidmore

  Old Saybrook, CT

  Scott:  Finance

  Abbie:  Stay at home mom

  Children:  Nancy (7/1/09), Charlotte (1/26/11), Ellie (10/17/13), Beatrice (12/6/16)

  Proposed by:  Caroline Miller

  Support letters:  Ann Chan, Linda Tuzzio, Laurie Pavlos

  Boat: Seahunt 27.5

  Boating: With respect to sailing they have had limited sailing since childhood.  The have had various powerboat rentals over the years.

  Skills/interests:  As new homeowners on the North Cove, we are eager to integrate in the community and hone their boating skills.  We have 4 daughters who are eager to learn to sail and will participate in the Club’s programs for years to come.

Block Island Mooring

The Block Island Harbor Commission has requested that we set up a way to track the boats that use the NCYC Mooring. Look for upcoming emails on how this will be set up.

Launch Operations

Greetings & Salutations Fellow NCYC Members,

We’re geared up and ready to go!  Our boats are beginning to fill the mooring field and the North Cove Launch will be splashed-in later this week. Launch operations will begin on Saturday, May 14, 2022.  We are excited to announce the return of our crew of familiar faces: Tanya, Stefan, Mike, and Jack.  You may also be seeing other NCYC members fill in occasionally on an as-needed basis. Thank you to Dave Miller, Walter Guyeski, and Dave Chan for taking-on a few shifts. 

If you have not looked at the North Cove website lately, I encourage you to do so. Melissa Mason has added our launch hours to the club website Calendar which will allow members to check hours of operation for the launch right from their cell phone, tablet, or computer. We always plan to fill the schedule to the end of the marine season, however, there are always a few open dates and unanticipated crew-member absences.  If there are any club members or if you know someone outside the club who holds a current and valid US Coast Guard Captains license considering part-time work, please give me a call (203-410-6745.)

On behalf of all the Launch Captains, welcome back, we’re looking forward to seeing you at the club and on the water. I wish you all clear skies, fair winds, and following seas wherever you may travel this year.  Know that when you depart and return to North Cove our launch crew will be at the ready on 78A to get you to and from your boat.  Have a safe and enjoyable season!

Bill Porter / Board of Governors

Launch Operations

Jr. Sailing

It's all good news from the Junior Sailing front. All three sessions are full and we have a healthy waitlist. Our senior instructor and junior instructor (volunteer) positions are filled. The committee is working on prepping boats and supplies needed for another successful season. If you are interested in lending a hand to get the small boat fleet ready, please let me know or contact VC Lou Vinciguerra.

The last thing to fill is our Duty Officer slots. For each and every Junior Sailing program day, we have a club member watching over the sailors from the comfort of the club house. Duty Officers are the go-to resource for nervous sailors or those not quite ready to get back on the water. The position requires no medical training (our instructors all hold first aid certifications) just a willingness to offer a comforting smile and chat with a young sailor. Simply kick back, keep an ear open for an instructor or sailor needing assistance, and enjoy the tranquility of North Cove on a weekday.

With gratitude,

Melissa Mason, Jr. Sailing Chair

Thursday Night Racing

What other sport can you do for an entire lifetime? Is there another activity that connects the generations like Thursday Night Racing?

On Thursdays at 5:00 pm, I always have a great feeling of anticipation-a good evening of racing in Long Island Sound is ahead!

The NCYC launch is busily taking skippers and their crews to moored racing yachts. There’s chiseled-faced Bob Murphy standing in the bow of the launch reminiscent of “George Washington crossing the Delaware” as the launch heads to 43’ long Defiance to deliver Bob. Also in the launch is Elio Betty heading to Gumdrop. On Elio’s mind is beating Madaket. Afterall, Madaket only has a torn stretched-out mainsail and a fouled-up bottom, and Gumdrop has a 150% Kevlar genoa, oversized carbon fiber mainsail, a polished bottom, and has 8’ longer waterline than Madaket. “Madaket’s days of dominance are over” daydreams Elio.

thursday night racing

In the back of the launch is Atty. Sheehan fresh from winning and losing motions in court heading to Stella Blue, a 38-foot Catalina. Atty. Sheehan is happy, he’s going for a non-stress daysail. Meanwhile, Dan Ferrier is already on Osprey making final adjustments to his J-24. On his mind is beating all of us, beating us in a most non-merciful way. The launch passes little Secant as she is being cast off from her mooring. Perhaps the application of vector analysis and Bernoulli’s theory by Skipper Amy Vinciguerra coupled with the alignment of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will win the day. Who knows?

Within minutes, the crowded North Cove falls behind all of us as our racing fleet heads into the Connecticut River for the short sail to the starting line in Long Island Sound off the former residence of Katharine Hepburn. It is here we sail up to Seahorse and announce the name of our craft and our intention to race to the Race Committee headed up by Rob Hathaway. Meanwhile, Rob radios the racers on Channel 1A, telling them where the course is. Leading up to the start of the race, everyone practices starting and observes the tide-by looking at lobster pots or moorings-and the direction of the wind. Is it shifty? Is it building or slackening? When will the tide change? Is the tide at maximum or minimum velocity? “What is Madaket doing? Should we follow Madaket?” The sailors ask themselves.

Every reward one might hope to experience on a long voyage can take place in a simple Thursday night race. We must navigate our way around the course considering the wind and tides. Each crew develops as a team, seeking continuous improvement. All of us (as sailors) are nonjudgmental. Everyone makes mistakes, and some of us realize that somebody upstairs likes us. We all realize there is a higher power (nature at least) to work with so that we can “finish in the money”.  

I have been racing Madaket regularly. It’s a simple concept, but it takes considerable planning to make a race special for everyone. Every Thursday night session has a different personality depending on the weather, crew list, and destination.

If you wait for the perfect racing conditions, it might be a long time before you go racing. Madaket takes the weather as it comes. A Thursday night might be ugly, with rainstorms and howling winds. Some may see these conditions as gloomy, but Madaket’s crew yearns to voyage in such conditions. What the hay? It’s not their boat. Most of the time the weather is just right, 10-15 knot winds, and a racecourse that allows Madaket to sail a broad reach. 

The conversation on Madaket usually begins sailing down the river toward Long Island Sound. We talk about the wind, tide, sail shape, birds and maybe even the news of the day. Sailing in front of where the old Dock and Dine restaurant once was, we get to show off the boat to the adoring crowd of fishermen on shore who reminisce about river transportation in 18th century Old Saybrook. Later, the people on Knollwood Beach and the road above will curiously watch us racing. Who’s that guy with the catboat out in front of those racing sloops? They ask.   

You can spend a lifetime plying these waters and always find something new. I’m happy to report that the water looks considerably cleaner today than it did in the 1960’s.

I like passing close to channel buoys to study the current and tune up my steering. I am always amazed by how boats separate on open water. Inevitably, we will sail near another boat. Instinct takes over, and I try to sail past. Even friends who are new to sailing quickly get into the routine and watch to see if we make progress in our quest to gain the lead. I am always studying the wind for shifts and puffs and trying to make maximum gain.

Crewmembers are happy when given a job on Madaket. My first move is to pass over the helm. I have yet to witness anyone decline the chance to steer. I have learned that less-experienced sailors are usually receptive to a little bit of coaching, but I must be careful not to overcoach or the fun will quickly fade.

Depending on the direction and strength of the wind, I set a course for a specific destination. Usually the committee boat, starting line, marks and finish line. Madaket features a freeboard that naturally connects you to the water. Even with the low freeboard, Madaket rides gracefully over choppy waves. She is a dry boat.

A large, comfortable cockpit is perfect for friends and crew. My sailing guests range from first-time sailors to longtime veterans.  

Normally, pressure to win a Thursday night race is minimal. There is always another Thursday night–and always another year if the summer’s racing didn’t shape up as you anticipated. I find that you can have good discussions with people on the water.  

People tell me it is a joy to take their grandchildren sailing. Through their eyes grandparents get to see everything for the first time. Through Thursday night racing, I have connected to the environment via birds, fish, and all kinds of sea life. In fact, it is because of Thursday night racing that NCYC racers like me have found a greater appreciation for our planet.

Come join us for Thursday night racing!

Joe Carroll

Sponsors needed for Outer Light Regatta

Advertisements are sold for inclusion in the pamphlet for the Regatta. Contact Joe Carroll (860-908-0378, 860-388-2602) or Amy Vinciguerra for more information about this important task

And please signup via Yachtscoring.com for the North Cove Yacht Club’s Outer Light Regatta on July 24th. NCYC needs to have your support for this very important regatta.

Activities

cleanup can be fun!

carrying stuff can be fun too!

There is only one way you can interpret the annual spring cleaning and meeting, and that is that it is the unofficial opening of the clubhouse. The official start of the season will be at our 53rd Commissioning on May 15 at 3:45. Although this is late notice, we could use some volunteers for this event-specifically two or three bartenders. Please let Ann or Cathy know if you can help and we will tell you what you need to do. We already have a few volunteers for cleaning up and getting the trumpet player, and other preparations--thank you to the Peters, Melissa Mason, the Millers, Cathy Murphy and the Pavlos.

The next scheduled event this month is the first Friday Night Social gathering of the season, on May 27 at 1800. At this gathering we would like seasoned members to invite new members to sit at their table, get to know them over dinner, and then do a brief introduction of the family or couple after dinner is over. If you can help with this Friday Night Social, please either email or talk to Ann (860-575-9180) or Cathy (860-227-7122). For subsequent volunteering for Friday Night Socials, there will be a sign up sheet on the Club kitchen bulletin board.

FRIDAY EVENING SOCIAL GATHERINGS: The on-going Friday Night Social evenings are held on the last Friday of the month throughout the season. We start at 1800 with cocktails and gathering. We try to eat by 6:45, but this can vary a bit depending on whether there is a theme or activity planned for the evening. A volunteer crew (please sign up on the board in the kitchen!)  gets the tables and chairs set up and organizes and prepares for the evening, including a crew to clean up. 

WHAT TO BRING: your own set ups, plates, utensils, glasses, cups or mugs, and a bag or container to bring your dirty dishes home with you and BYOB. Some people even bring placemats and tablecloths with their place settings. (And some have gone to their boats, to gather their plates if they forget them…) Also, and possibly most important, you will need to contribute an entree and/or dessert that will feed 6-8 (usually hungry) people.  

Everyone is encouraged not to wash their dishes in the kitchen, but to wash their dishes at home, as the club kitchen can be a very busy, congested place. Some social gatherings will have prepared food brought in, and these require a sign-up in advance.

The next Activities meeting is immediately following the New Member Orientation on Saturday morning, June 4 at 10:30 at the clubhouse. All are encouraged to attend. We still have many events and activities to plan for the season. Is there a club member out there who would like to instruct a few sessions of yoga, or a paint and sip evening, or movie night? Anyone care to lead a kayak or a cove clean-up group? Do you have an idea for a monthly lecture, or the July club activity? If you volunteered on the survey sheet to host a social gathering or help with a club event, you will soon be receiving an email from us giving you the dates and proposed times for these events. Grab the prime spots and dates first before they are full!  Don’t forget this is a volunteer club and many people volunteer for many tasks and we always have fun doing it.

ON THE RADAR :  May 15 - 53rd Commissioning 3:45

                                May 27 - Friday Social Gathering 6:00

                                June 4 - Activities Meeting 10:30

                                June 11- Commodores Cookout- 3:00 

Ann Chan, Cathy Murphy, Activities Co-chairs

Cruising News

Fleet Captain’s Report:

The annual club cruisers had a meeting on Friday May 6, 2022. The attached itinerary ver1.3 summarizes our latest 2022 Annual Cruise Itinerary (August 6 to 21) and the number of vessels planning to cruise Narragansett Bay, the Vineyard & beyond… Our Port Captains have put together a tremendous package of activities for our ports of call. Many thanks to all who have made incremental improvements. We will plan on a June Cruisers Meeting which is tentatively scheduled for Friday June 3 at 6pm at the club. All are welcome to learn more about the ‘ins & outs’ of cruising. Hope to see you there.

Sincerely, David Chan

Renting the Clubhouse, New Rules

Last summer, Caroline Miller, Enrique Rodriquez, Peter Stump, and Jean Golicz worked to revise the reservation process and to update the required forms for renting the Clubhouse. The Masons also provided technical support to streamline the process.

If you would like to rent the clubhouse please follow these steps and be sure to carefully read the revised forms. There are new insurance requirements along with embedded links to resources.

1. Go to the website and check the calendar. Find your desired date to see if there are any conflicts (whether Club or private events.)

2. Select the members’ area on the website and enter the password. It is case sensitive. 

3. Review the guidelines regarding club rentals. Please remember these are private parties. You cannot rent the club for another organization. Download the reservation form. It contains specific information regarding caterers, liquor license, insurance etc. There is also a detailed checklist for how the club should be left after the event. 

4. If you want a specific date, it’s a good idea to email Jean so she can tentatively hold the slot until receiving your reservation form. 

5. You will also need to send a check to the club treasurer including the security deposit and the rental fee which is determined by the number of guests. These amounts are outlined on the reservation form. 

6. If you are using a caterer and will be serving alcohol, it is very important that you send a copy of your caterer’s insurance coverage along with your reservation form. Please note you are also responsible for insurance if you are assuming the responsibility of providing alcohol to your guests. This is separate from the caterer’s insurance. 

Thank you,

Jean Golicz

Women on the River

Women on the River is a group comprised of women from North Cove Yacht Club, Essex Yacht Club, Essex Corinthian Yacht Club and Pettipaug Yacht Club. They sail the Ideal 18s provided by the EYC and ECYC. There are a total of 12 Ideal 18 boats for the 2022 season. 

The group is comprised of women with many different levels of sailing experience. There are enough “skippers” to command each boat so don’t worry if you have limited sailing expertise. 

If you are interested in joining it’s a great way to meet other women from the local clubs and have a little fun. It would be preferred to commit to all 3 dates but if your schedule does not allow you can name the dates that work and we can work out an alternate for dates you cannot attend. There is a great interest from the 3 yacht clubs to socialize with each other and get to know fellow boating ladies. Please consider joining!

The group will meet:

• · June 1, Orientation and pot luck dinner

• June 22, Dinner at Essex Yacht club following sailing

• July13, BBQ at Essex Yacht Club following sailing

The events are free. Dinner would be paid per person approx $15-20

You may rsvp to Cathy Murphy at 860-227-7122 or email (see link below.)

Please rsvp by May 26 to get a spot!

Chandlery News

Attn: NCYC Members

You can now go to L.L.Bean Business and choose any item to have our logo and burgee embroidered with one of the two design colors shown above, pay for it, and have it shipped to your home address!

• Company Name: NORTH COVE YACHT CLUB INC , CSS# 677682

•   Blue letters Design# and Color-way(s):  205431  /  cw 1   Logo Size: 2.12” w x 2.02”h

• Gold letters Design# and Color-way(s):  205431  /  cw 2   Logo Size: 2.12” w x 2.02”h

 You can also reach them by phone at 800-832-1889

Best regards,

Greg Nickett

From the Newsletter Editor

If you have Club news to share, a maritime story to tell, a sailing read to recommend, a lively anecdote, or something boat-related to sell, please email me to have it included in the next newsletter.

Thanks!

Deb Paulson, Newsletter Editor

High Tidings April 2022

even the moorings look eager to get back in the water

Upcoming Events for April

• April 16, 9:00 am – Spring Cleanup (Rain date is April 23)

• April 23, 9:00 am – Boat prep / Rain date for Spring Cleanup

• April 24, 4:00 pm – NCYC Annual Spring Meeting 

• April 24, 5:30 pm – Penny Lane Pub Get Together

•  April 30th, 9:00-12:00 – Marine Yard “Sail”

Commodore’s Remarks

This is the busiest time of year for the Club. There is always a lot of work to do to get the Club ready for the Commissioning and this year is no exception. As many of you know, during one of the storms it appears that the Club was hit by microburst. Thanks to Chris Bazinet for all the work that he has been doing with the insurance adjusters. He has written up the details further in this newsletter. 

There are many jobs that need to be completed prior to the Commissioning. Karl Frost has been working with a roofing company and that work is expected to begin in the next couple of weeks. We need to patch water damage in several places inside the club house; the deck needs to be repaired, sanded, and painted; and we have a few boats that need a little additional love and Elio Betty is looking for help with the Launch.  

While that all sounds like work,  Ann and David Chan have been busy leading the Club fun. The Activities Committee has met and has organized several activities through July, while the Cruisers have met to organize cruising throughout the summer.  

A reminder–your mooring should be ready to launch.  Make sure you check to see if your mooring has been tagged by Scott Mitchell, NCYC Harbormaster. If tagged, you have some work to do! 

Be sure to bookmark the NCYC calendar, Jon Mason has improved the Club calendar, so it is easy to view on your devices and it is also now very easy to print from the website. We are working hard to keep the calendar up to date.

Membership

Membership is always busy at this time of year.  This month we welcome the Glynn’s: Kevin, Brittany and three-year-old daughter Margot to the Club. In addition, the Membership Committee is actively working on four more memberships.  

Spring Cleanup

Spring Clean is Saturday April 16th with a rain date of April 23rd. This year we have lots of opportunities for carpenters and painters, as well as general tasks. Please sign up for a job here, or just stop by. There’s plenty for everyone!

Vice Commodore’s Remarks

Hope everyone is as excited as I am for the boating season to begin. Unfortunately with the storm damage to the club we have a few more tasks to accomplish at the club.  At this Saturday’s work party, I hope we have some members with carpentry skills to work on replacing the broken deck railings. We will also be unstacking the whalers and applying bottom paint. Plus need some folks to scrape the loose peeling paint on the launch and also paint bottom of William T. A new to us motor has been installed in the WT. It’s still a two-stroke but newer with a lot less hours. Greg’s Outboard installed it and it matched up to the same controls so saved us a good bit of money. They took it on a test run up to Essex and back and reportedly runs very well.    

One concept I’d like to start is weekly bring your own coffee & breakfast at the club for those lucky enough to be retired and anyone else that has a flexible schedule and would like to join in. I’ll throw out the first date of Wednesday April 19th at 0900? The concept is to enjoy a morning at the club, camaraderie with fellow members, talk boats, pass ideas, and possibly knock out a task or two?  As we all know, the clubhouse is like our own houses and if it’s like mine, there is a never ending list of little projects.  
Let’s see how this first one goes. 
We can agree on picking a different day of the week or time if that is folks want to do.   
Happy boat prepping !

Lou Vinciguerra, Vice Commodore

Microburst Update

As many of you know, over the evening of Tuesday, February 22 into Wednesday, February 23, we experienced very heavy winds which caused significant damage to our clubhouse. The flagpole was toppled, breaking off at the supports fixed to the deck. Both the lower and upper masts were damaged, along with the gaff and the light fixtures. The halyards were wrapped around the deck railing, which caused the top railing to be torn off and the remainder racked so as to be unsafe. We also lost several dozen roof shingle tabs which caused minor water damage inside. Finally, the windvane was blown off its mount which was bent over. We found the vane, but it too was damaged.

In total, the insurance adjusters determined there was over $50,000 worth of damage.  As we were insured for full replacement value with a deductible of $10,000, we will ultimately receive over $40,000 in payments. This amount is contingent on us repairing or replacing the damaged items to new condition. Work is underway to get the club back in order.

The flagpole came to rest on the Carolina Skiff, which was stacked on the Boston Whaler. It appears that the Whaler was not damaged, but the Skiff has a couple small punctures in the hull. A plan is in place to repair this damage before Commissioning.

So in the end, thankfully no one was injured, but our task list for spring clubhouse prep has grown significantly.

Chris Bazinet, NCYC Board of Governors

Jr. Sailing

I'm excited to be writing my first update as the new Jr. Sailing Chair. First, I want to say thank you to Vice Commodore Lou Vinciguerra for his leadership of the Jr. Sailing Committee for the past several years. While he has decided to step down as chair, thankfully he has agreed to stay on to manage the small boat fleet. Phew!

There is a lot happening on the Jr Sailing front as we prepare for Summer 2022. All three sessions are FULL! I cannot recall the last time we were full this early; we already have several on a waitlist. The Committee is working on hiring our open instructor spot, filling Junior Instructor (JI) openings, and much more. A big thanks to our small-but- mighty-Committee that has been busy during the offseason.

One final note: the Jr. Sailing Committee will be having an in-person meeting on May 9th at 7pm at the clubhouse. We have lots to finish up for the season and are excited to be able to meet in person. New committee members are welcome!! Jr. Sailing is a fun way to be involved. Please reach out if you want to learn more or join us on May 9th!

Happy Spring,

Melissa Mason, Junior Sailing Chair

Thursday Night Racing

A meeting will be held the first Thursday in May (May 5th) at 6:00 PM at the clubhouse to discuss the 2022 Off Shore Racing season; and Thursday Night Racing will tentatively start the first Thursday of June (June 2.) Sailors, power boaters, and anyone who wants to crew on a boat are invited. In addition to our sailors, we also need those with power boats who can assist the Race Committee laying out the course, and anchoring the race markers. Hope to see you there! 

On July 24, the North Cove Yacht Club will be hosting the "Outer Light Regatta" for the Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association. The Club will need help from those with power boats in laying out the course and assisting sailors in the event that they break down or need emergency help. Participation of power boats during Thursday Night Racing will help volunteers get ready for the July 24th regatta which does require that certain skills be developed (like anchoring a mark at a certain point on the GPS, or per the Race Officers radio communicated direction.) Please contact either me (860-908-0378), or Rob Hathaway (860-575-2579) for more information. 

The Thursday night racing and Outer Light Regatta has been very successful in recent years and with your help our Club will continue as a leader in the Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association. 

Joe Carroll, Racing Chair

Activities

Is it spring yet?  We hope you all enjoyed the get together at the Surfridge Brewing Company East on April 8, organized by our commodore, Caroline. It was good to finally get out and dust off those cobwebs. 

Coming up is the spring clean up on April 16 and the Annual spring meeting on April 24. See reminders online. The grounds clean-up is always an easy way to get the club spruced up and find out more about your fellow members. That starts at  0900. Come for all or part of the day.

The Annual meeting this year is at 1600 on Sunday the April 24, which will be followed by a gathering at Penny Lane Pub instead of the traditional afternoon coffee and cookies. So if you need coffee at 4pm you may want to bring yours with you this year.

The next Activities meeting is on June 4, at 10:30a.m at the clubhouse immediately following the new member orientation. Mark your calendars and plan to join us at the club for planning the rest of the season. 

Don’t forget the tailgate marine yard “sail” organized by Deb Paulson and Peter Stump, on Saturday April 30th. See more information about this great free event in this newsletter. Thank you for doing this Deb and Peter.

The 53rd Commissioning is right around the corner on May 15 at 1600. We will again be asking members to supply an appetizer for the celebration that follows the Commissioning. If anyone would like to help with this event, please get in touch with Cathy or Ann.

Does anyone have a neat idea for a club event in place of North Cove Day on July 10? We would love to hear your thoughts. Also the first social gathering will be at 1800 on Friday May 27. Mark your calendars, it will be here before you know it. 

Ann Chan & Cathy Murphy, Activities Co-chairs

enjoying food, drink, and friends at the surfridge brewery

Cruising News

ahhh, the cruising life

The first in-person Cruise Meeting was held on March 19 at the Acton Library in Old Saybrook. It was well attended and many thoughts & suggestions were put forth. We have compiled the first draft and our intent is to have the annual cruise from August 6 to August 21. Many thanks to the respective Port Captains who have researched and continue to bring us valuable information while at port. The annual cruise will evolve and we will meet again in the first half of May (April is a busy month with numerous club and personal activities) to further make incremental & continuous improvements to our schedule.

We have also made cruise plans for July 4th, Labor Day, Wine Cruise & Columbus Day. More details to follow.

The 2022 NCYC Cruise Itinerary is posted here and will be very helpful to reference for our next cruise meeting in May. All are welcome and we look forward to spreading the goodwill and cheer of cruising our familiar waters. Especially since the first part of the cruise includes ports around Narragansett Bay and the Vineyard which are easily accessible by car.

David Chan, Cruising Captain

Chandlery News

You can now choose any item at L.L.Bean Business to have our logo and burgee embroidered with one of the two design colors shown below, pay for it, and have it shipped to your home address! You can also reach them by phone at 800-832-1889

Best regards, Greg Nickett

Company Name: NORTH COVE YACHT CLUB INC ,  CSS# 677682 Blue letters Design# and Color-way(s):  205431  /  cw 1   Logo Size: 2.12” w x 2.02”h  

Gold letters Design# and Color-way(s):  205431  /  cw 2   Logo Size: 2.12” w x 2.02”h  

Help Make Your Launch Beautiful!

Our launch could use a bit of sprucing up. We all enjoy its lovely design and utility, and it reflects well on our club that it be shipshape. How about chipping in to do a bit of paint or varnish this spring? The only special skills required are ones you already have from maintaining your own boat. It’s the kind of thing that you can do for an hour or two a few times this spring and make a real difference.

Top priorities are to prep and paint the deck and seats, as well as refresh the varnish all around. Please let Elio Betty know if you are willing to help. Many hands make light work. Thanks! 

Marine Yard “Sail”

On Saturday, April 30, from 9:00 to 12:00, we will hold a yard sale of boating items selling from your car trunk, in the NCYC parking lot. Bring your surplus boat and sailing gear; bring your want list! Note: all unsold/ungifted items MUST be brought back home with you-no dumping in the dumpster.

Peter Stump

Some items that will be there:

• VHF radio, sends GPS Position and remote mic for the radio

• SST boarding/swim ladder extension

• mast ladder, goes up sail track

• extra fenders, boat hook, etc.

• good dingy outboard, 2.7 HP 2-stroke

• decent inflatable, 7-foot w/OB bracket

• Simrad setup

• ScanStrut backstay mount for radar

• manual anchor windlass

• fiberglass dinghy

Sailing Nostalgia

by Jon Mason

It took me to adulthood to realize that someone else's sailing story starts with, “A bearded man just cut our anchor line!”  But I am getting ahead of myself.

It was 1980 and our family of four sailed from Noank to Friendship, Maine for “Friendship Homecoming” a yearly event that brought Friendship sloops back home for a few days of racing.  Ours was a gaff-rigged 1972 Bruno & Stillman fiberglass and to this day when I doodle, I end up drawing this boat. Spring would see my parents spending more time and money on varnish than anything else and seemed to cure my nine-year-old self from ever wanting a boat with lots of teak.

On our trip northward, we sailed into Gloucester harbor and set anchor. We quickly went to shore and walked around town until after nightfall. We got back to the boat and my four-year-old brother and I climbed into our bunks, exhausted from the day.  No sooner had I shut my eyes when I was awoken by my nervous (and I should add here: night blind) Mom.  Mom was a reluctant sailor - afraid of the water, didn’t like heeling, and seemed less than convinced that my Dad knew what he was doing. She instructed me to get my life jacket on, then put my brother’s on him.  “Anchor is dragging.”

As I struggled to get a life jacket on my slumbering four-year-old brother, my Dad headed up the companionway stairs and yelled, “we’re moving backwards like a freight train,” to my mom who was now right behind him and moving to the helm.  “Gardner (my Dad), I can’t see in the dark,” my mom called out as she grabbed the wheel.  By this time, I was on deck trying to be a helpful nine-year-old next to my Mom.  I could see my Dad on the bow, brandishing the knife he wore on his belt, “I am going to have to cut some - there’s lines wrapped around the bowsprit,” he yelled.  I couldn’t see much in the inky night and I was pretty sure my Mom, with her hands on the wheel, could see less.

Soon, with the cutting done and our anchor stowed, Dad was back at the helm and we made a few circles (later, I’d learn he was looking for boats in distress, thanks to his knife) and eventually we puttered from the anchorage and dropped anchor in a spot by the mouth of the harbor.  Both my parents scanned for boats, though it wasn’t clear to me if they were looking to help someone or just looking to see if the cops were coming.

At some point the next day, Dad explained to me that somehow our anchor had dragged, and in doing so caught a few other anchor lines.  In the dark, he was unable to untangle us, so he cut what he could.  He looked me in the eyes and explained he looked for any other vessels in distress but didn’t see any. 

But we still skinked away at first light like we’d cut a few boats anchorlines…

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From the Editor

Do you have a maritime story you’d like to share ? Do you have a favorite maritime book? Do you have Club related news or pictures? Please email me and let me know.

Deb Paulson, Newsletter Editor

High Tidings, March 2022

Commodore Remarks

Upcoming Events for March:

• March 19 @ 9:30 am Activities Committee by Zoom

• March 19 @ 4:30 pm - Join the Club for an informal Happy Hour at Penny Lane Pub

• March 19 @2 pm - Join a cruise planning meeting at Acton Library

While it may still feel like winter, the days are getting longer, and before long, we will be outside working on our boats. David has already made several trips to Defender, and we even had to go to Hamilton Marine when we were in Portland this past weekend.

The Flag Officers and the Board have continued to work through the winter and a lot has been happening. I don’t want to duplicate what others write below but several things are important, and I want to give some thanks to people who continue to work on Club matters all winter.

Chris Bazinet is working with our insurance company on several fronts.  Currently they are discussing a possible insurance claim due to high winds that blew tiles off the roof, our Club wind vane, and even our flagpole.  Chris also continues to save money for the club by negotiating the best rates by closely reviewing what we pay for our coverage.

At the Fall Meeting, the Club authorized up to $8,000 for a new motor for the William T.  However as with so many other things there just aren’t any motors available. Lou Vinciguerra has worked with Greg’s Outboards, Club Member Elio Betty, and others and has managed to find a used motor.  The Board has approved the decision to purchase this used motor for $1200. If you are looking for a new outboard motor, you will find that delivery times are delayed and highly uncertain, and prices are very high.  

Rear Commodore Karl Frost and Club Member Ed Rodier continue to make their daily bike trips by the Club to make sure the bubblers around the dock come on when the weather is below freezing.  Sounds cold to me, but thanks. 

Deb Paulson continues to publish a wonderful newsletter.  This is not an easy job and her work is greatly appreciated. If you have material that you want to get out to the Club, please reach out to Deb. She is starting a section on your adventures at sea, and on maritime books you love!

Ways to Help

We are still looking for someone who is willing to work with the Rear Commodore as Grounds Chair. Let Rear Commodore Karl Frost if you would like to help.  We have so many people who are willing to help and most of you just show up when there is work to be done. However, I am going to keep posting this link so you can see what needs to be done and let others know you are willing to help.

Club Racing

Thanks to Joe Carrol who has stepped up to be Racing Chair.  He has already registered the Club for the Outer Light Regatta scheduled for July 24, 2022.  

Jr. Sailing

Melissa Mason has been very busy registering the sailors for our Jr. Sailing program. As of the beginning of March:  Session 1 is 68% full; Session 2 is 100% full; and Session 3 is 76% full. In addition, she has the highest number of Member-affiliated kids. This is very exciting. Only one of the instructors will not be coming back. The Jr. Sailing Committee is currently interviewing for that position.

Membership

Skills/interests:   The Glynn’s feel lucky to have access to some of the best cruising waters in the country and want to take advantage of this beautiful area. Their daughter just turned three, and they want to raise her with an appreciation for the water-taking the opportunity to create all the great memories created by time spent on a boat.  Kevin’s parents have been members of NCYC for a number of years, and he has seen firsthand the work required for facilities upkeep. He is always willing to lend whatever help he can, whenever it is needed.

The following family is posted for Membership:

• Kevin and Brittany Glynn, Madison, CT

• Peter:  Pilot, Melissa:  Manager

• Children:  Margot (age 3)

• Proposed by:  Ed and Ingrid Glynn

• Support letters: Lou Vinciguerra, Melissa Mason, Laurie Pavlos 

• Boat: Rhubarb 30 ft Sailboat

• Boating: Kevin served in the US Coast Guard.  He grew up with boats and has been around them is whole life.  Most of his experience has been with sailboats.    

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Vice Commodore Remarks

Hi All !  
Have some not-so-good news. A recent wind storm brought down our flag pole at the club. The pole broke where the top through-bolt that secures it in the up position is located.

We believe the pole was hand-crafted by the founders of the Club and if you look at the upper spars, gaff, and yardarm, they were crafted out of salvaged sailboat masts.

It lasted over 50 years but many sections are broken or damaged. The failure appears to be the top through-bolt applying over 50 years of point stress to the pipe as the pole cantilevers fighting against the wind, finally gave up and the pipe snapped. My initial thought is the existing pole has served out its useful life and is not worth the cost and effort required to repair. However, we are exploring options. I am working with a supplier to obtain pricing for a replacement:

Pole Break Point

Our pole is aluminum twin-masted nautical style, 50-foot length, and the replacement cost will be in the $12,000 to $15,000 range when we add options. This cost does not include installation. They do offer a tapered fiberglass version that is still Nautical style, 50-feet, but without the twin mast, for around $11,000. An advantage of fiberglass is that it would be lighter and easier for us to raise and lower when a storm is headed our way; also it’s non-conductive for potential lightning strikes. 

The wind storm also ripped a number of shingle tabs off our aging roof and there is damage to the club deck handrail and the hull on the Carolina skiff. All can be repaired. The Board Of Governors approved approaching our insurance provider to evaluate whether, if the damage is  grouped together, it is worth making a claim and paying our deductible. Member Chris Bazinet is taking the lead on that.

We are also evaluating whether the existing pole can be repaired, and at what cost. Does any member have a portable welder that can weld aluminum pipe?

So, we have some added tasks to our Spring Commissioning work parties! Hope folks can volunteer to assist.  Once we have the insurance assessment, we will need some muscle to move the existing pole off the whalers, un-stack the whalers so they can be repaired and painted, and fix the damaged deck handrail. We will send out a bulk email soon. 

Thanks!

Lou Vinciguerra

NCYC Vice Commodore

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Mystic Seaport Dyer Dhow

Not sure if membership is aware that our club sponsored a Dyer Dhow at Mystic Seaport several years back. If you walk the sailing center at Mystic you will see that most of the Yacht Clubs in the area sponsor a boat. I believe our club should continue to provide some monetary support for the boat's upkeep. If anyone wishes to contribute individually, you can follow the instructions on the letter that follows. I'm also proposing that at the first few pot lucks, we pass a basket or I'll put a contribution box with info on the counter. 

Any other ideas are welcome.

A photo of the sailboat with our club’s colors and burgee, and the transom has our club name.

Fleet Captain’s Update

Cruise Meeting & Happy Hour

• When: Saturday, 3/19/2022 – 2pm to 4pm

• Where: Grady Thomas Room, Acton Public Library, Old Saybrook

• Why: Ports- of-Call - Come tell us about your favorite ports and activities

• After meeting Happy Hour: Penny Lane Pub

Annual Club Cruise – August 6 to August 21

• Annual cruise option: Stonington, Newport, Cuttyhunk New Bedford, Martha’s, Block

• Annual cruise option: Stonington, Montauk, 3 Mile, West Neck, Dering Harbor

• Annual cruise option: Newport, Cuttyhunk, Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod

Memorial Day Cruise: TBD

July 4th Cruise: Watch Hill, Stonington 

Labor Day Cruise: Mystic Seaport

Activities Committee

With the days getting longer, brighter, and warmer it's easy to feel the boating season is right around the corner. We are still hoping to hold our virtual/zoom first Activities Committee meeting of 2022 on March 19th, at 0930. We plan to keep it brief, as there is always so much going on during the weekends, such as a cruise planning meeting, later that day. So count on an hour at the most-the itinerary will be short. We hope that the worst of the pandemic is over so we won't have to spend valuable time talking about precautions and masks.

Again, when thinking about how to volunteer at our volunteer club, please consider the activities committee. We welcome everyone! We have several men who have either served or continue to serve on the committee and they have been  valuable to have on the team. Remember that there is always lots to do at the club, many people volunteer on three, four, or more, committees. We are a fun, welcoming group (all the committees are) and it is an easy way to get familiar with the club and its members. 

We have received a few suggestions for activities so far, thank you for your emails. Please try to send us your ideas before April 30, so we can discuss the ideas at our May meeting. Speaking of which, we will discuss at our March virtual meeting whether our May meeting should be in person or again virtual, and when would be the most popular time and day to schedule meetings going forward.

So rest up, it promises to be a busy and active season at NCYC.

Ann Chan and Cathy Murphy

Activities Committee Co-Chairs

Activities Zoom Meeting Log-In Info

Meeting ID: 946 035 0522 
Passcode: 042420 

To Phone in:      +1 646 558 8656 

Meeting ID: 946 035 0522 
Passcode: 042420 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9460350522?pwd=ZXRBaXhmeGtsMkdzSHhEZDJqMDdXdz09

Thursday Night Sailing

All of us have busy lives-usually centered on work and completing endless errands in the service of our employer and families. Most of us spend very little time in peace. The peace that comes with no barking dogs, no cranky-crying children (which includes no narcissistic bosses.) The peace that comes with sailing. Yes, life can be a week in, and week out drag. But because you have a weekly opportunity to sail it doesn’t have to be. 

This summer, every Thursday night at 5pm bring yourself down to the North Cove Yacht Club and take that sailboat of yours-the one that spends an enormous amount of time unused on its mooring, out to our racecourse whose start and finish is right off the former home of Katherine Hepburn.  Once there, locate the race committee boat, identify yourself, get the racecourse information over the radio, and at about 6-6:15pm start the race with the other boats. Follow the course until you cross the finish line. Usually, the race is finished about 7:15 or so. Afterwards, the boats return to North Cove in time for dinner with the other racers and their crews at the club house. It is at this time that “sea stories” concerning the race are practiced, honed, and perfected to create a plausible & believable narrative for retelling later to family and non-racers in the club.   

For certain, within the 5pm – 7:30pm time range you and your crew will experience the rewarding quietness of an evening sail, the fresh salt air, and the joyous pleasure of getting the power of locomotion from even a gentle evening breeze. All the above, including the fellowship of the other sailors, all help to smooth out your troubles and prepare you for a very real restful sleep, and improved outlook on life. 

Thursday Night racing, June 2021

This year, I see in my mind much clearer than I can convey in words, a group of NCYC sailors racing their sloops with all the assurance of Briggs Cunningham or Dennis Connor. On the water as a group, they are safe and learning to make decisions and to abide by them. They are learning navigation, how to sail their boats on the edge of the wind with ideal sail trim. In other words, they are learning how to make their sailboats move as swift as its design and the tide allows. Because of the PHRF ratings that we use to handicap boats, a slow heavy boat sailed skillfully can win a race, and ultimately become a champion-at least in the eyes of North Cove Yacht Club’s membership, and perhaps your spouse or sailboat roadies who follow winning boat crews from race to race.  

Racing NCYC sailors develop a set of rules that will do them very well if applied not only in racing, but to most of the problems of living.

They will learn patience in calm fluky days when they have to hunt wind and move the boat almost with their own determination, to be the first of the fleet to catch a freshening breeze, they will learn the joy of battling a storm, they will learn to decide whether to reef or carry full sail, and the consequences; which will be more emphatic and lasting than anything I could write here. 

They will learn the importance of keeping things “ship shape”, and how it pays off in the unexpected squalls. They will learn that it is the ability of the skipper that wins races, and that the small pennants representing a first place are not bought with dollars.

Sailboat racing is a family sport that can be enjoyed by young and old together, so it is hoped that families show up on Thursday nights starting in early June to learn to sail, race, and develop a love affair with their sailboat. If because of circumstances, you are unable to have family participation in Thursday night racing, there are always people on the dock looking to crew for someone. Some very successful racing teams are formed this way.  

There will be an Offshore racing meeting in May. Probably either the 2nd or 3rd Thursday at about 6pm concerning this summer’s racing. You will be advised in the coming weeks of the time and date. For the time being, get excited about racing this summer. All participants have a great time, and yes, you will become a better sailor with each Thursday night race. We are a very nonjudgmental group, and everyone is welcome to race with us. Even professional sailors. Even neophytes. 

I hope to see you on the racecourse this summer.

Joe Carroll, NCYC Secretary 860-908-0378

NCYC Yard “Sail”

On Saturday, April 30 (rain date May 1) NCYC will be holding a marine yard sale in the Club parking lot. It costs nothing to participate, and the only rule is that you MUST take back with you anything that didn’t sell—no dumping in the dumpster!

This is a great opportunity to find a new home for those unused boating items that we all collect as we upgrade or downsize. The sale will be from 9:00-12:00. Just show up, park your car, open your trunk and sell, sell, sell! (Or give away.)

Maritime Yarns

In this on-going section-alternating with members’ boating stories-I invite members to submit a review of a maritme-related book they have read and enjoyed. I find reading on the boat at the mooring a delight. And, for winter armchair adventures, nothing can beat stories of the sea, to my mind. Following are three of my picks.

Deb Paulson

Newsletter editor

MAIDEN VOYAGE, Tania Aebi

Setting out to sail alone around the world in a Contessa 26, Manhattanite Tania Aebi was singularly ill-prepared. Not the boat or the supplies, but she herself. She had never sailed alone, didn’t know you had to have two fix points for navigation, kinda forgot how to anchor at the end of her first leg from South Street Seaport in Manhattan to Sandy Hook NJ, and…she was only 18 years old. Needless to say, she made it, and this book of her adventure goes beyond sailing and into a moving coming-of-age. Poignantly, areas she visited are beyond the reach of today’s traveler—the Red Sea isn’t safe now, neither is Yemen. I love this book for its good writing, vulnerability, and true courage. 

SUPERNATURAL MYSTERIES and Other Tales, Richard Rowe Snow 

Mr. Snow specializes in the rich maritime history of the New England coast and this one explores some famous and infamous mysteries. The Bermuda Triangle, sea serpents, and wrecks are featured in this volume. While Mr. Snow is not the most adept of writers, avoiding drama for hard fact, still his stories are fun to read, and his documentation of all the old tales is a valuable labor of love.

MASTER AND COMMANDER, etc. (Aubrey/Maturin series) Patrick O’Brian

I am on my third reading of this amazing series; it seems to be my go-to for long winter evenings. Beyond the heart-pounding descriptions of Naval battles in the Napoleonic Age, there is the deep, nuanced friendship between Steven Maturin-intelligence agent and doctor-and Captain Jack Aubrey of the English Navy, that is a joy to behold as it unfolds over the course of twenty novels.  

Sometimes it’s hard to find an old book-it’s either out-of-print, or otherwise unavailable. I’ve had great success with Thrift Books. Thrift Books carries millions of used in-print and out-of-print books. I’ve always found what I was looking for; it was inexpensive, and was shipped to me in a timely manner. 

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2022 Calendar

 JULY

• June 27–July 8............... Junior Sailing Class–Session I

• June 30-July 28............. Thursday Night Racing | Summer Series

• July 11–25........................Godfrey Junior Sailing Race Series | Mondays | 1700

• July 2-3.............................Fourth of July Mini Cruise

• July 6-27...........................Grill Night | Wednesdays

• July 11-22........................ Junior Sailing Class–Session II

• July 10...............................Summer Club Activity

• July 24.............................. Outer Light Classic Race & Party

• July 25–August 5......... Junior Sailing Class–Session III

• July 29.............................. Friday Night Social | 1800

AUGUST

• July 25–August 5.........Junior Sailing Class–Session III

• August 1..........................Godfrey Junior Sailing Race Series | Mondays | 1700

• August 3-31...................Grill Night | Wednesdays

• August 4-25.................Thursday Night Racing | Summer Series

• August 6-21..................NCYC Annual Club Cruise

• August 25.....................Thursday Night Racing Party

• August 26.....................Friday Night Social | 1800

 SEPTEMBER

• September 7-28................. Grill Night | Wednesdays

• September 3-5.................... Labor Day Cruise to Mystic Seaport

• September 11....................... Belle 8 Race | 1000

• September 11....................... NCYC Activity

• September 17-18................. Mattituck Bike & Wine Cruise 

• September 30..................... Friday Night Social | 1800

 OCTOBER

• October 8-10....................... Columbus Day Mini-Cruise 

• October 28.......................... Friday Night Social | 1800

NOVEMBER

• November 6........................ Annual Meeting | 1600

• November 6........................ Penny Lane Pub (after meeting)

• November 7........................ Club Closed for Season

 DECEMBER

• December 10...................... Torchlight Parade & Open House | 1730

MARCH

• March 19.............................. Activities Meeting by Zoom | 0930

• March 19.............................. Cruise Meeting – Acton Library | 1400

• March 19.............................. Happy Hour – Penny Lane Pub | 1630 

APRIL

• April 16................................. Grounds & Inside House Cleanup | 0900

• April 17................................. Rain Date House Cleanup | 0900

• April 23............................. . Boat Prep | 0900

• April 24............................. . Annual Spring Meeting | 1600 

• April 30……………………… ….Marine Yard “Sail”

 MAY

• May 6................................... Cruising Planning Meeting | 1800 (TBD)

• May 15................................. 53nd Commissioning | 1600

• May 19................................. Offshore Racing Skippers Meeting | 1830

• May 27................................ Friday Night Social | 1800

• May 28–30....................... Memorial Day Mini-Cruise

JUNE

• June 1-29........................... Grill Night | Wednesdays

• June 1................................. Wine & Cheese with Prospective Members

• June 2-30......................... Thursday Night Racing | Spring Series | 1700

• June 4............................. .. New Member Orientation | 0930

• June 4............................... Activities Meeting | 10:30

• June 18............................. Jrs.Opti Race | 1300

• June 18............................. Commodore’s Cookout | 1500

• June 20–24................... Junior Sailing Prep Week

• June 20-24.................... Junior Sailing Race Clinic | 1630

• June 24...........................Friday Night Social | 1800

• June 27–July 8.............Junior Sailing Class–Session I

• June 27............................Godfrey Junior Sailing Race Series | Mondays | 1700

• June 30-July 28...........Thursday Night Racing | Summer Series

High Tidings, January-February 2022

Commodore’s Remarks

Happy New Year! It is hard to believe that we are already working on the calendar for next year. Dues have been emailed. If you have not received your invoice, contact John Waanders, Club Treasurer. Be sure to return the volunteer sheet. Remember that we are a volunteer club and that is how we keep our dues low. If you are not able to volunteer, you have the option to submit an extra donation that will be used to keep the Club rolling!

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New Members. -

Please join me in welcoming the following new members:

• Tom and Julie Tydeman

• Skip Haskin and Gilliam Belnap

• Lucy Driggs-Armstrong and Mike Armstrong

• Peter and Michelle Corliss

• Greg and Melissa Clark

I think that 2022 is going to be a great year in terms of membership. In addition to our new members, we have several others that are currently going through the new member process.

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Tuesday Night Seminars

We are looking to expand our programming this year with Tuesday evening yachting seminars. Many of our members are very talented and we hope that they will be able to run some of these seminars. We are planning a casual and interactive series with topics such as:

• Anchoring

• Stocking the boat

• Boat maintenance

• Marine radios

• etc.

Send me your ideas and we will try to put together a great program

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Launch Operator Licenses

Congratulations to Mark Raffa and David Chan who took the Launch Operators Course in December. This year we hope to be able to supplement our Launch Operations with some volunteers. Many clubs are having a difficult time filling their launch schedules and are supplementing the schedule with Club Volunteers. If you are interested in the class, check these resources:

• https://boatwise.com/upcoming-classes

• https://www.nemaritime.com/launchtender.html

If you take the course and volunteer 21 hours, the Club will reimburse you for the course. If you volunteer another 5 hours, the Club will reimburse the first aid class as well.

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Opportunities to help

At the start of every year, we have positions open. Please review the following list and let me know how you can help. If you are new to the Club, signing up to volunteer is the easiest way to meet other members and get involved. Everyone should be signing up for Activities! Check out the ways you can help the club:

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Club Racing

First, I would like to thank Rob Hathaway for all his help over the years with the running of the Outer Light and Thursday Night Racing. Rob has decided to step down from his position - don’t worry Thursday sailors, Rob will still be the Committee boat. However, this leaves a gap in the management of the these programs.

We’re looking for:

• Thursday Night Racing Director: communicate weather cancellations, keep track of scores, manage Jon Mason’s protests, update newsletter (with photos)

• Outer Light Racing Director: Attend ECSA meetings and publish race info in yacht scoring while working with the Outer Light Party Committee.

Sincerely,

Caroline Miller, Commodore

Vice Commodore’s Remarks

Happy Winter! Wish there was more snow up North for skiing on but these mild temps on the coastline have been nice.

We finally had a couple days of deep freeze Jan 9 & 10th and the cove starting icing up. The Iceaway propellers have been deployed with on/off thermostats and are working well to protect the waterfront docks as well as the Old Saybrook’s town dock stored there for a fee. The thermostats turn on at 25 degrees air temp and then off at 34 degrees so if you don’t see them running and it’s, say, 28 degrees out that’s why. They came from the company that sells the “Ice Away” props so guess they know what they’re doing. If by chance you’re there and ice has formed and they are not running please let me know, as it may be a tripped breaker or other issue we need to resolve.

Replacement of all the clubhouse old interior light fixtures with LED units has been completed thanks to the skills of Dan Ferrier and his apprentices Chris Bazinet and myself. We expect to see a savings on our electric bill next year and the club interior has a new feel with the settings used for light frequency color and brightness compared with the old sterile environment fluorescent fixtures.

With our dues invoices you should see a sign-up sheet for types of volunteer work you would be interested in helping out with. Our committee chair people use this information to seek out assistance needed during the year. It’s much more effective to have a target group to contact in lieu of polling the entire membership for help. Please give it some thought and check the area you have interest in pitching in.

Thanks!

Lou Vinciguerra

Vice Commodore

louvinci@gmail.

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Activities Report

Happy New Year! Many of you must be dreaming or longing of the boating season, of course. Don’t worry, Spring will be here before you know it. With viruses at a high level, we have put a pause on cold or cool weather gatherings until things ease up. But let us know of any ideas you may want to pursue once things look brighter.

Did someone say “St. Patrick's Day? We have had quite a few new members join NCYC–a great job by our Commodore and her Membership Committee. With that in mind, one thought being considered for the coming season is to dub the first social gathering evening “Welcome New Members”. The idea would be to have not-so-new members bring an extra place setting or two, and a few extra portions of food and we would not require the newest members to bring anything, except maybe their beverage of choice. One new family would sit with seasoned members and the seasoned members would find out all they could about the new members and then present them after dinner, to the group in attendance. Just a thought.

There is a tentative Activities virtual planning meeting at 0930 on March 19, 2022, please plan to tune in. The link will be sent out closer to the date.

When sending in your volunteer form, please consider joining the Activities committee. We welcome everyone and we mean everyone. We have several men who either have served or continue to serve on the committee and they are great to have on the team. Even if you don’t sign up for activities, you are always welcome to come to any and all of of our meetings. Stay warm and Happy! -Ann Chan

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Send in your idea for a fun 2022 activity!

From the FLEET CAPTAIN

The 2022 Labor Day weekend cruise to Mystic Seaport is open for booking through Dockwa. Our Port Captain Peter Stump informs us that we will be docked at Lighthouse Point which is much closer to the dinghy racing venue. Please indicate that you are with NCYC so that we can be grouped together. Many thanks to Pete.

We will plan on having our initial cruise meeting in March. In the meantime, please feel free to email me your thoughts & suggestions for the 2022 cruises. More details to follow.

Best regards

David David-chan@concast.net

Junior Sailing Update

We expect to have another successful program this summer and registrations are currently open on the NCYC website for NCYC members and family (includes grandkids). Our registrar reports we have 6 spots filled to date. On February 1st we open the registrations to the public, so act fast if your kids need a particular session.

We are excited that three out of the four instructors have accepted job offers to return this summer. Amy, Damien and Alex. Jamie (in college now) is looking for internship and research opportunities. We will be advertising the open position soon.

The Junior Sailing Committee is always looking for members to assist in administration of the program like interview and selection committee for instructors, planning the summer program, support during the sessions and help with maintaining boats. If you have an interest, please let us know on the volunteer form that goes out with the dues and/or email me at louvinci@gmail.com.

We made one upgrade to our fleet of boats for this year, retired/sold one of the old light blue 420s that we picked up from Mass Maritime many years ago when we retired thesinking wood Blue Jays and started 420s in our program. The new-boat-to-us was actively raced by a family that belong to WYC in Stonington. The boat is rigged to fly spinnaker and ready to go!

Lou Vinciguerra

NCYC Junior Sailing Chairman

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A Log Entry Journey

June 1980

By Deb Paulson

Cast of characters: Dad, age 48, open-ocean boating experience: Lieutenant Commander on the U.S.S. Fletcher. Deb, age 23, Craig, age 20, Scott, age 18. Open-ocean sailing experience: none.

Venue: “Delight” a Freedom 40 sailboat based in St. Thomas, which the cast intends to sail to Newport.

June 8

Three days out and I have stopped throwing up. This afternoon I slept well for the first time. Dad is trying to get weather on the radio. It is not coming in very clearly.

June 9

The wind is behind us, creating a “rock n’ roll” effect. Sleep, I am averaging between 4-5 hours. I washed my hair this morning with Scott helping by dumping buckets of sea water over my head. We are trying to figure out where we are. Somehow, it never seems to work out, no matter how many sextant readings we take. The auto-helm does the steering during the day mostly. At night we usually steer by hand.

June 10

We are doing 6-7 knots under what the book says is a “moderate breeze.” Seems pretty lively to me. Scott just took over my watch. After less than an hour of steering my arms and wrists really ache. We have only seen one ship in daylight. Craig saw the lights of one at night. A Navy plane buzzed us. Have seen a few birds and some flying fish. I am tired of feeling somewhat queasy every time I eat something, tired of not sleeping soundly, of wind and water, up and down. You get to a point, I think, before the second wind, when you are just worn out.

June 12

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A little ask from the Editor:

Do you have a boating story that you’d like to share? I hope so. If you do, please send it to me and I will put it in the newsletter. Pictures, too. Thank you so much.

Deb Paulson, Editor