As many of you know, Susie and I spent 40 years in Alaska before retiring to Port Townsend. Our short Easter visit north this year has been met with wonderful spring-like weather, warmer and sunnier than our local weather; and for me, it was that last chance to get one “half day” on the ski slopes.
But with the sun and relative warmth, and mountain breeze, I could not help but think of how fun it would also be to be on the boat, albeit enjoying the mountains from afar. Regardless of where we experience springtime, it seems universally regenerative. More light, more warmth, and new plants and flowers abound.
For our club, like many in the northern part of the country, it is also time to get back on the water, to “celebrate” the opening of boating season. Some quick research suggests that Opening Day celebrations further south are not tied so much to the season, and in the northeast, they want to be sure the ice is gone before scheduling the event. We are fortunate to have relatively mild conditions year round, but there is no question that sun and warmth are intoxicating reminders for us to get out and enjoy our boats.
So, if you are reading this and wondering about Opening Day, “Just Do It” and join our merry bunch of boaters to celebrate the return of spring and summer and more active time on our boats. Fleet Captain Alice Tibbals (fleet@ptyc.net) is awaiting your boat bio and welcomes everyone.
I also want to encourage everyone to take a moment and fill out the Boating Experiences Survey on our club website. Thanks to Dale Moses, for reminding us that within our club, we have a “wealth of boating knowledge,” which members are willing to share with others; and, that there are many of us who would like to “pick the brains” of those with experience to help us become better mariners. This initiative is going to provide us with an ongoing invaluable resource and benefit for all members, It embodies what is so important about clubs like ours: that we continue to strive to improve our boating skills, awareness, and fun.
So, skis are being replaced with sheets and other boating lines and my old retro ski gear is heading into summer hibernation. Hope to see you all on the water soon.
Commodore Jim