2021 May Commodore’s Column: Opening Day of Boating “Let the Cruising Begin!”

It doesn’t really matter that boating “season” does not ever have to close in our mild Pacific Northwest weather (I mean, really, usually the only ice that is floating, is in our gin and tonics), it’s just that every yacht club must have its Opening Day, or it just wouldn’t be, well, a yacht club.

Every yacht club has its own rituals for Opening Day, and Port Townsend is no different, except when we are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic.  We will be missing the dinner and ceremonious flag raising; however, the parade will go on, sans the announcer and community spectators.  We will be safely distanced out on the glorious Salish Sea together, hopefully under blue skies and sunshine, and we will have the Blessing of the Fleet by Reverend Kate Lore, announced from Rain Shadow.

I am excited to spread the rumor that following the parade, there will be a casual gathering, between 3:30 and 5 pm, on the lawn at Port Hadlock Marina.  All members are invited.  Bring your own chairs, food and drink (brown bag lunch, or pick up some take-out), or at least stop by and say hi.  We will be adhering to CDC guidelines with social distancing and masks.

The first cruise of 2021 is the “Shakedown” Kingston / Port Ludlow Cruise, May 14 — 17, led by Jim & Susie Gorski.   Following this cruise is the Spring Bell Harbor Cruise, May 20 — 24, led by Robert & Gail Chanpong.  As of this writing, you may still be able to snag a slip if you’d like to go.  Check with the Gorskis and Chanpongs.  And remember, land cruisers are always welcome to  join in on the fun.  Just sign up online and note you’re driving.

Commodore Debbie

 

2021 April Commodore’s Column: My Memories . . . ~ In Dedication to Muriel Powers and Carl Sidle ~

Muriel Powers

On February 21, PTYC Member Muriel Powers passed away after a two-year-long battle against cancer.  She died at home “Surrounded by Love.”   Muriel leaves behind her husband, John.

I first met Muriel on a drizzly evening around a bonfire.  It was 2015, at our annual autumn PTYC Hadlock Bonfire “Cruise.”  Nobody really cruised there, we just gathered by car, BBQ’d burgers, huddled around the fire to stay warm, visited, and listened to the most beautful and diverse autoharp music provided by our very own talented Muriel.  I never knew rock ‘n roll could be played on an autoharp, but Muriel totally rocked it!  She played all genres of music as demonstrated on the occasions she played at our events for her many PTYC friends.

Of course, I’ll never forget the time Muriel performed on Rain Shadow to a spontaneous, standing-room-only, delighted audience of club cruisers at Bell Harbor, with Sue Sidle singing along!  Muriel, you will be missed.

The song is ended but the melody lingers on.  ~Irving Berlin Continue reading →

2021 March PTYC Commodore Column–“In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb”

We’ve all heard the saying that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but is there any truth to this saying?  According to the Farmer’s Almanac, “weather folklore sayings are as
colorful as our imagination.”   Early ancestral beliefs were that of balance in weather and in life, and with March being such a weather-changeable month, with warm spring-like temperatures or late-season snowstorms, it is easy to understand how this saying can hold some truth!

This year the March equinox happens on Saturday, March 20th, thus the first day of spring!  What does spring mean to you?  Is it the hope of bright sunshine for a few days in a row?  Waking up to the tweetings and songs of birds outside your window?  Smiling at the daffodils and tulips pushing up from the ground, or the happy moment you first notice pink blossoms in the trees?  Maybe it’s just opening up a window for fresh air, spring cleaning, or taking a walk without your down parka!

Being the avid boaters that we are, we might think of spring as the beginning of boating season.  Some of us felt a little shortchanged with last year’s boating season while abiding to the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order.  We now know that being outside (masked and socially distanced, of course) is lower risk for the spread of COVID and that it is important being outdoors for healthy bodies and minds in helping us cope with this pandemic — So, let the boating season begin!

As your Commodore, I’d love to see you all out on the water on Saturday, May 1st, for our informal  “sail-by” along the Port Townsend waterfront (see page 16.)  It’s time to get down to your marina and  start thinking about spiffing up your boat.  We will have a minister perform a blessing of our fleet broadcasted from Rain Shadow.  Consider it a day to cruise and wave to your fellow boaters with your just-cleaned and polished boat!  And keep that shine to your boat for the short shakedown cruise to Kingston and Port Ludlow Marinas (May 14-17), captained by Jim & Susie Gorski. I believe there are a few more spots available.

Get your vaccinations and continue staying safe!  Each day is bringing us closer to being back in the clubhouse and our fun-filled events.

Commodore Debbie