“Underway at last” … those famous words from the mouth of Commodore Rob Wheeler were echoed as the Kentucky Derby Party opened the long string of events that will become the One Hundred and Twenty-Third Season of BHYC. That may well be a misstatement because if you read your BHYC History book, it will become apparent that there were activities somewhat before 1895 … so anyway, it was a long time ago.

And just a few days ago over 80 members and friends gathered at the clubhouse for the running of the Kentucky Derby as well as the running of the official season of the club with mixologist David Schoentag presiding at the bar, Sumner Lipman in charge of Derby activity and Anne Hughes in charge of everything else. Hats, you say, yes there were hats on almost every lady (all sorts and descriptions) and the wining hat was Deborah Yale and for her efforts she received a gift certificate for the House of Logan. Not to be outdone the best shirt worn by a man award went to Winston Kipp, who took home a gift certificate which could be used at Mine Oyster, Boathouse Bistro, or Cods Head … only one of them Kipper!

With 70 degree weather outside and clear skies shining above, some minds look to golf for the future and Carole Hamm was the winner of a round of golf for two at the Falmouth Country Club and her golf partner will be daughter Meghan Hopla. Appetizers were a new party addition and they were both plentiful and much appreciated. Several were still hungry at the end of festivities and since the club is not yet in a position to serve meals many adjourned to the boathouse Bistro for dinner. Thanks Anne and Sumner for a great event.

Another great event is on the horizon when another horse race, The Preakness, prompts a celebration known as Stakes (The race) and Steaks (The food, which will be available to all who attend). This is to be held on the19th at the clubhouse. But you don’t have to wait until then for the next event --- that will be the start of Thursday Cocktails on the 10th! Until further notice it is BYO appetizers to share and the time is 5 p.m.

After that, the 123rd Commissioning will take place on the 27th and things will shift into full gear.

Work on the Sailing and Education center is moving ahead on pace with schedule and the current work is sheetrocking in the ground floor and stick-built section plus plumbers doing their thing with the sprinkler/fire suppression system. Please be advised that the parking lot may be closed sometime in the near future when resurfacing will be necessary.

Most of the docks have been installed and all of the moorings are in and ready for occupancy.

Your scribe noted that Jim Stormont had been elected to a Boothbay Harbor town standing committee and he joins Wendy Wolf, John Dunsford and Russ Hoffman in their service to the town.

Our club service to the town by financing and running the BRHS youth sailing program continues with their participation last weekend in the Pen Bay Regatta #2  where we finished second to Camden Hills in an event held at Rockland. It was a windy day with gusts up to 26K but our kids did a superior job.