The 123rd year of the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club is now officially under way. Precisely at 1730 on Sunday Steward Jim Stormont fired the cannon after orders were passed down from Commodore Bob Scribner and via Fleet Captain Andy Mutch. The ship was dressed and the crowd of over 150 members pressed their way inside from the cool breeze and honed in upon the many gastronomic treats that Chef Billy and crew provided.

Last ones inside were the past commodores who had lined up to give their recognition to the new commanding officers including Commodore Scribner, Vice Commodore Dan Hare and Rear Commodore Rob Wheeler.

During the ceremony a moment of silence was held for members who have sailed on during the past year. They included Charles Baldwin III, Robert Clark, Charlotte Druce, Judy Dunsford, Peggy Luke Minor, Robert Norton, Joan Rubel, Drew Sinnickson, Allan Strauss, D. Reed Wheedon and Sandra Whitehead

Some of the talk heard centered about the BHYC high school sailing team who came home from Mount Desert Island Saturday night with a divisional win over the 10 other participating teams. Hamilton Barclay and Ella Beauregard captured the blue ribbon in their final race week of the spring season.

There is so much going on in the next few weeks that we hardly know where to begin. But let’s start with our first Sunday Night lecturer on June 11 ... Capt. Earl Walker of Southport and a good friend of many members will be on hand to talk about his many years as a ship’s captain and especially as a harbor pilot in both Portland and on the Kennebec River for Bath Iron Works. If you have any interest at all in the maritime challenges of a harbor pilot this evening is a must. Call the front desk for reservations for the evening which includes a buffet dinner and cocktails by David.

Sally Smith and Cathy Latta want to hear from all ladies interested in the ladies sailing program. Sally has a four-question test she would like to you answer and send in to her. This is a test you cannot fail so if you don’t have the questions please call or email Sally asap.

The call is now out to all artists for participation in the BHYC Art Show which will be held on July 20. (Set up on July 19). Painters, sculptors, photographers, needle workers and any other artists are encouraged to participate. Please contact Lee Rowan for sign-up/registration materials. At least one third of each sale will be donated to the Jr. Program Foundation.

June 20 will feature a lunch with Nick Buck. Nick is from Newcastle and will tell the story of his journey on the 2,000-mile Oregon Trail in a covered wagon pulled by three mules. If that doesn’t have you interested nothing will I fear! Call the front desk for reservations (required).

Now let’s get out of the clubhouse, lovely as it is, and onto the water. Your Cruise and Rendezvous Committee has created an endless litany of activities. Starting on June 10, there is a gathering on Hodgdon Cove for a luncheon raft. Bring your own lunches and then an appetizer or dessert to share with the rest of the raft. 1200 to 1500 is the time frame.

On June 16, the shakedown cruise begins at Ocean Point Marina at 1730. Call OPM to reserve a slip. Ice and grill will be provided under the tent but bring your own food and drink and an appetizer or dessert to share. On Saturday the 17^th there will be an overnight raft-up at a mystery location to be announced at the cookout. On Saturday the shakedown cruise disbands back at the club to celebrate Father’s Day.

Wednesday, June 21 will be another lunch rendezvous 1200 to 1500, this time in Love’s Cove off Ebenecook Harbor. For any questions about all of this please feel free to contact Fleet Captain Andy Mutch.

Thursday night cocktails are an ever growing popular event and traditionally groups either tightly or loosely connected have volunteered to host the hors d’ouevres for the evening. PC Louise Holmes has posted her neon clipboard near the past commodores plaques and you are asked to sign up your group for a date.