We are finished for the year, according to the books, but there is much going on and much to do as we wind through the beautiful days of October, which can often be the prettiest time of the year. Last Saturday was the takeover board meeting, presided over by our newly minted Commodore Dan Hare. His support team of Rob Wheeler, vice commodore, and Gardiner Rapeleye, rear commodore, were on hand and active.

Much discussion about the activities and financial impact of the season past were juggled into discussions of the next year’s budget and its financial implications. The commodore also named several new committee members including the important nominating team for the 2019 season. Manager Charles Barclay gave a long report about staffing challenges and operational needs. Charles had to leave the meeting for a trip to lead the High School sailing team on a trip to Portland where they battled with NYA.

On Sunday, in the Pen-Bay Series, Islesboro and Boothbay swapped the points lead in what would be an 11-race series. In the last race, it looked to be very close with the Boothbay team finishing 1-3 and the Isleboro boat finishing 2-5 with protests filed by the Boothbay B boat against the Isleboro A Boat, and the Isleboro B Boat protesting the Boothbay A boat. The first protest wasn't heard by the race committee, while the second protest resulted in the Boothbay A Boat being DQ'd in the protest room. Young Toby Clarkson made his debut as a scholastic skipper when regular skipper Henry Currier (8th grade Boothbay Region Middle School) offered to crew for his young friend and teammate for a couple of races as they sailed with the Isleboro team to make a joint Isleboro/Boothbay C Boat.

Columbus Day weekend several sailors and Coach Barclay are heading to Bellport Yacht Club in New York for the C420 Mid-Atlantic Championships. On Oct. 15, the team hosts the Pen-Bay Series Finale at Boothbay, so you will have a chance to see these young people race on our home waters. Charles tells me that morning coffee service will be available through the 14th, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only. He also reminds folks to pick up and take home your pick-up buoys from the mooring field. If you should need to contact the stewards in the off season you can get their contact information from the club office. This is just a tip!

If you have a special need to get to your boat in the mooring field between now and the end of November, speak to Charles and he can set up a transport plan for you. This because regular launch service has now ended.

There will be limited dock space available for offloading gear, etc. Along with this he reports that sailing lessons are available in mid week by Kate Coupland and Charles along with 3- and 5-day keel boat courses on the two J-22s which are still in the water and useable.

The building permit for the new Sailing and education center has been received and it is expected that construction processes will begin momentarily. Look for a backhoe and trucks to start the demolition in the blink of an eye. Please understand that during this period parking will be limited and probably be available primarily across the street. The next stage will be blasting and removal of ledge and that event will prompt ever greater parking and traffic impact.

The decommissioning ceremony and subsequent dinner saw the largest gathering for this event in many years. Over 100 (101 to be exact) were in attendance and the evening was enjoyed by all.

Work Day will actually be Work Two Days and they are scheduled for Oct. 13 and 14 from 8 a.m. to noon each day. All are welcome and requested!

Tonight ( Thursday) there will be a b.y.o. snack Thursday cocktail hour with Hristo presiding at the bar. Our fabulous bar manager has departed for his Florida home but we have word from the master mixologist himself that he will be back with us next summer. That is great news for your reporter because we can now continue to exchange barbs about our favorite baseball teams. My Red Sox bested his Yankees in ’17 so how will it go in ’18 David?

Save the date for a very special Halloween October event at the home of Michael and Claudia Greene on Southport. Winter event chair Louise has a full schedule of events that we will outline next week but this lead-off date of Oct. 17 is a fabulous kickoff. Claudia says costumes are welcome and always interesting but optional of course. The famous Witches of Camerons Point are to be on hand and welcoming to guests and the party starts at 5:30 p.m. Please bring your own libation and some snacks to share. If you set your Garmin for 55 Ponderosa Lane in Southport you will be led to Chez Greene.