Not much was accomplished last week by the carpenters who were working on the upper level of the meeting room in the Sailing and Education Center. From what has been accomplished to date it is clear that the view will be fabulous and our guess is that the January 2019 cocktail party will be enjoying both that view and the new BHYC facility as a whole. While building code restrictions decreased the size of this room from the original concept we will still have a functional and attractive space to enjoy. Since this wing is connected to the office complex the useable space can be expanded by opening a door ... and the entire floor will be heated and have restroom space as well.

One last observation on all of this is that the room can be used for winter bridge or Mah Jong and the GIB designers also envisioned an occasional potluck supper as well. It is clear that with the expressed interest of many and the completion of the building BHYC will truly be able to become a year-round operation.

The flood tides of last week touched some part of our underpinnings that have not felt water for a long time but Charles watched the storm’s progress and inspected the property regularly and reported no damage. Throughout the winter we do now have water access with the clubhouse side junior program ramp and whaler float still in and functioning and there is a dingy aboard for emergency use.

PC Louise and VC Gardiner report that while they hated to postpone the Jan. 5 party until Jan. 12, the snowstorm engulfed the already minimal parking space at chez Rapelye and made access impossible. If you are concerned about parking for the 12th, please call this scribe and we will be happy to give you a ride from the Club Parking Lot to the party (and return).

This summer BHYC will firmly establish its claim to be the leading yacht club north of Marblehead for sailing and racing activities. We will be hosting five major sailboat regattas — unprecedented in Maine history. To do this and make these events happen in flawless fashion, we will need many volunteers from the membership. We know that we have the talent and previous year’s experience tells us that those who volunteer enjoy it and hold the memories as important parts of their life’s experience. The events include: both Maine State C420 and Opti Championships; New England Junior Olympics including the US Sailing Area A qualifier for the Smythe and Bemis trophies; the J-80 East Coast Championships; and the 44th annual BHYC Regatta. It looks to this observer like we may see as many as 400 sailboats in total participating. Let’s not forget our awesome Junior Program and the largest fleet in the state.

See you Friday night!