Activity keeps humming along at the BHYC. Men's Lunch was well attended last Wednesday and as usual, the cross table conversation was lively and interesting.

I crewed for Gardiner Rapelye for the long 10-minute trip across the harbor last Thursday evening to the Cocktail Party. There was a marvelous breeze for the Thursday night sailboat races and it was a beautiful sight. There appeared to be several competitors with other classes joining the Boothbay Harbor One Designs. The party was excellent, well attended, and the Southport Sirens presented a superb array of hors d'oeuvres, all of which were delicious. Several folks stayed on for dinner in our Club Dining Room. These popular affairs are arranged by Peter and Rudy Jordan and Bruce and Nancy Tindal. They inform me that there are still opportunities to host a party for individuals or groups of folks. Open dates are July 31, August 7, August 14, and September 4. So those of us who live in neighborhoods like Naples, Fla., Sprucewold, Ocean Point, Texas, Barter's or Squirrel Islands etc. or groups like the BHYC Bridge Players, Tennis Players, BHOD Owners, Red Heads, get organized and email or call the Jordan's or the Tindals. They will sleep better knowing that all slots are filled for the season. Our past commodores will host the party tonight, July 17.

The Stitch Group was hard at it on Friday morning when the "Ancient Mariners" from the East Side arrived by water for Men's Sailing. The group met at 11:30 a.m. and they all enjoyed a hearty lunch to fortify their afternoon sailing efforts. It was a wonderful afternoon under sail on the waters off Boothbay Harbor. How fortunate we are was made all the more cogent when I recall a weekend conversation with Ralph Drayer, co-chairman of the program. He crewed last Friday for fellow BHYC member Lee Krow in his sloop Momentum. They departed in the morning for a trip down east to have some necessary maintenance work done. Their time of departure coincided with the tragic fire in E. Boothbay. Ralph told me that the smoke followed them most of the way down east and at times, they were showered with ash from the fire. Thank God no major injuries were incurred. I have great faith that those staunch Maine folks will come back stronger than ever.

The Junior Triathlon is tomorrow, Friday the 18 th as is the registration for the Annual BHYC Regatta. This is an exciting BHYC two day weekend event. If you are not competing, we hope you all get a chance to join the spectator fleet out on the water. The Regatta Awards will take place at the club on Sunday afternoon about 5 p.m.

The Tuesday Night Open Sailboat Race starts about 4 p.m. Danny Beal will be at the keyboard in the bar area during the post race social and continue into the dinner hour.

Emily Whiting reminds us that the Annual Bingo Night convenes on Wednesday evening, July 23, at 5:30 p.m. This evening is for families with children of all ages which affords us a chance to avoid acting our age. We don't get a chance to do that very often and get away with it, particularly when our wives are watching. A pizza party with ice cream will be served and lavish prizes will be awarded to everyone.

Hillary Friedman and Jane Roberts are initiating a new program called "Suddenly Skipper Program." What would you do if the skipper of the sailboat in which you were a passenger became incapable of handling the vessel; fell overboard, had a heart attack, faints. Thoughts such as these crossed my mind when Nat and I were cruising up and down the east coast many years ago. Fortunately, it never happened. The solution to this dilemma is the Power Squadron's Skipper Saver course. Our own Past Commodore, John Chapman has volunteered to present the course to our membership, probably in three or four sessions. The tentative time is Monday afternoons. John will do an excellent job. I say that with complete confidence from personal experience. Some years ago I took one of the Power Squadron sailing courses and John was our instructor. He is a great teacher and it was fun. Get in touch with Hillary or Jane; it may well save you a lot of future grief!