March 2025 - Pettipaug Member News

Julie Dunbar Remembers Blue Jay Internationals 1974 At PYC : CORRECTED
by Pettipaug Member News 22 Mar '25

22 Mar '25

[cid:image002.jpg@01DB9AF8.59E83A40] JULIE DUNBAR REMEMBERS 1974 Bob Cashman reminded me that the Pettipaug BJ Nationals were held in 1974 which saved me some time in looking it up. Bob sailed Blue Jays actively along with many other Junior sailors and still has fond memories to share! In 1974, my husband, Bill and I had recently purchased a Blue Jay for our family. They were actively sailed at our small club, Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club, Oceanport, NJ . When notification of the National Regatta came about, we decided to join a few other members and make the trip up to Essex, CT. to participate, some coming by boat and others by car. At that time, Bill's Aunt June and Uncle Carlton Barlow were living on Book Hill Road so we contacted them in hopes of using their guest house as "home base" for this regatta, which worked out perfectly, so all was set to enjoy a good weekend of Blue Jay sailing. The Club was decked out in the finest of flags, cars were parked here, there and everywhere, Blue Jays and more Blue Jays were being moved about, and the shouts of kids and parents lingered in the air! On the water, boats and more boats! Spectators and sailors both!! It was an exciting time! The races went off without a "hitch" as the Pettipaug group knew just how to organize and run regattas, plus the weather was cooperating. The NJ sailors and others who had come up from Barnegat Bay, NJ had their great learning experience with the CT River current. In fact, the crew in our Blue Jay fell overboard during the race and our daughter, Debbi, leaned over and pulled her back into the boat hanging onto her shirt as the current pushed her by. And, back then, one had to watch out for the barges that were making their way to Hartford. It was at this regatta that Bill was asked and decided to join the Blue Jay Class Association Board along with Dan Van Winkle of Mason's Island, Bill becoming President awhile later. As I was so new to sailing and racing, I did not begin to understand all the preparation, excitement and frustration at that time but truly appreciated the friendliness and dedication everyone was making! It will always remain as a very special event in my mind! [cid:image003.jpg@01DB9AF8.59E83A40] THE 1974 PYC REGATTA WINNERS~ CORRECTED the ABOVE ARTICLE and this photograph appeared in the NEW ERA NEWSPAPER and were donated to by Robin Doyle. Julie Dunbar wrote the wonderful remembrance. Bill became President of Blue Jay International and Julie was Secretary. When they moved to Connecticut, they joined PYC, supported the Women's Sailing Group and are Co-Founders of the Wednesday Night Blue Jay Series! NEXT~ Mary Risseeuw remembers

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JULIE DUNBAR remembers 1974
by Pettipaug Member News 21 Mar '25

21 Mar '25

Julie Dunbar remembers 1974 ~ [cid:image001.jpg@01DB9A5E.7EA66900] Bob Cashman reminded me that the Pettipaug BJ Nationals were held in 1974 which saved me some time in looking it up. Bob sailed Blue Jays actively along with many other Junior sailors and still has fond memories to share! In 1974, my husband, Bill and I had recently purchased a Blue Jay for our family. They were actively sailed at our small club, Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club, Oceanport, NJ . When notification of the National Regatta came about, we decided to join a few other members and make the trip up to Essex, CT. to participate, some coming by boat and others by car. At that time, Bill's Aunt June and Uncle Carlton Barlow were living on Book Hill Road so we contacted them in hopes of using their guest house as "home base" for this regatta, which worked out perfectly, so all was set to enjoy a good weekend of Blue Jay sailing. The Club was decked out in the finest of flags, cars were parked here, there and everywhere, Blue Jays and more Blue Jays were being moved about, and the shouts of kids and parents lingered in the air! On the water, boats and more boats! Spectators and sailors both!! It was an exciting time! The races went off without a "hitch" as the Pettipaug group knew just how to organize and run regattas, plus the weather was cooperating. The NJ sailors and others who had come up from Barnegat Bay, NJ had their great learning experience with the CT River current. In fact, the crew in our Blue Jay fell overboard during the race and our daughter, Debbi, leaned over and pulled her back into the boat hanging onto her shirt as the current pushed her by. And, back then, one had to watch out for the barges that were making their way to Hartford. It was at this regatta that Bill was asked and decided to join the Blue Jay Class Association Board along with Dan Van Winkle of Mason's Island, Bill becoming President awhile later. As I was so new to sailing and racing, I did not begin to understand all the preparation, excitement and frustration at that time but truly appreciated the friendliness and dedication everyone was making! It will always remain as a very special event in my mind! [cid:image002.jpg@01DB9A5E.7EA66900] THE 1974 REGATTA WINNERS~ NAMES LISTED IN THE ABOVE ARTICLE! This photograph and the Middletown Press article were donated to by Robin Doyle. Julie Dunbar wrote the wonderful remembrance. Bill became President of Blue Jay International and Julie was Secretary. When they moved to Connecticut, they joined PYC, supported the Women's Sailing Group and are Co-Founders of the Wednesday Night Blue Jay Series! NEXT~ Mary Risseeuw remembers

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2025 PYC POWER BOAT COURSE!
by Pettipaug Member News 18 Mar '25

18 Mar '25

Hello all again! Trivia contest was won by past-commodore Tim Robbin with Bill Platt, Jeanne- Marie Bellows a close second and third and Craig Zoll rounding the mark in fourth. Great to read the responses~ always learn from members. Correction: The high school is not beginning their sailing on Saturday, they will start next week.

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MARCH COMMODORE'S COMMENTS
by Pettipaug Member News 17 Mar '25

17 Mar '25

[PYC_75th.jpg] COMMODORE'S COMMENTS MARCH 17, 2025 HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY Perhaps Covid has implemented changes but decades ago, at Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland, I remember trudging up the 125 stone steps to reach the " Blarney Stone". When reaching "the keep or battlement" area of the castle and between gasps, it was noted that the "stone" is 85' above the ground. However, in order to plant the required "kiss" you need to bend over backwards as the stone is 6' below the platform. But, God forbid, just in case ~ there is a narrow railing and of course a kind spirited attendant, ours was half my size. It is promised to those who successfully land the "kiss", that they are bestowed the "gift of the gab~ the ability to cleverly flatter and coax others" . I chose to take a pass on that "kiss" ! No Blarney smooching for me, but here is Some coaxing and always flattering to be your Commodore. MARCH 22nd. SATURDAY Weather permitting. Docks in. High School spring sailing starts 2025 MEMBERSHIP All 2025 membership dues needs to be paid by the end of March. Thank you. APRIL 12th~SATURDAY~ 9 a.m. If WATER is turned on: #1 SPRING WORK PARTY ! All hands on decks, grills, grounds, heads, planting, raking, cleaning! Painting and other tasks will take place throughout April and May in preparation of the 2025 and 75th Anniversary Season, Commodore's Race and Commencement MEMBERS BOATS TO PETTIPAUG The Vice and Rear Commodore have requested NO BOATS be brought to PYC, until you read their date in one of these UPDATES. There will be work done on the roads and in the boat yards, no boats until completed. Thank you. vicecommodore(a)pettipaug.org<mailto:vicecommodore@pettipaug.org> rearcommodore(a)pettipaug.org<mailto:rearcommodore@pettipaug.org> 2025 PETTIPAUG SAFE POWERBOATING COURSE ~ On-Land and On- Water! Two-day hands-on Power Boat Operator course (Saturday and Sunday) On-Land and On- Water! DATES: # 1 April 26 & 27~ #2 May 17 & 18 #3 June 14 & 15 ~ #4 August 9 & 10 Sign up to learn and improve your powerboat skills! The course covers the requirements to earn a Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate and provides hands-on power boat training. It is one of the few hands-on courses available in Connecticut. Click here for full details.<https://pettipaug.org/PDFs/PYC%20PowerBoatCourse.pdfpVC8uCHrx_nGQ1aqH7mBW4C…> Questions, please reach out to Bob Cashman: bob(a)nerdsintheknow.com<mailto:bob@nerdsintheknow.com> 2025 MEMBER'S PRIVATE PARTY RESERVATIONS Members, this is an opportune time to plan your spring and summer gatherings at PYC. The PYC Private Party Member Guidelines and Agreement are on the PYC Web-site. Need help? Contact: commodore(a)pettipaug.org<mailto:commodore@pettipaug.org> Thank you! 75th PYC ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION COMMODORE'S RACE and COMMISSIONING! SATURDAY MAY 24 and SUNDAY MAY 25 !!! You'll be receiving the invitation this week. COAXING~ Members, please send information to all PJSA and PYC Alumni that you know who might be interested in attending. Emails, text, Face Book, X , whatever, however! * We plan to have pre- registration for Commodore's race and Commissioning Celebration * Past-Commodores, exceptional service, alumni will receive invitations and seats at the Commissioning Ceremony on the north lawn * Stories and photos from 1950s ~ 2025 Please send to: commodore(a)pettipaug.org<mailto:commodore@pettipaug.org> Thank you. FLATTERING~ Members love the stories and photos ! MID-SUMMER TALENT SHOW: JULY 12 Members, you have a few months to "get your act together" for the 2nd PYC ANNUAL TALENT SHOW to be held at the 2025 Midsummer Party on July 12th. The party follows the Midsummer Regatta. Last summer there was an abundance of talent . We will need worker bees, judges and of course talented (or not!) participants. PLEASE SEND : your name, contact info your talent and approx. time of performance to : NANCY DEVENS 210ndevens(a)gmail.com<mailto:210ndevens@gmail.com> 2025 PYC SHIP'S STORE : Watch for the new items that will be available at the Ship's Store. There will be "real" etched glasses, 75th Reunion Swag, new design "T" and polo shirts and much more! MARCH TRIVIA The two time winner of the 10th 1899 and the 11th 1901 America's Cup "COLUMBIA" challenged and defeated what yacht in both these races? First Correct answer received will be announced and awarded a gift at May 24, 2025 PYC Commissioning. Send answers to: commodore(a)pettipaug.org<mailto:commodore@pettipaug.org> Priscilla Robinson PYC Commodore

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Spring ahead!
by Pettipaug Member News 07 Mar '25

07 Mar '25

[Red-winged Blackbird - Indiana Audubon] SPRING 2025 Remember to Spring ahead One Hour this weekend The Red-winged black bird has returned to Pettipaug, a Robin was seen on the dirt road leading to the Essex Boat Club and our friends and family of Osprey shall be retuning soon to their nest in the wetlands, west of our boat yards. ~ We have much to do about everything in the next two months as we prepare for Memorial Day weekend, May 24: Commissioning, Commodore's Race and celebration of Pettipaug Yacht Club's 75th Anniversary. SAVE THE DATE invitations are being sent to out -of-state members, PSA Alumni and all past Commodores. Weather permitting, the docks are scheduled to be in the water March 22nd, the high school sailors will be arriving for spring training the following week. A work party is scheduled for April 12th. We will need volunteers to help us from April - May 22. A schedule will be sent each week as to what is needed. Thanking you in advance for any and all help! Once docks are removed, the boat yards will be prepared and organized for members to bring boats later in April. The road will be worked on, new split- rail fencing installed, work on the Commodore's room, new railings and the launch and hoist area are all in progress. Looking forward to seeing you in the SPRING! Priscilla Robinson PYC Commodore

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