- Pettipaug Member News - lists.pettipaug.org

[PYC-News]Reminder: 1st race day of One Design Series - tomorrow Saturday June 24
by Mischa Van Berkel 23 Jun '23

23 Jun '23

Dear Pettipaug members, Please be hereby reminded that tomorrow (Saturday June 24) will be the first race day of the 2023 One Design Series. Attached the Notice Of Race and the Sailing Instructions for the series. All classes are invited to race; each class with 3 boats or more will be started and scored as a fleet. The weather is looking great for tomorrow afternoon. Let this be the time that we will race. A nice breeze from the south and the rain will be gone. Skippers meeting will be at 11:45am, the first warning will be at 1pm. Registration is free and will be in person prior to the skippers meeting. I am looking forward to seeing you all on the water tomorrow! (And of course, cheering from the dock or the water is allowed!!) Mischa van Berkel, Commodore (and tomorrow's Race Officer)

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[PYC-News]Pettipaug One Design Series - Notice Of Race
by Mischa Van Berkel 21 Jun '23

21 Jun '23

Dear Pettipaug Members, Please, hereby be invited to participate in the Pettipaug One Design Series that will kick off this Saturday, June 24. Please find attached the Notice Of Race for more information. The Sailing Instructions will be provided (and published on the Pettipaug website) as soon as possible this week. The One Design Series will be open to all members, sailing any dinghy class. All classes that will register with 3 or more boats, will be started and will race against each other. No difficult handicap calculations, just fair and square racing. So please connect with your fellow class sailors to ensure that there will be at least 3 boats of your class on the line; the more the merrier. The course will be short and simple, so that we can have as many races as possible for maximum enjoyment. I am looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday. Best regards, Mischa van Berkel, Commodore

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[PYC-News] Commodoreâs Update â June 2023
by Mischa Van Berkel 17 Jun '23

17 Jun '23

[cid:image001.png@01D9A109.D142E4E0] Commodoreâs Update â June 2023 This update contains practical and important information, please take some time to read. Mischa van Berkel Commodore commodore(a)pettipaug.org<mailto:commodore@pettipaug.org> One Design Racing Next Saturday June 24, the first day of the One-Design series will be raced. The idea is to run multiple races on a short windward-leeward (or triangle) course for multiple boat classes. All classes with more than 3 boats will be given a âclass startâ. Keep an eye on your mailbox. More information will follow as soon as possible this week. Attendants at Pettipaug If you have been at the club during weekends, you must have ran into one of our club attendants. Like previous years, the attendants are present during daytime to represent the club. The attendants are mainly responsible to perform general housekeeping activities, such as cleaning, trash removal and small projects at the club. These projects are coordinated by the Pettipaug Board. Attendants are not supposed to act as a personal assistant for rigging, launching, rescue service, safety boat operator etcetera for individual members. The only exception is that attendants can be requested to drop off and pickup members from their moorings. Members are responsible for their own safety and must not assume that the attendants or any other Pettipaug club representative will accept any responsibility or liability. Use of Pettipaug powerboats Pettipaug owned powerboats are present to perform and support club activities. Club activities are Pettipaug group sailing, rowing and boating activities that are posted on the online calendar<https://www.brownbearsw.com/cal/pyc10_calendar>. This means that the powerboats must not be used for the purpose of individual members, such as cruising, picnicking, coaching nor as a personal safety boat. Only in case of immediate danger Pettipaug powerboats can be used by a licensed operator. Dogs Pettipaug is here for the joy of all members. This means that everyone should feel at home, comfortable and safe while at the club. Therefore, dogs must be leashed at all times. No dogs are allowed on club grounds during Sailing Academy hours. Dogs are not allowed in the clubhouse or on the clubhouse deck; even if they are leashed. Owners are responsible to pickup after their dogs. Pettipaug Sailing Academy (PSA) Pettipaug Sailing Academy is still accepting registrations for the summer. Our Academy is the perfect opportunity for beginning and experienced sailors! We sail in Optimists, Oâpen Skiffâs and 420s. Be quick before it is too late! Information about the program and the link to the online registration page can be found on the Pettipaug website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PYC-academyPage.html>. Pettipaug Safe Powerboating Course Because of great interest, an extra course has been scheduled for the weekend of July 8/9. More information about the course and registration can be found on the Pettipaug website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PDFs/PYC23%20Safe%20Power%20Boating%20Course.pdf>.

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[PYC-News]Pettipaug OneDesign Racing Cancelled
by Mischa Van Berkel 26 May '23

26 May '23

Dear Pettipaug members, The One Design Racing, which was scheduled for tomorrow Saturday May 27 is cancelled. Next race day of the One Design Series is scheduled for June 24. Best regards, Mischa van Berkel, Commodore Pettipaug YC

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[PYC-News]Pettipaug Commissioning POSTPONED until Sunday May 21
by Mischa Van Berkel 19 May '23

19 May '23

[cid:image001.png@01D98A64.91987230] Pettipaug Commissioning - May 2023 Dear Pettipaug members, Following the Commodore Handicap Race, the Pettipaug Board of Governors has unanimously decided that also tomorrow's Commissioning Event will be postponed until Sunday May 21, 5pm. This way we will both be racing and celebrating our season's opening on the same day. Furthermore, we will be able to stick to the tradition and present the awards to the winners of the Commodore's Handicap Race during the Commissioning event. Members are invited to bring food and snacks for the potluck. Pettipaug will facilitate an open bar. Costs are $5 per person; please bring cash or a check. I am looking forward to meeting you all on Sunday on the water at the Commodore's Handicap Race and/or during the Commissioning of our club. On behalf of the Board, my apologies for the amount of messages regarding this matter. Best regards, Mischa van Berkel Commodore commodore(a)pettipaug.org<mailto:commodore@pettipaug.org>

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[PYC-News] Commodoreâs Handicap Race POSTPONED until Sunday May 21
by Mischa Van Berkel 18 May '23

18 May '23

[cid:image001.png@01D989CA.B426EFB0] Commodoreâs Race â May 2023 Dear Pettipaug members, Unfortunately, the weather does not allow us to sail the Commodore Handicap Race this Saturday. In particular, the heavy winds will make racing unsafe. Therefore, it has been decided that the Commodoreâs Handicap Race will be postponed by 24 hours until Sunday May 21, same time, same place. Please find attached the updated Notice of Race and the updated Sailing Instructions. Registration can be done at the club on the day of racing before the Skippers Meeting, which will start at noon. Pettipaugâs Commissioning event will remain unchanged and will commence Saturday May 20 at 5pm. I am looking forward to meeting you all during the clubâs Commissioning and on Sunday at noon for the Commodoreâs Handicap Race. Best regards, Mischa van Berkel Commodore commodore(a)pettipaug.org<mailto:commodore@pettipaug.org>

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[PYC-News] Commodoreâs Update â Mid-May 2023
by Mischa Van Berkel 17 May '23

17 May '23

[cid:image001.png@01D988EE.8D4AE4F0] Commodoreâs Update â Mid-May 2023 With the commissioning of Pettipaug happening this weekend, please hereby find an intermediate commodoreâs update. This update contains practical and important information, please take some time to read. Mischa van Berkel Commodore commodore(a)pettipaug.org<mailto:commodore@pettipaug.org> Commissioning The Commissioning ceremony is the official and traditional opening of the Pettipaug season. This yearâs Commissioning will be held on Saturday May 20th, starting at 5pm. We will celebrate our volunteers, the winners of the Commodore Race and obviously the traditions of our club. Members are invited to bring food and snacks for the potluck. Pettipaug will facilitate an open bar. Costs are $5 per person; please bring cash or a check. Commodore Race Attached, you find the Sailing Instructions of the Commodore Race. This opening race of the season is scheduled for Saturday, May 20th. Saturdayâs weather forecasts are somewhat fluctuating. We have seen predictions with heavy winds and rain, but others are showing much better circumstances. We will continue to keep a close look on the forecasts and hope for good weather on Saturday. The Skippers meeting will be at noon at the PYC Clubhouse and the first start will be at 1pm. All types of sailboats are encouraged and welcome to participate. This is a distance race scored using the Portsmouth handicap. The course is typically 3 - 4 miles long. Depending on the conditions, boats will normally sail around a buoy north of Essex Harbor, north of the club and back to the club. The definite course will be confirmed during the skippers meeting. The race can take anywhere between 1 - 3 hours based on your boat type and skill. There will be a separate start for the MC Scows, but the entire fleet will be scored as one. All participants are kindly requested to register by means of an email to Brian Donohue bpdonohue(a)gmail.com<mailto:bpdonohue@gmail.com>. Any questions can be directed to Race Committee Chairs, Brian Donohue bpdonohue(a)gmail.com<mailto:bpdonohue@gmail.com> and Dick Hutchinson hutchria(a)rcn.com<mailto:hutchria@rcn.com>. Hope to see you on the water in a good racing spirit. Pettipaug Club Rules Pettipaug is here for the joy of all members. This means that everyone should feel at home, comfortable and safe while at the club. Therefore, a list of club rules has been put together. I would like to call out the most important ones: 1. Driving speed: please adjust your speed while driving on Pettipaug grounds! Children are playing, members are walking on the yard, so the appropriate driving speed is walking speed! Sail fast, drive slow! 2. Dogs: dogs must be leashed at all times. No dogs are allowed on club grounds during Sailing Academy hours. Dogs are not allowed in the clubhouse or on the clubhouse deck; even if they are leashed. Owners are responsible to pickup after their dogs. 3. Boat stickers: All boats in the yard must have a PYC boat sticker. Stickers can be requested with Art Robbins via a.l.robbins(a)comcast.net<mailto:a.l.robbins@comcast.net>. 4. Donations: The Pettipaug yard is not a dumping ground! Unfortunately, but hopefully with the best intentions, people are leaving goods in the Pettipaug yard and at the clubhouse. If you consider a donation of goods, please first reach out to undersigned via commodore(a)pettipaug.com<mailto:commodore@pettipaug.com>. 5. Trailers: Boats must be stored on trailers or dollies (to allow grass cutting). No member trailers without boats are allowed for overnight storage in the Pettipaug yard. 20ft Boat Trailer The person who left a 20ft boat trailer in the Pettipaug yard earlier this week, is kindly requested to remove this trailer. Pettipaug is not in need of any additional trailers. Leaving unwanted trailers is resulting in volunteers having to remove them from the yard, which leads to unnecessary costs for the club. Pettipaug Sailing Academy (PSA) Pettipaug Sailing Academy is still accepting registrations for the summer. Our Academy is the perfect opportunity for beginning and experienced sailors! We sail in Optimists, Oâpen Skiffâs and 420s. Be quick before it is too late! Information about the program and the link to the online registration page can be found on the Pettipaug website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PYC-academyPage.html>. Pettipaug Safe Powerboating Course This course is the perfect opportunity to get certified and to acquire the necessary skills to safely operate powerboats. Also, if your feel your boating skills are a bit rusty, then the Pettipaug Safe Powerboating course is a great choice. Because of great interest, an extra course has been scheduled for the weekend of June 10/11. More information about the course and registration can be found on the Pettipaug website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PDFs/PYC23%20Safe%20Power%20Boating%20Course.pdf>.

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[PYC-News]Commodore's Update - May 2023
by Mischa Van Berkel 09 May '23

09 May '23

[cid:image001.png@01D98190.2D371A80] Commodore's Update - May 2023 First and foremost, I want to thank all Pettipaug volunteers who have been working very hard to get the club in shape for the upcoming season. From clubhouse maintenance to website updates, from collecting the membership fees to having a Race Committee workshop. An unbelievable amount of work has been done already, so that we all can continue to enjoy our beautiful spot at the Connecticut River. Furthermore, I am extremely delighted to let you all know that Steve Haines has been unanimously accepted as a Governor of Pettipaug Yacht Club. Please join me by thanking Steve for stepping up and by welcoming him to the Board of Pettipaug Yacht Club. We are thankful for the knowledge and experience that Steve will bring into the Commodore Room! As you can see on the club calendar on our website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PYC-Calendar.html>, numerous activities have been planned already. The first events are the traditional season opening Commodore Race and the Club Commissioning on May 20. Please continue reading this update for more details. I am looking forward to seeing everyone on the race course or during the Commissioning of the club. Mischa van Berkel Commodore commodore(a)pettipaug.org<mailto:commodore@pettipaug.org> Commissioning The Commissioning ceremony is the official and traditional opening of the Pettipaug season. This year's Commissioning will be held on Saturday May 20th, starting at 5pm. We will celebrate our volunteers, the winners of the Commodore Race and obviously the traditions of our club. Members are invited to bring food and snacks for the potluck. Pettipaug will facilitate an open bar. Costs are $5 per person; please bring cash or a check. Commodore Race Another good Pettipaug tradition is that our seasoning opening Commodore Handicap Race will be held on the day of our club's commissioning. This means that we will set sail on Saturday, May 20th. The Skippers meeting will be at noon at the PYC Clubhouse and the first start will be at 1pm. This is the first race of the season. All types of sailboats are encouraged and welcome to participate. This is a distance race scored using the Portsmouth handicap. The course is typically 3 - 4 miles long. Depending on the conditions, boats will normally sail around a buoy north of Essex Harbor, north of the club and back to the club. The definite course will be confirmed during the skippers meeting. The race can take anywhere between 1 - 3 hours based on your boat type and skill. There will be a separate start for the MC Scows, but the entire fleet will be scored as one. The Notice Of Race is attached and the Sailing Instructions will be published in the week prior to the race. All participants are kindly requested to register by May 17th, by means of an email to Brian Donohue bpdonohue(a)gmail.com<mailto:bpdonohue@gmail.com>. Any questions can be directed to Race Committee Chairs, Brian Donohue bpdonohue(a)gmail.com<mailto:bpdonohue@gmail.com> and Dick Hutchinson hutchria(a)rcn.com<mailto:hutchria@rcn.com>. Hope to see you on the water in a good racing spirit. Pettipaug Sailing Academy (PSA) Although, for some of the classes we had to start a waiting list, Pettipaug Sailing Academy is still accepting registrations for the summer. Our Academy is the perfect opportunity for beginning and experienced sailors! We sail in Optimists, O'pen Skiff's and 420s. This year, the Laser Radial - nowadays called "ILCA 6" - is back in the program. Be quick before it is too late! Information about the program and the link to the online registration page can be found on the Pettipaug website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PYC-academyPage.html>. Pettipaug Safe Powerboating Course This course is the perfect opportunity to get certified and to acquire the necessary skills to safely operate powerboats. Also, if your feel your boating skills are a bit rusty, then the Pettipaug Safe Powerboating course is a great choice. There are still open spots for the course in June. More information about the course and registration can be found on the Pettipaug website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PDFs/PYC23%20Safe%20Power%20Boating%20Course.pdf>. Pettipaug Yearbook Thanks to the help of so many people, all members will soon receive the 2023/2024 version of the Pettipaug Yearbook by mail. Special thanks go to Past Commodore Cameron Taylor and Vice Commodore Priscilla Robinson for all of their hard work that they put into writing, editing and publishing of the book.

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[PYC-News]Pettipaug Safe Powerboating Course - REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!
by Mischa Van Berkel 01 Apr '23

01 Apr '23

[Image preview] Dear Pettipaug members, The Pettipaug Safe Powerboating Course is back on the calendar!! Over the years, our program already helped thousands of persons to become certified and skilled power boaters! And we are very happy to announce that fellow Pettipaug member Mark Vining and Pettipaug YC are working together again by continuing this unique program. With Mark as the instructor, the necessary theoretical boating knowledge is combined with hands on training on the water. This makes the course ideal for beginning powerboaters, but it is also beneficial for more experienced boaters who wish to improve their skills. The goal of each 2-day weekend course is that each participant will get the knowledge to obtain an official Connecticut boating license AND the skills to safely operate a powerboat. For more information about the Pettipaug Safe Powerboating Course, please see our website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PDFs/PYC23%20Safe%20Power%20Boating%20Course.pdf>. Registration is open for both Pettipaug members and non-members. Registration can be done via this link<https://forms.gle/fmZxUw7X1wKhNTWX9>. Best regards, Mischa van Berkel Commodore

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[PYC-News]Work Party and Club Yard Open
by Mischa Van Berkel 26 Mar '23

26 Mar '23

[Image preview] Dear PYC Members, Many thanks to all volunteers who rolled up their sleeves during the work party yesterday! The rain started a little bit sooner than we hoped for, but still, we accomplished a lot of tasks. Also, many thanks to everyone who helped with launching the docks. The water was brutally cold and it surely caused some frostbite here and there. Club yard open for member boats With the docks in the water, the yard becomes available for our boats again. Members, you are welcome to bring your boats. We kindly ask you to place them in the area that is designated for the regarding boat type. This is indicated on the map which can be found on the announcement board of our clubhouse. Furthermore, each boat needs to have a boat sticker that can be requested with Art Robbins via a.l.robbins(a)comcast.net<mailto:a.l.robbins@comcast.net>. Given the limited available space in the yard, as per the club policies, the maximum allowed boat length at Pettipaug is 20ft. Best regards, Mischa van Berkel Commodore

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