- Pettipaug Member News - lists.pettipaug.org

[PYC-News]October 2022 - Commodore Update
by Mischa Van Berkel 03 Oct '22

03 Oct '22

[cid:image001.png@01D8D635.486CF2E0] Commodore's Update - October 2022 Dear Pettipaug members, We have some nice and important club activities ahead of us, which are all listed below. Please take your time to read. I am looking forward to meeting you all during one of these occasions. Mischa van Berkel Commodore Charles Birch Memorial Race This year, on October 15, the Charles Birch Memorial Race will be held for the 50th time! It will be the second race of the Tri Club Series that are traditionally hosted by the three Essex Yacht Clubs. It is a PHRF handicap race for cruising boats over 20ft. Attached are the Notices of Race and the entry form. Entries and questions can be addressed to Ed Birch, via ed7mar7(a)comcast.net<mailto:ed7mar7@comcast.net> or 860-767-7757. Robin Starr Memorial Race On October 22, the day of decommissioning of our club, we will be having the Robin Starr Memorial Race. This is a handicap distance race, which is open for all members, young and old, racing boats with a Portsmouth Handicap. See attached the Notices Of Race. I encourage our junior members to participate in this fun event again. During the previous handicap race, junior teams proved to be very competitive. I am looking forward to see you all during this final race of the 2022 season. Signup can be done via this link: Signup for Robin Starr Memorial Race <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vZPFI44HkaysiKelULTnwISNxbD7ih4fUbp…> Club Decommissioning Adjacent to the Robin Starr Memorial Race, on October 22 at 5pm, we will be decommissioning Pettipaug Yacht Club for the season. We will be celebrating another wonderful season at our club. We will recollect memories and start looking forward to the next season. Furthermore, awards for both the Charles Birch and the Robin Starr Memorial races will be handed out. Bring a dish to share. $5 cover charge for participation and beverages. Winterizing work party and dock removal On November 5 we will be preparing our club for the winter. Make a note of this date in your agenda, because many hands are needed for dock removal and various winterizing activities. As always, many hand make light work. Detailed info will follow in due time. Annual meeting Last but not least, we are planning for our Annual Meeting on November 12. Also this date can be noted in your agenda. This time, we will be having our meeting, followed by drinks and a catered dinner at Essex Corinthian Yacht Club again. More details to follow.

1 0

[PYC-News]Essex Yacht Club - Willets Memorial Race - October 1, 2022
by Mischa Van Berkel 26 Sep '22

26 Sep '22

Forwarded message from Jack Frost, Past Commodore at Essex Yacht Club ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Greetings all, On October 1, The Essex Yacht Club invites your members to join in the fun of the annual Willets Memorial Race in the CT River off Essex for "cruising boats" longer than 23.5' with a PHRF rating. The Willets Race is the first of three separate races held each year in October and hosted respectively by Essex Yacht Club, Essex Corinthian Yacht Club (Clark Memorial) and Pettipaug Yacht Club (Birch Memorial). Together the three races comprise the Tri-Club Series, but here is no requirement to sail in all three races. Attached are the Notice of Race and an entry form for distribution to your membership. Entries may be sent by fax to 860-767-2674, or emailed to email(a)essexyc.com<mailto:email@essexyc.com> So join us for some "big" boat racing on October 1. It will be another fun day. If anyone has any questions, please call EYC at 860-767-8121 or me at 203-640-9327. Best, Jack Frost Past Commodore 203-640-9327

1 0

[PYC-News]Black bear spotted near Pettipaug YC
by Mischa Van Berkel 12 Aug '22

12 Aug '22

[cid:image001.png@01D8AE90.EB84C420] Good evening everyone, Please be informed that earlier today a black bear has been spotted near Pettipaug YC. Please be mindful and cautious. What If I See a Black Bear? - North American Bear CenterNorth American Bear Center<https://bear.org/what-if-i-see-a-black-bear/> Mischa van Berkel Commodore

1 0

[PYC-News]Pettipaug Mid-Summer Regatta and Party - Saturday August 13
by Mischa Van Berkel 09 Aug '22

09 Aug '22

[cid:image001.png@01D8ABBF.44010390] Dear Pettipaug members, All Pettipaug sailors are invited to sail in the Mid-Summer Regatta this Saturday, August 13th. This is a distance race scored using the Portsmouth handicap. The course is typically 3 - 4 miles. The race can take anywhere between 1 - 3 hours based on your boat and skills. The final results will be calculated, based on your sailing time and the rating of your boat. This way, with an optimist you can beat any faster (and slower) boat!! The Notice Of Race and Sailing Instructions are attached. Please register by adding your name, boat type, sail number and Portsmouth rating to the form via the link below. It will speed up registration and calculations the day of the event. Don't worry if you do not know the rating of your boat. Just sign up and your rating will be looked up by the Race Committee. How nice would it be if we could get all boats on the water one more time? Registration Midsummer Handicap Race<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lC-h0RAfnyAb__DFdUhjdMtdzJpu1LFF-80…> Regatta Chair, Brian Donahue will host the Skipper's Meeting at 9:30am sharp. First start will be at 11:30am Awards for first, second and third place will be presented at the beginning of the Mid-Summer Party. As a reminder, just a few details on the Midsummer Party: * PYC Mid-Summer Party, Saturday, August 13 * Regatta Awards, Cocktails, Fiesta and Live music starting at 5:00 pm * Please bring your favorite Mexican style dish to share. * $5 per person, which includes beverages (adult and non-alcoholic) All Pettipaug members are welcome! Hope to see you all on Saturday. Mischa van Berkel Commodore

1 0

[PYC-News]August 2022 Commodore's Update
by Mischa Van Berkel 06 Aug '22

06 Aug '22

[cid:image001.png@01D8A3E6.4F9107E0] Commodore's Update - August 2022 Dear fellow Pettipaug members, It is already August and it has been a while since my last update. Please take your time and read the updates below. Mischa van Berkel Commodore Celebration of Life of Past Commodore Bill Grover In October 2021 Past Commodore Bill Grover of Centerbrook passed away. Bill was Commodore of Pettipaug Yacht Club in 1985/1986. He raced Blue Jays at Pettipaug for several decades. His name can be found in the Pettipaug Yearbook as the winner of numerous sailing trophies. In 1990 Bill was awarded the US Sailing Sportsmanship Perpetual Trophy by Pettipaug. That same year, he was honorably mentioned by US Sailing itself in its national competition for the W. Van Alan Clark Jr. Sportsmanship Award. Please be invited to the celebration of his life at Centerbrook Architects, 67 Main St, Centerbrook on August 13 from 3 to 4pm. The invite for Bill Grover's celebration can be found attached. https://rwwfh.com/tribute/details/1463/William-Grover/obituary.html Pettipaug Sailing Academy Yesterday, Friday August 5th was the last day of the program of the Pettipaug Sailing Academy. Sailing Director Art Robbins and his team of instructors have run the academy for the last 6 weeks. With more than 90 sailors, we can proudly conclude that Pettipaug is facilitating one of the bigger programs in the region. This year, sailors of the academy raced at several regional ECSA regattas where Pettipaug was represented in the Optimist, O'Pen Skiff and 420 fleets. Please join me in sending a big "thank you" to John Becker and Sandy Sanstrom, who kept the boats going again this year. In particular, a lot of gratitude goes to PSA Co-Chairs Amy Pullin and Megan Uiling, who tirelessly spent numerous hours on supporting the program. Paul Risseeuw Pettipaug Junior Regatta On Sunday July 31, the Paul Risseeuw Pettipaug Junior Regatta was raced. All together there were 70 children from all over the region, racing in 61 boats, in 5 classes, on 3 courses. All had a wonderful day on "our" beautiful river. A big thank you to all volunteers who helped making this event to a great success! Midsummer Regatta and Party If not done already, please take note of the annual Midsummer Handicap Regatta followed by the traditional Midsummer Party on August 13. Keep an eye on your mailbox this week, because a separate mailing will be sent out. Help needed to survey for Trapa (Water Chestnut) A request has been received from 'The Jonah Center for Earth and Art' for Pettipaug members to help getting the Trapa (Water Chestnut) problem under control. Trapa is a non-native invasive water plant which is causing nuisance to Connecticut waters. As of this moment, the shorelines from the North Cove gut to Deep River have been cleared. However, we need to be on the lookout for late emergent plants. Therefore I would like to call out for one or more members to inspect these shorelines, from PYC/Hamburg Cove north to Selden Creek along (both sides) sometime in mid to late August and pull any plants found. This may need to be done again in mid to late September, depending on whether plants show up in August. It would mean a 3 mile round trip paddle or dingy ride. If you are willing to take responsibility for this survey in late August and possibly September, please let me know. You will receive additional instruction from the coordinator of this project. PYC One Design Racing The 4th and last PYC One Design Race will be held on Saturday August 28. Blue Jays, JY15s, MC Scows, Lasers, Sunfish and 17'-Day-Sailors are encouraged to participate. Every class will have its own start. The more boats on the line, the merrier. Racing and food after sailing are free. I am looking forward to see you all on the course on the 28th. Pettipaug Powerboat Course There will be 2 more classes this summer, August 20 & 21; September 17 & 18 There are still open spots. For more information and registration, please see the website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PDFs/2022%20PYC%20Safe%20Powerboating%20Course.pdf>. Dogs Dear dog owning members: please be respectful to other members and visitors. Not all members enjoy your dog as you do. It is Pettipaug's policy that dogs must be leashed and under owner control at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the clubhouse or on the clubhouse deck pavilion. Owners are responsible to pick up (waste/toys) after their dogs.

1 0

[PYC-News]Limited Club availability on Sunday July 31 due to Paul Risseeuw Pettipaug Junior Regatta
by Mischa Van Berkel 29 Jul '22

29 Jul '22

[cid:image001.png@01D8A378.A21BBF00] Dear Pettipaug members, Please be aware that this Sunday club availability will be extremely limited between 9am and 4pm. This because of the annual Paul Risseeuw Pettipaug Junior Regatta. We are expecting around 75 junior sailors, 75 parents and 40 volunteers. It will be very crowded. In case you want to go out for a sail on Sunday, please launch your boat and leave the docks before 9am or after 4pm. Both the docks and the ramp will not be available during this time window. On the other hand, if you want to see some good river racing, you are more than welcome to spectate. Mischa van Berkel Commodore

1 0

[PYC-News]Pettipaug Sailing Academy Update - June 2022
by Mischa Van Berkel 22 Jun '22

22 Jun '22

[cid:image001.png@01D8867E.29FA9940] Pettipaug Sailing Academy Update - June 2022 Dear Pettipaug members, On Monday June 27, the Pettipaug Sailing Academy (PSA) will start with its summer program. Over 80 junior sailors in the ages of 8 till 16 will be improving their sailing skills and will have tons of fun on and around the river. The program will run in the period from June 27th until August 5th, Monday through Friday, from 8am until 5pm. During these PSA hours, we kindly ask all Pettipaug members and guests to respect the following rules/policies: 1. The ramp and docks are not to be used while the PSA students are launching or landing. 2. The clubhouse and the clubhouse deck will not be available for members during the PSA hours. 3. No dogs are allowed on club grounds during the PSA hours (NO EXCEPTIONS!). 4. Be careful when arriving at the club, especially during and around PSA hours. The speed limit on Great Meadow Rd (the unpaved road to Pettipaug) is 5 miles per hour, which is walking speed. Also outside PSA hours we ask your special attention for the following: Please do not to leave any of your personal belongings in the clubhouse. This includes (alcoholic) beverages and other food products. The fridges will be used by PSA to store their lunches and snacks. Be warned that all beverages and food products will be removed by PSA staff before the start of the program. In case of any questions, please feel free to address these to PSA Director Art Robbins, who will be at Pettipaug grounds during PSA hours. Please follow up on all and any of Art's instructions/requests. Thank you very much. Mischa van Berkel Commodore

1 0

[PYC-News]June 2022 Commodore's Update
by Mischa Van Berkel 04 Jun '22

04 Jun '22

[cid:image001.png@01D877F9.2BD856F0] Commodore's Update - June 2022 Dear fellow Pettipaug members, It is hard to believe that we are already in June. We had some great days of boating already and the summer has not even started. So do not forget to enjoy our club and one of the most beautiful spots in Connecticut. As you know, Pettipaug offers a great opportunity for sailing, swimming or just for having a good time with family or friends. Grills, picknick tables and a great view are at your disposal. Just bring some food and drinks and enjoy. Please take your time and read the updates below. Mischa van Berkel Commodore PYC One Design Racing On Saturday May 28, the first session of the PYC One Design Series was held. Thanks to many volunteers, 3 fleets (Blue Jays, JY15s and MC Scows) sailed 4 sets of races. Short fast racing is something that I personally enjoy a lot and I am sure that many others will agree. We have seen some interesting conditions and maybe even more interesting results. The results and the rankings after the first day of the series can be found on the website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PYC-racingPage.html>. The next PYC One Design Race will be on Saturday June 25th. Besides the 3 fleets mentioned, we also encourage young and old members sailing Laser, Sunfish or 17'-Day-Sailor to participate. Every class will have its own start. The more boats on the line, the merrier. Racing and food after sailing are free. So, mark June 25th in your agendas. I am looking forward to see you all on the course. Pettipaug Powerboat Course The feedback that I received after the first 2 Powerboat courses was nothing but positive. Member and course instructor Mark Vining has done a great job with ensuring that students not only received their official CT Boating License but also that everyone gained the most important boating skills. There will be 3 more classes this summer, the first one already during the weekend of June 18 and 19. There are still open spots. For more information and registration, please see the website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PDFs/2022%20PYC%20Safe%20Powerboating%20Course.pdf>. Pettipaug Sailing Academy On Monday June 27, the first session of the Pettipaug Sailing Academy (PSA) will start. PSA Director Art Robins and 5 instructors are getting ready to provide many hours of sailing and racing instruction to many junior sailors. There are still a few open spots. Please check the PSA website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PYC-academyPage.html> for more information. Dogs Dear dog owning members: please be respectful to other members and visitors. Not all members enjoy your dog as you do. It is Pettipaug's policy that dogs must be leashed and under owner control at all times. No dogs are allowed on club grounds during any PSA activities. Dogs are not allowed in the clubhouse or on the clubhouse deck pavilion. Owners are responsible to pick up (waste/toys) after their dogs. US Sailing Level 2 Course We are honored that US Sailing selected Pettipaug again as one of their locations for the Level 2 instructor course. This course is intended for experienced sailing instructors who are already in the possession of the Level 1 certificate. This year the course will be given on Sunday June 12 and Monday June 13. Theoretical and practical classes will start at 8:00 am and end approximately 6:00 pm. Besides 2 instructors of our own PSA, the course will be attended by other instructors from the region. Thank you very much for being mindful and giving the classes the room at our club. This course is not open for members.

1 0

[PYC-News]Reminder: Saturday May 14 - Pettipaug Commissioning and Commodore Race
by Mischa Van Berkel 10 May '22

10 May '22

Dear Pettipaug members, Please be reminded about the following events happening on Saturday May 14th. Mischa van Berkel Commodore Commodore Race The 2022 Commodore Handicap Race will be held on Saturday, May 14th. The Skippers meeting is at 0930 (9:30 am) at the PYC Clubhouse with a water start time of 1100 (11:00 am) Please sign up by tomorrow May 11th, by means of an email to Dick Hutchinson hutchria(a)rcn.com<mailto:hutchria@rcn.com> or via the following link. I plan to sail in the Commodore Race.<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JteSq99StV8jGQA7BJZsykhfj986TAtKxsF…> Any questions should 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>. Commissioning Commissioning will be held on Saturday May 14th, starting at 5pm. 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.

1 0

[PYC-News]May 2022 Commodore's Update
by Mischa Van Berkel 05 May '22

05 May '22

[cid:image001.png@01D86075.472B9BB0] Commodore's Update - May 2022 The docks are in the water, our boats are polished, rigged and ready to be launched and the temperatures are rising. Let's start the summer fun at Pettipaug! Please take the time to read the specific updates and reminders below. I look forward to seeing everyone down by the river. Mischa van Berkel Commodore commodore(a)pettipaug.org<mailto:commodore@pettipaug.org> Commodore Race The 2022 Commodore Handicap Race will be held on Saturday, May 14th. The Skippers meeting is at 0930 (9:30 am) at the PYC Clubhouse with a water start time of 1100 (11:00 am) 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. Depending on the wind direction, boats will sail around a buoy north of Essex Harbor, north of the club and back to the club. The race can take anywhere between 1 - 3 hours based on your boat, skill and luck. There will be a separate start for the Scows, but the fleet will be scored as one. The Notice Of Race and the Sailing Instructions are attached. Please sign up by May 11th latest, by means of an email to Dick Hutchinson hutchria(a)rcn.com<mailto:hutchria@rcn.com> or via the following link. I plan to sail in the Commodore Race.<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JteSq99StV8jGQA7BJZsykhfj986TAtKxsF…> Any questions should 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. Commissioning The Commissioning Ceremony is the official and traditional opening of the new sailing season. With Pettipaug's operations returned back to normal, this year's Commissioning will be held on Saturday May 14th, 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. Pettipaug Saling Academy (PSA) Registration is still open and we added an afternoon option for beginning and intermediate optimist sailors! 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 courses in May until September. More information about the course and registration can be found on the Pettipaug website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PDFs/2022%20PYC%20Safe%20Powerboating%20Course.pdf>.

1 0