[cid:image001.png@01D9F44B.8BF082E0] Commodore's Update - October 2023 Dear Pettipaug members, It is already October but that does not mean that the season at Pettipaug is over. I am sure that there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy some after-summer time at and around the club. In addition, towards the end of the month, there will be our traditional handicap racing events, which are immediately followed by the decommissioning event and party. In this commodore update, information is provided about these events and more. 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 21 - the day of decommissioning, the Charles Birch Memorial Race will be held for the 51th time! It will be the third and final race of the Tri Club Series that is traditionally hosted by the three Essex Yacht Clubs. It is a PHRF handicap race for cruising boats over 20ft. Notices of Race and the entry form can be found on the Pettipaug website<https://www.pettipaug.com/PDFs/Birch%202023%20NOR.pdf>. Entries and questions can be addressed to Kathryn Ryan, via kmryan1995@gmail.com<mailto:kmryan1995@gmail.com> , 860-227-8908. Robin Starr Memorial Race On October 21, also on the day of decommissioning of our club, we will be racing for the oldest trophy of our club: the Robin C. Starr Memorial Trophy from 1948. The trophy was initially awarded for a series of races. However, since 1992 it has been done by means of a Portsmouth Handicap distance race. The Notices Of Race and Sailing Instructions can be found on the Pettipaug website. The Skippers meeting will be at noon at the PYC Clubhouse and the first start will be at 1pm. All types of dinghy sailboats are welcome to participate. 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. I encourage all members to participate in this fun event. I am looking forward to see you all during this final race of the 2023 season. Club Decommissioning Adjacent to the Robin Starr Memorial Race, on October 21 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. Please bring a dish to share and $5 cover charge for participation and beverages. Winterizing work party On November 4 we will be preparing our club for the winter. Make a note of this date in your agenda, because many hands are needed for various winterizing activities. As always, many hand make light work. Detailed info will follow in due time. Boat removal from the Pettipaug yard As per club policies no member owned vessels should remain in the yard during the winter months. Therefore we ask all members to remove all boats, kayaks, shells etc. from the yard by November 4th. Annual meeting Last but not least, we are planning for our Annual Meeting on Sunday November 12. Also this date can be noted in your agenda. More details will follow.
