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.

 

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.