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@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 11^th latest, by means of an email to Dick Hutchinson hutchria@rcn.com or via the following link.

I plan to sail in the Commodore Race.

Any questions should be directed to Race Committee Chairs, Brian Donohue bpdonohue@gmail.com and Dick Hutchinson 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 14^th, 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.

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.