Postponed - Midsummer Party and Race - July 2023

Good morning Pettipaug members,

Unfortunately we will have to raise the AP flag for the Midsummer Race and Midsummer Party that were scheduled for tomorrow July 15. The new date for race and party will be July 30^th. More information to follow.

The reason for this decision is driven by several factors that all lead back to one cause: The high level of the river and the problems that this caused in the areas to our north. Although, we normally appreciate a good amount of water in the river, this time the river is filled with floating and (partly) submerged debris. Furthermore, the current is much stronger than normal. These factors combined resulted that the Pettipaug Officers unanimously decided that there will be no racing this weekend.

Another reason is more health related. This is caused by the fact that multiple sewage plants to the north have overflowed (and are still overflowing). As a result, the river water is severely contaminated and simply unhealthy. We have consulted Lisa Fasulo, fellow Pettipaug member but foremost the Director of Public Health in the town of Essex. We feel that the recommendations given by her, combined with the fact that the party would be attended by many (senior) members, consuming food and drinks, requires too much work for our volunteer staff. This made the Pettipaug Officers to decided that also the party should not happen this weekend as well.

Although we do not encourage members to visit the club this weekend, Pettipaug will not be closed. However, there will be no club attendant, and as mentioned, there will be no club activities.

Best regards,

Mischa van Berkel, Commodore