It felt more like the Dog Days of August on June 20 as seven intrepid captains and crew set out for Little Bay to celebrate Summer Sailstice. The forecast called for a 104 degree heat index with thunder storms by afternoon and for once the weather service was right.
Instead of the usual egg toss and limbo contest (boring), our creative sailors invented their own games. Quite popular were the dingy races where crews rushed back to their boats as storms threatened. This game proved so popular we played it twice as thunderstorms interrupted beach activities.
Another crowd favorite was “Drag the Anchor”. Fortunately everyone was a winner as no one dragged anchor in the 30-35 knot wind squalls accompanying the sheets of rain, lightening and thunder. (Plenty of heads could be seen behind dodgers as captains watched other boats riding out the storms.)
All participants were deservingly rewarded with a spectacular sunset and great company on the beach at dusk.
Just for laughs one more contest – “Race for Home” began Sunday morning. All boats battled four to six foot seas, 30-35 knot winds and small (medium?) craft warnings to get home. Harbor has a special meaning on days like this.
A special greeting to Donn and Pat Anderson who sailed from Annapolis to join the club. As a former Commodore and lovely assistant the Andersons shared stories of SRHYC’s earlier days.
We greatly appreciate Roland and Pat Anderson hosting an unforgetable event.
Happy sailing to all. Summer has officially begun!
