Summer Cruises

Some folks "from away" would read that title and chide, "Does this mean a cruise on the 4th of July?"  A lot they know! PYC has its major cruise in the summer, while at the same time offering shorter outings for families.

Our Summer Downeast cruise left this year on Saturday, July 16, heading for Ebenecook harbor.  For the next two weeks, cruisers had a series of rendezvous points, separated by "open" days that allowed individuals and small groups to sail as they pleased.  The last night, Saturday, July 30, featured a gathering at Sebasco Harbor, prior to returning to PYC on Sunday.

August brings two cruises, one of which is also the occasion for a race.

August 6-7 there wass a cruise to Harpswell Cove.  Once again, participants could go up and back on Saturday, or anchor out and return on Sunday.  A dinghy ride over to Orr's Island for ice cream took place at 1:00 PM on Saturday, followed by a party on the beach at Stover's Cove at 5:00 PM.

The Navy's Blue Angels return to Maine the weekend of August 27-28.  To welcome them the Cruise Committee has planned a weekend in Quahog Bay.  For those looking for a bit of excitement along the way, the Race Committee is organizing a "pursuit race" from the PYC float to a "finish line" part way to Quahog.  Each race participant will be given its own start time, based on its handicap (the Race Committee will assign one if you don't have one).  In theory, if every boat sails exactly to its rating, everyone would finish at the same time.  In practice, it means that if you pass another boat, you know you are beating that boat.  

Member Carol Dean will lead a family cruise on September 4/5 to the mysterious East -- the east side of Chebeague Island, that is.  Like the rest of the weekend cruises, go for a day or stay overnight.  Games on the beach are planned.  Moorings are available from Chebeague Island Boat Yard, 846-4146.  Note that the dates are a change from the original schedule.