Social Events and Activities at PYC

Although PYC is first and foremost a boating club, we plan several opportunities for members to get together both off-season and in-season.  The many events are open only to members and guests.

You will find these and other activities listed on our Event Calendar, which is found in the Members Only section.  Details of major events appear either as links below or on separate pages.  Registration may be by e-mail or phone, at least for now.  We hope to add registration to our web site in 2013.

New Year's Day:   we kick off the New Year with a noon-time gathering, featuring hors d'oeuvres and Artillery Punch.  The latter is designed to wake everyone up!

Chili & Chowda:  on Friday, February 8, the Club provides the chili and the chowder.  Members bring breads, salads, desserts, and munchies, spread them across several tables, and dig in!  

St. Patrick's Day:  Possibly a time for all things Irish to add light to the long winter.

Cruise Pot Roast:  The date isn't final yet, but it usually takes place in mid-April  For the last two years the event has been based pm Pot Roast, deliciously prepared with all the side items by David Murray and a crew of supporters.

Easter:  A mouth-watering brunch awaits adults, while kids get to meet the Easter Bunny!  No eggs, though -- potential of messy is too large! 

Mothers Day:  May 12, an important day at PYC.  Mothers, grandmothers, even great-grandmothers are feted with fine food and drink by the Food and Beverage Department.  

Commissioning:  Friday, May 10, we celebrate the opening of the season.  Floats are in the water, the Kitchen is polished and ready to cook, floors are shined, and snow banks are gone (usually) -- time to celebrate!  Members gather to meet the officers, fire the opening gun, and salute the U.S. Flag and the Club burgee as they are raised to their respective places of honor.  After the ceremony, participants get down to serious eating, good spirits, and lively music.  Altogether it's known as the Cannonball.  

Racing gets started in late May and goes on until the week before the season is over.  The Racing section of the Web site has the details.

Late June also begins the Cruising season, with many options for lengths and destinations.  See the Cruising section for details.

Junior Sailing:  Our Junior Sailing Program starts right after school gets out and continues through mid-August.  Beginners, intermediates, and experienced Race Team members stay busy learning sailing skills and teamwork.  See the Junior Sailing section for more information.

Independence Day is often the time for an event for families before they head off to watch Portland fireworks from the water.  Moreover, for 2012 this will be the date for the Schooner Trophy Race, followed by a family picnic. 

Commodore's Dock Party:  June 29.  Previously an in-house event, in 2010 it was moved to the floats and became the Commodore's Dock Party.  Members now won't have it any other way.  As the name signals, members gather on the floats for adult beverages, nibblies, and good conversation.  Boats pulled alongside the floats provide floating platforms for the bar and foodstuffs.

Monhegan Party:  "This, our last night on shore, drink to the foam..."  The night before the Monhegan Race starts is the time for a party.  Racers and stay-ashores alike are welcome to share stories of races past and hopes for wind and sun the next day.

Mid-August:  The Junior Program Awards Night.  Here the best sailors and those who tried their best are recognized for their accomplishments and attitude.

Volunteer Appreciation Night:  October 4 is the evening to recognize all the volunteers who do so much for the Club.  Volunteer Appreciation Night finds members serving food prepared by the Kitchen.  For many years this event was built around lasagna.  In 2009 a change of pace brought chicken to the main course.  

De-Commissioning:  October 17, he close of the Commissioned season, is not a time for rejoicing.  It is, however, a time to look back on what everyone hopes was a good season and look forward to the season to come.  A good dinner gives all participants something to remember in the snowy days to come.

Club Annual Meeting:  Thursday, December 13 is mostly about business -- dues for the coming season, election of officers, and a variety of other business that requires consideration by the full membership (or as many of them as attend).

Children's Christmas Party:  The final activity on December 15 revolves around gifts -- the Children's Christmas Party and the presents Santa has for all the children who attend.  For two hours the Club house echoes with the squeals of delight (and demands to go to the bathroom).  Children are excited, and the adults are wistful as they recall their own encounters with the Jolly Old Elf.