WRYC Makes it Happen in Spite of 2020!

Greetings, all. As summer draws to a close it is as good a time as any to reflect back on a strange sailing season. The WRYC sailing program faced many challenges this year. However, as always, sailors persevere and get the job done! The junior sailing program morphed from the normal three, two-week sessions to one, three-week session. As they have for the previous decade or so (I think more), Clayton and Ginger (and staff) provided an outstanding camp enjoyed by many young sailors. Thank you to Clayton and Ginger for your years of service. It is time for a rotation of duties as they move on to other adventures with The Club. Anyone interested in a leadership role with the Junior Sailing program in 2021, please contact Clayton and Ginger.

Sunday Sailing took off slowly this year as the fleet monitored COVID-19 related guidance and respected social distancing. Around the time that Virginia moved in to Phase 2, some sailors started showing up on Sundays to tune-up for the shortened season. When Virginia entered Phase 3, sailing on Sundays began in earnest with a healthy showing of boats each weekend. Most excitingly, several weekends saw some new sailors joining the fleet. On at least six weekends this summer we were fortunate enough to have rookie year sailors join the fun. Expectations are high for next year!

Finally, the 56th Annual Virginia Governor’s Cup was held, despite 2020’s craziness. Thanks to all who helped plan, prepare and execute a magnificent weekend of sailing! The regatta was well attended, though travel restrictions and exposure concerns reduced the number of participants by about half the recent years’ attendance. The Albacore Fleet had a strong showing, with Barney (once again) receiving the Governor’s Cup. I hesitate to attempt to name all who helped make the weekend a success for fear of missing a name. So I’ll close with a heartfelt “Thank you, Ware River Yacht Club!”

See you on the water (there’s still time left this year),

Scott