Harry Taylor 5/31/23 Harry Taylor 5/31/23

Cruise Ships Coming To Yorktown

The following is a press release from Princess Cruises.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Feb. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, Princess Cruises will call at Yorktown, Va. and Virginia's Historic Triangle, as part of a series of custom-curated itineraries in summer 2024 that will highlight opportunities to experience Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown in addition to visiting the historic seaside town.

Princess Cruises is planning five day-long calls – three via Island Princess (2,200 guests/900 crew) and two via Emerald Princess (3,080 guests/1,200 crew) – that will result in a significant economic impact to the region, which has played an important role in American history.

Additional details, including specific sailing dates, itineraries and shore excursions, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

"Princess is already well known for our unique itineraries that appeal to our guests who gravitate toward interesting historical and cultural opportunities and Yorktown is perfectly in tune with that philosophy, offering not only a glimpse at the Revolutionary War but also dining, shopping and activity options with wide-ranging appeal. It's a win-win for everyone," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.

Padgett added that the new itineraries are even more significant as interest builds ahead of events and festivities across Virginia to commemorate the 250 anniversaries of the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence.

"Our community is rooted in history and it is an important part of our visitor mix. We are honored that Princess Cruises sees the value in bringing their customers to Yorktown," said Kristi Olsen-Hayes, Director, York County Economic & Tourism Development. "Additional visitors coming to our area via the cruise line would contribute to the region's economy, benefiting retail, restaurants, and regional attractions, as well as generating revenue for both the Commonwealth and multiple local governments."

As the first major cruise line to call on the region, Princess understands and appreciates the significant role it plays in boosting area tourism and, as it does with other homeport and port of call communities, the company will work with local tour operators to showcase the attributes of this fascinating historical region while benefiting local residents.

"We couldn't be more excited about this incredible opportunity to add this truly unforgettable destination experience to our already impressive array of itineraries," said Padgett. "As a native Virginian myself, I can attest that an itinerary that offers the chance to visit Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown promises to be a most welcome addition for our guests, providing them memorable vacation experiences that they can't find anywhere else."

Yorktown offers 300 years of history from revolutionary battlefields to 18th Century homes. Picturesque streets provide the backdrop for art galleries, antique and specialty shops, while attractions like the Watermen's Museum offer hands-on programs and exhibits for all ages. Entertainment, including Fifes and Drums performances, abounds, and visitors can stroll along the scenic riverwalk lined with charming restaurants and shops that offer a view of the York River.

Sure to be a popular shore excursion, a visit to Colonial Williamsburg will allow guests to discover why this was the capital of Virginia and the largest, most prosperous American colony. Men and women from all walks of life strolled these streets, and Princess guests will follow in their footsteps as they re-trace history They'll also explore dozens of original buildings, homesand shops reconstructed on 301 acres – most on their original foundations. Rare animal breeds, historic trades, and lovingly restored gardens add layers of authenticity to the Colonial Williamsburg experience. Guests will feel as if they've traveled back in time.

Guests opting to visit Jamestown, just a short, 30-minute motorcoach ride from the port, will be captivated by the history behind the original site of the first permanent English settlement in North America and the story of the role of the three cultures - European, North American and African - that came together to lay the foundation for a uniquely American form of democratic government, language, free enterprise and society.

Princess Cruises sails to more than 330 incredible destinations around the world. More information is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800- 774-6237) or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

WRYC 4/30/23 WRYC 4/30/23

FROM THE HELM

Time marches on and the formal opening for 2023 is upon us. Many thanks to Josh James for stepping up to lead this venture. There will be the usual ceremony followed by dinner from Creekside Cafe. We are anticipating fun with the annual Derby event - with the suspense tempered by excellent mint juleps. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Congratulations to the “Jim” team - Woodward and Garrett who organized the annual work day. Club building/grounds and boat issues were addressed by a sizable number who showed up on a very windy day. Thanks to all!

The first wine tasting - held in collaboration with Nuttall Country Store was a remarkable success. It was very well attended. Food from Chef Win was excellent. A good time was had by all. I finally turned the lights off at the end to encourage departures. Many have asked about a repeat including suggestions that it be held monthly. That isn’t happening - but stay tuned - a repeat will happen - perhaps in the fall.

As a negative - this paragraph is your early warning system. The Board has been working to address issues with the bulkhead directly in front of the Club building. Take time to look at it at Flag Raising. More to come.

We would like to continue with activities in addition to the usual socials. Some ideas have come forth - if you have any thoughts - don’t hesitate to speak up.

VOLUNTEER for socials.

Quiz of the month:who said: “Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity”?

Bob Davis - Commodore

Jim Garrett 4/30/23 Jim Garrett 4/30/23

The Latest Fleet Scuttlebutt ...................

First, I have this edition of Nautical Term of the month. Ever wonder where the expression “By and Large” comes from? Well, me too! By means into the wind, while large means with the wind. "By and large" is therefore used to indicate all possible sailing situations, e.g. "the ship handles well both by and large". Now you know.

As I mentioned in the previous Telltale, we had a good turnout for our spring fleet spruce up day April 1st, and during the month we managed to get the keel boat bottoms soda blasted, sanded, and fresh bottom paint applied. The boats will get launched sometime the first of May so they are ready for the season.

Now, its just a matter of waiting for the arrival of good weather to start the season. We are still planning on Adult sailing instruction as soon as we can get our instructors pulled together to organize a schedule, but the plan is to continue with our June start date for that program.

Thats it for this month. Until next time…………..

Fair winds and steady seas,

Jim Garrett - Fleet

Autumn Taylor 4/30/23 Autumn Taylor 4/30/23

Flag Raising, Derby Day, and more!

Hopefully you RSVP’d for our annual Flag Raising/Derby Day, hosted by our own Joshua James—this will be an event you will be sad to miss! Thanks to Joshua for stepping up and carrying on this wonderful tradition. If you would like to assist in set up or clean up, we are always looking for available hands to help keep our Club active.

We still need volunteers to assist in our July 4th celebration—many great ideas and feedback was given after last year’s event, so now is your chance to put them into action! Contact Autumn Taylor at bariautumn@gmail.com or WRYC wareriveryc@gmail.com to sign up as host or volunteer!

Layne Brown 4/30/23 Layne Brown 4/30/23

Welcome.....

Please welcome Kevin and Jamie Gormley and their children Finnegan and Kieran. They reside in Norfolk and look forward to participating in our sailing programs, socials and fleet maintenance.

Next welcome Edward Ould and his children Hays, Miriam and Teddy. They reside full time in Richmond and also look forward to participating in our fleet and grounds maintenance.

Lastly, please welcome Brian and Lynn Campbell. They also reside full time in Richmond and look forward to participating in social planning, grounds maintenance marketing and communication.

We look forward to meeting all of these families at a WRYC social soon!

Harry Taylor 4/30/23 Harry Taylor 4/30/23

Stories From History

In looking through newspaper articles that mention the area from the 18th-20th century, I occasionally run across some that are fun. This article was republished in The Telegraph and Messenger in Macon, Georgia on December 16, 1882. The article is titled “A Ghost in a Lighthouse” and is about Wolf Trap Lighthouse.

“Ghostly visitations have led to the resignation of A.F. Hudgins, assistant keeper of Wolf Trap Light, Chesapeake Bay. Mr. Hudgins declared that knocks and other noises were heard all over the house, and a young lady, lying in bed, received a slap in the face, and on a light being produced it was found the blow had left the print of a ghostly hand on the lady’s cheek. Matthews [sic] county is aroused over the matter, and watch parties have nightly tried to discover the cause of the visitations, but have failed.”

The lighthouse that is mentioned in the story is not the same one that is standing today. In January of 1893, an ice storm struck. Keeper John Thomas wrote that he “felt a dreadful foreboding” and an unseen voice told him to flag down a steamer that was stuck in the ice nearby and abandon the light. Shortly after he had left, the house was ripped from its screwpile foundation. Several days later the lighthouse was found partially submerged near Thimble Shoals with only the roof and the lantern above the water.

$70,000 for the construction of the current lighthouse was approved by Congress on March 3, 1893 and the light was lit on September 20, 1894. Wolf Trap remained a manned light station until 1971 when it was automated, prior to that, it was one of the last non-automated lights on the Chesapeake. It was deactivated in 2017 when the Coast Guard declared that the structure was no longer safe for personnel to access and maintain the light. There is no mention whether the ghost is still there or not.