Fleet Scuttlebutt
February 2025
Thank you to our board and all members for the confidence and trust placed in me as I embark on a new voyage as your Fleet Captain. Thanks also to Jim Garret for his dedicated service during these last 4 years.
In the early spring we will focus on upkeep and maintenance to assure uninterrupted enjoyment of the small-boat fleet as well as the keel boat Tranquility Base. Please look for opportunities to help out on Saturday, March 29 (Spring Work Day), as well as on additional yet-to-be-planned dates.
As we did during last year’s season, we will use email to plan about 12 alternate weekends for Adult Sailing activities tentatively set to begin on the 3rd weekend of May. This year that email address will be a club email, sailing@wryc.org, rather than my personal email. However, please feel free to use my personal email or other contact information listed in the membership directory – I don’t want to miss anyone’s messages. All experience levels are welcome and encouraged to participate!
From my earliest experiences crewing in Governor’s Cup races in the late ‘70s, then being a parent of sailing campers, and up until today, I’ve always enjoyed the activities, facilities and fellowship associated with our club. I hope I can help make everyone’s experiences as good as mine have been. Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing you on or near the water.
-John Dudley, Fleet Captain
Host a Club Social & Get Creative!
Hi Everyone,
If you don’t know me already, my name is Josh James, and I’m the WRYC Social Chair for 2025. I'm excited to plan fantastic social events for our club in 2025, but to make this happen we need our members to volunteer and/or host a social. Moreover, if you’re a new member (joined in 2024/25) I ask that you consider hosting a social this year. I understand that the idea of hosting might seem daunting, but I assure you it's a rewarding experience. The social committee is here to support you every step of the way and make it a fun and memorable event for everyone.
Valentine’s Social (weekend of 2/14) is just around the corner! Spread the love and offer to host.
Overview of the hosting duties:
Planning:
Brainstorming and choosing a fun theme for the social.
Organizing the menu and working with caterers.
Planning any music, games, or activities to keep the party lively.
Obtaining an ABC license for the event.
Execution:
Decorating and setting up the club space for the social.
Clean-up:
Helping with clean-up after the event and returning tables/chairs to original setting.
The social chair will handle:
Creating and sending out the event flyer via email blast.
Posting event information on social media.
Tracking RSVPs.
Hosting a social is a fantastic way to:
Get to know more members in a relaxed and fun setting.
Get creative and showcase your unique ideas.
Contribute to keeping our club active and vibrant.
Have a unique social event idea?
I'm always open to new and exciting ideas! If you're passionate about a particular activity or theme, such as a "Pickleball Social," please don't hesitate to email me. I'm actively working on developing new and engaging social events for our club.
Join our committee! I’m seeking 3-5 active leaders to assist me with planning and executing engaging social events for our club members. The time commitment for this role is minimal, requiring only a few hours per month. However, your contributions will have a significant impact on the social life of our club.
Josh James
Chair, WRYC Social Committee
socials@wryc.org
2025 WRYC Calendar of Events
January - March 15 Bulkhead Repair
February 15/16 Valentine’s Day Social (Host choice)
March 15/16 St. Patrick’s Day Social (Host choice)
March 29 Spring Work Day
May 3 Flag Raising / Bob James Memorial Regatta
June 23-26 Junior Sailing Session 1 Week 1
June 30-July 3 Junior Sailing Session 1 Week 2
July 3 Junior Sailing Banquet
July 4/5 Independence Day Social (Host choice)
July 7-10 Junior Sailing Session 2 Week 1
July 14-17 Junior Sailing Session 2 Week 2
July 17 Junior Sailing Banquet
July 21-24 Junior Sailing Session 3 Week 1
July 28-31 Junior Sailing Session 3 Week 2
July 31 Junior Sailing Banquet
August 1/2 61st Governor’s Cup & Junior Regattas & Awards
August 30/31 Labor Day Social (Host choice)
TBD Anchor On The Ware
October 11 Oktoberfest / Harry Sindle Memorial Mobjack Bay Regatta
November 8 Oyster Roast
December 6/7 Christmas / Holiday Social (Host choice)
Buildings & Grounds
Mark your calendars, the Spring Work day is Saturday March 29th. Please come out and help with getting the club buildings and grounds ready for warm weather. Look for more details as the date gets closer.
Sail Beyond Cancer
This national non-profit organization is coming to Gloucester and is an OPPORTUNITY for anyone to join and help. The purpose is to give respite to cancer patients by providing them and their loved ones a few hours of time out on the water. The other chapters have been spectacularly successful. For information on how our chapter can be successful contact Suzanne Snyder 802-233-9777 or Suzanne@SailBeyondCancer.org Local contact - text Bob Davis 804-725-8791.
From the Helm
Firstly, I wanted to thank you all for your participation and support of our beloved WRYC under my first year as Commodore. The year brought in necessary changes, many storms in which we weathered, but also saw our club gather, volunteer, and shine within our community.
Sailing is at our core at WRYC, and we offer a sailing experience for all ages and levels of expertise as a benefit of membership. Per usual, our Junior Sailing Program continues to flourish as a much sought after youth summertime event, selling out quickly by the beginning of the year. Adult Sailing continues to increase in popularity with our Sunday series, and we expect it to grow in the coming year as word gets out.
A long-term campaign began this year to increase membership, by way of multiple events. WRYC was represented at the annual Daffodil Festival, to spread the word about our Club in the community. The Summer Soiree, Oktoberfest, and other events were open to the public to showcase exactly what our club has to offer with much success. We will continue this campaign in 2025 to attract new and younger members to continue our club’s legacy.
As always, we need to improve our Club over time, and facility issues always arise. 2024 saw a storm during Governor’s Cup, leading to power outages, a fallen tree on our clubhouse roof, and of course lack of bathrooms. However, the show went on and the problems were quickly addressed. 2025 will also see significant issues will be on their way to being restored, such as the bulkhead and various repairs, with room for improvement in other areas of our club.
I cannot stress the amount of time and love that goes into maintaining our Club for members to enjoy. Consider donating your time to help get our Club looking and performing at its peak like I know it can. I give many thanks and appreciation to the Board members, Layne, and all members who have volunteered this year.