The commodores and the dining room committee have struck gold! Last Thursday it was announced that James Bennett IV has been appointed as executive chef of the club. James comes to us from his winter job as corporate executive chef at the University of New Hampshire. He is CIA trained and has worked at many well known restaurants in New York City, Martha's Vineyard and the Boothbay region. In his previous time in our area, he was head chef at Spruce Point Inn from 1996 to 2001. Since your scribe’s wife was SPI general manager during this time, we can enthusiastically report that the BHYC kitchen could not be in better hands.

Welcome Chef Bennett and offer our congratulations to the team that met adversity head on and emerged with a winning solution. Thanks also to Executive Sous Chef Ryan who stepped into the breach and made the transition seamless.

In a coordinated move, Commodore Eric has announced that Hristo Ivanov  has been named dining room manager.“Kristo” has been with us for four years and his professionalism and friendly attitude is well suited to his new assignment. With Head Bartender David Schoentag, Hristo, James and Ryan, we have a talented, experienced and dedicated team supporting our restaurant facility.

While we are talking about folks who make our daily lives at BHYC comfortable and enjoyable, how about a round of thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who man the front desk day after day with a smile, a lot of information, and a willing desire to help members and guests enjoy their BHYC visit. They are highly trained, contributing their valuable time, and always on deck to assist. Please thank them as you go by. They deserve it.

Last week our article submission deadline came and went before we had all of the final results from the Lighted Boat Parade. Eighty-six members and families participated including 18 young adults in 10 BHYC boats. Prizes were awarded as follows: Best in Show - Blue Moon II, owners Jay and Evelyn Haberland; BHYC Most Elegant - Osprey, owner Robert Wheeler; BHYC Most Colorful - Blown Budget, owner Nick Upham; Most Patriotic - Evening Tide, owner Bucky Reed; BHYC Fleet Favorite - Loon, owners Alice and Andy Mutch; BHYC Classic Beauty - Nellie G, owners George and Nancy McEvoy; and Most Darling award to Charisma with Lady Liberty Meghan Hakanson as Lady Liberty and her husband Eric Hakanson (son of the commodore) at the helm.

Last Friday was a typical one when it comes to winners at the weekly drawing! Three couples names were drawn and none were present so the drawing this week is for $600 in Dining Room credits. Sorry Robert and Susan Saudek, Dan and Susan Haney, and Mike and Marion Van der Veen; your presence would have been a rewarding one to say the least.

Sunday was supposed to have been the Foundation Cup Race but rain and very unpredictable winds caused postponement of the event. The organizers were to meet on rescheduling but unfortunately that meeting came after our publication deadline. Wednesday’s races last week also suffered from weather problems, in this case, lack of wind, so only one race was held. The winner in the J-80 Fleet was Cathy Latta sailing Blue Skies, second was Jeff Curtis in Silky, and third was Breakaway with Chuck Koch at the helm.

In the One Design Class, Osprey, sailed by Maynard Bray, finished first, The Reach, sailed by John Giles, finished second and Patty Berger in Wildfire was third. Racing happens every Wednesday and Sunday. Thursday, July 21 is a Chamber Pot Race at 4 p.m. when full sized adults get to sail the kids Optis for the right to win a very special trophy of the under the bed variety.

Sarah Seepe reports record numbers of Mah Jong players and learners and there’s always room for more. Likewise Don Tomlin has a huge turnout for his bridge class.

Next week is a busy one in our little harbor as we have visits from both the Eastern Yacht Club on Sunday and the Castine YC on Monday and Tuesday.

Last call on registration for the August cruise is Sunday, July 24.The cruise heads Downeast on August 1 and participants will gather on the 27th for a reception and discussion at 1815 hours. Although a group dinner is not being planned it is believed that most folks will stay after the reception for dinner. Cruisers are reminded that they need to make their own reservations at the various ports of call including: Port Clyde General Store, Dysarts Great Harbor Marina, Old Quarry Marina, Front Street Shipyard and The Landings Marina. Contact Fleet Captain Greg Shea if you have any questions.

Trivia Night is Friday, July 15, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please call the front desk to register your team.

Get Out on the Water Day is Saturday, July 16. As many boats as possible will travel to Powderhorn Island in the Sheepscot starting at 1200 and anchoring between Powderhorn and Isle of Springs. CH 72 Is the contact. Notify Andy Mutch that you will be joining the group.

Barton Seaver, noted author and chef, will be the featured presenter at our next Sunday Speaker Series event July 24. His topic is “Our Health and the Economic Impacts of Sustainable Fisheries.”

Saturday July 30 is the first day of Regatta and Saturday night we have an all-club family lobster bake featuring the famous Scott Davis Quintet for live music to entertain all.

On August 12, BHYC will be hosting the Americas Cup schooner America replica which will be offering tours and sails and programs for our Junior sailors. Paul Schacknow will have more information on this shortly.

And lastly, on August 25, the Men’s and Women’s sail programs will be offering a sail on the schooner Timberwind in Penobscot Bay.