This week marked the beginning of the Southport Junior Yacht Club program for the summer of 2024. The club was filled with smiling faces, some old and some new, but all excited for the summer ahead. We were greeted with a BMD (Beautiful, Maine Day) on Monday, and while the rest of the week may not have been as lovely, smiles and laughter could still be found at SJYC.

In the morning class on Monday, we had five kids participating in the swim test: Nico Cox Lewis, Jonah Fessenden, Owen Fessenden, Bryson Nichols and Emmalin Nichols.

After a short swim with a break to splash instructor Luke Thress and Joe Duffy, the sailors were rewarded with cheers and a cup of hot chocolate before venturing into Turnabouts.

The week produced some exciting events for the morning class such as a seal siting on Thursday after a sail up Pratt’s Island Shore, and a trip to Indian Town and Spectacle Island for Friday Funday.

The afternoon class sailors spent their week dusting off the rust after a long winter and becoming familiar with their boats. A strong breeze made an appearance for most afternoons, and the beautiful sails of Optimists and 420s could be seen on the Sheepscot River. Junior Officers were also elected this week: Finn Uhrich as commodore, Rachel Phippen as vice commodore, Eleanor Marshall as secretary, and Skye Harrington as treasurer.

On Thursday, SJYC hosted its first Ice Cream Social of the season! Run by our Junior Officers, the event was a successful one, but reminded us all that we can never have too much whipped cream!

We hope you’ll join us this Wednesday at the Southport School at 6 p.m. for an energetic game of kickball and stay tuned for what the following weeks at SJYC bring!