Summer is nearly here! For many it is the crocus or daffy that heralds spring. For folks in Boothbay Harbor, it is the sight of sails on the waters inside Tumbler and the daily presence of barges setting moorings and docks in preparation for the coming summer. If you travel by the yacht club today you will see all sorts of activity, which makes the season a true reality show.

The folks from Blake’s Boatyard are setting moorings daily and other crews are putting the docks in place in preparation for the start of the club sponsored High School Junior Sailing team

which starts its season on Monday, April 8 with Coach Sally Lloyd, who is director of the Junior Sailing Program. Monday, the 420’s will come out of winter storage and the young folks will rig them and get them into the water ready to sail.

Meanwhile, two of the whalers will be commissioned and made ready for use. This is where you, our reader and club member, can get into the act. Junior Program Chair PC Andy Holmes casts out an all-points bulletin for folks willing to man the Safety Boat for the daily on water sessions. No special skill is necessary other than the ability to “drive” a whaler and keep a sharp eye out for young sailors in need of assistance. You will be equipped with a radio and given daily instruction by Coach Lloyd.

The team is on the water Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 1500 until 1700 and on Wednesdays from 1400 to 1700. Volunteers can sign up for a regular weekly day (or more) or for individual days throughout the schedule. You sign up by calling Andy at 207-882-5525 or emailing cruises@gwi.net/. Here is your chance to get on the water even before you put your own boat in.

Now it is time to mark your calendar for the April social event which will take place at the

Home of PC Bob and Linda McArtor on April 18. Many folks will be back from the South so time to meet and share experiences. Thanks again to Howard and Dee Wright for hosting last month’s event.

Speaking of the South, now is the time to plan for the 2104 winter reunion in Florida (and beyond). It requires planning because next year it will involve two elements (and you can select either or both). Paul and Sharma Schacknow are in charge and are planning a golf, tennis and gastronomic event at the famous PGA resort in West Palm Beach. This will be followed by a cruise on the Royal Caribbean “Legend Of The Seas” sailing on February 14 from Fort Lauderdale to such exotic ports as Road Town Tortola,  Antigua, St Martin, St. Kitts, and Dominica.

Space on the cruise is limited so early sign-up is necessary. Details are being emailed by the club and additional information can be had by calling Worldwide Cruise Headquarters at 207-882-5525 or by emailing VC Lee Krow, Paul & Sharma, or PC Andy Holmes. You can also find trip details and a registration blank on the BHYC website. Proceeds of the trip will be donated to the BHYC Junior Program Foundation.