Last week was highlighted by the Annual Meeting of the Club on Saturday morning with over 120 members present and voting. Presiding over the meeting, Commodore Neil Newton highlighted the activities of the past year and saluted new members and club-wide volunteers alike.

A moment of silence was observed for members who have sailed on to bigger oceans: Barbara Allison, Richard (Dick) Curtis, Charles (Chuck) Osborne, and Natalie Scott.

Nominating committee chair Dexter Morrisson presented the new slate of officers and it was unanimously voted. Lee Krow will become commodore, Greg Muzzy, vice commodore, and Eric Hakanson will be rear commodore. Betsie Permut continues as secretary and Susan Haney leaves the treasurer's spot to become a board member and Bob Reiser becomes treasurer and is replaced as finance committee chair by Jeffrey Noyce. Other new board members are Karen Sutton, Ralph Drayer and Joan Shea. Bob Welter was named to the finance committee and Linda Burley was named chair of the constitution and bylaws committee.

The membership also approved constitution and bylaw changes which involve the senior member category and these can be viewed on the club website.

Friday night the various sailing activities of the club were saluted at a well attended banquet. Co-chairs Bob Scribner and Ken Culbert submit the following narrative:

“Our club wrapped up a strong racing season August 23 with the Classic Boat Race which had 19 participants from the yacht club and the community at large. BHYC was fortunate this season to hold the Junior Olympics and the Maine State Optimists – both of which had over 100 boats sailing in the harbor. Club members volunteered well over a hundred man days in providing the on-water support for these races for aspiring young Olympians. Since a BHYC member was the top Maine resident winner the club will be holding this championship again in 2014.

The Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club regatta, held annually in conjunction with the Gulf of Maine Ocean Racing Association (or GMORA as it is known) also attracted the highest number of sailboats for a big boat regatta on the coast of Maine again this year. Locally, BHYC sponsored four harbor racing series over the summer which included the Thursday evening series, the weekend series held Saturdays, the three race series Commodores Cup and the ever popular Classic Boat Race. These races while organized by the club are open to the community and participation has been gratifying and contributes significantly to the heritage of sailing in the Boothbay region.”

The annual Sailing Awards dinner was held August 23 and awards were presented to the first, second and third place finishers (as listed below in order) in each of the season long events. Our outstanding chef George Schimert, and staff provided another reminder why our dining service is tops.

Thursday Series: PHRF: Thad Hutchinson, Cathy Latta and Lenore Imhof

BHOD: Eric Hakanson, Patty Berger and Debbie Swan

Weekend Series: Div. 1 (under 30 ft.): Cathy Latta, S. Saudek and Bob Vawter; Div. 2 (over 30 ft.): Bill Hunt, Bob Scribner and Lee Krow; BHOD: Tom Tavener, Debbie Swan and Patty Berger

Commodore’s Cup: Div.1 (under 30 ft.): Cathy Latta, S. Saudek and Bob Vawter; Div. 2 (over 30 ft.), Bill Hunt, Bob Scribner and Lee Krow; BHOD: Debbie Swan, Tom Tavener and K. Bowditch

Classic Boat Race: Div. 1 (under 30 ft.): Charles Race, Tom Johnson and Bob Vawter; Div. 2 (over 30 ft.): Sandy Taft, Chip Davison and Bob Scribner; BHOD: Patty Berger, Eric Hakanson and Phil Giantris

Special awards were also presented by the Adult and Sailing and Racing Committee.

Cathy Latta, sailing her J22, All That Jazz, was awarded the Chapman Cup for her season long winning. She also won the Cochran Cup for the best boat sailed in her division.

In Div. 2, which are the PHRF rated boats under 150, Bill Hunt won the Geier Award and Debbie Swan won the special Award for BHOD. Debbie rarely missed a race all season setting a high standard for participation.

Most notable are the many volunteers who helped the club have a successful racing season. Under Commodore Neil Newton’s leadership in 2013 the sailing program including racing, teaching and clinics continues to grow and remains a strong focal point of the club. The US Sailing Keel Boat certificate program which is relatively new also has helped many non-members and members alike gain the needed certification to charter anyplace in the world.

During the awards dinner Commodore Neil did the Fantastic Free Friday drawing and once again the winner, Winston Kipp, was not present so the lucky winner next Friday will be looking at a $500 dining room credit certificate… You must be present to win.

Thursday's Cocktails were hosted by Bank of Boston employee alumni under the organization of Susan Haney. Participants included Peter Edwards, Hap Hennigar, Moose McDonough, Andrea Peabody and Maude Wright. Tonight’s hosts are Claire Field, Nary Neal, Lucy Scribner, PC Louise Holmes and Diann Ring. Louise needs folks to step to the plate and volunteer to cover September 5 and 12 so speak to her, email her or call to say that you will help. Yes, men can provide things as well. Count me in for some pretzels and cheese on Sept. 5.

What a beautiful afternoon on Sunday for the first classic car exposition. Over 24 cars were exhibited and several hundred folks stopped by to admire and ooh and ahh over the vehicles which obviously have special care to keep them in mint condition. Many staid on to enjoy Sunday supper as well.,

Danny Beal, combined with prime rib dining specials, caused a full house on Tuesday night.

Saturday is the Day Afloat and reservations once again show the popularity of and enthusiasm for this event. Monday is the last day of launch service except that on the weekend of September 6, 7 and 8, service will be offered.