The American Yacht Club Newsletter

February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Issue 2
FROM THE MASTHEAD BarryGluck, Commodore
H
appy February! I am writing this Masthead at 30,000 feet,
somewhere over Colorado. As I fly over the vast landscape
of the American mid-west, I am reminded of how much smaller
and more manageable our little AYC is. In fact, when compared
to managing these wide open plains, tending to our little club’s
flowers, plants, and lawn should be a piece of cake for the next
chair of the Landscape Committee. Would you be willing to
step-up and take the reins from Doug & Nancy Cornell, who have
done such a wonderful job beautifying our club for so many years?
To help make the transition smooth and seamless Doug and Nancy
have graciously agreed to stay on and assist the next Chair.
If gardening isn’t your thing, perhaps partying is. If so, we are
also looking for a new chair of the Activities Committee, and
long-time committee chair Lon Sherman is more than willing to
help you learn the ropes. If you are interested in either position,
please contact me.
After the successful implementation of the new winter yardstorage policies this last fall, we will be rolling out similar
reforms for the summer yard-storage policies this year. Please
stay tuned for further details, which we will be sending out over
the next couple of months.
Finally, I am happy to report that we have a wonderful group of
twenty-two prospective new members this year. Their bios are
here in this month’s Sailorgram. We will vote them in at the
next general meeting on March 14 at the Institute for Savings on
State Street and will then welcome them to the club at the
annual “New Members” meeting on Wednesday, March 23 at
the Plum Island Tax Payers Association (PITA) Hall. I hope to
see you there.
Wishing you fair winds and following seas,
Barry Gluck, Commodore
Seals on Badgers Rocks, September 27, 2015.
1
unidentified photographer
February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Lowell Boat Shop Holds
Winter Speaker Series
Classes at Lowell Boat Shop
Submitted by Graham McKay
Submitted by Graham McKay
Build your own Baidarka Aleutian Kayak
Starting March 1, attendees will each make their own skin-onframe Baidarka Aleutian kayak under the direction of
experienced kayak builder and Alaskan native Ian MacDougall.
L
owell’s Boat Shop will be holding a winter speaker series at
Michael’s Harborside which will focus on maritime related
subjects. We held our first nautical trivia night on January 6
which was fun and peppered us with local knowledge questions.
The Baidarka class will be held twice weekly for six weeks on
Tuesdays from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on
Saturdays.
On February 8, William Barton spoke about his many
expeditions to Sable Island.
April Vacation Family Boatbuilding
Upcoming on future Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m.:
·
March 14: We host Vic Mastone speaking about
shipwrecks in Massachusetts waters.
·
April 11: We have master model maker Rob Napier
speaking about the research and construction of the
model of the downeaster William H. Connor.
Issue 2
The second class will take place from April 18-22, from 8:30
a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day. Under the direction of seasoned
boatbuilder Bill Thomas, four families will have the opportunity
build their own Mischief Pram. This is a perfect first-time boatbuilding project, using glue-on-screw construction along with
traditional methods.
The pram would make a great tender if you have an AYC
mooring! At 7′10″ long and 48″ wide, the Mischief is a proven
design. She’s stable enough for kids to play around in; rows
well and tows like a feather. The end result of our class will be a
beautiful, practical rowboat, suitable enough for younger, firsttime boaters or old salts.
Please join us, and let us know you’re from the AYC. Additionally, Lowell’s has several boatbuilding classes coming up this
spring, where each attendee will go home with their very own
boat! See the other article on this page
Build Your Own Fox Canoe/Kayak
At the end of the spring of 2016, we will hold a build-your-own
Fox Double Paddle Canoe/Kayak.
Fox is a decked double-paddle canoe intended for protected
waters along the coast, lakes, and for all those appealing
backwaters and creeks you have been meaning to explore
someday. Fox is a grand boat for hunting, fishing, camping and
tripping with a dog or young child seated forward of the
paddler. She is 14′7″ long with a beam of 30"; the finished
weight is just over 40 pounds.
We’ll be building our Fox Canoes over two consecutive
weekends: May 6-8 and 13-15 at Lowell’s Boat Shop. It’s hard
to imagine a finer place to spend an early spring week in New
England.
For more information and to sign up, visit
www.lowellsboatshop.com.
Dan Edson took a nice close-up of the dolphin.
Looks like we’ll need a replacement this spring.
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February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Issue 2
Ice on the Merrimack River
Photos by Dave Hewey
The northeast storm of January 24 did not bring historic snowfall levels to our region, but it was strong enough to kick up
high seas and big tides. The combination of winds and tides caused this massive ice flow in the area of the club.
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February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Issue 2
Regatta Committee Annual Report for 2015
Submitted by Amy Sison, Regatta Committee Chair
T
he Regatta Committee started the year with the “Save a
Sailor Regatta” on June 20. This regatta was started last
year by past commodore Clif Robinson to raise awareness for
melanoma research. We had nine boats participate in this event;
it was a wonderful way to start the season. With the help of
some generous donations, a beautiful new perpetual trophy was
purchased to commemorate the winners. The day ended with an
excellent dinner catered by American Barbeque.
regatta. It was a great day, starting with a pancake breakfast in
the morning and ending with a dinner catered by Oreganos in
the evening.
We had a total of 17 boats participate in PHRF racing
throughout the season. We purchased a much-needed new mark
this season and will need to replace another in 2016.
The committee would love to see more racing at the AYC in the
next year and more participation in the races. We welcome
ideas on how to get more members to participate.
The second regatta, the “Rum Run Regatta”, was held on
August 1 and 2. We had seven boats participate in two days of
racing. This year we had discounted rum for the event from
Privateer Rum.
We would also like to thank everyone involved in racing at the
AYC this past year. We especially thank the members who
offered their powerboats for the regattas, worked on the race
committee, or offered their help in anyway at the events.
The last regatta of the season was the “Chet Young Memorial
Regatta” on September 19. We had ten boats participate in this
House Committee Annual Report for 2015
Submitted by Dave Hewey, AYC House Committee Chair
T
were hauled out, repaired, and placed back in the water, just in
time for the July 4th weekend. A great job by all the members
who helped!
he AYC House and Yard Committees got together for two
"Pre Opening Day" work parties this season. One was held
on Sunday, April 19th and the other on Saturday, May 2. The
April work party was well attended and we were able to get the
old float completely demolished and construction of the new
one underway. We also replaced two flotation boxes under
another float, and the yard committee folks got the entire deck
scrubbed and power washed.
The House and Yard Committees held a meeting on October 14
to discuss closing day plans and also how to clear the Rail Trail
area of boats and other items.
Closing Day was October 17, 2015. The day went very well and
all the floats were hauled out and stored by 11 00 a.m. The
water was left on until mid-November for the mooring group
and others to flush and wash down boats.
We held a very successful Opening Day on May 16; over 90
members attended, and the floats were repaired and in the water
all set up by 11:00 a.m. The wood-shingle siding was completed
on the club house, and the picnic tables were well on their way
to being repaired and refinished. Lunch, as always, was amazing
and all enjoyed the following afternoon.
On Closing Day we also discovered that we have a problem
with the pump system for our sewerage line. I met with William
Andersen, and he suggested replacement of the pumps and the
control box, as they appeared to be 15-20 years old, the life
expectancy of a system of this type. The work has been
approved and he will begin the job soon. The new platform and
steps on the end of the locker house were completed this year as
well.
The repair of the hot-top on the launch ramp was completed
later in the season. Some of the hump was removed, and it now
works better for longer trailers. The east wall will be getting
some temporary repairs at some point in the next year, and we
are forming a committee to begin the process of designing and
acquiring permits for the project.
On behalf of the membership of the AYC, I want to thank all
who helped on all the work we did this year. A great job done!
On July 1 the club took a hit from a strong summer storm, and
two of the main floats were damaged. The next day the floats
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February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Issue 2
Entertainment Committee Annual Report 2015
Submitted by Joyce E. Stoehr
J
oyce Stoehr became liaison to the Entertainment Committee
for 2015. She held two meetings in the spring at which new
member Heide Holmes volunteered to send out the notices for
the events where people could sign up online what they planned
to bring. The committee was in charge of the following events:
Opening Day Work Party, Get Acquainted Party, Fourth of July
Party for which Clare Williams volunteered to take charge,
Closing Day Work Party, and the Annual Banquet and Awards.
through when asked for food donations. Since the Annual
Banquet and Awards was held at the Ashworth at Hampton
Beach this year, many members took advantage of the overnight
accommodations at the Ashworth and enjoyed walking the
beach. More members attended this year than last year, when it
was held at DiBurro’s in Bradford.
Next year we need to better inform members on how to use the
signup sheet on the Constant Contact notices sent out. A lack of
posters at the club contributed to a smaller than usual turnout
for the Fourth of July Party.
The Regatta Committee asked for help with the Rum Run
Dinner and the Chet Young Dinner because many members of
that committee were racing. As always, the membership came
Landscape Committee Annual Report 2015
Submitted by Nancy and Doug Cornell
T
summer: Alana Ali-Reynolds and Roberta and Dave Knight.
We would also like to thank the stewards who helped with
mowing and watering during the summer months. As always,
we appreciate the support of the AYC officers and membership.
he Landscape Committee maintained the grounds in the
courtyard area around the AYC sign, and the bank of roses
along the east wall. We also procured and maintained the
hanging baskets on the porch. Landscape work is done weekly
throughout the season, from April through October. We had
good turnouts for Opening and Closing Days, and had support
during the summer, as needed, from club members and staff.
On another note, we find we are not getting any younger, and
after twenty or so years of serving as the committee, we would
like to relinquish the chairmanship of the Landscape
Committee. Perhaps someone would like to jump in and take
over for 2016. If not, we will work with anyone this year in
preparation for assuming the chairmanship the following year.
Our work includes planting, pruning, fertilizing, weeding,
mowing, watering and whatever maintenance is required to
keep these areas healthy and attractive. For the first time in
several years we did not have a major project, nor did we
sustain much storm damage.
It has been our great privilege to work with everyone at AYC to
keep our grounds attractive and appealing.
We are especially thankful for all the volunteers on workdays,
and for several members who helped with watering during the
Audit Committee Report, Fiscal Year 2015
Submitted by Audit Committee Members Mike Delgado, Paul Melanson, and Jeff Stoehr
A
fter having reviewed the books of the AYC for 2015 we,
the Audit Committee, found that the finances and the
accounting of the AYC are generally in good order and without
improprieties. We, in fact, found very little to criticize.
We made a number of recommendations after the 2014 audit,
and all but one had been addressed to our satisfaction.The one
unaddressed item was that month-to-date and year-to-date
revenues and expenses be reported routinely each month to the
Executive Committee so that committee members become
familiar with spending and income patterns and can be better
able to recognize issues early on. Len agreed to do this, which
makes this report short and with no further recommendations.
As recommended in last year’s audit, Collector Homer Shannon
and Treasurer Len Johnson were on hand to field questions and
to explain things that were not clear to us. Bob Chadwick, who
really knows his way around QuickBooks, aided by navigating
quickly to the underlying data when transactions were
questioned.
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The American Yacht Club Newsletter
February 2016
Issue 2
Mooring Committee Annual Report 2015
Submitted by the Mooring Committee
Things that went well:
·
We managed to accommodate all applicants, thus bringing the total moorings to a high of 156.
·
Except for a couple of boats that went in early, we managed to get top chains changed before all those needing them arrived.
·
We received applications from all but a very few. Finally!
·
All but one paid the appropriate taxes and fees to Newburyport or Salisbury.
·
We generally stayed close to budget, but revenues were a bit lower and costs a bit higher than expected. Tackle sales were
lower than last year in part because we had more major services performed in the two years preceding this year. Costs?
Well, we just miscalculated. But we do have some inventory going into 2016. Tie-down charges were lower because we
pulled a number of moorings before the tie-down process began, some for major service and some because they weren’t
occupied for two years or more. Revenues were $33,397; expenses were $21,177, leaving a surplus of $12,220.
·
We got much better cooperation regarding folks taking their balls home and returning them in better condition. Still some
issues, though.
·
Volunteerism was much better this year as we had more volunteers. Some expressed interest in getting more involved,
always a good sign for successor planning.
·
The shed got a thorough cleaning and reorganizing.
Things that didn’t go so well:
·
Four boats broke loose: two because of failed shackles, one because of a failed swivel, and one because of failed pendants.
Two happened during storms.
·
Four moorings had failed swivels that caused the top chain to separate from the bottom chain. Fortunately, three of the
moorings were vacant at the time. The swivels were all older than we normally allow and smaller than we’ve been allowing
for the last two years. This caused us to include swivels on scheduled rotation where, before, we judged by appearance. We
actually started that last year while increasing the size of the swivels. When top chains are replaced in 2016, all swivels will
be current.
·
One boat sank during a storm, but it was through no fault of the mooring.
Looking Forward:
·
The committee has decided that there will be no more additional moorings. The field is crowded, but more importantly, the
number we have is getting to be overwhelming. The schedule of what service needed for 2016 has been mapped out and
commitments for inventory have been made.
·
The barge will get a new throttle/shifter control as well as new cables. These have been purchased already. The crane needs
a new block and hook. Nothing else major will be required.
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February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Issue 2
Treasurer’s Annual Report 2015
Submitted by Len Johnson, Treasurer
Account Balances
Nov-1-2014
Oct-31-2015
30299962 Money Market
790093496 Capital Investment
9046111 Checking
93105-SV Sailing School
118,236.84
23,879.02
54,798.51
1,162.21
138,750.46
48,973.13
57,511.16
1,165.14
Total:
198,076.58
246,399.89
Revenue
Income
Expenses
201,414.27
163,277.06
180,122.73
141,982.12
27,507.41
38,140.61
Net Income
Largest Expenses 2015 Fiscal Year
Taxes (employment, real estate)
Mooring Committee
Insurance
24,658.59
2,236.37
16,807.78
Other Significant Financial Events
The IRS penalty of $1,840 has been resolved: the penalty ($1,840.00) and interest ($17.02) claimed by the IRS was paid on April 6,
2015. Simultaneously, your Treasurer filed a “Reasonable Cause” letter with the IRS, asking that the penalty and interest be returned
to the Club due to the omissions of its accountant, not the Club. The IRS agreed, and on May 28, 2015 the IRS returned all sums paid
by the AYC in full.
New Club Accountant
On 4-15-2015, the prior accountant was terminated. On 4-15-2015 the accounting firm of Fritz, DeGuglielmo, LLC, located in
Newburyport, Massachusetts, was retained. It now handles the payroll and accounting needs of the AYC.
I am happy to report that the AYC is now current with all State and Federal tax filing requirements.
Secretary’s Annual Report 2015
Submitted by Joyce Stoehr, Secretary
Changes in Membership as of December 31, 2015
Count
271
Total Regular Members
2
Resignations in October
270
Total Dues paying members
15
5
New Life Members in January,
bringing the total Life Membership to 106
Resignations in December.
One of these Out of Country Status
5
New Life Members for 2016
16
New Members in March 2015
0
Expulsions in December
1
Out-of-country returned as regular member in July
20
Openings for 2016
2
Deaths
· Regular Member P/C Clifton M. Robinson
· Life Member Arthur Page
22
On wait-list for membership for 2016 as of
December 31, 2015
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February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Issue 2
Meet the AYC 2015 Prospective New Members!
Submitted by the Membership Committee
F
ollowing the tradition begun in 2014, we asked all prospective new members to send us a photo and write a brief paragraph to
introduce themselves to the Club. (The Membership Committee cropped the photos and edited the paragraphs.) At the general
meeting on March 9, members will vote on these applicants, and on March 23 at the “New Members” Meeting at the PITA Hall on
Plum Island, you can meet them in person. Here they are in alphabetical order.
Richard Anderson
My introduction to sailing was in the mid-1980’s at Community Boating on the Charles River.
It’s a great way to learn to sail, and I thoroughly enjoyed taking the boats out after work.
“Staying between the two bridges” got a bit old, so I upgraded to a sailing club on Boston
Harbor. This provided an opportunity for some real sailing—there is nothing like sailing a
few hundred feet beneath a jumbo jet that’s landing at Logan!
About ten years ago Linda and I bought a 1987 Pearson 26 that we named Solstice. Over the
years we’ve sailed as far north as Portland and as far south as Cuttyhunk Island. Then last year
we upgraded to a new (older) boat—a 1966 Pearson Vanguard that we named Blue Moon.
This boat is functionally sound, but it needs a good bit of cosmetic work; I will be sanding and
varnishing until my arms fall off.
Chris Baker
My first involvement with the American Yacht Club was when I attended the junior sailing
program at age 12. It left an impression some 30 plus years later. Over those years, I have
operated many boats for work and for play and now want to return to where it all started. I
have a 1986 Cape Dory Typhoon which I hope to sail around Newburyport harbor from the
AYC. As a prospective member, I look forward to being involved in the club and would be
interested in participating on the mooring committee team.
Susan Bernhard
I am very pleased to be considered for membership in the AYC. After moving to Newburyport
a few years ago my husband Jeff and I wanted to get reacquainted with the Merrimack River.
Through a colleague, I knew of the AYC’s adult sailing class, which I took this past
summer. Spending nights on the river for class this past July was wonderful.
I got to meet club members and learn of the members’ involvement maintaining the club.
After talking with a fellow sailing student, I learned there were others who belonged to the
club but did not have a boat, and were also novice sailors like me.
We recently returned from a wonderful trip sailing a monohull around the BVI with friends. I
am looking forward to honing my sailing skills and becoming an active member with the AYC
community.
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February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Issue 2
Meet the AYC 2015 Prospective New Members! (continued)
Kevin Betz
Kathy and I are excited by my opportunity to be a member of the AYC. We moved to
Newburyport a little more than four years ago, upon my retirement from 28 years’ service in
the United States Air Force. Kathy is a New Englander and spent her childhood summers at
Grandmother’s home in Newburyport. Settling here gave us the opportunity to finally pursue
sailing. Kathy and I are new to sailing and look forward to being part of a group sharing the
same interest. Our youngest, John, has also gained an interest in sailing as part of the Opti race
team with Ipswich Junior Sailing. All of the opportunities to get involved with others at AYC
are exciting. As a bit of a handyman, I look forward to helping with yard work and general
maintenance at the club.
Billy Crotty
My family and I have been vacationing in Newburyport/Plum Island for over 20 years. Working
abroad, we would come to PI for the first two weeks of August, and thoroughly enjoy ourselves.
No greenheads. We moved back permanently in 2014 when our boys were entering middle and
high school. Now living here full time, I am anxious to put down roots, and the club for me is a
logical choice. Apart from the fact my son (Alec 12) and ex-wife (Kelly) enjoyed courses there
last summer, I am an avid sailor. I am still a member of the Harbor Yacht Club in San Diego
where we lived for 6 years before coming back to Newburyport. I also used to sail in Boston
Harbor when my ex-wife was going to school at BU.
I have been to the club several times and feel very comfortable there. The ambience and ease
with which it operates suits my style.
I am 50, and currently the CEO of Vertu, a fashion tech producer of high end mobile devices.
I have two kids in the Newburyport public schools and one daughter in college in California.
I appreciate the opportunity to join such an old and prestigious club and, if accepted, will
uphold its principles and support its needs as best I can.
Joel Cushing
Nancy and I have missed the AYC and the camaraderie that exists there. We look forward to
this opportunity to rejoin the club, rekindle old relationships and to establish some new ones.
We have been busy attending to our parents, loving our children, and welcoming our grandchildren into our lives. The grandchildren are a big part of our focus now, and I think that's
why we are working so hard to stay healthy.
We still live in Newburyport, but we also have a condo in Florida so that we can spend some
time with our Florida grandchildren. We have a summer house on Ossipee Lake in NH, which
is owned by me and my three siblings. We have a 16 foot Lund to get around the lake and to
take the kids tubing.
Currently, we have no need for a mooring, but we do miss the yacht club and the good people
who make up the membership.
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February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Issue 2
Meet the AYC 2015 Prospective New Members! (continued)
Mark Donovan
Mark lives in the south end of Newburyport with his wife Jeanie, three young sons, and
chocolate lab dog, Cisco. Professionally, he has a background as a venture capital/growth
capital investor and as an operating executive, mostly in the health care industry. He serves as
a board director and coach for Newburyport Youth Lacrosse, as well as a coach for
Newburyport Youth Hockey. Mark and his family enjoy staying active in the great outdoors,
especially the ocean, where they can be found surfing, paddle boarding or on their sunfish
sailboat.
Wayne Dunbar
Wayne is an unlikely boating enthusiast because he grew up in a small town atop the Blue
Ridge Mountains in Western Maryland. That small town happened to be located next door to
the largest lake in Maryland (with 75 mile shoreline), and that town was also the birthplace of
the Flying Scot, the Highlander, and the Thistle (all creations of Sandy Douglass).
As a kid, Wayne sailed Scots and Lasers when he wasn’t cruising around in his parents’ 1958
Lyman (which he still owns and uses on New England lakes). Going to college in the
Washington, D.C. area made it easy to continue sailing on the Potomac and Severn Rivers, as
well as the Chesapeake Bay.
Since moving to Massachusetts, Wayne has taken full advantage of sailing and power
boating. In between crewing on friends’ Island Packets, Hunters, ODays, Pearsons, and
Sabres, he thoroughly enjoyed restoring and sailing a 36 foot Catalina and a 25 foot
Pursuit. He is now looking for a new sailing craft to enjoy the Merrimack and beyond.
Wayne has held several management positions with Dow Chemical, Gulf Oil, Cannon, and
American Tourister, as well as a number of entrepreneurial start-up companies.
Gail Fayre
Gail has been married for ten years to Judy Fayre, and they share four children between them,
ages 21-28 who have all fledged. Gail and Judy moved to Newbury four years ago so Gail
could accept a job at Anna Jaques Hospital as the Chief Medical Officer. Whenever time
provides, Gail finds opportunities to sail. Although she doesn’t yet own a boat, Gail dreams of
the day when home and boat will be one and the same.
Past sailing adventures have included Vineyard Sound, Buzzards Bay, and as far south as
island hopping around the Caribbean. This winter her newest adventure will be bareboating in
Belize.
Gail and Judy have a 18-month-old labra-doodle who is learning to be a sailing enthusiast as
well.
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February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Issue 2
Meet the AYC 2015 Prospective New Members! (continued)
Chris Hillios
Thank you for the opportunity to be considered for membership in the AYC. I moved to
Newburyport in 1999 looking for a community where I could sail. In 2011 I earned my US
Sailing Bareboat certification and have since chartered boats out of Newport, Rhode Island,
and Auckland, New Zealand. Over the last 3 years I have sailed competitively on 24-36-foot
sailboats in PSA sponsored races in the Portsmouth area. I am excited by the possibility of
being part of the AYC and finding a sailing community for myself and my family that is
closer to home.
Ken Jackman
I was introduced to the AYC in September 2014 at the Customs House Maritime Museum
viewing of the documentary on building a schooner in Essex. What resonated most with me
was the unique character of the club and the can-do spirit of the members I met at the fall
volunteer day. I grew up around the ocean with summers on Cape Cod packed full of boating
and fishing. My wife Kristen and I moved to Newburyport five years ago and absolutely love
it. We have four young children: Madeleine, Parker, Preston, and the most recent addition to
our crew, Spencer.
We enjoy powerboating, sailing, and rowing, and we look forward to enjoying many exciting
summers ahead with the kids on the water, as they learn to do all three. We are looking
forward to launching our new 16′ wooden Lowell’s Boat Shop sailboat/rowboat from the
AYC.
Rich Johnson
I have been working for the American dairy farmer for over 23 years. When I am not working,
I am boating, usually with my family.
My wife, Karen, and I introduced our two sons to boating when they were young boys.
Mason, my sailor, a freshman at Trinity College, and Will, a junior at Governor's, have both
become passionate about boating and the sea. The entire family scuba dives and rejoices in
fishing (especially when we catch one). My wife is originally from the Oregon coast, while I
was raised in the Boston area. We raised our boys on the south shore where I had my office.
We moved to NBPT 2-1/2 years ago, primarily so I could lessen my commute to Vermont.
We are entrenched at Lowell's Boat shop. Last year, Will participated in their unique apprenticeship program and built a 28' surf dory. More recently, he has built his own 16 ft Long
Point skiff!
My wife “retired” from her former sales business and is currently a volunteer at Lowell's Boat
Shop, admissions at Will's school, and has an been appointed to the Bartlett Mall Commission.
We cherish our new community and especially appreciate it's valuable natural resources. We
would be honored to meet the membership of the ACY in the months to come.
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February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Issue 2
Meet the AYC 2015 Prospective New Members! (Continued)
Dave L’Esperance
I am very pleased for this opportunity to join such an amazing family as the American Yacht
Club. My wife Debbie and I are avid fishermen and boat owners. Our friends Tom and Ali
first introduced us to your club back in July, and as we were talking we all thought it would be
a wonderful experience. That is how we came to be involved in your club. We would like to
do our part by helping out in the areas where the club could use a hand. Thank you very much
for considering us.
Meaghan Lane
Hello! My name is Meaghan and I first heard of the AYC through my father, who has been a
member these past few years. An avid sailor, he introduced me to the water when I was just
two weeks old and I haven't been able to get enough of it since! I love the ocean and never
want to be too far from its call. I fell in love with the AYC during the couple of races I have
been able to attend, and I am especially impressed by the sense of community that is
represented there. I am honored to be considered for membership and look forward to
spending more wonderful summers on the beautiful Merrimack River, supporting the AYC
wherever I am most needed.
Kathy Lord
I am delighted to have the opportunity to apply for membership to the American Yacht Club.
My mother was a sailor, captain of her Lowell '19 Nimbus and then her C&C Wings of the
Morning. We spent a lot of time at the yacht club, and I am still struck by the beauty of the
views from its deck. Tony and I plan to sign up for sailing lessons this summer, if for no other
reason than to reacquaint ourselves with the river, for which I have healthy respect. And we
are both eager to make new friends and to get involved in the community.
12
February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Issue 2
Meet the AYC 2015 Prospective New Members! (continued)
Dave Olds
I am very pleased to be considered for membership in the AYC. I first became acquainted
with the club as a crew member on the sailing vessel Speculation ,owned by AYC member
Paul Cavanaugh. Since then, our oldest son has taken sailing lessons at the AYC sailing
school.
Patty and I both were also very impressed with the club and its welcoming atmosphere as
guests of our close friends Dave and Alison McDougall and Todd and Alexandra FremontSmith. My youngest son, Peter, is planning to sign up for the August 2016 sailing school.
I have been sailing since 1991 in New England waters but always on other people’s boats—
mostly out of Marblehead and Marion. At present we do not have a boat of our own but hope
to start with something small to enjoy the river basin around AYC. We recognize that AYC
depends on membership participation on various committees. Patty and I look forward to
learning about upcoming projects and other responsibilities that we might get involved with at
the club.
Ted Raina
I am very happy to be considered for membership at the AYC. My sailing experiences began
several… well, many years ago, when living in Marblehead. At the time I was the proud
owner of a Cape Dory Typhoon. Since then, several small boats have arrived and departed
from my driveway.
My wife Donna and I have lived on Plum Island for fifteen years and have always wanted to
be more involved in the area’s boating activities. After attending some events as a guest I feel
the AYC is a perfect place to be. It has a very friendly, casual atmosphere which to me is quite
unique. My sponsors have discussed the many committees which are available to join. My
background is in the construction materials production area, where it is essential to safely and
efficiently get things done while working with others. I look forward to participating in
keeping the AYC operating safely and smoothly.
Michael C. Rogers
I was born in 1941 in Ipswich, England. Lived on the river Orwell, where I learned to sail. At
fifteen years old I was apprenticed as a toolmaker at Cranes LTD. Ipswich, England.
I got married when I was 23 and had four children. In 1980 we came to America for a new
life. I lost my wife to cancer in 1998.
I met Anita in 2000 and we have been sailing together since then.
13
February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Issue 2
Meet the AYC 2015 Prospective New Members! (continued)
Graham Sharp
Equally at home in a dinghy or on board a cruiser, Graham has been sailing since he was nine
years old, learning in dinghies when in the Scouts in Boston, England. Since then, he has had
the good fortune to have lived and sailed all over the world, picking up experiences on several
continents and his ASA certifications along the way.
Graham owns a 17-foot Hunter day sailer and a Laser. He is keen to get racing again. He is
willing to help out on larger boats if anyone needs crew, and is often also looking for crew for
day sailing either around Newburyport or trailering farther afield.
Dan Swift
I have been sailing out of the Merrimack River for the last 20 years. Sailing is my passion. I
have a captain’s license and have a part time job on the 9th Wave. I am a scuba diver with
over 60 Merrimac River dives. I have a local real estate business in Newburyport. I look
forward to helping out at the club and getting to know the members.
Bill Watts
I am “mostly retired,” a local optometrist in practice in Newburyport since 1976.
At the age of twelve, I built my first sailboat with my dad from a set of plans out of Boy’s Life
Magazine and have been sailing ever since. I learned to sail as a boy by “the seat of my pants”
(plus a ten minute lesson from my dad on the beach) on Sippican Harbor, Marion. A number
of years later I returned to Mattapoisett to race my Hobie Cat in New England’s largest annual
Hobie Cat Regatta. My other boats have included my homebuilt “sailfish,” a Force 5 by
Alcort, and a few sailing/floating wrecks. I have done bareboat chartering in the Lesser
Antilles and raced my Hobie all over New England. Up to and including this year, I have been
recreationally sailing my Hobie Cat out of Clark’s Cove, Dartmouth, into Buzzard’s Bay. I
just acquired a 1979 C&C 36 from a friend in Falmouth and hope to cruise it to Maine and
Rhode Island this coming summer..
14
February 2016
The American Yacht Club Newsletter
Issue 2
AYC Sketchbook
Sea Grass by Rob Brun, oil on gessoed paper. 5" X 7"
Online links to the American Yacht Club’s Constitution, Bylaws, House Rules and member Directory are available online. To
access these documents, go to http://americanyachtclub.org/private, enter the name “AYCmember” and the password
“ayc2015xxxx ( where “xxxx is this year’s gate code found on the back of your membership card).
Commodore
Barry Gluck
603-382-8302
Vice Commodore
Joe Puleo Jr.
603-876-4012
Rear Commodore
Dan Pratt
978-388-3401
Secretary
Joyce Stoehr
978-462-9083
Treasurer
Len Johnson
978-388-0501
Collector
Homer Shannon
603-880-4328
Measurer
William Caron
603-437-3902
Membership Committee
David H Knight, Jr.
978-505-1208
Mooring Committee
Don Sestini
978-682-1624
[email protected]
House Committee
Dave Hewey
978-373-6038
Send all physical** Sailorgram submissions to:
Yard Committee
Paul Morin
978-462-6533
Landscape Committee
Nancy & Doug Cornell 978-474-4323
Due date is the first of each month. Sailorgram will only be published
Dan Pratt
when there is enough material to warrant it.
Regatta Committee
Entertainment /Activities Lon Sherman
Please send all digital* Sailorgram submissions to
Homer Shannon, 15 Autumn St., Windham, NH 03087
978-388-3041
* Copy submissions must be in .txt, .rtf, or .doc format; image formats
978 388-3434
Sailorgram
Jim Grenier
978-388-4445
Sailing School
Jackie Morin
978-462-6533
Steward/Club House
American Yacht Club
P.O. Box 1360
Newburyport MA 01950
must be .jpg, .gif, or .tif
** All written matter must be typewritten; images can be photos,
978-465-9053
15