2024-01-03

Taking a look back at the year that was at the LaHave River Yacht Club

Submitted by Dianne M Tough,

Well, it's been another successful boating season!

Let's start...well, at the start of the season. There was a buzz of excitement in the spring as we did a yard clean up and got the docks put in the water.

Honourary member Charley Mosher, and volunteers did an excellent job doing maintenance and the required prep work. The crane co. Nodding's provided the required services to assist with the heavy docks. The docks were supplied with water and power thanks to Gilles and Gary along with many volunteers.

The clubhouse was opened in anticipation of the summer activities to come. The windows were cleaned, the floors scrubbed, flags and trophies were put on display (for bragging rights!) When all of the day's activities were finished, members enjoyed a nice lunch of chili & rolls provided by Janet Kratunkov a fellow member.

The LaHave River Yacht Club (LRYC) has a strong fellowship and new memberships were celebrated with a dinner and dance. Music was performed by Danny Banfield.

Exhilaration could be felt, as fellow boaters were preparing their boats for launch. The yard crew had a busy spring with the launch of boats started in early May. Troubleshooting and boat maintenance were commenced and swapping of knowledge soon followed. New members were becoming familiar with their new boats and the launching process. Thanks Roy Jensen, Phil Hopewell, and Jim Sunderland for driving the loader and the yard crew for making it all happen.

Mike Hatt, as the Rear Commodore, did an excellent job of co-ordinating the mooring field and docks along with training a new volunteer, Bill Hoskins.

Ladies' Night was another huge success. The ladies had a great evening with music, food, and prize draws. Many thanks to the local businesses' that supported LRYC with their kind and generous donations. Local Artisans featured their products and shopping soon commenced. The appetizers were provided by Sizzle Sticks, and there were samplings from a local distillery, Still Fired Distilleries Inc.

Christine Covert did an outstanding job with entertainment over the past two years. Many social members come to the club to enjoy the music, food and entertainment and fellowship on a Friday evening.

The bar was serving delicious beverages and snacks again this year. On Tap, draft was provided and the club introduced some local distilleries. Thank you, to our bar manager, Lori Smith, for having a sunny disposition and your dedication to the club, along with her team Renee Banfield and Ayssa Dagley.

The owner of Sizzle sticks, Wayne Forward and staff provided the club with delicious food. The menu is diverse and the pricing is great. Hat's off to them for the fabulous food.

The executive board had some new members this year. Shelley Winters (Treasurer), Dianne Tough (Public Relations), Mark Powell (Secretary). As well as the following returning volunteers: Tanya Siepiela (Commodore), Janine Knickle (Vice Commodore), Michael Hatt (Rear Commodore), Christine Covert (Entertainment and Sponsorship Chair), Gilles Belliveau (House and Grounds), Bill Elliot (Membership Chair), Orval Banfield (Racing Chair), Greg Gromack (Yard Captain), and Jim Rofihe (Youth Sailing). Special thanks to the two Dock assistants Kyle Bernier and Ross Pearson for keeping the grounds in immaculate condition and the boats filled up with fuel.

LRYC, hosted an open house this year. Morale was good and those that participated had a great time. Advertising was donated by a community radio station and flyers were distributed throughout the community. The weather didn't co-operate, but the rain didn't dampen our spirts.

The youth sailing program co-ordinated, by Jim Rofihe had another successful year. The participants could be seen out on the water having fun Monday through Friday over July and August. Big shout out to the staff that are coaching the youth. (Noah Wilkie, Luc Keevill, Siena Cusick, and Kyle Hopkins).

Val Doan hosted another great Ladies at the Helm event. Her classroom and practical workshop were very well attended. We are very fortunate to have such skilled and talented volunteers.

The yacht club raced on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Members enjoyed the courses that long time honourary member Orville Banfield, co-ordinated this season. The schooner race week was well attended and enjoyed by participants.

The Rum and the Liverpool races were also had a great turnout by LRYC. Many thanks to participating clubs for their hospitality. The participation this year was good and the bragging rights will commence on the closing commodore's dinner/dance Thanks to Tony Steven and Bill Hoskins for the set up and closing of the race markers.

Summer of 2023, had challenges but thankfully to the dedication of the volunteers, staff and awesome members we were all able to exemplify the plaque that was gifted to LRYC in 1988. The objective of the club shall be to promote fellowship and friendship among members and to encourage the art and science of seamanship and the enjoyment of life afloat, under sail and power.

LRYC has some new and exciting ideas for the summer of 2024.

"Only two sailors, in my experience, never ran aground. One never left port, and the other was an atrocious liar." - Don Bamford.

Thanks for a successful 2023 boating season.