Scholarships and a Computerized Yearbook Initiated

1988 proved to be an interesting year for the Bay! Our champion sailors went on to Area B, and several won there and went on to the National Finals. Race Week ran smoothly at Sayville with enjoyable conditions. Queen of the Bay was very fast and wet. The Laser fleet made a remarkable showing, and the new PHRF class had its first Bay Champions. The Scholarship Committee funded the first three awards. And, this yearbook is computerized.

Our 1988 Champions are listed in the Championship pages. Special congratulations are in order for Paul-Jon Patin, sailing single-handed, and also for Doug Meyhoefer and Paul McCann sailing for the Men’s. They sailed to first places in Area B, and went on to the National Championships.

Race Week was a four consecutive day event held at Sayville. Conditions were excellent, and everything ran well with RC Chairman Phil Linker at the helm. The same four day format will again be used at Bay Shore, and Phil is promising nice breezes and sunshine for the racing!

Queen of the Bay was sailed in Bellport in a classic 20-25 knot So’ Easter. Finishing the 7.5 mile course first overall for the Everitt Trophy was Peter Fraker on a Hobie 18. He effortlessly clicked off the laps, leaving a few close competitors behind to perform spectacular nose dives and cartwheels. Finishing in 45 minutes, he also won the Gallina Trophy for the first multi on corrected time. Although PHRF monohulls are long and powerful, the planning boats took the fleet by storm. First in, planning like crazy, with an hour on the clock, was Kevin Donohue, the first Narrasketuck to win since 1952. The Lightning, sailed by Joseph McCann, harried the Tuck around the course, and took corrected time handily.

The Laser fleet has been coming on stronger each year. If you ever get a chance to sail one in a breeze, wear a life jacket. The boat reacts quicker than most. This old catamaran sailor relearned the meaning of death rolls! The class is for youth, and growth for it means a brighter future for the Bay.

The PHRF class is now established. This year there is racing at almost every club on the Bay. If you race a big boat, join the fun and bring your friends! Most of the PHRF sailors remember One-Design racing on the GSBYRA circuit. Now is the time to relive the traditions! Would anyone like to donate a Race Week Trophy?

The Scholarship Committee is taking over more of this book every year! A page explains the fund’s purpose, and announces the first three recipients. Elsewhere are complimentary advertisements for recognition of corporate gifts to the fund. Considerable time and effort was needed to implement this program. The Chairman and members of the Committee deserve a lot of credit in bringing the program to fruition.

This Yearbook has now been computerized. This first year has been a major job. Just imagine typing and proof reading each name, club, and year. Then add layouts and typesetting. The bottom line for the Bay is a lower production cost and easier editing in the future. If you find a correction, or have a photo to include, send it to Glenn or MaryAnn. The previous editors should be proud of the past yearbooks. The style and organization has been of the highest caliber, perhaps the best of any Area in the country. In fact, other areas are working with our book as a model to upgrade their own yearbooks.

Best of sailing, and good luck in ’89.

Larry Deering