Spring weather finally arrived just in time for one of the best cruises in recent memory. Sixty-seven registrants, guests and several adorable dogs arrived in a flotilla of thirty-one boats and several modes of alternative transportation. Port hosts Murray and Val Laidley and their stellar team of Dennis Largé, Susan Brown, Bill & Susi Hollerman, Dan Niven and Elizabeth Mahoney went all out in preparing an unforgettable yachting experience.
On the opening evening, attendees took part in a blind wine tasting held on the dock. Each entrant submitted two bottles of their favorite wine which were wrapped in white paper to conceal their identities. What seemed like an awful lot of wine disappeared in short order as participants sipped, swirled and occasionally spat. Pat and Carol McGarry took the prize for the most popular wine tasted with a Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling.
The first full day of the cruise kicked off with a hot breakfast on the dock. Eggs, sausages, fruit and juices were prepared and served dockside.
Later that day, all the cruisers gathered at the event tent for a very unique event, yacht building and racing. The port hosts put in a tremendous effort to provide all the raw materials and tools to build some very innovative and stylish model yachts. Once the masterpieces were ready to launch, the entries lined up on the race course. No matter how brilliant the yacht design and construction, winning all came down to a roll of a giant die. After four very competitive heats, Marty Leese and Jill Selby emerged as the victorious yachtsmen.
Dinner Tuesday was a barbecue in the event tent with potluck side dishes and desserts. It was a great evening capping off a wonderful day of fun and friendship. Recognizing our outstanding port hosts, Jon Galbraith stated that Shelter Bay Yacht Club has returned. He noted that the wonderful cruise came with the amazing cost of only five dollars a head.
This cruise exemplifies the glorious return of Shelter Bay Yacht Club. Registration for the event filled up early. Cruise Coordinators Jon and Debbie Galbraith have assumed the duties of Fleet Captain, if not the title, and made cruising season the success it is turning out to be. Hopefully their rising to the occasion will inspire one or more of our members to volunteer to serve as Fleet Captain for the coming year.
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