In 2007 OYC Commodore Richard Haas came up with an innovative idea called Boating Saturday to promote interaction between boaters. In 2014, hoping to emphasize that OYC does not stand for On Your Couch, Commodore Bob Halter was the catalyst in revitalizing the Boating Saturday program. For the third consecutive year the concept has proven to be an effective and popular way of getting our OYC membership into boating activities and out of the marina. Although the 2017 schedule was lighter than in the past, our volunteers were still able to schedule four popular events.
On Saturday, May 20th, Bob and Ginny Halter once again kicked off the boating season with a stellar boat parade. Eleven boats with over 50 aboard participated. Knowing both boats and crew were being judged, the participants turned a peaceful parade into a competition with water-gun battles breaking out between vessels. Following the good-natured fun on the water, the boats and crew gathered at Dockside for the presentation of awards. First place went to Tuff Mary and Captain Terry Facey for having the best gun crew and having the most creative method of cleaning the hull of the boat. (We’ll leave that up to Terry to explain.) Second place went to iPhloat captained by Commodore Jeff Winter for best color-coordinated decorations of boat and crew. Special category awards went to T’ai Li captained by Tom and Judy Lampley for best at-sea rescue of a wayward hat, Sea Ya captained by Terry and Arlene Tesmer for most romantic, and Four-of-a-Kind captained by Mark and Lovada Anderson and cocaptain Ted Olencki for being the most patriotic. Hopefully, the good-natured competition and enthusiasm will carry over to 2018.
After a break from the summer heat, two events were scheduled for August. On Saturday, August 5th, Kim and Ed Mascolo hosted the Music in the Cove event at their home dock. The cove behind their home was a perfect venue for all types of boats and kayaks. Music was provided by DJ Buddy who played crowd favorites and the music of choice for those who came ashore to take their turn at the open mic. Those brave ones were rewarded by Kim and Ed with a hot dog and beverage. The number of participants willing to come ashore kept Captain Paul Hotz and his dinghy so busy shuttling them back and forth that he didn’t get a chance to take the mic. We’ll make sure you have your turn next year, Paul.
The relaxing Floating Saturday was hosted by Joan and Bruce Behrend on August 19th. The popular activity attracted both boaters and anyone with a floating device to gather on the water at the little beach across from the marina and enjoy the excellent weather. Water toys were passed out for competitive on-thewater fun, while boaters listened to music and enjoyed their favorite snacks. In the spirit of the event, at the conclusion of the on-the-water activities, everyone was invited to Dockside to end the day with a root beer float.
The final event of the season will be the Barbecue-on-the-Beach at Secret Beach on Saturday, September 30th – weather permitting. Bob and Sue Burgess will provide burgers and hot dogs for those who care to anchor and come ashore. Be sure to take advantage of this last opportunity to get off your coach and on the water.
The OYC is always looking for volunteers. If you would like to host a fun event that will get boaters together and on the water, contact the 2018 On-theWater Director (TBD in January and posted on the OYC website). It’s never too early to starting planning for the 2018 boating season.
Thanks again to our event hosts for making 2017 another fun year. Safe boating as we finish out the year on the water!