Sail Party on the Horizon

This newsletter was submitted by Friends of Swampscott Sailing

Ahoy Matey,

Come to the Swampscott Yacht Club in the Historic Fish House on Oct. 22 for a night of fun to support the Friends of Swampscott Sailing!  The party starts at 7 pm, and we'll have live music (Lois Lane and the Daily Planets), heavy appetizers, lots of pirates, and some treasures for lucky raffle winners.  

As most of you know, FoSS is a non-profit organization that acts as a booster fund for the Swampscott Sailing Program and Big Blue Sailing. We raise money in support of water-based recreation in Swampscott, and provide support in whatever means we can -- from launching and removing the chase boats, to helping purchase and repair the racing fleet. Your support helps keep the program afloat! 

So, in the spirit of the season and our love of the sea, join us (in full Pirate attire, or just with an eye patch or bandanna) for a night out with friends and to get an update on what FoSS has been up to for the past year.  

Tickets are $20 per person and will be available at the Recreation Department Monday-Friday 8-12pm, at the Swampscott Yacht Club, or through any FoSS Board Member (Don Pinkerton, Ulf Westhoven, Steve Eckman, or Amy Sullivan).Please RSVP by October 15th so we can plan accordingly!  If you can't come, but would still like to contribute, click here to make a donation.   

Sailing Program Update

It was a great summer season for SSP!  Some of the highlights of the Youth program include:

• The Beginners class was at full capacity, with 84 students.  This summer had the successful introduction of 8 year olds into the Program. 
• The Intermediate class increased from 56 to 75 students, compared to last year. 
• The new Advanced Sailing class was a success, with 16 students this year. 
• The Racing Program sent 3 boats to Marblehead Race Week, thanks to a generous contribution from Jim McCully.

The Adult program grew from 12 to 16 students, and the new Adult Racing class got off to a good start, under the direction of Ulf Westhoven, using the Rhodes that was donated to the SailingProgram this year.  Thanks to Amy Sullivan and Ulf Westhoven, who headed up the Curriculum Committee and proposed some of the new directions.  

Fall Sailing is under way for the Big Blue sailors, under the direction of Coach Bart Lowden.  

Overall, across the program there was a record-breaking total of 217 participants, 28 more than last year!  But more than numbers, these are children and adults who are having a blast learning how to participate in a lifetime sport in our waterfront community.  Thanks to Directors Mike Campbell, Katie Kimball, and Bart Lowden and the instructors who worked so hard this summer.  And thanks to Recreation Director Danielle Strauss for her commitment to the Sailing Program. 

Odds & Ends

We continue to work closely with Danielle Strauss in the Recreation Department with plans to build a Float for the 420s.  We plan to buy another Club 420 in time for Big Blue Sailing's Spring Season.  

One of our Best Friends, Lynn Marine Supply in Marblehead, is having a sale.  Mention that you are a FoSS Member for a 10% discount!

Volunteer Update

There was tremendous volunteer support again this summer season to transport the racing fleet and Chase boats back and forth.  This time, there was also a newly donated Rhodes 19 to prepare, launch, and pull (prior to Hurricane Irene).  Thanks to Bill and Amy Sullivan, Greg MacDonald, Rob Begin, Doug Mentuck, Peter and Meg Walker, Don Pinkerton, Ulf Westhoven, Fran Smith, Steve Eckman, Scott McBurney, John Sherlock, and others who helped out! 

If you are interested in getting involved, send us an email at SwampscottSailing@gmail.com

Arrrr! See you at the Pirate Party!

Fair Winds!

Friends of Swampscott Sailing