In the books. 

Never can it be written that Fishing Bay Yacht Club is without members who would willingly allow a pandemic and/or hurricane to come between them and loosely organized rallye followed by a socially responsible social.  This past weekend proved that that just ain’t so.

This year’s organizing committee had to adjust some of the founders’ rules that in the end, allowed a founder to claim first prize.  In the Wee Dram Deed of Gift [the non-existent document that governs this annual event], the rules of competition required amendment.   “Valid start times will be any time within 72 hours of the 5:30pm social Saturday.”  It’s a worthy change that benefits the Cape Charles …

On Saturday July 25th some of the hardiest sailors at Fishing Bay joined together in the 95 degree heat to battle the forces of nature.  Equipped with gloves, pruners, rakes, and shovels, volunteers participated in the first 2020 Grounds Day event.  Around 25 members and non-members alike attacked areas of need across the FBYC campus. 

The day began with a socially distanced welcome by Steve Montgomery, Grounds Chair.  Steve thanked everyone for attending, briefed them on traditional as well as coronavirus safety issues, then laid out a well devised plan of attack.  Each group was able to choose an area with required tasks.  The small groups dispersed to tackle the hillside by Fishing Bay in preparation for junior week, clear …

In case you missed this on social media (and who doesn't need to take a break from facebook!)...

David and Veronica Hinckle's Perseverance dramatically recognized America's armed services members with this grand flag on Memorial Day.  Not our usual celebration and start to summer, but perhaps a solitary boat flying the colors was most appropriate this year.  This single post went viral--in the best of ways--garnering almost 5,000 impressions in just two days.  FBYC also created quite a stir on the local Deltaville FB page and generated tremendous goodwill among our neighbors.

Thanks to the Flecks for capturing this impressive photo and to the Hinckles for a most memorable image.  If you use the rule of an inch of …

Harry Sindle, a nationally recognized sailor and friend of many FBYC members,  died in Gloucester, VA this past month. 

You can find his obituary here:  https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailypress/obituary.aspx?n=harry-robert-sindle&pid=196084635&fhid=13740

Eighty--yes that is 8-0 lovers of sailing joined online for FBYC's 31st Crew Training Seminar!

Our virtual online webinar attracted people from numerous states and from all over the commonwealth of Virginia.  Everyone was eager to simply gather together to learn about our club, our racing and cruising programs and more. 

Kudos to George Burke who began the 90-minute session with his entry-level and often humorous presentation, "What's that called?"  (Did you know that halyard is derived from "haul on the yard?") A self-described technology neophyte, George navigated the webinar with style and skill.

Special thanks to Lauren DeSimone and Stuart Kegan for transitioning our training from in-person to online and for Paul Wash for his technical prowess …

Our Virtual Opening Day was viewed almost 500 times! 

ICYMI.,..or if you just want another look at our little bit of "Heaven on the Bay," here it is again:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u5Khz0CfPcA

A special thanks to everyone who helped make this opening day rather unique but ultimately extra-special.

Are you missing:

• Scurrying to ready your boat for Opening Day?
• Walking down the Fishing Bay dock and marveling how beautiful Stove Point and Gwynn's Island are?
• Crossing the line for the first 2020 offshore race and hearing the horn blow?
• Listening to Doug Anderson, our FBYC chaplain, bless the fleet?

We all do.

But here's a solution to help lessen our collective loss.  This Saturday, April 18 at 5 PM we invite all FBYC members to join together ONLINE at FBYC.net for our first (and hopefully, only) Virtual Opening Day.  Just go to the website and click on the link in the Opening Day photo.

A boatload of members have worked to prepare a video that will bring …

We've all spent more time zooming, walking our neighborhoods and cleaning out garages than we ever, ever wanted.  So here are some "look-toward-the-future" activities to inform, teach and inspire.

• Now's the perfect time to get your required Virginia boating license, if you haven't already.  You DON"T need to pay for one of the numerous courses offered out there!  Best option is the free course at BOAT US:  https://www.boatus.org/virginia/ 
• US Sailing's "The Starboard Portal" site is offering live discussions and videos for members.  Join other sailors at:  https://www.ussailing.org/starboard-portal/
• Visit FBYC member Nica Water's Facebook page, Fit2Sail.  She's doing a live "Tasty Thursdays" tomorrow at noon to help us provision and cook while on …

April 1, 2020  Dear Fishing Bay Yacht Club Members- The Club leadership continues to hope all of our members and their families are well and safe as we navigate the stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are updating our FBYC protocols and planning much sooner than we anticipated.  As many of you are aware, the Governor of Virginia updated his Executive Order (#55) on March 30, 2020 to extend the Stay at Home requirements until June 10, 2020.  The order has key elements specifically referencing what is and isn’t an essential need.  We have updated our notices regarding activities scheduled to be held at FBYC as well as access to Club buildings and the campus in general.

1. Effective immediately …

Anxious about your boat in the water or on the hard? 

Rest assured that FBYC General Manager Brian Ankrom is on site most every day keeping an eye on "things."  Brian walks the docks each day, checking lines and boats.  So if you're tempted to go down to look things over...DON'T.

If your in-water-boat has a bilge alarm and notifies you remotely, Brian asks that you contact him first before rushing down to FBYC.  Middlesex county has asked all non-residents to limit their travels to the county due to the age of residents and limited medical resources.  If you've ever called 911 from the club for something minor or major, you'll appreciate the need to keep these first …

March 20, 2020

Dear Fishing Bay Yacht Club Members-

The Club leadership wants you to know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers as we all navigate the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Without exception we are all experiencing very turbulent times. Your safety and that of your family is of our utmost concern and we are making some changes in our planning for activities and use of the Club’s facilities.

1. Effective immediately, to ensure we promote social distancing and the safety of all of our members and guests, all FBYC sponsored events are postponed thru April 30, 2020. This schedule update applies to all fleets and social events on the FBYC grounds.  The Flag …

We're all on the hard and staying home to protect others; yet we do have to sometimes venture out for necessities.  Some suggestions for less-congested shopping include avoiding mornings so that the elderly can shop more safely and visiting smaller, local grocery stores with fewer folks.  You may not find toilet paper there but won't face huge lines.

We can also learn from our own Nica Waters whose "Fit2Sail" website has great ideas for provisioning on land as well as at sea.  Nica has made "Stocking up Sanely: preparing for quarantine" available for everyone.  You can check out her recommendations here:  https://fit2sail.vipmembervault.com/products/units/view/57/?lesson=142.

Thank you, Nica!

In keeping with federal and state guidelines that are intended to "flatten the curve" of the Coronavirus spread, FBYC will postpone the Spring Clean Up originally scheduled for Saturday the 21st.  A new date will be selected when we are on the other side of this serious event.  For those willing and able, Grounds Chair Steve Montgomery will maintain a list of projects one or two people can tackle on their own time.  This will improve the Club's appearance and reduce the future workload. Please contact Steve at monty1221@icloud.com or 757-561-7289 if you would like to volunteer a few hours

Greetings FBYC-

We wanted to inform you of the matters we addressed at last evening’s Board meeting regarding the impact of the COVID-19 healthcare issues.  Our continued goal is to promote the safety and well-being of our members, guests and the community in Deltaville and surrounding areas as best we can.

Based on actions recommended by the healthcare community as well as the announcement from the Virginia Governor declaring a state of emergency, we recommend that you limit your social interactions.  While you may not personally be in a high risk group, you may still unknowingly pass along viral infections to a family member, friend or colleague who is in a high risk group.

With this in mind, the …

Fishing Bay Yacht Club's Board of Directors has made the prudent decision to POSTPONE the Bermuda Hi Party, originally scheduled for this Saturday, March 14. Any future events, especially those held indoors, will be evaluated as we collectively manage the health crisis impacting our nation and the world. 

We ask those who have already paid the small charge for this party to allow the club to use those funds to cover costs already incurred.

We are continually reminded how fortunate we are to belong to FBYC.  Please take all necessary precautions to keep yourself healthy and consider how to support others as we move ahead.

At this point, we are still holding our Annual Spring Clean-Up on Saturday, March 21 …

Want to learn some racing basics?  Build on some current skills?  Find a boat and skipper looking for crew?

Then sign-up for FBYC's highly-popular crew training workshops on April 14, 21 and 28 in Richmond, VA.  There are additional on-the-water sessions so that you can practice what you've learned.  Total cost is only $75 for both classroom and sailing sessions. 

This is a perfect time to invite some friends who might be interested in learning more about racing AND joining FBYC.  Register now at:  https://www.fbyc.net/events/2020/200414-training-crew-training-1st-session/

Junior Week FBYC member preference ends March 1st! Class are filling up very fast and wait lists will be created once classes meet capacity. Don't wait to sign up. This known far and wide as the best summer camp on the bay supported by incredible member volunteers and professional coaches. Classes are for beginner optis all the way up to advanced racing. Don't worry about knowing where to sign up your child/grandchild. We will work with you to gauge their experience level and make sure they are in the right class for their skill level to be safe and have fun!

It is with sadness that we announce the loss of former FBYC member Carol Anne Lytton, aged 66,  who died on February 9th, 2020 in North Myrtle Beach SC. Carol was the widow of former FBYC Board member and Treasurer Charles Lytton who died 10 years ago. Together they sailed their custom made sloop SONG OF JOY for decades, participating in Oceanic venues and numerous FBYC cruising events, always making friends wherever they sailed, and showing all of us how to keep yappy dogs aboard a sailboat. Her memorial service date has not yet been determined. Family condolences may be conveyed via Hardwick Funeral Home at www.hardwickfh.com, and memorial contributions may be made to Kind Keeper Animal Rescue …

We had a severe wind storm out of the Southwest last Friday.  This storm damaged the Fishing Bay Dock's structure and framing in three areas.

The ramp is open for use but unfortunately, the dock is CLOSED until it is repaired.  I anticipate repairs will be made by March 1st and will keep everyone posted on the progress.