Have you ever seen grown men and women knocking their brains out for the right to haul an old worn out trash can to the roof of their trophy room? Well, last Sunday, 10 boats and their crews participated in the “round Southport race” and believe it or not we handily took the honors (and the trash can) from our friendly rivals at Southport Yacht Club.

First place was grabbed by our own Ken and Ginny Colburn in Ghost. Second across the line was Bill Hunt skippering Firebolt, Third was garnered by our good friend Bud Hawley from Southport sailing Ranier and Fourth another BHYC boat our J-22 Quite sailed by Chip Baker. I hereby suggest to Commodore Neil that we go back to the old tradition of having a Trash Can raising ceremony some Thursday evening. When we “OWN” it the battered can hangs from the casino ceiling.

How about the decorations that Gia and her crew found and put up for our Fourth of July Celebration? A lot of work and ingenuity went into making the club Festive For the Fourth. The fireworks were great and enjoyed by a full house in the club and at least 11 boats loaded with eager spectators. Steward Graham Cochrane made eight trips after the pyrotechnics ended to get all the folks back on shore.

Tonight’s cocktail party is hosted by the folks who reside on Southport, led by Alice Mutch and Gail Nassif. PC Louise reports that we still are looking for hosts for July 18, so cowboy up and call her to volunteer.

On Sunday night, the No Trumps and Passes were flying around the club as it was a sold out couples bridge night which featured a Chef George Buffet.

On Monday night, the dining room wasn’t open but food was available aplenty for the annual Jr. Program Potluck Supper and talent night. News of that event will appear elsewhere in the Register but we do want to report that the Junior Program is enjoying great reviews and is operating at capacity enrollment. Thanks to Sally Lloyd and her crew for their untiring efforts.

Tuesday night Danny Beal attracted his usual large crowd and had members up and dancing and celebrating the Red Sox success by singing, “Sweet Caroline.”

Tonight is the new members orientation event where various officers of the club give first hand  tales of how new members can enjoy what we have to offer in addition to the obvious dining room and waterfront. Following that event the new members will be welcomed at the cocktail gathering.

Next Sunday our own Mel Rines will be the featured speaker at the Sunday evening dinner/program event. Mel is a world renowned author and has been a member of BHYC since 1969. I remember that well as I was a newbie in 1968 and got to welcome Mel and his late wife Mary Jo (who was a world famous artist in her own right) as they joined BHYC.

The first of three major sail events will befall us on the 15th and 16th when BHYC is honored to host the New England Junior Olympics. 140 or more boats are expected to visit us and participate in racing on various venues throughout the Harbor. Junior sailors will sail the sleek 420’s, Lasers, and Opti’s. Bob McCann is Chair of the event, which is under the auspices of our Junior Program.

Folks on the waterfront will have information on where to go and when the races are happening should you wish to take your own boat out as spectators. Saturday and Sunday prior to the JO’s a special clinic will be offered with nationally known instructors coaching participants. Please be warned that parking may be

a little challenging during the JO's but there will be space.

Speaking of sailing, results are in from the first Saturday series: In Race 1 Cathy Latta skippering All That Jazz (J-22) finished first followed by Ken Colburn in Ghost (J105) Bill Hunt aboard Firebolt (J-80), Polar Express (BHOD)  with Dwight Poler, and Step Lively skippered by Chip Malliet. In the second race it was Ghost across the line first with All That Jazz and Firebolt following.

Our stringers aboard boats in the cruise have not yet reported at press time but we hope to have up to date news next week.

One of the benefits of the JO event is that the Dining Room will be open for lunch and dinner on Monday … regular reservations processes are in order.