Commodore's Report: Saturday night the traditional skit contest returned Photo: Sylvia Wilson and I am pleased to say we had greater participation this year and skit performances were done in grand style by: Port Orchard Yacht Club, Queen City Yacht Club, Tacoma Yacht Club, Tyee Yacht Club and our own Bremerton Yacht Club cast of Hee Haw Honeys and Country Barnacle Bumpkins, directed by Commodore Jones, A.K.A. the extremely talented Captain Kevin McStay. After much discussion, deliberation and contemplation the grand prize of the notorious Clam Gun, for the best in show went to BYC for their performance of "SEA-HAW!" Tyee was awarded the Lovable and Tropical Bremello Trophy for 1st Runner Up. POYC won a newly introduced award: The "I'm too sexy for my shorts" dancing Pig, and Tacoma took home the plaque for best creative interpretation of the theme - Country Jubilee!

It all started with the Andy & Nancy (Wine-Tasting) Show:

Once again a Kupp event that looked like it had the potential to be pure disaster 15 minutes before curtain time ended up being pretty fun for all. This year's theme could have been "A Western Carnival," as it was made up of three food hawkers, two wine tables, and two different types of music. This success was largely due to a great team - Nancy and Darin Haustveit purchased, organized and supervised the hors d' oeuvre spread. Other team members included Stacy and Leo, Denise and John, Mark and Roxanne, Laurie and Leslie. Although not directly part of our team, Judy and Bob Wheeler were apparently asked to make some fantastic hog dogs and chili, which ensured the wine tasting to be unique among any other cities and/or yacht clubs and will continue to let BYC keep the reins (staying with the "cowboy" theme) on their own special niche for years to come. Thanks to Mona Lisa and Mike for helping, preparing great snacks, and for contributing to the uniqueness of the event by bringing belly dancers (you really had to be there)! There was a successful wine tasting contest that lasted for 5 rounds and prizes were awarded. Tod Nelson, District Manager, and Adam, Sales Rep - of Columbia Distributors, were professional and informative, if anyone actually wanted information instead of just a refill! (Andy Kupp) Click for a larger pdf version of this flyer

Photos: Sylvia Wilson The Start of the Festivities: Friday Night Wine Tasting with Andy & Nancy

Heavy Weather will soon be upon us: the 15, 16 and 17th of February and judging from the amount of e-mail traffic I've been getting from the Grand XIV we should be in for very popular return of the Skit presentations Saturday the 16th. There has been a large response from Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Edmonds, Tyee and Queen City. If you have friends and acquaintances from boating clubs around the sound, please share an invitation with your co-horts to join in the fun for Heavy Weather Weekend. It is very important that you make every effort to come out and support the club and make our visitors welcome. If you are new to Log Racing, would like to learn more or you would like to get involved please contact Captain Chuck Silvernail who will be more than happy to sit down and go over the ins and outs of this unique type of Boat Race. Perhaps you would just like to ride along as an "Observer"? Classes will be held in the Club House on February 13th at 1900 hours to show you what to expect. [Source: Commodore, January '08] Once everyone has gotten in the mood, let's look to see where we can help out for the Heavy Weather weekend. Preparations for this event have been underway for some time, but we need as many Members as possible to turn out for the Work Party on February 9th and 10th to prepare the Clubhouse and Grounds for Heavy Weather. While you are at the Club, please sign up for the many Committees being formed to help to house, protect, feed, and entertain the crowds of Racers, Observers, Skit Members/supporters, party goers, and others. There are LOADS of opportunities for POINTS. If you don't have a job for the Weekend, please ask someone. You will be welcomed, and you are needed. The Weekend festivities, with the Theme of Country Jamboree, begin with the Friday Night Social from 1730-2100, with Chili-dogs and fixings, beer, and sodas in the lounge area, plus Appetizers and Wine Tasting in the main ballroom. Saturday morning begins with a Continental Breakfast at 0800, Observer Training at 0900, and the Predicted Log Race from approximately 1030 to 1530. The Saturday Night Social gets underway with Libations and a Buffet Dinner (Chaired by RC Don and Donna Park) from 1730 - 1900. The Clubhouse will be vacated at 1900 to allow for set-up and preparations for the Heavy Weather Skits, to take place from approximately 1945 - 2045. All Yacht Clubs will be using the Country Jamboree background and props provided by BYC. Immediately following the Skits, dancing to the Haywires Country Band will commence. "Midrats" of Homemade Clam Chowder and Garlic Bread will be served at Midnight. Sunday morning will feature Eye Openers and a Hearty BYC Breakfast (chaired by Dale and Lori Armstrong), from 0830-1000, followed by the Awards Presentations. Boaters will depart following the Awards. [Source: V/C January '08] One of the Pre-Planning meetings, on November 7th, resulted in a major change to the Heavy Weather program in February. Heavy Weather is a BIGGIE FOR US. It is a major BYC event that requires a great deal of advance planning and lots of Member participation. Therefore, it is important that everyone become aware of the change to the schedule. The February 2008 Heavy Weather Event will follow the "traditional" three day schedule, not the "four day schedule" published in the BYC Calendar. Racers are expected to arrive on Friday the 15th, with Friday evening Social events to follow. The IPBA Heavy Weather Race will now be held on Saturday, February 16th, with the Results of the Race to be posted in the afternoon. Breakfast will be served on Sunday, with Race Award presentations to follow. [V/C, November '07]