Greetings,
I certainly hope that all is well with you and your families during this oppressive heat wave that is hovering over the Chesapeake this month. August is here and hopefully it will bring us comfortable weather for boating. Pat and I are looking forward to spending some time sailing on S/V Magic. Magic needs a good run and time away from the dock where a collection of “lumber” continues to appear on deck weekly due to our persistent Osprey friends. So far, no home has been established.
As the “Best Virtual Yacht Club on The Bay” we have really been living up to our reputation by connecting with you through our virtual Zoom events! It all began with Vice Commodore Tim Feldman’s testing of the Zoom communication system with a few folks. Then on to a Virtual Happy Hour April 11, 2020, presented from his home to a small member group to introduce them to the concept. IT WAS A SUCCESS!!! He continued this protocol with more new groups providing them with these great Happy Hour events. On May 9, 2020, the Virtual Happy Hour was the first large event where all members received invites. It was absolutely wonderful to see everyone on the screen. And there is more. May 30, 2020, Captain Tim aired yet another “Happy Hour” from his cockpit on S/V Williwaw anchored on the Severn River. What a fantastic gift for all attending to see the bay waters via Zoom. Our new age events were made possible thanks to Tim, Jae and Zoom!
On July 18, 2020, Vern and Dorothy Penner’s Portuguese Wine Tasting Presentation took our Zoom adventures to another level with an extraordinary video of Portugal’s vineyards accompanied by beautiful music. Vern advised us what to bring to our virtual tables for the event. His knowledge and expertise of the Portuguese wines is phenomenal and he provided everyone with a sound understanding and plenty of fun. What a magnificent time we had on our visit across the pond, thank you Vern and Dorothy. And thanks to Bob Higginbotham for orchestrating the technical support.
Fireworks on July 4, 2020 while on schedule at Westbrook and Cindy Murphy’s Almshouse Creek neighborhood, members enjoyed them from a distance. A group of BCYC members anchored directly across the South River from Almshouse, on Crab Creek that afternoon. At fireworks viewing time, they observed the glorious rocket’s red glare from their dinghies at the mouth of Crab Creek. Molly Stone, who joined them was thrilled to return to the waters of the Bay especially for this Americana celebration. The fireworks burst of colors and designs were as brilliant as ever. Our thanks to Westbrook and Cindy Murphy.
I am pleased to announce that with our success in utilizing Zoom events to connect with Club members, the Club decided to purchase a Zoom license. Back Creek Yacht Club Zoom is fully on board! As this is a first for BCYC, we are putting events in place one by one. I am keenly interested in your suggestions for enjoying several more opportunities and innovative fun events with our new tool. I think that some of the following kind of events might be fun: Zoom training; watch a group movie; storytelling; picture contest; and games.
Please send your wishes to me, Rear Commodore Terry Bidnick, and Social Director Gail Higginbotham so that we may implement, with your help, some innovative and entertaining virtual events. We look forward to seeing your creative responses really soon.
In closing I would like for all of us to remember that the Chesapeake Bay is still there providing us with a safe and beautiful place to visit by land and sea. I hope to see you out there and be sure to wave.
Stay safe and well,
Tom Bernhart
Back Creek Yacht Club Commodore
