September Rudder, 2020 | From The Bridge

Link to The Rudder, monthly edition

The fall months are always an adjustment for us all at MYC. They bring a chill in the air and new exciting birth of fresh air to our beautiful club and all it offers!

Looking back at our spring and summer months with all that 2020 has brought us, MYC has
weathered the “storm”. Thank you staff and members for all your hard work, commitment,
understanding and support. 
 Moving forward, we plan on our pool facility to remain open for a few more weeks depending on weather and availability of limited staff. We will push the season as long as possible for our members to enjoy.

On another note – thanks goes out to our fleet captain Sarah Ferrante and committee for a successful MYC Invitational regatta and congrats to Tom Treat (and son), Gretchen McCarthy & Bruce Kuryla for retaining the trophy!
 The boating season is possibly the best this time of year so get out on the water and enjoy!

Clearly, the virus has disrupted our normal monthly member event schedule, but our management, VC and committees have thought outside the box, providing us with everything from a drive-in movie night to a lively and robust safe-distance music schedule! It hasn’t been easy navigating these waters while staying within the State Heath Dept.guidelines, but we have certainly managed to put a safe, busy and fun schedule together.

In the next couple of months as we will be moving inside more often, please be assured we are taking every precaution possible for a safe, clean and comfortable facility. You will see a somewhat new layout in the Commodore’s Lounge and dining room as well as some clear safety shielding to protect both the staff and members. Also, thorough weekly cleanings will be done to ensure a safe environment. Our officers and management are committed and ask for your support and understanding during this time. I’m looking forward to a great fall season at MYC!

See you in the Commodore’s Lounge, Cheers!
Commodore, Ken Herbert

HAVE FUN!
Ken Herbert, Commodore

NOAA updated 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook

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NOAA on their call on Thursday, August 6th has indicated atmospheric and oceanic conditions are primed to fuel storm development in the Atlantic, leading to what could be an “extremely active” season, according to forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. On Thursday, the agency released its annual August update to the Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, initially issued in May.

 

Helpful links below.


 

Be safe, be cautious and know the MYC is monitoring conditions as the forecasts change.

MYC Boardman Cup Results

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Milford Yacht Club continued the tradition hosting the Boardman Cup for the 36th year. It was a reduced fleet from prior years because of the COVID-19 precautions. Crews were based on family and friends within their respective “sailing bubbles” (close friends, extended family members, neighbors or even co-workers.)

This year the family sailing bubble dominated with 3 of 4 MYC High Performance/Sport Boat class yachts campaigned by family bubbles (Lebov, McCarthy & Treat). The youngest MYC sailor, Barrett Lebov, deserves a special “shout out” for his first race in the High Performance class (Barrett turns 8 this month). In addition to “bubble” teams, the fleet needed to navigate through the spectator fleet at the Charles Island Music Fest, a particularly unique experience, and a crafty call by the race committee!

Boats from Housatonic Boat Club (HBC) and Windjammers Sailing Club (WSC) raised the level of competition. Thank you to all sailors, volunteers and our friends from ECSA who ran the regatta. A special thanks goes out to our Fleet Captain, Sarah Ferrante! Her enthusiasm, ability to delegate and willingness to learn made her 1st PHRF regatta a success. Other on/off water support provided by Chris Cranos (Sarah’s SO), Bob Farnum, Lou Roberts and Doug & Marge Jones.

MYC retained the Boardman Cup in this reduced fleet, with the following skippers finishing 1st,2nd & 3rd respectively; Tom Treat, Bruce Kuryla (PC) and Brendan McCarthy. Congratulations, and thanks for sailing a great race.  Results can be found at the link below.

Link2020 Milford Invitational for the Boardman Cup Results for Media Print


Team McCarthy flying the chute, Boardman Cup
Team McCarthy flying the chute, Boardman Cup

 

2020 Blessing of the Fleet | Sunday, June 21st @ 1500 Hrs.

The Milford Yacht Club proudly presents the 12th Annual Blessing of the Fleet, a traditional celebration of the opening season for all boaters and lovers of the water! The practice of blessing a fleet is a centuries-old tradition originating in southern European, predominantly Catholic, fishing communities. A blessing from the local priest was meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season.

In 2009, the Milford Yacht Club restored the tradition for our local fishing and sailing community with an interfaith ceremony.  We are pleased this year to welcome Reverend Kristina Hansen and Reverend Matt Lindeman to extend a blessing to all boaters and fishermen in Milford Harbor.

In this COVID-19 environment, there continue to be restrictions on gatherings. The MYC Officers & Board Members require that participants gather at their vessels, not on the patio. The presentation will be more brief, and audio will be projected into the Marina with the Club sound system. Traditional vessel & crew blessing will continue (see instructions below), passing the “F” Dock to Starboard for our traditional “blessing”of the boats with our Clergy. Non-mariners will be limited to members and their guests, and are asked to gather in the circle.

Please note, PERSONAL PROTECTION is required, consistent with Phase 2 Reopen Rules by Sector (for June 17 opening)“All event attendees including employees, volunteers and officials shall wear a surgical style mask or other face covering (e.g. cloth mask) that completely covers the nose and mouth within 6 ft of those not in the same household).”

See attached flyer for Order of Events & Instructions to Mariners.

June, Letter from the Commodore

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Dear Members,

As I write this letter we are anxiously awaiting the green light for phase two of the reopening of our state. It has been a long haul for our country, state, town and us here at MYC. With all the unfortunate unrest in our country between the COVID-19 pandemic and national protests, it’s nice to know in a couple weeks MYC will be in full swing and it will be a safe and inviting environment for us all to enjoy.

Thank you all for supporting our curb side take out offerings and now, too, our outside dining options. We are anxious and ready for the reopening of our inside restaurant very soon. VC Bud Franke and our management staff have done a great job working with the state and local officials to insure a safe and pleasant atmosphere. They will continue to make the needed temporary adjustments of our R & B operation moving into the next phase of the reopening.

Every day we are monitoring the reopening guidelines and will be quick to respond to get our club in full operation. Our marina is fully operational (please follow the posted temporary rules). Our pool and snack bar is ready to open ASAP when we get the go ahead from the state; we are fully staffed and ready to run our swimming and sailing programs very soon, on or close to the same schedule as a regular season.

Link to download –  June,  2020 MYC Rudder

 

See you all for fun summer at MYC!
Commodore Ken Herbert

May Rudder is posted . . .

Rudder 2020

Commodore HerbertWell it’s been quite a month. Our core staff has been very busy with our curbside food offerings, getting the marina up and running, and working on some outdoor spring cleanup and yes, getting our pool ready for the summer season.

These are trying times, and here at MYC we know all our members are dreaming of is the day that they can enjoy all their Club has to offer. With that said we are diligently planning our reentry into “The New Norm “. Clearly it will be an adjustment that we all, unfortunately, have become accustomed to. There will be some new procedures and rules, but we will do everything within the new state mandates to make all members and staff feel safe and welcome and we ask that you do the same.

Luckily for us, our facility has the space to spread out, so there will be a somewhat new look at the clubhouse with social distance seating inside and out. We will still be offering curbside pickup for those who remain at home. The Marina is open with social distances rules in place. The dock staff will be wearing masks and gloves, and they will clean dock carts, the tender, hose faucets – etc. multiple times a day. Our cleaning service will be stepping up their schedule at the JYC and clubhouse. The main clubhouse is closed to keep our core staff safe and curbside open. The Office is available to answer any questions you may have via email or phone.

As we all anxiously await May 20th when our Governor informs us of the real reopening dates, and mandates we also must realize every day brings a different question and challenge as to our planning of ” The New Norm” here at MYC. We will continue to watch for the updates and will communicate the new protocols as soon as they are in place. I personally would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming patience, and support for your BEAUTIFUL club – my father would always say in tough times (l’ve heard the same saying lately).
 “THIS TOO SHALL PASS”. See you all six feet apart on our patio very soon!

 

Ken Herbert Commodore

 

Link – The Rudder May 2020

COVID-19 Marina Policies

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As we are all adjusting to the effect of the Covid pandemic,
I want to announce that the Board of Directors has adopted the following
temporary rules for the marina:

  1. No socializing in groups of more than 5 people.
  2. Observe social separation – 6 feet minimum.
  3. Wear masks when social distancing is not possible.
  4. No non-member transient (guest) boats will be allowed to tie up to the T-Dock or overnight in the marina;
  5. All members that use the Club’s push carts must wear gloves.
  6. The JYC restrooms will remain open.
  7. Masks and gloves are to be worn when being transported by the tender.
  8. Violation of rules can lead to suspension of privileges.

 

These rules are temporary and will be re-evaluated as circumstances change. For the safety of our members and staff, please observe the rules and have a safe boating season.

 

Michael dean Amato, P.C., Rear Commodore