On November 10, 2022, the last meeting of the year was called to order by Commodore Barb Robinson. There will be no meeting in December but members will celebrate December 8 at Carolina Colours for the annual holiday party, “Jingle Away.” Linda Lelli, who has been coordinating the Angel Tree program since 1994 handed out information to members.
Olwen Jarvis gave a beautiful tribute and received the “Honorary Centenarian” award on behalf of Joan Smith who turns 107 in December. Joan became a member of the FHYC in 1985 which was the year after the club was formed.
The election for the year 2023 was held and the following elected positions were announced:
Dave Phipps: Commodore
Craig Myler: Vice-Commodore
Steve Hustad: Rear-Commodore
Treasurer: Buddy Jewell
Director: Andrew Underhill
Director: Dave Miller
The new officers will be installed at the January meeting.
FHYC members have always enjoyed eating and boating and once again George Stateham planned the always popular Three Dinner Cruise that satisfied both appetites November 3-6. The first night was at Morgan’s Tavern and Grill in New Bern (joined by two couples by land yacht) and the second and third nights in Oriental at M&M’s and the Toucan Grill and Raw Bar. The weather conditions were favorable for fall boating and it was a fun-filled event.
Photos (L to R): Sharon and Louis Nash, Kathy and Peter Clay, and Tom and Anna Pederson enjoy dinner at M&Ms on 3 dinner cruise. Past Commodore George Stateman salutes Commodore Barb Robinson on a great year as Commodore. Sponsors Steve Hustad and Janet Hikes welcome new members, Brenda Singh and Gerry Riffle. Olwen Jarvis bestows the award for “Honorary Centenarian” Joan Smith.
Racing continues on winter waters with the first NYRA race being held on October 29. Commodore Barb Robinson and the crew of Rampant Lion which consisted of Russ Robinson, John Jackson, and Mike Daly braved difficult weather and represented FHYC well. Barb described this when she said, “the Rampant Lion is nearly 50 years old and her crew consisted of a 75-year-old, a 79-year-old, and an 84-year-old – all very experienced sailors, just not as agile as some of the other crews.” With high winds, Rampant Lion was in her element and came in 1st in her class.
The Thanksgiving Day race was held Saturday, November 26 and participants had a chance to work off the turkey and all the stuffings. There was an after-race event at Russ and Barb Robinsons and pizza rather than turkey was served, but of course, there were some holiday leftovers.
December will be a busy month for members with the Past Commodore’s Food Drive the first weekend in December, the Christmas parade, where members come on all forms of transportation, the Holiday Party on December 8, and the Lighted Boat Parade on December 10.
The Fairfield Harbour Yacht Club is an active boating club with many additional activities and service projects. Information about membership in the FHYC is available on the website www.fhyc.us or by contacting membership co-chairs Pam Miller or Paula Phipps.