If you were not sure it was summer, step outside!  It is a scorcher. Just be careful and don't overdo it.  While we are on the subject of safety, a young sailor drowned last month at one the Annapolis sailing camps.  It was a tragedy and I'm sure your hearts go out to family as mine does. It made me think about safety on the water. 

We all spend a lot of time out there and are mostly very comfortable with the Bay but such a tragedy should make us look again and be aware of the possible hazards on the water.  With that said, I ask everyone to inventory your safety gear; make sure it is up to date and in good working condition.  Also, inspect your boat’s operating gear to make sure it is not worn or damaged, your engines and bilge pumps are in good working order and finally think about your safety procedures - handling medical issues, fires, man overboard situations and flooding to mention a few.  Please be safe out on the water (and land too).

Summer is waning but we still have a couple cruises left with next one August 20 -21 up to Bodkin Creek. This is always a very popular cruise.  We usually have dinner on shore at the Cheshire Crab.  I look forward to seeing everyone up there.  It is always a good time.  Our last cruise was to Swan Creek.  Ron could not have order up better weather!  A cool, low humidity day and a beautiful breeze.  The cool night air and nice breeze made sleeping on the boats a dream (literally!).  Thanks Ron.

Next is the Summer Picnic at my place.  If you want to come by boat the channel into the Little Magothy River can support up to a four foot  draft. The club will supply drinks and subs as usual.  Please bring a side dish and if you want to  compete in the "Best Desert on the Bay" contest,  your submissions must be individual servings/bite sized item, e.g. cookies, chocolate covered fruit, mini pies, etc. but no large pies or cakes please. There will kayaking and swimming and hopefully tons of water toys.  Last year's party was really fun with water balloons, squirt guns and kayak races.  So come ready to get wet.

Racing has been great again this year; the turnout has been good and the competition fun.  I would like to invite everyone out on July 29th to take part in the Youth Sailing Race.  We usually have a very good turnout of kids and it is an opportunity for us to continue to grow our sport.  Please come and race with us and if you would, please volunteer to have some of the youth sailors aboard your boat as crew that night.  You can contact John Bisson or Wolfgang Harbauer and let them know if you can take some kids out to race.  Please let them know soon as the race is only a week off.  Thank you, John and Wolfgang, for all your efforts this season.

Lastly, elections are coming up.  We need some nominees for the officers and chair positions.  Many of the current officers and chair have served several years now in various capacities.  At the picnic, I will be canvassing for nominees.  The leadership positions do not take a lot of time.  The club has well established events and schedules now and it only takes 2 or 3 hours a month.  So please volunteer to step in and take a leadership role.  Remember, the outgoing chairs and officers will still be around to offer help and assistance.

I'm looking forward to seeing you at my home for the picnic and on water for the races and raft ups.  Please be safe and enjoy your summer.

 See you all on the water!