Once again the OPCYC will set sail for York River Yacht Haven for the annual 4th of July cruise. YRYH is one of the most popular cruising destinations on the Bay. Since the 4th is on a Wednesday this year, our basic plans will focus on the 3rd and the 4th, although some cruisers will certainly arrive early or stay late. The folks at YRYH know we are coming, but other clubs are cruising there as well. To be safe, please make your slip reservation with them soon (804-642-2156) and mention that you are a member of OCYC at the time.

T he Tall Ships are coming to Hampton Roads and Norfolk’s Harborfest next summer and OPCYC is a part of it!

We are the proud sponsor of Bermuda schooner Spirit of Bermuda which will arrive in Yorktown June 1st and muster with the other tall ships for the Parade of Sail into Norfolk on Friday, June 8. Mark Radler (m 'dot' radler 'at' verizon 'dot' net) is coordinating our sponsorship. If you haven’t already, let him know you if you can help. A reception for the crew is planned at Fort Monroe, among other events.

This summer will provide many opportunities for cruisers to visit new and old favorite destinations. There are several cruises planned; you can find them listed on the OPCYC 2012 Activities Calendar. One of the longest and most far-reaching cruises is the one planned by Michael and Eileen Turner and their felines on Cat’s Paws. This cruise is available for all our members and friends, either in parts or for the whole cruise. We will start out with the cruise that is already on the calendar to head up the Chesapeake Bay to Baltimore. This is a sketch of the plan:

All of us racers and cruisers have stories and ideas and suggestions that we enjoy sharing with others. Sometimes they are about places we have been, or tips for maintaining a boat, or something very important about how to avoid injury or disaster while on the water. Maybe even how you catch fish for dinner, including your favorite recipe for preparing it on board. As your Public Affairs Officer, it is my job to submit articles and items to the media that we can share with fellow boaters.

Sure feels like Summer is fast approaching. The weather is lovely, sunny and warm; and we have seen many friends out on the docks prepping their boats for fun on the water. So now is the time to make plans to get together for our first OPCYC cruise of this year.

We are going to head to Cape Charles Town Harbor for Memorial Day weekend, May 26 – 28. The Town Harbor has been recently expanded with new, large floating docks. It is a few steps to the shops, restaurants, and lovely beach of this quaint Eastern shore town.