A Rough Start For Opening Days This Week-end …

The forecast called for rain with clouds but someone from BYC, RCBC, QCYC, HHYC, RWYC and WEBC must have had an in with Mother Nature as Saturday was a bit cloudy at times, and the sun did come out many times during the day but the rain stayed away and everyone that attended an Opening Day at the above listed clubs were able to stay dry and bring in the 2009 Boating Season with good food, good drink and great friends.

The day started off on a very sad note as QCYC Member Gary Mueller suffered a heart attack at the club that morning when he showed up to help set up for the event. Shortly before the Opening Day Ceremony it was announced that he had passed away at the hospital. A moment of silence was given in his honor during the ceremony by Commodore O’Hara. This had to truly be the hardest Ceremony for the Officers of QCYC to proceed with, but they got through it and the best of situation. I am sure Gary had a little to do with the weather that we all that day. Please keep his wife, kids, and grandchildren in your thoughts and prayers……

QCYC always does a great job at their Openings, from the hospitality room with a food and drink for the Officers and Princesses, to the pony rides for the kids, to the Fire Boat that sprays water high into the sky from the river in front of the club.

The Queen, Mary & I along with a crew of others then drove to HHYC for their Opening Day. Again, The Bordentown YC Officers attended by boat (got to love this group)- and I am so envious as I would love to attend these events by boat. Is it no wonder they all always have huge smiles on their faces. I have not heard yet if they all made it back to the Bordentown YC dock DRY J While waiting for the start of the Ceremony, HHYC Sgt. At Arms Ron Smalls (who also is the delegate for HHYC and DVYBA) tumbled down the embankment of boulders into the water while preparing the flag pole for the ceremony. This was not a pretty sight to see. He fell about 15 feet down the rocky embankment and just laid there for a few seconds. Members rushed down to his aid and got him back up the embankment to a picnic table. He passed out very shortly and regained consciousness. Members were doing their best to make him as comfortable as possible and as we were leaving the rescue squad was arriving. Ron is one tough cookie as we later found out he refused to go with the squad to the hospital to get checked out - stating he was okay and had made a doctor’s appointment for Monday.

We then headed south to RWYC Opening Day where a large crowd was enjoying the afternoon. The smell of BBQ, the site of the water and the boats on the dock coupled to the many friendly faces from the people in the crowd made for a down home feeling. Members of RWYC are a very close knit group of people who have very close ties to WPBA and NPBC. Mary & I are always met with open arms, hugs and smiling faces at these clubs and are made to feel so at home. They just seem like they can never do enough for you. What a great group of people. The Ceremony was went off without a hitch and Commodore Brasberger announced the Opening of their boating season to cheers. Soon after, we were off to WEBC.

We arrived at the beautiful WEBC around 5:30. Before we even entered the club we were greeted by the KOI in the well taken care of pond at the entrance to the club. All coming to the top of the water and poking their mouths out of the water …. as if to say WELCOME !

When we entered the clubhouse we were met there by WEBC Commodore Leo and the other Officers who were in attendance. After the Ceremony, it was a nice place to end the day relaxing on the deck overlooking the marina basin and river. A slight breeze every now and then with the sun peeking out made for a great ending of the day and a great view of the sky and Delaware River – it was a good time to just sit back and give thanks to God for what we all have and for the beautiful Delaware River for which we all love.

I would like to pass on my apologies to Raccoon Creek BC and to Bristol YC as Queen Siobhan, Mary & I could not make their Opening days this year. We have been able to attend every Opening Ceremony so far this year except for these two. It is a very hard task and Queen Siobhan should be commended for putting forth this effort to get out and visit the clubs for which she so proudly represents. – Juice