DOWN EAST YACHT CLUB

2019-2020 – CELEBRATING 54 YEARS of BOATING FUN!!!!

The Beginning – June 1966, a group of yachtsmen at the Boatel Marina dock (now the Tugboat) was laughing, telling jokes and having a great time. A brainstorm – why not start a “FUN CLUB” for boaters? A room was offered by the Boatel and the club, with 13 members, was initiated. Over 50 years later, the Club burgee can be seen along the East and West coasts with members enjoying the “FUN CLUB” and its activities year around.

• Club Cruises - power and sail – all are welcome                                                                
• Annual Cruise from Boothbay Harbor to Northeast Harbor
• Annual Mini Cruise – exploring other Maine harbors                                                                                    
• Year round get-togethers via land and sea                                                                                 
• Launch and Haul out parties                       
• Picnics/Socials throughout the summer
• Day Tripper Events
• Winter Ski weekend
• Winter Florida gathering
• Moorings and Dockage at the Tug Boat Inn in downtown Boothbay Harbor, Maine
• Mooring share program along the coast

Commodore’s Message Fall 2019

As we enter Fall, and the off season for boating, we should take a moment to reflect on the boating season just finished. Which things were great, and which could be improved. Those great things we want to repeat, the other perhaps with a little effort could be made great. The Down East Yacht Club, like any club will thrive only if all our members are involved and contribute to our activities. There are many ways to be involved in our club. Through out the winter and spring seasons there are monthly gatherings, hosted by generous members, both in Maine and in Florida. These are informal parties where you can renew old friendships, and make new ones with new and prospective members. I encourage everyone to use these gatherings as a reason to get out of the house and be social during those long dark evenings, especially in Maine. In addition, there are the more organized events; the Holiday Celebration at Christmas Time, the Winter Ski Weekend in Maine, the Spring Gathering in Florida, and the Commodore’s Luncheon which marks the official end of the off season, and the beginning of the new active boating season. Traditionally, the club has held several events during the summer boating season; the Launch Party, the Annual Cruise and Annual Meeting are all staples of our active season. But there is always room in the calendar for more activities. Every member is encouraged to suggest and help organize additional events throughout the summer season. If the club held an event every week it would not be too many! The club’s vitality is dependent on its members being involved. If you have ideas for activities or events that you think would be of interest to the club, bring them forward and help get them organized. Sadly, every year at this time, a number of people choose not to remain members of the club. This does present us with an opportunity. You will greatly help the club by actively recruiting your boating friends as new DEYC members. New members are the means by which the club remains vital. And just as important, new members represent an opportunity for you to come forward, welcome them into the club, get to know them and make a new friend.

Commodore Dennis Hopkins

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME – come join the fun.