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July Fourth 2006
at Coecles with The Ducks
John and I had agreed to host the
cruise for the July 4th week/weekend so very long ago in
February. We passed out flyers at the Pot Luck Dinner, sent the
flyer info to the webmaster and to Frank DeBernardo, Director of
Publicity, then waited for Ducks to contact us if they were
planning to attend. We heard from no one by the beginning of
June, and sent email to Frank to repeat the "Notice of Cruise"
as an email to members. I contacted the Rear Commodores Cruise,
Lorry and Howie Simon, to see if more folks had contacted them.
We received email from four boats!
In spite of this low number of planned
attendees, I knew from past cruises that sometimes Ducks respond
at the last minute. Howie suggested we plan for a few more
folks. I bought plates, utensils, and flag-decorated napkins for
24. I called for reservations at Rams Head Inn for 8 people for
luncheon on Sunday (July 2).
We awoke on Saturday morning, having
slept aboard our boat the night before, to a sparkling morning
with a light breeze and sunshine. John prepared his famous "boat
breakfast of pancakes" and we were ready to go. We left the dock
in New London as a white crane was just fishing for his
breakfast of shiners near the dock.
We enjoyed a sail down the harbor
toward Great Gull, and the wind was still "at a beat" as we
rounded the corner into Gardner’s-Wind-All-The Time- Bay. After
flying freely for over hour, the wing gods did their mean thing
and died. We decided to turn on the "Iron Genny" and motor the
rest of the way.
Golden Lady, Amere,
Grand Adventure (guests from our dock), Reliant were
already there! We quickly prepared for the DIYC Cocktail party
aboard Shenanigans at 5pm. Crew from eight boats joined
us! We started our plan for the Great Night-Sail to Dering
Harbor to view the Fireworks!
The moon was almost full, John used a
"dinghy pool" to collect those who were brave enough to come
aboard for the Great Night-Sail. We started with a sunset sail
across Gardiner’s-Wind-All-The-Time-Bay. It was a beautiful beam
reach all the way to Bug Light. Then the traffic forced us to
start the engine. Everyone and his brother were entering the
Greenport breakwater and anchoring for the fireworks! Yiikes!
Soon, we chose a spot to drop anchor near the beach along the
Greenport shore. With four experienced Captains and four trained
"Admirals" aboard, it was a while until everyone agreed! We were
sure we’d have a good view.
Well, we did have a ‘good view" of the
Shelter Island fireworks, but then the Greenport fireworks
began! What a grand surprise!
The sail home was a
motor-uneventful-ride until a small power boat approached right
at the mouth of the Coecles narrow entrance channel. He needed
directions to North Haven harbor, and since the red and green
lights of Coecles are so near to the red and green lights of
North Haven, he was confused. Poor power boater must not have a
chart…
The next day saw more Ducks arrive, and
we totaled 16 boats and 7 children! The little ducklings were
the Carse, Weinstein, and Bauman family members! It was the
first cruise for some.
A group of ducks took a wet dinghy ride
(is the wind always in our face?) to Rams Head Inn for a fine
luncheon. Later, that evening, a great and wonderful impromptu
Cocktail Hour was held aboard ‘Til (thanks ‘Til),
and ducks and ducklings enjoyed food and Duck Prizes galore!
On Monday, a Short Rowing Dinghy race
was held, and most boat people watched, but the brave and hardy
found that the rower had to be blindfolded! The crew had
to shout directions around the course from Shenanigans to
Stewball. Those Reillys are always up to some Shenanigans! The
"exalted winners" were Debbie Ballou of Synergy and
Bernice Mason of Winsome.
Twelve smiling folks headed via dinghy
in to shore for a walk to the Ice Cream Parlor. In the 90 degree
heat we needed all those calories to make the walk back! Bernice
was fascinated by the stand of bamboo along the Shelter Island
paths.
Tuesday, July 4th morning started with
a brunch aboard Shenanigans, and some headed home before
the predicted rain storm-that-never-came. For those of us who
stayed another night, the storm was a day late, but a day more
furious!
Many Ducks, many choices for
Activities, and great Food from many chefs made it a Fabulous
Fourth! All in all, a grand display for the Fourth of July.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda and John Reilly
Cruise Leaders for July Fourth 2006
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