It was a cold and stormy day. Can this be the much touted first day of summer, the longest day of the year, the longest daylight sailing day of the year, the Summer Sailstice? For many on the East Coast, and especially around Long Island Sound where there were a number events planned, the day featured thunder and lightning as well.
However, Pequot Yacht Club in Southport, CT reports that the crews of three of its cruising fleet sat patiently in the Clubhouse and finally got the all clear to head out into the sound for a race. The Summer Sailstice burgee was presented to the winning boat, Eclipse, a J-36 owned by the Kueffner Syndicate. Only two determined skippers of the eight Club-owned Ideal 18s made it out to the Sound before being recalled because of lightning strikes.
However, all was not lost. The Club festivities to celebrate the Sailstice held forth on shore with a steel band and barbecue that was just great. A tropical theme with dancing and partying for everyone with all looking forward to another Summer Sailstice. P.S. With so many signed up from Pequot it figures we'd have some winners in the Summer Sailstice drawing. Several prizes were won including the much coveted battery operated drill blender 'The Boatblender'. Perfect - now we're all set for Summer Sailstice 2004!