Preparation Begins

It is about time to get back out on the water again, and the summer has given us an opportunity to add a few conveniences to Sea Island Girl and to complete several projects.

During our travel last year we noticed that in high seas, our tv attempted to "waddle" atop the refrigerator despite the clever tie down mechanisms that were installed to hold it in place. So, we opted to install a 20" flat screen unit and fits nicely above the passageway going below. It is out of the way, gives us more room for storage and the HD feature adds to the enjoyment. We have the option of using dockside cable or satellite reception for catching up on the weather, news and watching our favorite programming.

Our in-house decorator has made some wonderful changes to the interior. New area rugs, lamps and pillows. Next year we anticipate updating the upholstery and this years additions will fit in nicely to the overall plan.

The Corian counter-tops were polished up in both the galley and the head as the hard water used in and around marinas tends to leave waterspots. An Atlanta cabinet-maker offered some very helpful suggestions and we are about ready to move back aboard for another trip to the Abacos.

Being the Commodore of the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club has given us an opportunity to remain in touch with a lot of our cruising friends during the summer months. Everyone seems busy visiting friends and family, but most are looking forward to being back together in the Fall. We have had several RMHYC members staying at Brunswick Landing Marina this summer and others have passed through in route to their home ports, so it has been an enjoyable summer.

Our plans are to depart Brunswick early November 07 , stopping in several of our favorite spots along our southern passage and to await fair weather in Palm Beach, FL for the best time to cross the Gulfstream and make our way to Abaco Beach Resort in Marsh Harbour.

As always we will highlight our cruising activities and encourage emails from our friends and family.

Senior Sock Hop (sic)

To escape from the March winds, two hundred or so members of the Royal Marsh Harbour YC gathered in the tent at Abaco Beach Resort to remember their younger years. Most of us still had some of those "old" clothes lying around while others had to search to find something that looked original. The girls shown here in their Poodle skirts went all out to make the evening a festive one and the decorations made everyone think they were back in Philly and their favorite "malt shop."

Jim Fenn a.k.a. Dick Clark did a great job of handling special requests, and the telephone call in comments as everyone danced to the music of the 50s & 60s. As it turns out "Shout" was a big hit and the evening would not have been complete without a final dance to "Goodnight Sweetheart."

It was another night to remember in Marsh Harbour.

Commodore's Ball 2007

Cruising is not all work and no play...and that was evident at this years Commodore Ball at the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club. The Club had their annual event at the Abaco Beach Resort to welcome the incoming Commodore. It was a festive evening and everyone seemed to have fun.

Activities included a delicious dinner followed by dancing, well into the evening hours. But a highlight of the evening was a "roast" of the Commodore by some special friends. As it turned out the evenings activities were interrupted for the purpose of an "emergency meeting." The intent of the group was to propose that an interpreter be appointed to help members translate the "southernisms" pronounced by the incoming Commodore. The motion was accepted and a member brandishing a very strong Scottish brogue was appointed interpreter.

The Commodore's Ball is the highlight of the winter cruising season and fun was had by all.

The RMHYC has become the focal point of all social activities for those cruising the Abacos and we currently have more than one thousand members worldwide. Should you have an interest in cruising the Abacos or learning more about the activities of our club, you may wish to refer to our website at RMHYC.com .

Pirates of the Abacos

Yarrr! The pirates came alive in the Abacos when the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club had their Feb. get together. The afternoon events included a treasure hunt, a costume contest and a most interesting ditty competition. There were approx. 175 members present and it was wonderful to see how many new members participated in the planning, coordination and execution of the evenings activities.
Our friend, shown here, was prepared by Karen and Steve O'Brien aboard "Christmas". The decorations, complete with palm frawns help to set the mood. The evenings activities were concluded with a festive buffet and plenty of grog.
It is truly amazing how everyone got into the mood and participated in each portion of the afternoon's activities. The event promises to become an annual celebration. 

Food For Cruising

If more than four cruisers gather, there's bound to be a pot-luck! It is a fun way to get everyone together and the ladies can usually forget preparing a dinner. This particular event at Boat Harbour was a lot of fun. Our yacht club members staying in Boat Harbour have grown so large that we are now filling multiple docks.
The first dock was Dock 5 and they were so proud that they erected a sign "5th Avenue". Well this party was to celebrate Dock 4's contribution as they erected another sign reading "Rodeo Drive." There were a few remarks like, "where are the cowboys" and "where did you leave the horses" but it was wholesome entertainment for everyone to enjoy. You can tell by looking at the food that none of us go hungry and we try to get together at least once a week.
Our friend Henry aboard "Oh Henry II" brought a karaoke machine and has hosted several get togethers on his dock. We do have some rather talented individuals and everyone enjoys the night air.
The weather has been wonderful thus far (only two cold fronts) and now as we move into the most active month of the winter season we should have much more to report. So stay tune!