Activity Reports
Cruise captains requested to send reports and photographs to Gordon Kellogg (Pilot) and Les Smith (Website)
January 21 – Annual Meeting (photos posted 1/21/12)
Annual Meeting photos 1
Annual Meeting photos 2
Annual Meeting photos 3
Annual Meeting photos 4
Annual Meeting photos 5
Annual Meeting photos 6
Annual Meeting photos 7
October 27 – Commodore Cup (report posted 10/28/11)
The Commodore’s Cup was sailed on Wednesday 10/26/11. It was a perfect day, winds 10-15, sunny, and temps – low 70’s. The social was held at Whittacker Point Marina. For the dinner the wind direction off the water from the S/W and the marina’s spraying eliminated the mosquitoes. The social committee under the direction of Catherine Baxley fed us with pizzas and salad from Silos, along with the traditional beverages of beer, wine and soft drinks. My co-host Art Tierney wants to thank everyone who made the event possible. I think everyone had a great time.
We had 21 sailboats and 2 power boats participate. The power boats were, E. Braun and Madeline Sutter. Our committee boat was Earl Evens with Bill and Beth Michne the race committee. I have listed the sail boats below with the time each took to sail the course.
Bliss– 69, Tierney-70, Arndt-70, Kellogg-75, Buckman-78, Small-79, Scotti-82, Crowley-85, Carmicheal-86, Miller-DNF, Coats-90, Mannion-95, Piner-97, Scharr-97, D’Arenzo-98, Monell-99, Gray-105, Graves-110, Sechrist – DNF, Dales-119, Wolfinger-123
DNF – Indicates did not finish. Both boats rounded the course but because of circumstances decided not to cross the designated finish line.
We classified the fleet into 3 classes and awarded trophies as follows:
Class 1, Kellogg-1st, Buckman-2nd, Small-3rd
Class 2, Carmicheal-1st, Coats-2nd, Graves-3rd
Class 3, Monell-1st, Gray-2nd, Dales-3rd
The Commodores Cup trophy was awarded to the team of Mannion-Tierney.
All who were absent, missed a GREAT day on the water. Hope to see more boats next year.
Ed Bliss
October 7-9 – Mumfest (report posted 10/11/11, photos posted 10/10/11)
Sixteen SCOO boats traveled to New Bern for the 31st Mumfest, Oct. 8th 7 9th, 2011. North East winds, 10 to 15 Knots, with clear skies, treated boaters to ideal traveling conditions.
Friday evening, A Dock became the destination for heavy hors d’oeuvres and camaraderie. Fine dining or lighter fare awaited those who wished to take in the town into the late evening.
Saturday found us at a favorite restaurant called Baker’s Square. While other folks waited in a line that stretched to the street at 8:30am, SCOO members were given the VIP treatment, marching upstairs to a private and quiet dining area for a delicious buffet. I’d recommend this spot for future SCOO events. Served to us were BiG cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls, egg casserole, fried potatoes, bacon, sausage patties, grits, juice and coffee or tea.
Then it was decision time. What to select to see! The Farmer’s Market was opened first so some of us started there. Viewing close up a live Alpaca, and Lama, was an exciting venture for some of us who have seen it all. And there were crafts and food galore.
The Dog Team event displaying the agility of pooches with a frisbee was well attended. The music at the Bank of the Arts was fantastic. All in all, one couldn’t complain about this year’s festival under Carolina blue skies, and soft breezes, unless the free music in the harbor wasn’t your cup of tea.
Pleasant cruising, Sandra Evens, Co-chair
Mumfest photos 1
Mumfest photos 2
Mumfest photos 3
Mumfest photos 4
Sep 20-23 – Bath Little Washington Cruise (posted 10/12/11)
Cruise Captain, Pat Webster
A good (and intermittently wet) time was had by all. Participants on this cruise included SCOO Commodore Gerry Crowley and Cheryl Crowley on Ri-Ra, Sheila and Jim Flaherty on Sheila S, Richard and Penny Flaherty on Penelope, and Cruise Captain and Co-Captain Pat Webster and Emily Shephard on Warrior Woman. Originally, we had 14 boats signed on for this cruise, but illness and post-hurricane issues resulted in 5 boats, and….the small group made for a fun time.
Some members encountered rain on the way to Bath on Tuesday. Marina owner Paul Minor was gracious and had gone out of his way to repair docks, have electricity going and greet everyone graciously. Tuesday night’s scrumptious potluck was followed by a drinking game, based on answers to nautical questions. For example, do you know how the terms “head,” “POSH,” and “son-of-a-gun” originated? Gerry Crowley insisted on a change of rules this year. Last year, the losing team to a particular question had to drink; this year, Gerry insisted that the winners should drink!
After a breakfast hosted by Pat and Emily, boats proceeded to Washington. Gerry and Cheryl were next-to-last to leave, as Gerry magnanimously took apart Warrior Woman’s plugged-up galley sink and got it draining again.
On way to Washington, Warrior Woman overheated, secondary to a broken belt. SCOO members stayed caringly on VHF, and Nancy Huff supplied helpful information while Warrior Woman was towed to dock. Dick and Penny Flaherty postponed start-time for a lovely cocktail party aboard Penelope to give Pat and Emily time to arrive.
On Thursday, SCOO members enjoyed Little Washington. Cheryl Crowley continued and ratified the tradition of buying clothing at Washington’s famous consignment store and wearing to the Pia’s dinner that night. Dick Flaherty generously came and installed a new alternator belt on Warrior Woman, including a trip in the rain to Penelope for tools.
Dinner at Pia’s was full of warmth and fun, with Will and Nancy Huff sharing stories full of SCOO history. And of course, on the whole trip, we loved the presence of Sheila and Jim ‘s beautiful dog, whose name, to my embarrassment, I’m forgetting.
Folks set sail on Friday. Nancy and Will and I believe Jim and Sheila went back to Bath for more fun there. Penelope made it to Bonner Bay in the rain. RiRa made it all the way back to Oriental, encountering squalls and rain en route.
Pat’s crew Emily left Warrior Woman on Thursday, and Pat remained behind to wait for more crew on Sunday. However, by Saturday morning, it was clear that weather would prevent the anticipated two-day sunny sail home. Pat awakened somewhat dishearted and damp Saturday morning. It had been raining since Thursday and she and the boat were soggy. Her spirits lifted when Gerry called and offered to bring the boat home with her Sunday. After a 10 ½ hour trip home in the rain Sunday, with a hot shower at Cheryl and Gerry’s, over a wonderful chili meal prepared by Cheryl, accompanied by sufficient wine, sea stories and laughter brought sunshine to the end of this successful cruise.
Pat Webster
Aug 14 – Summer Moonbeam Cruise (posted 11/12/11)
Cruise Captains, Larry and Roberta Jones
The skies did not clear on August 14, thus necessitating an alternate venue for the Moonlight Cruise. Hosts Larry and Roberta Jones invited all participating SCOO people to convene on their boat, Symmety, which was located at Whittaker Creek Yacht Owners Marina. When the rains threatened to drown that location, everyone met in the club house at the Marina. Crews from the following boats were present:
Liz (Tom and Liz Lathrop), Calculation(Doug Sligh and MaryAnne Parham), Ri Ra(Cheryl and Gerry Crowley), Sheila R (James and Sheila Flaherty), Trachelle II (George & Marilyn Sechrist), Take Five (Carl and Penny Monell), Maggie’s Magic (Bill and Maggie Arndt), Wind Melody(Dick and Donna Mannion, George and Charlotte Schenck, George and Joanne Hurley), Il Gato (Joe and Paula Valinoti)
As always, a beautiful array of appetizers appeared on the table and were promptly devoured by the hungry sailors. Larry and Roberta then presided over a contest involving knowledge of Oriental and Pamlico County. The competition was lively, but no one came to blows and many showed they indeed had a great deal of knowledge regarding the area in which we live. And, although we had only a view of the water, an enjoyable time was had by all.
Larry and Roberta Jones
July 20 – Annual Picnic (posted 10/12/11)
SCOO’s annual picnic held on July 20, 2011, was again held at Pecan Grove Marina and catered by Smithfield Barbeque. We had approximately 3,235 SCOO members and guests in attendance….how many???? …well the number sounds good to me……I lost count after 10 ….shuffling my “champagne” from one hand to the other counting.
The Social Committee, as usual did a fine job getting set up. The Oriental champagne (Yuengling) and boxed wines were in abundance along with water and soft drinks…..nothing is too good for our membership. The social hour or two was eventually brought to a close and Pat Kirsch provided the blessing and asked that we keep in our prayers the people of Japan as they coped with the effects of the Tsunami ……little did we know that Hurricane Irene was in our future ….this was SCOO’s first social gathering since the passing of Past Commodore (2006) George Duffie and he was sorely missed. On a lighter side we learned that Gary Williams (Social Committee member) had either that morning or earlier that week scored a hole in one over at Minnesott Golf course.
Eventually the stomachs were filled and people headed home and the Social Committee again went to work breaking down the tables, and cleaning up after all of us.
I want to thank everyone who came to the annual picnic and hope that they enjoyed themselves as much as Cheryl & I did and especially want to thank the Social Committee for another job well done.
Commodore Crowley
July 13-15 – Dowry Creek Cruise (posted 7/25/11)
Dowry Creek Cruise Report
Dowry Creek Photos
June 17/18 – Summer Solstice (posted 6/21/11)
Friday, June 17th, 2011, twelve boats voyaged to Lower Broad Creek(Lind’s dock) in preparation for the annual Whortonsville Summer Solstice race. Approximately 30 people gathered on the Lind’s dock for a potluck dinner and active discussions on the earlier storm and next days race. Member Skippers and crew representing the vessels Lansa, Wind Melody, Souper, ACapella, Flighty Girl, RIRA, Symmetry and Merry Mary braved Fridays earlier storm and arrived safely to enjoy a great time! A great representation of prospective members from vessels Ruleda, Ryoko, Sheila R, Illusions and Seahawk also attended to experience the great hospitality this club has to offer.
Saturday, most boats continued on to the race on Pamlico Sound with great weather and winds, followed by trophy presentations and a potluck and pig-pickin at the home of Dennis and Elaine Snyder.
Eric Lind, S/V Lansa
Summer Solstice Photo
May 24-27 – Ocracoke Cruise (posted 6/2/11)
Pinafore got stuck in the low water mud on Tuesday, but was able to join the other three SCOO boats that made this trip on Wednesday the 25th. Miranda, Lulu, and Bab-y had a rough crossing on the 24th, but made it safely. The weather in Ocracoke was perfect, and we were joined by some Oriental based GSA boats for excellent happy hours. I have heard no reports of sinkings, so assume everyone made it safely home on Friday. Pinafore made it back in time for a great breakfast at Brantleys.
Peter Freeman
May 13/14 – Albemarle Plantation Cruise (posted 7/12/11)
Albemarle Photos 1
Albemarle Photos 2
May 9-13 – Edenton Cruise (posted 8/7/11)
Cruise Captains, Gordon and Ann Kellog, Will and Nancy Huff
This cruise started with 22 participants on Monday, May 9, in pleasant cool NE breezes. Those boats attending were: Maggie’s Magic (Bill and Maggie Arndt), Out of the Blue (Ed and Jane Bliss), Stimulus (Jerry and Elizabeth Buckman), Makers Mark (Paul Bogardus and Ellen Sutliff), Ri Ra (Gerry and Cheryl Crowley), Cahoots (Pat and Almira Dallas), Merry Mary (George and Mary Duffie), Season Ticket (Durl and Debbie Evans), Souper (Earl and Sandy Evens), Miss El (Tom and Ellie Finta), Godspeeed (Will and Nancy Huff), Xanadu (Richard Johns and Renee’ Dumont), Symmetry (Larry and Roberta Jones), Bossa Nova (Gordon and Ann Kellogg), Blue Jacket (Jerry and Donna Luh), Wind Melody (Richard and Donna Mannion), Second Wind (David and Sandy Netting), Lulu (Hans and Hildegard Nickstadt), Whispering Sea (Tom and Joyce Russell), Pelican (Bob and Stacey Taylor), Quixotic (Art and Elise Tierney), and Kory (Henry and Karen Van Gamper). Fancy Free (Ben and Valerie Zempel) was a guest of the Finta’s.
Our first destination was the Belhaven area with many boats anchored at the beginning of the Pungo/ Alligator River Canal. Maggie’s Magic had mechanical problems near Hobucken and returned to Oriental under sail. A pleasant evening was spent by those at anchor before which the Russells and Huff’s dinghied over to Bossa Nova and helped the Kellogg’s christen the new boat with champagne.
Tuesday saw most of the fleet arrive at the Alligator River Marina by mid-afternoon and witnessed an exciting docking maneuver performed by Cahoots as it fought a strong cross wind. Wanda, our hostess, seated us all in her private dining room and served a great meal of steak or shrimp, salad and baked potato.
Wednesday, the fleet continued up the Albemarle Sound, to the picturesque Scuppernong River and up to the town of Columbia. We were greeted by the town mayor and other officials who invited each crew to visit the Town Hall where a bottle of local wine and a visitor package was received.. Later, a tour of the local winery store, Vinyards on the Scuppernong, provided an opportunity to shop and sample other wines. A reception was held at the dockside gazebo park with munchies provided by SCOO followed by dinner on your own (The Goodtimes Tavern had great softshell crabs).
Thursday provided a good southwest breeze that made for fun sailing from the Scuppernong to the entrance of the Edenton town marina. Unfortunately, Miss El experienced some mechanical problems and decided to head for Coinjock in search of professional help. Frank, the dock master, and his staff, guided each boat to their assigned spot. Thanks go to early SCOO arrivals for assistance in securing other boats. Cahoots again demonstrated remarkable skills in executing a 180° turn in a very tight space to enter her slip. Later, an informal welcoming reception was held aboard Bossa Nova.
Friday was a good day for sight-seeing. Many SCOO members walked to the Visitor Center and took the bus tour of historic Edenton homes. It was unfortunate that the Barker House was not available for our final reception as occurred in 2005; however, the Edenton Marina picnic grounds provided an enjoyable spot to have our potluck gathering. Thanks to all the attendees for bringing and sharing such tasty and interesting dishes at these events.
Saturday saw most of the SCOO fleet leave Edenton for the Albemarle Plantation event or continue east for the Chesapeake Bay routes.
April 26/27 Chili Cookout (posted 8/7/11)
Cruise Captains, Jerry and Molly Grubb
The Chili Cookout was held at Matthews Point Marina on April 26th and 27th. There were 11 boats respresented:
Wind Dancer Jerry and Molly Grubb Co-Captains
Pinafore Peter and Susan Gill
Take Five Carl and Penny Monell
Kory Henry and Karen Van Gamper
Miranda Ken and Carol Small
Whispering Sea Tom and Joyce Russell
Quixotic Arthur and Elsie Tierney
Lulu Nick and Hildegard Nickstadt
Odyssey Robert and Margaret Dales
Jerry and Elizabeth Buckman on Stimulus came by car
We also had one guest boat Aqua Gem Keith and Lana Vollendorf who were guests of Jerry and Molly Grubb. They recently moved to Oriental and are potential members.
We convened in the comfort of the Marina’s beautiful Clubhouse and watched the rain come down as we enjoyed 5 different kinds of Chili along with appetizers, salads, homemade cornbread, and a delicious array of dessert . Heavy doses of chocolate in many of the desserts were real hits! Safe to say, no one went back their boats at the end of the evening feeling any hunger pains!
The next morning, we met in the Clubhouse again and enjoyed a Continental Breakfast of juice, fruit and several fresh baked pastries. Some even indulged in the desserts left over from the previous evening.
We had a great time and look forward to next year.
April 7 – Clubfoot Creek (report posted 4/12/11) (photos posted 5/1/11)
After a somewhat leisurely beat almost to the entrance of Club Foot Creek (the wind really piped up about 1.5 miles outside the channel), nine boats gathered for our first joint happy hour cruise of the season. These 9 boats were WIND MELODY (hosts), MERRY MARY (coerced co-hosts), OUT OF THE BLUE, SEA SHELL, HERON, STIMULUS, MAKERS MARK, QUIXOTIC, , and RULEDA. The boat crews were: Buckman, Mannion, Bliss, Lothrop, Tierney, Brown, Bogardus, Duffie and Scotti. Can you match the boats to the crews?
Wind Melody did coerce the Duffies on Merry Mary to raft alongside to provide enough boat space to accommodate these crews. And what a fine job of rafting to Wind Melody that George and Mary executed. Someone on Wind Melody was heard to shout “be careful, we don’t want to end up with a dubious award for our rafting job”. But, no fear, it was executed perfectly.
Then, the people and the food, food, food began to arrive. Dinner! Who needs it? Lots of stories, laughter and new friendships. Check out the photographs. Can you figure out who ended up with torn jeans and how they got that way? A great evening, and a very quiet night for great sleeping.
Thanks to everyone who participated and thanks to Ellen Sutliff and George Duffie for the photographs. See you on the water.
Donna and Dick Mannion and Wind Melody
Clubfoot Creek Photos 1
Clubfoot Creek Photos 2
March 16 – Oyster Roast (posted 4/28/11)
Oyster Roast Photos – courtesy of Melinda Penkava