Category: Dockside Blog

EYC merchandise sales on the dock

” The sooner we learn to be jointly responsible, the easier the sailing will be.”

Ella Maillart

These are wise words by which to live.  They are also words by which sailors learn to work together as teams to master the sea.  Sailing is not a democracy, nor is sailing done by committee.  Sailing is the skipper determining a course to a desired destination, reading the wind direction and calling for the appropriate adjustments to the sails.  All sailors on board must accept the directions of the skipper and working as a team, responsibly executing specific duties, knowing that others are depending on it.  These are the lessons taught and learned by the students of EYC’s sailing school.  We believe these life lessons also contribute to good citizenship. 

 It was once said, “it takes a village” or, to paraphrase, “it takes a county with generous merchants.” Largely due to the merchants of Door County, who generously donate items to Ephraim Yacht Club Aaron R. Moore Sailing Scholarship Fund, a fund of the Door County Community Foundation, Inc., and to club member cash donations, the EYC has  been able to fund and provide more than 220 sailing scholarships to student residents of Door County, who otherwise could not afford sailing lessons.  Additionally, the EYC provides support to the Gibraltar High School Sailing Team.  It is humbling that many of the merchants listed below seek us out to provide a donation rather that awaiting us to solicit one.  We hope all who read this will recognize the significant contribution that these merchants have made to our program possible and to the positive impact on the development of the youth of this great county. Please recognize these special businesses with your thanks and patronage. 

With special thanks to:

Di Taillon, Arbor Crown Properties and The Hillside Inn of Door County for providing this year’s magnificently beautiful venue.

Colin Welford, Renown, World Class Musical Director, for bringing together our musical entertainment and providing the tickets to “Hamilton”.

The Flower Girls, Beverage Girls, Servers and Stage Crew, who graciously helped with floral and item arrangements, set up and take down of tables and chairs, and impromptu corrections when required. Mandy and Paul Miller, Marcella and Tim Fults, Linda Carey, Ann and Larry Crowe, Nancy and Rob Treleven, Joan Lewis, Laura and Jack O’Rourke, Susie Gebhardt, Susie Samson, Di and Elliot Taillon, Jane and Bill Van Nortwick, Jenny and Kim Miller, Fred Lewis, Sandra, Olivia and Jim Annoye, Margret Gheorghita, Max Gifford, Carmen Graham,  and Laura Therien. 

 All who attended, participated in the auctions, and provided donations.

The following Business and Merchants,

Arbor Crown Properties, The Hillside Inn of Door County, Colin Welford – Green Gables, Alexander’s of Door County, Jerry’s Flowers, Bailey’s Harbor Cornerstone Pub, The Old Post Office Restaurant, Schrimshanders, Illusions In Watercolor, Ron Litterist – Artist, Tad Dukehart – Artist, Turtle Ridge Gallery, Carol Schalla- Artist, Maxwell’s House, Clay Bay Pottery, Sister Bay Bowl, Nor Door Sport & Cyclery, DC Nature Works, Rick Brawner- Artist, Nan Zimdars – Artist, Fine Line Designs Gallery, Water Street Gallery, Yacht Works, Hands On Art Studio, PJK Designs, Nathan Nichols, & Co, Reclaimed, Bright as Day Designs, Viking Grill and Lounge, Bea’s HO-Made Products, Bay Shore Outdoor Store, Ecology Sports, McKeefry & Yoemans, Kick Ash Products, The Oilerie of Fish Creek, Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik, Grasse’s Grill, Waterfront Restaurant, Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream, Lampert Lumber, The Main Course, On Deck Clothing Company, Stars and Stripes, Clink!, Gage Fine Imports, The Cookery, The Fireside Restaurant, Chef’s Hat, J. Jeffery Taylor, Chelsea Antiques and Blue Willow, Wilkens and Olander, Seaquist Orchards Farm Market, Boathouse on the Bay, Peninsula State Park Golf Course, Charlie’s Smokehouse, O’Meara’s Irish House, Lautenbach’s Orchard, Twisted Tree, Vintique, Resale LLC, White Gull Inn, Complete Sail, Milworks Men’s Goods, Bison and Bison, Julie’s Upscale Resale, Leslie Ann’s Boutique, Northern Grill, DC Fitness Studio, Shear-Style Plus, Lure & Chop. Olivia Annoye, Craig and Karen Moore, Kelly and Conrad Mazeski, Mike and Sue Smith, Ruben Margolish, Hugh Gilbert.

Our sincere thanks,

The Moore Family

Geezergatta rescheduled to July 6th

The Geezergatta has been rescheduled to this Saturday and will be part of the regular flying scot races.  Come out and race against the visiting former instructors and all of  you “geezers” can show us that you still have it! Boat draw at 9:00 a.m.

Opti Regatta July 6th and 7th

Sign up now and save yourself $20 in late fees if you wait until Saturday. To sign up, send an email to regatta@eyc.org

Come out and break a record with us, July 7th

First Mates coffee, Monday July 8

Hey Ladies, that’s us!  Please stop in upstairs at the clubhouse at 9 a.m. for a morning coffee, social hour and learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities at the EYC.

EYC Youth Activity, Wednesday July 10th

Next week’s Youth activity will be Kickball at the Sister Bay Sports complex. This time it’s just for the kiddos!  More information and the sign-up will be posted at the clubhouse.

An evening with Peter Grimm

Also on Wednesday, July 10th please gather upstairs in the clubhouse beginning at 7:00pm.  From 7:30-8:30, Peter Grimm will discuss the evolution of sailboat racing over the last 50 years via live Skype.  Peter Grimm has more than five decades of sailing and 100,000 sea miles under his belt, to learn more about Peter visit  this link .  We will conclude the evening with  dessert and coffee.  Please bring a dessert to pass.

First Mates potluck July 11th, 6:00 p.m.

The annual First Mates (Ladies) Social is just around the corner.  Please bring an appetizer of choice to share. This event is BYOB  Yacht Club please your drink of choice for yourself and/or others.  Glasses, water & ice, silverware, plates and napkins will be provided.  Please include your own serving utensil for your appetizer, if necessary.  Desserts are also welcome. We are hoping to see all of you at the Ephraim Village Hall on July 11th.

EYC Volunteer Recognition

Upcoming events:

We are looking forward to these events stay tuned for more information: Men’s night on the dock,  the Rich Hall junior Regatta and the EYC Laser Regatta.

Volunteer Thank You’s

We love our volunteers at the EYC  and would like especially give a shout out to: Jane Ford (Pancake Breakfast) and Joanie Lewis and Mandy Miller (Opening Social) for their leadership, hard work and enthusiasm in ensuring these two events were successful.  Thank you to all those that pitched in at either or both events!!  These two events were a wonderful way to start the summer and were enjoyed by all, thanks to their efforts and the help of all the volunteers.

2019 Nominating Committee

Racing News

Opti Regatta will be held on July 7th.  Both members and non-members can compete. However, only members are eligible for the EYC-owned boat draw.  Sign-up now to participate by sending an email to regatta@eyc.org . More information can be found using this link.

Geezergatta Flying Scot Race, Saturday June 29th at 10 am.

Life is better with the Ice Cream Social!  July 4th, 7 pm.

Come on out an enjoy this annual family gathering to celebrate the 4th of July.  Catch up with friends, old and new, bring an ice cream topping to share, and enjoy making your own bespoke ice cream sundae. All ice cream generously donated by IceCreamSource.com and Jessica and Steve Sauter.  We are still looking for volunteer scoopers (18 and up) from 8:00-8:30, if you can lend a hand sign up HERE!!!

Ephraim Regatta Needs your boat (and/or you)!

We are in need of THREE boats for the regatta:  Specifically we are looking for a Signal Boat (the main Committee Boat) for both Saturday 8/3 and Sunday 8/4.  Additionally ,we need a Judge Boat to patrol the race courses both 8/3 and 8/4 and a Safety/Tow Boat for Sunday 8/4.  Please contact Stacey Rieu for more information.

EYC Merchandise Dock Sales

Starting this Friday June 28th, EYC merchandise will be sold at the dock Fridays from 11:30-1:30. Come on down and get some gear for the whole crew!

Raffle to Recognize Volunteers

It’s no secret that our club depends heavily on volunteers to make this club the awesome community that we all know and love. Now, we have a way to show these folks how much we appreciate them. You can recognize an outstanding volunteer by clicking on this link. Just fill out a this form with the volunteer’s name and they will be put in a raffle for a gift certificate! It’s a quick, easy and fun way to say Thank You!!!

Fyr Bal Regatta rescheduled for Sat. June 22

The weather wasn’t cooperating so we’ll try again this Saturday.  Same deal.  10:00 am start.

Sat. June 22nd OPENING SOCIAL and Related Events:

5:30 p.m. Blessing of the Fleet.  Please feel free to join us as our fleet gets its annual blessing.

5:45 p.m. Honor Those Who Have Passed. We’ll take a moment to honor, remember and celebrate those valued EYC members we lost during the past year including:  Betty Lou Aik, Brian Chase, Virginia Ann Ivarson Claypool, and David Stuart Lott

6:00 p.m. OPENING SOCIAL! The EYC’s Opening Social begins at 6:00 p.m. The EYC will supply wine, beer and soft drinks. Please bring an appetizer to share.  Come out and meet some of the wonderful young adults that make up our amazing 2019 EYC Staff.  This event is open to EYC members and guests ages 18 and up, and to all EYC staff. Please, no dogs, cats, or woodchucks at this event.

Don’t forget you can pick-up your Membership Directory during the social.

EYC  MERCH Available at the Opening Social

Come check out or purchase EYC merchandise at the Opening Social (cash, checks and credit cards accepted). Our gear is also typically sold during lunch on the last day of lessons. Available now, new styles of sweatshirts, polos, bags and more!!  Need some insulated, outdoor-friendly re-useable drink ware?  EYC Tervis tumblers  to the rescue!!  These tumblers are perfect for hot and cold drinks, 2 sizes available 12 oz and 24 oz.

Opti Races start on Tuesday at 6pm

Bring your kids down for Opti races and watch them learn to love sailing.  EYC staff help the kids figure it all out and have fun along the way. Youth enrolled in lessons can get the scoop from their instructors.

Mini Golf at Red Putter next Wednesday evening the 26th!

Youth activities allow kids to form friendships outside of sailing. Come alone or bring a friend. The first youth activity of the season will be mini-golf at the Red Putter on Wednesday, June 26th. Sign up in the clubhouse on the poster board and get the details on timing, etc.

Session B Lessons filling fast

Session B Lessons start on Monday June 24th.  Get signed up now as classes are filling for this popular time of summer.

Volunteer- yes, you can!

Some of our events over the next few months still need volunteers. Each event has a wonderful coordinator organizing and they are in need of some helping hands.  Click here to see opportunities to volunteer during the summer including:  4th of July Ice cream social,  the Bratfest, the Commodore’s party .  No experience required (also overheard at Bunco)!

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead at the EYC calendar and a few things we are getting excited about:  Bunco– Monday nights at the clubhouse- Social at 6:30 play starts at 7:00; the former EYC staff “Geezer Gatta” 6/29 and everyone’s favorite the Fourth of July Ice Cream Social 7/4.

Kickball Wednesday 6pm, Sister Bay Sports Complex

Calling all EYC Members for our annual  Kickball game this Wednesday night!  Kids and Adults are invited, kids need an adult supervisor. Get your game face on and meet at the softball field at the Sister Bay Sports Complex at 6:00 p.m.  Play on a team and enjoy some friendly competition or cheer  from the sidelines.  Afterwards, enjoy some post-game analysis with beer, wine and food.  Please bring an appetizer to share.

Pancake Breakfast, Sat. 7:30-10:30am at Ephraim’s Old Village Hall.

Everyone loves pancakes, right?  Bring your gluten-loving friends and support a good cause: the EYC!

Wanna race?  Races start this weekend!

Friday at 6pm: 420s, Lasers, Laser Masters.

Saturday 10am: Flying Scots, Fyr Bal Regatta

Sunday 1pm: 420s

Fyr Bal Family Cookout, Sat. 6pm at EYC. Brats & Burgers provided.

Come one, come all!  Your hosts the Latreille and O’Rourke families will provide brats, burgers and hot dogs.
Please bring a side dish to share and your own beverages! Enjoy a fun family cookout on the dock then bundle up to stay and watch the fireworks!

Info Sessions on Board’s application for hearing re EYH Pier

We’ll have two information sessions for anyone wanting to hear about the Board’s decision to request a hearing on the proposed new EYH pier. Sat. at 1pm and Mon. at 9 am in the clubhouse.

Lessons start on Monday!

We have one week beginner classes and adventure camps. Adventure Sailing is multiage camp where kids use all the different boats at the EYC and just have fun with it.

Kickball is not just for kids anymore, Wed, June 19, 6pm.

Yep, since bigger kids and adults seemed to be “crashing” this tournament every year, we made it official!  Kids and adults can come (kids need to bring their adult supervisor). The competition will be fierce so don’t get your heart set on winning (some of us prefer to just socialize from the sidelines). Afterwards we’ll make amends with beer, wine and food. Please bring an appetizer to share. This is a great event to bring a guest (maybe even a future EYC member?).

Volunteers needed for… well… everything we do at EYC!

No experience necessary! This small seasonal club only exists because all of you help put on all our activities.

Pretty please (see how nicely we asked) sign up for one or more of our events over the next few months. Click here to see where we need help including at the 4th of July Ice cream social, the Bratfest, the Commodore’s party and more. Absolutely no experience necessary (and no one will ask you any sailing questions either).

And for those who are new to the EYC: Signing up to volunteer is how we all get to know each other. My first sign up was to help at a kids’ activity. Fast forward a few years and here I am writing this goofy blog.

OMG EYC DIRECTORIES ARE HERE!! Pick up your copy of this tell-all publication at any EYC event.

Rumor has it that book clubs everywhere have chosen this best seller as their next read (in other words, you definitely want your copy). The directories will be available at all upcoming EYC events or just stop in to the clubhouse to claim yours. If you need your copy mailed to you, please email Erica.heidler@gmail.com let her know (and specify which address you would like it sent to).

EYC Opening Social, Sat. June 22^nd 6pm

It’s one of the faves for sure and you can pick up your directory at the event. This evening is for the 18 and up crowd. We’ll introduce our EYC staff and honor those who’ve passed. We’ll provide beverages, and you bring a dish to share (but leave your hedgehog and any other pets at home). Here’s where you can sign up to volunteer.

That’s it for this week. I have a feeling it’s gonna be a great summer!

What weekly emails?

Here’s how it works: We strive to send out an email every Thursday with all the EYC “deets” for the week.  Then, you read every word and get excited about all the activities. That’s it! (Oh, and if you have something you want included, please aim for sending it by Tuesday to me here).

Reminder: June 8th Flying Scot races are canceled.

There are some complications due to the high water levels. No need to panic, we’ll start in a week.

Monday June 10 5:30pm: First Mates Wine & Sign, followed by Bunco

Come to the EYC clubhouse to enjoy a glass of wine with other “First Mates” (translation = women) and consider adding your name to some volunteer lists (that’s the “sign” part). At 7 pm, the dice will be out and we’ll have our first bunco evening of the summer. Don’t know what bunco is? Come anyway and you’ll learn as you go while you move around the room meeting lots of people. It’s a social game that involves absolutely no strategy.  You got this!

Also starting: Bridge!

Open play Bridge is on Mondays at 1:00pm (starting June 10th).

Couples Bridge is on Tuesdays at 4:30 (starting June 11th).

Races start for real on Friday the 14th

Friday at 6:00pm: 420s, Lasers, and Laser Masters.

Saturday at 10:00am FYR BAL REGATTA and Flying Scots (Also there is a fleet meeting at 8:45 am)

Sunday at 1:00pm: 420s

Big Weekend Coming: Pancake Breakfast and Fyr Bal Cookout

Saturday the 15th, 10:30: Pancake Breakfast at Ephraim’s Old Village Hall.

Saturday the 15th 6:00: Fyr Bal Family Cookout on the pier.

What does it mean for the EYC to be “OPEN”?

Good question! The EYC opened on Tuesday after Memorial Day, and that means members can come on down and enjoy the waterfront property that your membership brings. It also means that you should clear your calendar because races start soon (see below for delay) then Bunco and Bridge both start the week of the 10th, and there’s a First Mates (ladies) wine event on June 10. The club will be staffed starting June 14th from 8:30-5 weekdays (later on race evenings) and 8:45 -5 on weekends during which time members can check out boats. That same weekend brings a steady clip of activities like the pancake breakfast, Fyr Ball Regatta and cookout, 420 and laser races, and then come lessons, camps, junior activities, men’s night, and more. The best place to get the scoop is on the EYC website, or the EYC calendar.

High water levels are making things complicated!

With the high water levels, the safety of our members, staff and equipment are of utmost concern, so we appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we get things sorted out. We’re having Port-a-pier install jersey barriers (no idea what those are but I guess we’ll find out), and that has implications for the next week: First, the June 8th Flying Scot races are cancelled. Sorry about that. And second the pier is not yet ready to store private boats. Sorry about that too. We’ll keep you posted.

EYC Lessons and camps start in two weeks! Please spread the word.

There are one week and two week classes, classes on power boating, lasers, opti racing, adventure sailing camps, private sessions, and more for ages 7 – 120. Please please share this info with families or friends who may not know about the EYC programs. Non-members are encouraged to sign up and peer pressure is an excellent tool to make this happen. (“Everybody’s doing it”).  Spots are limited, and do fill.  Here’s the link to sign up.

Thanks to all those who helped out with last Saturday’s Spring Cleanup!

This from Fred: We had a great turnout on a beautiful day!  We accomplished everything we had planned and topped it off with a nice lunch. It was a great time to meet new people and to visit with friends we haven’t seen since last season.  Those who helped are listed below in no particular order.  Please accept our apologies if we have missed someone.  We try to capture the names of all those who participated, but since there’s a lot going on and a lot of moving parts, sometimes we miss someone.  Also a special thanks to Jack O’Rourke who did an excellent job as grill master!

Gordon Rowley, Jennifer Ikeda, Michael Faugust, Hugh Haggerty, Beth Moritz, Henry Moritz, Kim Miller, Spencer Olson, Sarah Olson, Laura O’Rourke, Jack O’Rourke, Abby O’Rourke, Sue Lewis, Fred Lewis, Bill DeVitt, Steve Crane, Deb Crane, Dennis Miller, Tom Murray, Bob Schmidt, Cain Goettelman, Deanna Peterson, John Peterson, Barb Ziegler, Jonni Lewis, Will Pooley, Debra Gilmore, Wally Waleffe, Roger Waleffe, Derek Waleffe, Sally Schoendorf, Chris Schoendorf, Rob Cowles, Rob Moore, Sherry Moore, Heather Andersen, Bill Andersen, Topher Andersen, Will Andersen, Craig Rawlins, Jack Rebhan, Jodi Hoyerman, Rick Hoyerman, Jeanne Papenthien, Tommy Papenthien.

This from your blog writer: Can y’all come to my house next? I’ve got some cleaning for you…

Virginia Ann Ivarson Claypool passed away on May 20, 2019 at the age of 93. Virginia was a long time EYC member. She is survived by her children Nancy L. Claypool, New Orleans, Louisiana; Sandra L. Claypool (Brian L. Conrad), Ashland, Oregon; Carol J. Claypool, King, North Carolina; and daughter-in-law, Jamie C. Claypool, Plymouth, Michigan; by grandchildren Alison Claypool-Conrad, Lianna Claypool and James Claypool; and by five nieces and one nephew.

Virginia was an avid sailor and racer of Flying Scots and Sunfish into her eighties. Her life story is an inspiring one, and can be read here in her obituary. The family will hold a private, grave-side service for their favorite “Viking” in Eveleth, Minnesota this summer.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Glenmont, a 501(c)(3) nursing facility, 4599 Avery Road, Hilliard, Ohio  43026.