By Deb Heisler
I’ve been briefed that on past Opening Days we’ve had dinner and a movie with popcorn, a chili competition, tacos and a Mariachi band, USCG boat inspections, and even a burn the summer flip-flops ceremony.
Well, this year, pull out and don your favorite, decorative, or plain old silly sailing socks and cover those summer, moisture-deprived dogs. Just for fun, fashion, or flamboyancy. And because I know you probably have a pair.
Arizona Yacht Club will hold our Opening Day Celebration on Saturday, September 21, at the Lake Pleasant Spinnaker Point Ramada. We’re dusting off the cannon and starting our opening day with a BANG!
When it was suggested we use the cannon, I had visions of large artillery mounted on wheels–so if for no other reason, I’m going in order to see and hear this mini military equivalent. (Note: Lake Pleasant security has been notified so no one panics when the blast goes off.)
The first race horn will sound at 12:30 p.m. and after racing we’ll have some food, drink (BYOB), fun, and live music. The music will be provided by The B-Sides, a two-man band of acoustic and electric guitars. Band leader and C22 sailor Steve Dolter says The B-Sides plays a selection of about 40-songs and specialize in the “B-side” of Beatles albums.
Here’s the day’s lineup:
9:30 Coffee, juice and a variety of homemade breakfast burritos from Big Joe and Bonnie
10:30 Fire the cannon – Start pistol? Nah, we have a cannon. Go big or go home!
12:30 First warning – Don’t be late.
12:35 First race starts with a cannon BOOM.
5:00 Dinner, BYOB drink, and live music. Enjoy a delicious meal and relive the day’s racing or talk about what you did over summer break. It’s all good when you’re with friends.
6:00 Prizes – You get a chance to go home with something unexpected and useful.
Come join us to kick off and celebrate another great season of AYC racing. This is for the entire club, whether you race at Lake Pleasant, Tempe Town Lake or not at all.
VOLUNTEER HELP NEEDED
Below are some areas where we need YOUR HELP. If you’re not racing in this event, please consider giving some time to make it a fun day for everyone. Call or text me at 602.214.2053 or email Rear.commodore@arizonayachtclub.org
- Dinner: Maryellen Ferring, our preeminent party planner, is leading dinner plans and needs a few helping hands.
- Show up/help with set up (9:00)
- Set up food table: Breakfast and Dinner
- Wo/Man the Grill (Martin Lorch- AKA Grill Master needs a helper)
- Monitor trash & recycling containers (Yes, we’ll recycle at this event)
- Clean up: including taking down tables/chairs and help reloading the trailer