By Deb Heisler and Marc Danner
This year the annual holiday party and pirate gift exchange was a great success with over 70 people attending. As usual, there was lots of laughter, moans of defeat, and a few people who had to keep picking a new gift again and again, and again. Like Gene Walentiny who got so tired he actually called for an audit. Sorry Gene, pick again!
Dave & Buster’s created a warm and welcoming venue with holiday decor, delicious food and the opportunity for the kids to get their game on.
The evening started with the welcoming of new member Jeff Coulter, and a Birthday Regatta update by Bob Naylor. Next up, and on behalf of fellow sailor, Steve Campo, his wife Christina shared Steve’s battle with Diffused Large B Cell Lymphoma, a few of the struggles they faced, and how they overcame it. Steve is on his way to recovery but due to the effects of treatment was unable to attend. She also expressed their appreciation for all of the support they received from AYC members.
Click here for a short video of the evening created by Deb Heisler
Prior to beginning the gift opening and pirating of the loot, Commodore Gibbs opened up nominations for the Blunder Bucket. Rob started by nominating previous winner Dave Haggart for never taking the award home. Throughout the night the nominations continued: Tony Chapman nominated Mike Hester for the largest fiberglass repair bill, Rob nominated David Newland and Matt Baker for sailing in heavy winds at Lake Pleasant and David at Tempe Town Lake during Wednesday Beer can races. During the Buccaneer 18 North American Championships, David decided to take the Bucc out when the races were postponed and turtled it. In the end, Myles Danner (11 years old) walked away with the Blunder Bucket for turtling his laser during the Governor’s Cup and losing his father’s rudder to the bottom of Lake Pleasant.
The Governor’s Cup will be awarded to our winner, Court Roberts at the January meeting so we hope to see you there.
On behalf of the AYC Board, I want to thank each of you for engaging in this years events. Whether you were racing, planning, volunteering or simply showing up. It all matters and makes our club what it is. We race. We gather. We sail. We have fun! May your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and shared memories.
Photo By Deb Heisler