By Deb Heisler
A sizable group of 90+ people were in the holiday spirit at the end-of-year party on Tuesday night. The tables quickly filled with gifts, and many sported their holiday-themed clothing. There were sparkly dresses, glittery shoes, Santa hats, light-up necklaces, red sweaters, and more.
After an enjoyable buffet feast, Bruce Andress and Bob Naylor led the “Pirate Gift Exchange,” and we all enjoyed their quick wit and sense of humor. With so many gifts to choose from, the stealing started late, but once it did, some coveted items seemed to vanish into thin air. The quest was on! We came home with an old jalopy horn, but there were sailing shoes, size nine, that were too narrow for the gifter, etched wine glasses, loads of liquids (shampoo), and much more. If you brought a gift, you went home with one, and maybe it will show up again at next year’s party.
Eric Bruce got pickles 
But the pickles came with some Fireball. 
Bob and Bruce really were standing up! 
The Botts children with Mom. 
A few of the Women of AYC . 
The Holloway boys and brotherly love! 
A large room for a large group. 
Ed’s girls volunteered as helpers. 
A beautiful tree welcomed us just outside the venue. 
The Pace pack. 
Martin displayed our burgee string! 
Special thanks to Bob and Bruce for keeping things moving along and making us laugh!
Throughout the exchange, we heard several Blunder Bucket nominations, but in the end, the roaring applause clearly identified this season’s winner as new member Devon Howe.
Devon nominated himself for a few blunders. The first happened while launching his MC Scow at Lake Pleasant. The main halyard fell to the ground; their car ran over it as they were backing down the ramp, and the mast came down…BOOM…in two pieces! The next week, Devon capsized and beached another Scow that nearly sank. And four days later, he nominated himself for the Blunder Bucket at the Holiday Party – probably the first self-nomination in AYC history! Next, George Sheller nominated Devon for the blunder of self-nomination.
Best wishes to everyone for a beautiful holiday season and a new year filled with peace, love, happiness, and good health. Stay safe, and we’ll see you all in 2024!