Author: Useppa

Useppa McMahon Regatta – Thoughts by Bob Stevens, Pictures by Cindy Ryan and UseppaGin – On March 20th Useppa Yacht Club’s 2021 McMahon was won by Paul Beisswenger sailing Spirit U8 with Doug Ryan as crew. There were five races on Pine Island Sound. Eight boats were out, the season high. Second place in the regatta went to Ed King, Coot’s U38 skipper, with Kim Lockhart and Jack David as crew.  In third place was George Preckwinkle sailing Buttercup U1 with Steve Acuff (our new Commodore) as crew.  Brian McColgan sailed Oh!! Happy Daze! U85 with Past Commodore Jim Doherty as crew. Gardner Kent was at the helm of Patty P U11, with Sarah Williamson his able crew.  Chris Dreher sailed Still Don’t Know Yet U7 with his dad Bruce and Ashley Simmons. PurrFect U4 was skippered by Mark Smith with Duncan Rowley as his crew.  And finally, Andy Hotchkiss was out on Cats-Up with Dawn Jalowy’s son Jacob and his friend Andre as crew.  So…. eight boats on the starting line, and not once was anyone over.  Remarkable, with the tide current pushing the boats towards the line at the start. Thanks to all who helped me run the races. Thanks to Bill’s Grille for a fine buffet of hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings.  Another great effort for a great crowd.

Saint Patrick’s Day Useppa Style – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – The tradition goes back years. Decorated people and golf carts parade up and down the beach led by an Admiral and the Useppa Fire Truck. Way back the Admiral was a tall burly man, one of the first Useppa Island Club residents. This year his great grandson Ned led the parade. Folks who used to march watched from the sidelines as a new generation of grownups and children celebrated the holiday. Everyone won a prize but some winners were more distinguished than others with better dance moves or a slightly wittier presentation (painted coconuts were green eggs … and ham). Useppa’s first Parade Admiral had to be looking down with a smile.

Catboats on the Water – Words by UIYC Race Committee Chair Bob Stevens, Pictures by UseppaGin – Well, the predicted winds didn’t show up, but neither did the sun.  Cold, showery, and grey on the water this morning.  And, to top it all off, the breeze started out at 140 degrees and moved to the left (veered) 20 degrees to 120, then clocked back to where it began, and finally, at the end of the morning, moved back to the left (veered) all the way around to about due North, some change.  So, with fine help on the anchor, on the Committee Boat we spent much time moving the leeward end of the course to try to stay on the wind, three times stopping a starting sequence to make the move.  Lots of fine help from Dan O’Connell with the starting/finishing line pin.  Managed only three races with all the time wasted chasing the wind, once still chasing it as boats came to the moving finishing line. Four boats were out. Ed King and Kim Lockhart aboard Coot (U38), Gardner Kent and Sarah Williamson sailed Patty P (U11), Paul Beisswenger and Doug Ryan were on Spirit (U8), and Andy and Dawn Hotchkiss managed Catsup (U44).  Sturdy sailors, the lot! Coot was first twice, and had one second. Spirit had one win and two second place finishes.  And Gardner Kent sailed to three third place finishes. Lunch at Bill’s Grille, though with some showers, was yet another fine showing. A nice time for us all.  Thank you to all who made it possible.

March Fun – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – On Saturday morning, gray skies in the morning didn’t deter sailors on their catboats. By midday folks were at the pool and having lunch and on the beach. Bocce was played the sport augmented by quick and witty comments. Croquet lessons were given and games played on the Sumwalt Lawn. Useppa’s natural beauty was the frame.

Catboats on the Water – Thoughts by Race Committee Chair Bob Stevens and Pictures by UseppaGin – Another delightful morning on Pine Sound, with a breezy start.  Seven Sandpipers were out, and we ran four races with little more than oscillations in the breeze.  Lunch at Bill’s Grille was another success. Ed King had a fine morning on the water, handily winning all four races.  Kim Lockhart was his crew as Ed showed the way about all morning into both a southeasterly breeze and the incoming tide. Catsup U44 with Andy Hotchkiss at the helm and Dawn as his crew finished in second place twice, and third place once.  Chris Dreher sailed Still-Don’t-Know-Yet U7 to a second place in the fourth race and two third places.  Chris had his dad, Bruce with him as his crew. Paul Beisswenger sailed Spirit U8 with Michael Carmichael as his crew to a second place, and Duncan Rowley skippered PurrFect U4 to a third place with Mark Smith as crew. Brian and Mary McColgan were out as were Heath Wilder and Susan Bentley, and Steve Acuff and George Preckwinkle.  So, seven boats, all counted, on the water in a breezy morning. Dan O’Connell was out with Joel Bentley, Linda O’Connell, Steve Kaufman, and Cindy Ryan helping with the marks.  Aboard Snooper with me were Sydney Stevens on the horns, Ginny Amsler on the camera, and Doug Ryan on the anchor. Another fine time on the Sound with folks we all love to be with.

Island Winter – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – How lucky we are to define Useppa winter by time spent boating, sailing, having lunch on the Collier patio, swimming in the pool, relaxing in the hot tub, and playing on the beach. Winter on the island is a gift. We are lucky and we know it.

Smiling People and Flowers – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Island spirit is in its people and in its flowers. Things are quiet on Useppa. It’s easy to stop and look up, pause and see the flowers above in the trees, along the side of the Pink Path, framing our old fashioned dirt roads. Families and friends dine on the Collier Patio, sit together by the pool. A fading bridal bouquet is gently tossed into the water. Sunsets are a blessing. Useppa is a blessing.

Valentine’s Day and President’s Weekend Island Style – Pictures and Thoughts By UseppaGin – It was an old fashioned gathering of families and friends on Useppa. People comfortable together kept friendly safe distances from others, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Useppa is a gift in these confusing times. Breakfast at the Tarpon Bar by the Marina. Lunch on the Collier patio and fun times in and around the pool. Valentines in cards, gifts and smiles made it a perfect weekend.

Useppa’s Catboats, Bill’s Grille, and Good Times – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – On Saturdays January 30th and February 6th seasoned skippers and new sailors were on the water. Oldtimers helped new skippers learn the ropes, read the winds, become part of the Useppa Yacht Club sailing community. The more experienced sailors won the races, but there is new talent getting used to and becoming part of the Island’s Catboat tradition. Bill’s Grille gave everyone a chance to kibbitz over lunch and a season ahead of fun for all lies ahead. Thanks to the Race Committee and Bill’s Grille volunteers. You made it all happen.

Super Bowl Weekend – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The Super Bowl was celebrated on Useppa with take-out pizzas and the traditional Tarpon Bar Party. Precautions were taken to keep everyone safe – staff and football enthusiasts. The rest of the weekend was fun too with tennis, swimming, bird watching, and in the Butterfly Garden, baby Monarch Butterflies leaving their chrysalis. On Useppa there is something for everyone.