Once again this year’s annual cruise was an overwhelming success. It was led by our Rear Commodore of cruise, Al Skinner aboard his brand spanking new boat Euphoria. Our first evening was spent at Stonington harbor where we were joined by the power boaters who were embarking on a separate cruise. Dinner out was a total success.

Our cruise took us to numerous destinations on the Cape. We enjoyed some new destinations such as the pond at Point Judith, a lovely and secluded anchorage. Lake Tashmoo was a beautiful anchorage also. We spent two nights at Edgartown and of course enjoyed lunch one day at the Edgartown Yacht Club and many activities for all the kids. At Nantucket we went on a seal watch tour at Muskeget Island where we saw the largest group of grey seals in the country. Quite spectacular. Chatham was the site of a pot luck dinner which was enjoyed by all and more than likely better than anything in town. Due to the efforts of John Reilly, we had home made clam chowder that was really good.

This year we had an armada of four boats, Euphoria, Shenanigans, Katama II, and Kittyhawk. The sailing was really good this year. We had a race from Chatham to Hyannis which was won by Shenanigans. The wind had died so we motored for about 15 minutes. Shenanigan however just hoisted their unmistakable spinnaker and handily won the race.

This years participants included Al and Collette Skinner, Steve and Carol Vaitses along with their two grandchildren, John and Avery, John and Linda Reilly, and Burke and Donna Schlott with their two grandchildren, Jack and Caroline. The kids really had a great time and it was a pleasure to enjoy the company of the next generation of "Duckies"

We look forward to the remainder of this year’s cruise schedule and are already thinking about next year.

Burke & Donna Schlott

S/V Kittyhawk

We understand that the power boat group at DIYC has garnered the moniker of BFB contingent. Not sure how it came about but be as it may, Til, Just Desserts and Ceilidh met the entire fleet at Dodson’s in Stonington on Saturday, July 23 to kick off the beginning of the DIYC Summer Cruise. After cocktails aboard Shenanigans we all trekked to Noah’s restaurant for a group dinner.

The next morning the BFB’s bid adieux to the sailing fleet & headed for five days at Block. We were joined by Marianne, Kiley & Harlan aboard Morning Star for a few days. Dead Eye Dicks was voted our favorite restaurant. Grandkids Sharon & Sam were in the water all the time & loved body surfing at Scotch Beach. Put them on the fast ferry back to New London and mom on Thursday evening.

On Friday the 3 boats went to 3 Mile where we rafted on Til’s anchor. An excursion was made to East Hampton by taxi. Being overcast many of the glitzy folks were parading around town – interesting.

Saturday, the beginning of week 2, the fleet proceeded to Sag. We each took inside moorings from Ken Deeg at Sag Harbor Launch. Lorie & Howie Simon signed onboard Til after cycling across Shelter Island from Cutchogue. The Commodore & family joined us also, taking the Club mooring.

Group dinner at Il Cappuccino Italian Ristorante. Still reasonably priced and great food.

On Sunday afternoon the doctor lawyer and Indian chief (they be Howie, Joel & Bob) spent a couple of hours getting Ceilidh’s starboard engine started. It failed to start at 3 Mile and came around on one engine. Bob, et al were amazing! That night we all went to the Bay Street Theater on the wharf. We saw an incredibly different and very funny play about a gal’s summer vacation, probably in the Hamptons. Light dinner in the café on the corner followed.

INSERTION: It must be noted that up until this point and throughout the rest of our journey many Mah Jong games were played. Bob really got into it to the point where he started to keep a tally of winners on his I-pad. The final results had Joan as the overall winner with Bob as runner-up.

Monday we made the short jaunt to West Neck Harbor on Shelter Island. A beautiful anchorage with great swimming (no jelly fish). However, our 3 boat raft dragged at about 9 PM during a thunder storm. Most of the storm just missed us but the light show was amazing prior to our almost Chinese Fire Drill. But Captain Bob maintained calm, drove us around the harbor and re-anchored along with Ceilidh’s anchor and on to Mah Jong.

And now for new venues. Tuesday took us thru the Peconic Bays and the Shinnecock Canal to Jackson’s Marina. We did not have to use the lock system and had dock space at Jackson’s, an older and reasonable stop on the south side. After a couple days we followed the buoys through the skinny waters of the bays. Our parade almost went aground because Bob & Pete thought we could cut one buoy. Sea Tow waived us back and saved some embarrassment. Then after passing many big & beautiful homes we arrived at the municipal marina at Westhampton Beach. Dock master Frank and staff were terrific. The other transients were also very friendly. A great place; just a short walk to a beautiful town. On Saturday, start of week three, we went to a great farmers market followed by a huge outdoor art fair. People seem to be a bit more regular than EH. Area pretty flat so good for bike riding. We were able to visit the Great White Beach twice, once by dingy, once by bike. Good restaurants and shopping. We liked Westhampton Beach a lot.

On way back we did have to use the lock. We stopped in Dering Harbor on way home and took moorings from Jack’s Marina & True Value Hardware. They are a true value in Dering. Incidentally for future reference, Shelter Island Yacht Club was very welcoming to DIYC.

So the BFB’s had a wonderful alternate cruise going to the south side of Long Island where we had never been before.

Pete & Ruth Connal

MV Ceilidh

Posted 7/8/11

Independence Day Cruise to Block Island - July 1-4   (Photos)

Once again the Duckies enjoyed a fantastic 4th of July cruise to beautiful Block Island. Kittyhawk arrived on Thursday and found our moorings available. On Friday More Mischief arrived in the afternoon with Frankie D. and Joanne on board. We did receive a call from Kevin Carse that he would be leaving Friday afternoon from Duck Island with Kyle as his mate. Amy and Andy would be arriving the next day by ferry. Kevin crew arrived around one in the morning. That afternoon Just Desserts arrived also.

Kittyhawk hosted a cocktail party on Saturday with all the duckies including Ken and Arlene Maxwelll who reside on the island. We had also invited some non members who came and thoroughly enjoyed the event.

Sunday brought a touch of weather and a bit of fog in the evening which shrouded the fireworks a bit but they still were enjoyable. This year Champlins competed with the town and we were treated to two nights of fireworks by them.

Our only regret was that we still had room for a couple more boats. We hope that the next gathering at Block will have an even greater turnout.

Best regards,

Donna and Burke Schlott