Dear Pleon Families,

The fifth week has come and gone in a breeze. The racing didn't stop after Junior Race Week as we have had 3 major regattas since! A great big congratulations to Ian Barrows for getting 2^nd at the Optimist Worlds in Turkey last week. Way to make Pleon proud, Ian!

Highlights of the week:

1) Congrats to everyone who participated in the Hyannis Regatta. 15 Pleon sailors sailed against hundreds of other friends from other clubs. Laser Radial sailors among them were: Dan Carney placing 24^th, Andrew Reiley in 27^th, and Katie Leake in 33^rd. Our very own coach, Jamie Altreuter took 4^th in the Laser Full rig division. Among hotly competitive, 102-boat 420 fleet, Gram Slattery/Connor Bair-Cucchiaro lead the Pleon pack by placing 19^th; other Pleon sailors were Hunter and Alex Whitmore, Jon Braese/Tyler Gelineau, Gracie Quigley/Taylor Maag, and Paula Grassberger/Annie Boldys. Matthew Homa took the Opti's by storm and finishing in a strong 12^th.

2) The Opti Race Team headed to USODA Nationals in Patchoque Village, NY. Among a fleet of almost 350 top Optimist sailors from around the world, Michael and Brian Drumm finished in the top fifth, 60^th and 68^th respectively. Other Pleon Opti sailors among them were Lydia Grassberger, Sophie Naughton, Eli Hammond, David Kinney, and Emily Ivers.

3) Back at home base, things were busy as ever:

• Monday Movie Night was well attended and the Opti sailors did their part in selling candy.
• With high temperatures and grass skirts, Terrific Tuesday Hawaiian Day was a hoot!
• Sailors needed to show their light air skills for Wednesday Series; please see results that are posted at the clubhouse and coming online soon! The Adventure Class was also lucky enough to sail Vipers on Wednesday afternoon. Special thanks to Kay VanValkenburgh and Paul Zimmerman for lending us their boats and sailing along!  
• On Thursday, our afternoon girls talked with a sports nutritionist to learn about "Fitness Power Foods" to help their performance on and off the water.  In the evening, many families were treated to perfect weather for Sail with or Against your Parents Night.
• Friday brought more gorgeous weather to the North Shore, while some of our advanced sailors began sailing Buzzards Bay Regatta.  Expect results next week, or follow their progress online at www.BuzzardsBayRegatta.com

Just a few announcements:

* COME TO THE PLEON POOL AND PIZZA PARTY! August 5^th, 2008 6:00-8:30  pm What:Pleon is having a Pool and Pizza Party to help celebrate Olympic Day!
Where:Eastern Yacht Club Pool
When: August 5^th, 2008 6:00 pm- 8:30pm
Who: All Pleon Members are welcome, along with friends from CYC, BYC, and EYC!
Why:Come for fun, games and events in the pool along with the closing ceremonies from Olympic Day. All Pleon coaches will be there- now is your chance to throw them in! How: Bring $10 per person and  pay at the door. First 100 people ONLY!
Parents must pick-up at 8:30pm from the pool. No children will be allowed to leave without parents.
Must sign up through Emlie Brkow or Ryan Carney at Pleon Yacht Club or call (781) 631-1076 BEFORE August 5^th. Limited entry so sign up today!  

* Please CHANGE YOUR CALENDAR: THE COMMODORE'S BALL HAS BEEN SWITCHED FROM THURSDAY, AUGUST 14^TH TO TUESDAY, AUGUST 19^TH. Please make note of this important change.

*Do you have any extra or used boating supplies in good condition sitting around? Why not donate the supplies, instead of throwing them out. You will be helping kids who can't otherwise afford to learn to sail. Ben Rotner is doing a charity project that will support Courageous Sailing Center in Boston, Mass. This nonprofit community sailing center offers free sailing lessons to children of Boston from all economic and ethnic backgrounds. In addition to learning to sail, Courageous teachers team-building, leadership and communication skills to all its students. Examples of items to donate: lifejackets, sails, sail bags, rigging equipment, blades (centerboard, tiller) sailing boots, lightly used sailing clothing. Donations of small boats (opti, lasers, 420) can also be made to Courageous Sailing Center. A box will be put near the entrance to Pleon if you want to donate, or you can drop off your donation at 44 Lincoln Circle, Swampscott. Any questions, please contact Ben Rotner at (781) 592-3157.

*Keep your eyes open for posters and announcements pertaining to the Man's and Venture Trophies, the scavenger hunt, Great Day, Commodore's Ball, club elections, and the banquet!

Upcoming Events:

Sunday, August 3^th- Free Sail from 9-12.

Monday, August 4th - Regular Pleon Classes.
Tuesday, August 5^th - Terrific Tuesday brings the Olympics to Pleon. Regular schedule applies; however, if your sailor does not regularly come on Tuesday, they are welcome to join! In the evening will be the Pleon Pool Party from 6 - 8:30 at the Eastern Yacht Club Pool. $10 per person at the door.
Wednesday, August 6^th -Wednesday Series 1:00-4:30.
Thursday, August 7^th - Carlton Trophy - open to current sailors, alumni and parents.  Single-handed match racing in 420's.  Racing starts at 6 pm, off the Pleon docks and a BBQ will be cookin' on the dock for competitors and spectators!
Friday, August 8^th- Regular Pleon Classes.

As always, if you have any further questions please feel free to call Emlie or Ryan at Pleon, (781) 631-1076 Monday-Friday from 8-5.