Dear Pleon Families,
The sixth week of Pleon brought much cooler air, rain, and wind. Despite the damp weather, all spirits remained high, as we managed to squeeze in as much sailing as possible and planned a range of activities to keep everyone busy. Next week, most of our racers will be heading up the coast to Rockport, to compete in the Massachusetts Bay Junior Olympics, being held at the Sandy Bay Yacht Club. We're confident that all our training all summer will pay off, with more steller results expected. Bring home the Gold!
Congratulations to all those who participated in the Buzzards Bay Regatta last weekend, including Kristin Altreuter/Ashley Noble and Connor Bair-Cucchiaro/Graham Slattery in the 420 fleet, and Luigi Guarino, Albert Nichols and Andrew Reiley who sailed Lasers.
Highlights of the week:
1) Olympic Day brought the action to
Marblehead, as everyone participated in the flag raising ceremony, watched a video off all the
US Olympic sailors, split into different countries, and participated in numerous events representing the Olympics in
Beijing. The day concluded with a fun-filled Pleon Pool Party, attended by 100 Pleon sailors. Thank you to everyone who came, the kids raised $1,000 for the new clubhouse!
2) Due to strong winds and cold temperatures, Wednesday Series was postponed to Thursday. Racing continues to be very close.
3) Thursday evening was Round 1 of the Carlton Trophy. There was a great turn-out for some fun single-handed match racing and burgers on the dock. Round 2 and the finals are scheduled for next Thursday, August 14th at 6:00. All are welcome to come, watch and cheer!
4) All the boys in the afternoon classes listened to a insightful talk by a nutritionist on Thursday. They asked questions and learned about what to eat and drink when out on the water and to stay away from too much caffeine!
5) Friday morning brought the O'pen Bics to Pleon, where our sailors enjoyed these durable and fun boats, and also tried out sailing windsurfers for the first time.
6) There is some extremely close competition for the coin drive. Optimist sailors are currently leading the pack with the 420's, Lasers, and Adventure classes close behind. Remember to bring in any loose change to help fundraise for the new clubhouse!
Just a few announcements:
* It is sad to say that the last day of Pleon is fast approaching- August 22nd. As you are well aware, Pleon will be doing some remodeling starting directly after Pleon ends. This year, it is IMPERATIVE that ALL BOATS ARE PICKED UP AND TAKEN HOME ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 22nd! NO BOATS ARE ALLOWED TO STAY AT PLEON OR THE EASTERN YACHT CLUB! No exceptions. Please start making plans and arrangements now to take all boats, equipment, and gear home Friday, August 22nd. Pleon is not responsible for equipment or gear that is left here after Friday, August 22nd. Thank you for your understanding.
*LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS. This is the last time that WE NEED YOUR HELP this summer!!! We are seeking out volunteers to help with food for the Annual Banquet held Thursday, August 21st, 2008 at 6:30 pm at
Marblehead
High School. We need volunteers to make either a green salad (Garden, Caesar, or Spinach), a main dish (Ziti, Lasagna, Mac & Cheese, Meatballs and Shells, Vegetables and
Pasta,
Turkey, Ham, etc.), or a dessert (Cookies, Brownies, Bars) to feed 20 people. It's simple...; Pleon will provide the trays, if you provide the food to fill it! Trays will be available to pick up next week at Pleon. Please bring the food to
Marblehead
High School by 6:15 on Thursday, August 21st. Do not reply to this email; instead, please contact Rose Carney, rosecarney39@netscape.net or (617) 846-8570, (617) 285-3610 with your choice of salad, main dish, or dessert. Thank you for your help!
* The 420 Race Team and Intro to 420 sailors will be holding a 24-hour Sail-a-Thon around Marblehead Harbor beginning Wednesday August 20th at 8am and lasting until August 21st 8am. Each sailor will be asked to raise at least $100 for the new clubhouse by getting sponsors for each hour they will be sailing on the water. So far we have activities built into the day where all boats will be sailing and gaining hours and we will have a sign up for the remaining hours. Look for more information coming soon or contact Dave Fallon with questions.
* Please CHANGE YOUR CALENDAR: THE COMMODORE'S BALL HAS BEEN SWITCHED FROM THURSDAY, AUGUST 14TH TO TUESDAY, AUGUST 19TH. 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.
Upcoming Events:
Sunday, August 10th - Free Sail from 9-12. Come on down and sail with your kids.
Monday, August 11th - Massachusetts Bay Junior Olympics begin at the Sandy Bay Yacht Club. Normal classes for those not participating.
Tuesday, August 12th - Mass Bay JO's continue. Crazy Hat Day at Pleon.
Wednesday, August 13th Final day of Mass Bay JO's. No Wednesday Series.
Thursday, August 14th- Man and Venture Trophies in the afternoon. The Man Trophy for men sailing Lasers, the Venture Trophy for women in 420's.
The final round of the Carlton Trophy will be sailed, beginning at 6 P.M. on the Pleon dock.
Friday, August 15th- Great Day! Sailors 12 and under should come from 9-1, 13 and over come at 12. Cost is $5, lunch will be provided for everyone at Pleon from 12-1, and we hope to get a great group shot while everyone is here. A full schedule will be sent out mid-week, but start thinking about what kind of cake you want to bake for the Cake Decorating Competition!
Andrew Schneider will be filling in for me as Program Director while I travel to
China to watch my sister, Sally, race Yinglings at the Olympics. Andrew grew up sailing at Pleon, and coached here 2 summers ago, and will be an able replacement while I am away. As always, if you have any further questions please feel free to call Andrew or Ryan at Pleon, (781) 631-1076 Monday-Friday from 8-5 or email info@pleon.org
