While the New Year started out under crisp and clear skies, we’ve just had a taste of winter with our first major snowstorm. It definitely is feeling more like Maine in January!

Undeterred by the weather, the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club is gearing up for an exhilarating year of activities. The registration for the Junior Program is now open to K-12 children of club members, and come February 1, non-members will have their chance to enroll. In the preceding year, a commendable 180 kids engaged in lessons and clinics, honing their skills in sailing, racing, and tennis, categorized by proficiency levels - be it beginner, intermediate, or advanced. The activities focus on building seamanship, racing technique, and athletic skills on the water and the court.

Designed to accommodate busy parents, the Junior Program boasts a flexible schedule. The sessions, spanning from June through August, offer both half-day and full-day options, allowing drop-offs as early as 8 a.m. and pick-ups as late as 4:45 p.m. This approach aims to make participation accessible and convenient for families while providing a dynamic and enriching experience for the young participants.

For those eager to delve into the nitty-gritty of the junior programs, detailed information, schedules, and registration forms are readily available on the BHYC website at https://www.bhyc.net/junior-programs. 

Additionally, the registrations for the spring session of Boothbay Region High School Sailing Team and Opti Clinic are open as well. The registration forms can be found at https://www.bhyc.net/high-school-sailing. The program is set to start on March 18, 2024, weather permitting. 

Beyond the junior programs, the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club has initiated the process of membership renewal for the upcoming year. Membership renewal packets were dispatched to current members last week, arriving through both traditional mail and electronic channels. Membership provides access to an array of club events such as our weekly speaker series, bridge and mah jongg gatherings, stitch and knit sessions, chess matches, and themed parties complimented by diverse culinary offerings with fine or casual dining experiences; regattas and cruises throughout the summer; mooring field with 7-day launch service, clay tennis courts, and much more. 

With winter beginning to make itself felt, the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club stands poised for another thrilling year along the Maine coast. Anticipation is high as the club eagerly awaits the return of familiar faces and extends a warm welcome to new members in the promising landscape of 2024.