Events - Pensacola Yacht Club

CRUISER’S CORNERNew Year’s Day was once again theopening day of PYC’s cruising season.Thirty-five to forty survivors from the NewYear’s Eve party gathered to begin theyear with mimosas and bloody Marys in thesailing center. The weather was beautifuland we made good use of the deck. If you haven’t observed themarina and surrounding waters from one of the rocking chairs onthe deck of the sailing center you have missed one of the bestviews in Pensacola. The variety of brunch foods was amazing,plentiful, and delicious. Spirits were high as we discussed the funraft-ups we had in 2011 and the expectations of a great sailingseason in 2012.Cruising for 2012 is in the planning stages so look for datesand destinations in next month’s Jib Sheet. Most of our raft-updestinations are accessible by auto and we welcome everyone.If you are not on the cruising list and wish to be added, drop ane-mail to jnlagain@gmail.com and we will be happy to add you tothe list.STAff NOTESJim & Linda OylerNew Year’s Day at the Sailing CenterStephen Suchy, General ManagerWHY WE SAIL IN WINTERWe left the slip about 3 PM on January 7. The wind was verylight after the recent rain shower and the sky looked threateningin all directions. We had planned to spend the night at FortMcRae and were determined not to let a little thing like weatherstop us. As we motored toward the navy base we marveled athow wonderful the weak January sun felt when it peaked out frombehind the clouds. Just beyond the mouth of Pensacola Passwe crossed the tide line. There in the tide line were more birdsthan we had ever seen before. Thousands of birds, includinggulls, pelicans, least terns, cormorants, and pipers were diningfrom one side of the bay to the other. We joined other boats thathad stopped to watch and take pictures of this amazing sight.A little further into our voyage we encountered a dredgeworking in the land cut. A short exchange of pleasantries on theVHF radio assured both parties that each knew the intentions ofthe other and we could pass safely.As we left the intercoastal a group of eight to ten dolphinjoined us and led us all the way into the anchorage from thewest. They left us only after our anchor was securely set. Thenone of them gave a tail wave and they all proceeded out the eastside of the anchorage. Except for one other sail boat, one powerboat, and one tent on the beach, we were alone at Fort McRae.We had just barely recovered from the dolphin encounter whenour attention turned to a breathtaking sunset. The almost fullmoon was rising at the same time the sun was setting, treatingus to a spectacular display of color. A perfectly grilled steak anda glass of red wine topped off the evening.By noon Sunday the breeze had picked up to almost 10 knotsand we enjoyed a glorious sail back across the bay to PYC.Think what we would have missed if we had let a little rain keepus home. That is why you find boats on the bay in most any kindof weather.“Promoting the Finest Homes in Northwest Florida”Call 850-572-1944SpecialistProperty Previewpeithudson@aol.comOwned and OperatedIndependentlyis Office EachBloody Marys for EveryoneSunset at Ft. McRaeBirds in the Tide LineFebruary ‘12 • Page 11