Thanks to a great team of volunteers and staff, another fantastic member’s NSC Turkey Trot and Feast took place Thanksgiving Monday. Defying the rain and some expectations, an outstanding gathering of families, and friends came out to enjoy the warm fall winds and some on and off water fun at NSC’s traditional closing social sail.
Arriving at the clubhouse for the skippers briefing, it was awesome (and relief for a somewhat nervous RC) to see a packed house of everyone and their gear ready for a great day. New members and old came out alike, and the ranks of sailors continued to grow as we headed to the docks. As J.T. in his foulies noted to me in passing “havn’t missed a Turkey Trot yet …”, NSC sailors are definitely not made of sugar. Fortunately our wise and experienced RC did take pity and call for only one lap around the circle.
Making the trip out of harbour, this year’s club fleet of 37 plus boats included Keelboats large and small, DInghies, Catamarans, Trimarans and others including a few spectator craft. With a few guest BYC and CVGR boats thrown in for good measure. Although all who came out for one remaining fall sail and the social feast were the winners (and eligible for the traditional Turkey draw prizes!), the order of finishing boats across the line home can also be seen here. Congrats to lead Keelboat “Moonbeam” and Dinghy/Cat “Dual Tactics” who squeaked home just ahead of the pack. Your start times will be under serious review next year!
Great NSC days and events like Turkey Trot don’t just happen on their own, but only with the generous support of our volunteer NSC members and staff. Thanks to Chief Race Officer Doug Patterson and his RC team of dignitaries and our Race Bosun team who ran the pursuit race after weeks of careful research into the latest handicaps for anything with a sail at our club.
On behalf of the participants, I’d like to also thank this year’s on-shore volunteers Leo Belleperche, Jenn Holliday, Fran Kelly & friends who remained behind to prepare and set out a fantastic feast! Also, our sincerest thanks to the Galley who organized the supplies, and our volunteer Ham/Turkey cookers; Leo and Jenn, Fran Kelly, John Perry, Tom Miller, Doug Vandervelde, Michael Gertsman, and Gilles Chercuitte .
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!
Ross Ernst