WindCheck Magazine

Congratulations to all those who were officially inducted into the Buzzards Society in March at Stamford Yacht Club in Stamford, CT. Members were recognized at the inaugural dinner as sailors who have rounded the light tower at the entrance to Buzzards Bay in at least ten Vineyard Races.

The evening included plenty of recollections. The Vineyard Race has forged many great friendships and memories. Several veterans spoke about their most memorable moments. Ron Weiss and Ray Redniss even sang a song to the tune of Gilligan’s Island – it was so much fun that we had to share it with you:

Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale,
A tale of a fateful trip,
Ten passengers on Crazy Horse,
Headed for a tidal rip…
Headed for a tidal rip

We were reaching fast by
Orient Light,
The boat had a really great feel,
We flew right by the Mid Gut bell
And got ready for a peel…
And got ready for a peel

The visibility was nil,
We were on a real deep reach,
We were just about done with
changing kites,
And then we hit the beach…
And then we hit the beach

Now, Plum Island is the last place where,
You want to spend the night,
There’s Ebola and some anthrax too,
And guns with laser sights…And guns with laser sights

So full of fear and adrenaline
We got the boat off quick,
With no damage to the boat or crew,
And none of us got sick…And none of us got sick

Here’s the moral of the tale my friends,
When ever Plum is near
Don’t just wear your PFDs
Wear Bio-Hazard Gear… Wear Bio-Hazard Gear

Diane McKeever, the originator of the society, was master of ceremonies and used the occasion to talk about the 75th running of the Vineyard Race, scheduled to start September 4.

Stamford Yacht Club has a few big changes planned for this year’s Labor Day race weekend. First, Vineyard Race veteran Gary Jobson will share his insights on the race during Thursday evening’s (September 3) weather briefing. An earlier Friday start time is set – first class goes off at noon. And, the awards ceremony will be held on Sunday evening rather than the traditional Monday lunch. The new Buzzards Trophy will be awarded at the Sunday evening ceremony. This year’s milestone race will be presented by Thomson Reuters. ✦

For more information about the Buzzards Society, visit vineyardrace.wordpress.com. If you would like to enter this year’s race, visit
stamfordyc.com