2013 Typhoon Kick-Off Dinner

Set Sail by Anton Abo

We enjoyed a wonderful Kick-Off Dinner last night to launch our 2013 Typhoon Season.  This year, the clubhouse was packed with the racers from Rappahannock River Yacht Club.  We were joined by members of the Wilton Creek Cruising Club, headed by Stan Coloff; and members of the growing Typhoon Fleet at Fishing Bay Yacht Club.

Our Typhoon Fleet Captain, Chuck Carmichael, went over some of the terrific plans for this year.  They include the 3rd Annual Typhoon Nationals, September 27-29; the RRYC Commodore's Cup October 5th; and the Turkey Shoot Regatta, October 11th-13th.  This last one is one of the largest regattas on the Chesapeake Bay.  Over 125 classic boats compete during this weekend of activities.  Its proceeds benefit Hospice Support Services of the Northern Neck and Riverside Hospice in Tappahannock and Gloucester.

Kinnet Ehring, our Typhoon Social Director, with help from her husband Chris organized the dinner and cooked the main food.  Many volunteers help create a wonderful event with an array of great appetisers; the main course of roast beef with creamy horseradish sauce; strawberry salad with roasted pecans; great sides; and a dessert bar that added at least 2,000 calories to my boat's weight.

Fun, along with wine, beer, and beverages flowed as Jerry Latell, of Ullman Sails Virginia, led us on a great review of racing rules - focusing just on the three main problem areas.  (We're all promising to race more carefully this season and it should last at least until the end of the second race next Wednesday night.)

The evening was so beautiful that about half of the group enjoyed dinner and conversation on the Club's wonderful porch overlooking Carter's Creek.  The sunset was lovely.  We're looking forward to a fun-filled season and are so very thankful to Ron Mihills and Ned Crockett for their past leadership.  It's enabled us to get to this "starting line" in 2013.