Georgetown Cruise September 14^th – September 16^th 2007 / Cruise Captain Gary Whitley

To all our members who have not taken advantage of our cruises this year, you missed yet another wonderful on-the-water opportunity.  The Georgetown trip was filled with just what our planned outings are all about, camaraderie with squadron members, complimented by our beautiful coastal waters.  I must share a moment I had on Sunday morning as I looked out of our hotel 3^rd floor window and observed our cruise flagship, “No Sense,” heading North to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina into a stiff breeze with all her flags flying. For those that love boating, as I do, this is what squadron cruising is all about, the experience of piloting your own boat or just crewing with experienced boaters doing something that few people get to do.  Next year I hope a lot more members will make the effort to participate in all of our scheduled cruises.

Four boats left Charleston on Friday, Sept 14 with Commander Dave Walsh and Wendy in “Reely Fun,” Art and Merle Clark with a crew of three, Bob and Helen Kovach and our new member Steve Kemp in “Sunday Drive.” Dick Howells in “Katie Ell” crewed by BJ Smith and Gary Whitley, and Steve and Janice Kromer in “No Sense.”   All enjoyed a wonderful cruise in good weather.  Ray and Alice Harp in “Southern Pride” with Alice’s mom as their crew, and Jim and Nancy Hackett in “Minnow” along with a Harley Wattrick arrived on Saturday.  What is so enjoyable to me is to watch our Captains showing off their boating skills in wind and tides highlighted by their skillful docking abilities. It makes one proud to fly our Burgee.

As always on our outings, good food is a part of every weekend.  This year was no exception as we had dinner on Friday night at the Lands End Restaurant adjacent to our docks.  On Saturday, the Kromer’s hosted lunch on “No Sense,” we had a wonderful time.  On Saturday evening twenty-two people attended dinner at the Rice Paddy in beautiful Georgetown.  All enjoyed upscale Low Country cuisine.  Special thanks to Steve Poe and Marge Bannon and Harl and Betsy Porter as they drove up for dinner and also provided taxi service for squadron members.  Harl was even available for "seconds”-- food and additional riders. 

 Sunday Morning  “Reely Fun,” “Sunday Drive” and “No Sense” headed North on an extended cruise to Myrtle Beach with “No Sense” continuing on to Wilmington.  The other three boats returned to Charleston with everyone reporting, “Home is the Sailor, Home from the Sea.”

 Don’t forget the Oyster Roast at Toad Hall on October 27, 2007.

 Gary Whitley

Cruise Captain