Starting the season with the Spring Kickoff Breakfast has become a tradition for HHSA. It is a good opportunity to reconnect with other members after the winter, to introduce new members, and to hear about the cruising, racing, and social events planned for the warm weather months ahead. Members mingled and provided advice to the pancake chefs. Everyone filled their plates with the pot luck brunch items brought to share, including fruit salad, fritattas, baked goods, and other treats. HHSA Commodore Laurie Albert introduced each of the association’s rear commodores who encouraged members to take advantage of the club’s available opportunities and events.
Since the weather was uncooperative—gloomy and cool (What’s going on with spring?)—the breakfast was moved indoors to the Gedunk. The Gedunk is a new lounge/automat at Herrington Harbour North (HHN) Marina. It was an excellent backup location for the breakfast.
In prior years, the event has been held outside at the HHN pool or on the patio. When the weather is mild, the breakfast feels like a festive early morning picnic. However, with this year’s unusually chilly weather pattern, the availability of an indoor venue was appreciated. In spite of the less than optimal weather, a show of hands indicated that almost everyone in attendance at the breakfast already had their boats in the water. The informal survey indicated that the slipholders in and around Herring Bay are eager to start another boating season.
After the meal, HHSA racers were out on the Bay with the second practice race of the week. HHSA is building its PHRF fleet with seminars, coaching, and practices for skippers and crews new to racing. This weekend’s practice featured multiple starts, a short race, and a debriefing from the Race Committee.
Buckwheat and buttermilk pancakes can brighten any day. For HHSA, it’s the best way to start off the sailing season as well.
Reminder: The HHSA Women’s Regatta takes place June 5. Teams can register as hhsa.org.
by Vanessa Uelmen
