The weekend of April 30th through May 2nd saw 10 knot winds with gusts up to 16 knots and an invasion of Vipers in St. Andrews Bay. The Viper, originally from New Zealand, is the Gulf Yachting Association’s (GYA) official boat at its traditional Capdevielle regatta series because of its increased speed and maneuverability. Race participants were competing for the Commodore J. Gilbert Scheib Trophy and the Commodore John Dane Trophy (Masters).
St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club (SABYC), on Bunker’s Cove in Panama City, Florida, served as host for the 100th anniversary of the 2021 Opening Regatta in keeping with the tradition that its first race is hosted by the home club of the GYA Commodore. Past Commodore of SABYC, Jimmy Ruthven, is the Commodore of the GYA this year. He contacted our Florida Commodores Association (FCA) Commodore, Jack Kennedy, and requested that the FCA conduct the flag raising at the Opening Ceremony on Saturday, May 1st .
FCA Commodore Jack Kennedy, Vice Commodore Ray Dewrell, Rear Commodore Bob Sutton, Secretary Lynne Reynolds, Treasurer John Matthews, FCA Foundation President Tom Reynolds, Communications Chair Mary Kennedy, and spouses, Ann Dewrell, Renee Sutton, and Nancy Matthews were attendees at the GYA Opening Regatta Cocktail Party on Friday night at SABYC, hosted by GYA Commodore Ruthven. The SABYC FCA Chapter was also in attendance. Attendees were treated to scrumptious appetizers and tasty libations. Following introductions of the GYA and SABYC Bridge and Board, attendees adjourned downstairs to enjoy an evening meal.
Saturday morning turned out to be a beautiful day for the GYA Board of Directors meeting and for racing. The GYA Club Commodores, GYA Past Commodores, FCA Past Commodores, and guests were witness to a ceremonial flag raising by FCA Vice Commodore Ray Dewrell, Rear Commodore Bob Sutton, and Treasurer John Matthews. Those in attendance were also present when GYA Jimmy Ruthven was presented a trophy named in his honor for all his contributions and tireless work for the GYA.
The rest of the weekend was devoted to racing, a fish fry, and sailing instructions for the novice sailor. Our FCA was thrilled to have been asked to participate in such a time-honored tradition.
Pictures below are by Communications Chair, Mary Kennedy, and Navy Yacht Club Pensacola GYA Coordinator, Julie Connerley.