A big thank you to all who were able to make it out to the Fall Work Party. Despite a cold start, it turned out to be a beautiful day and the number of members participating was very good and a lot of work was completed. This is not the most pleasant time of year as we put our boats and outdoor facilities to rest for the winter, but the number of members showing up was greatly appreciated and made it a lot easier for all.

A delicious lunch followed the annual fall meeting. A special thanks to all who made a soup or brought a dessert. Knowing that a feast will follow, always makes the work and meeting a better experience.

We still have many projects planned for the club, but most of them will need to wait until next summer for better weather. 

If the footers and decking are able to get completed for the Gazebo, we will try to get a team together to build it over the winter, weather permitting. It is a kit that is already on the property, so it should be fairly easy. Keep a look out for a call for help to assemble it. 

We are also trying to get a few quotes to get the clubhouse power washed. Not sure if that can happen over the winter, but it would be good if we can have it done before the spring work party.

Repairs also need to be made to the red floating dock prior to putting it in the water next spring. This work will likely take place a few weeks before the spring work party. Volunteers may be needed for that project as well.

Have a great holiday season all. 

Dale Lewis

With Gus at the helm, and Graciella as crew, the pair made an awesome duo, sailing the lake with speed and elegance for nearly four decades. I personally marveled at Gus's strength and sailing ability as the rowed himself to his mooring and leaped up and over his bow rail at his seasoned age of 80 plus. Gus is, and will remain a mentor and inspiration to myself and all fellow members of PCC!

The 2024 racing season was another great summer of sailing. The weather could have been better with more consistent winds but towards the end we were able to get in some very nice races. There were several cancelled races, however they were made up for with some great winds in the later months. On Friday nights we struggled with the same issues but had some heavier winds in the final races. We had two new boats join the races with Paul and Tracy on a Catalina 22 and David Hales and his crew on his cat boat. As always the dinners were amazing, and the steak fry at the end of the season was also incredible (thank you to Tom Ristvey for providing the steaks). Thank you to everyone who cooked, crewed, captained, or helped in any way. I'm looking forward to next season. 

One of our Junior sailors, Jacob Gray (14) embarked on a new adventure this year and participated in the ILYA-Jr. Travel Series Regattas. This year, Jake attended 3 races in the region: Erie Yacht Club (PA), Edgewater (OH) and Mentor (OH). While the EYC race was held in the protected (but cold) Presque Isle Bay, Edgewater and Mentor races took place in the open Lake Erie. If you have ever sailed Lake Erie, you know it has a personality :)

EYC was the first race of this kind for all of us, and delivered a healthy dose of wind, waves, cold water (minus a wetsuit) and was definitely an eye opening experience. Onto Edgewater, a few weeks later, the races got cancelled due to lack of wind. The kids bonded over a swim and lunch on the water with a beautiful view of Cleveland. Lastly, Mentor was a humbling experience and is deeply etched in our memories... as the "scariest and most fun day ever". From the scheduled 5 races, only 2 were completed due to 25-28 knot wind and 6 ft. waves. With 2/3 of the 100+ sailors retiring early, the RC eventually called off the reminder of the day. What an amazing experience for all of the kids, parents and their instructors. We're very grateful for the many volunteers who make the TS possible, and can't wait for next year!