www.MountVernonYachtClub.com Volume 49 No.

5 The Bosuns Whistle

By Ron Reinsel, Commodore

May 2012

Ready for Commissioning...

The first weekend of May marks an important annual ritual for MVYC its time to put the Club in commission for another year, both on the water for our fleets (and in the water for the swim team) and to recommission our dedica tion to the Club. Commissioning is an ageold naval tradi tion. It is the second of the three most important events in the life of a ship. The first being its birth on the laying of its keel, and the last its eventual retirement from service. Commissioning, however, marks her entry into a long and active service. At the moment when the com missioning pennant is broken at the mast head, a ship becomes a command in her own right, and takes her place alongside the other active ships of the Fleet. The commissioning ceremony continues a tradition some three centuries old, observed by navies around the world and by our own Navy since December 1775, when Alfred, the first ship of the Continental Navy, was commissioned at Philadelphia. Once in commission, the commanding officer and crew are entrusted with the privilege, and the responsibility, of maintaining their ships readiness in peace, and of conducting successful operations at sea in time of conflict.
continued on Page 3...

Photo courtesy of Russell Poe

Space Shuttle Discovery flies over National Airport on Tuesday, April 17th, marking the end of an era.

Social Committee Update

Contributed by Harriet Singleton, Social Committee Chair

Although every season is a social season at MVYC, spring seems to more lively as the temps warm and the daylight hours increase. And of course, the many boaters and fans of boaters (FOB) are so very happy with 2012 boating season starting up. The Kid's Easter Party was a fun time for the younger members of the Club. The point was a perfect spot for the activities and a visit by the Easter Bunny. Thank you to party planners Sherry and Eva for such a great afternoon. May 6. Commissioning Day 1PM 4PM Chaired by Jacque Knight and Susan Rehe. Traditional member attire is blue and white nautical dress. And, oh, the boats will sparkling and shine. May 12. Mothers Day Tea 3PM 5PM Hosted by Pam Beggan. A lovely afternoon for all the ladies of the club. June 23. New Members' Party 6PM Midnight. A grand party to welcome our new members as well as the first Saturday night of the Summer. Did someone say 'Toga' for this year's theme? Please let me know if you like to help with an event or if you have ideas for something new. And don't forget the TGIF's!

The Beacon, published monthly by the Mount Vernon Yacht Club

WELCOME ABOARD
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE MOUNT VERNON YACHT CLUB 4817 TARPON LANE ALEXANDRIA, VA 22309 RON REINSEL, COMMODORE BEACON STAFF Editor: Bart Hewitt Production: Blair Beggan Photographer: George Holthaus Photographer: Russell Poe Circulation: Delong Litho BEACON EDITOR 9123 Cherrytree Drive Alexandria, Virginia 22309 Phone 7037990401
All Club members may submit articles, letters and notices for editorial review and possible publication. Submission by email or CD is encouraged.

Submitted by Lauren Bazel, Membership Chair Only the guy who isn't rowing has time to rock the boat.
~ JeanPaul Sartre

During my time as Membership chairman I have had the great pleas ure to talk to a lot of people about the Mount Vernon Yacht Club. Recruiting new families to join our ranks has given me an opportunity to recall just what it was about the club that first attracted Chris and me to become mem bers. Like many others, we were attracted by the pool, the marina, and the view from the point. This all just looked like it would be an awesome place to spend our outdoor time. When we attended our first Commissioning Day celebration, however, it became clear there was something very unique about MVYC. Unlike other places, MVYC is a community of great friends who share a love of the river and an appreciation of boating and seamanship. This ultimately is what attract ed us most, and what continues to be the best answer to the question Why should I join the club? If it has been awhile since your last Commissioning Day, make a special effort this year to attend on Sunday, May 6, and consider bringing guests. Come for the cer emony at 2pm and plan to make a full day of it. Bring a picnic lunch or items to throw on the grill. Reconnect with old friends and meet the many new families who have recently joined our ranks. Help us all showcase MVYC to those who have not yet discovered us. This event makes us unique and I hope all members new and seasoned will celebrate and enjoy the day. Final Payments Were Due on April 30 I hope you all feel that sense of relief that comes with knowing I have paid all my yacht club dues and fees. Final payments of annual dues and marina fees were due on April 30. For those who have that nagging sense of regret because you forgot to send the check, please contact me at (membership@mountver nonyachtclub.com) as soon as possible to avoid the guilty hassle of having the Membership Chairman chase you down.

COPYRIGHT 2012 MOUNT VERNON YACHT CLUB ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Cover artwork by Don Cannavaro Deadline for Next Issue: 15th of the month
[email protected]

Upcoming Meetings...

Membership Meetings
May 3 June 7 at 8:00 pm 1st Thurs of the month

TOGA! TOGA! TOGA!

Questions?
Contact Christine Stavropoulos at [email protected] or Amy Walker at [email protected].

Save the Date June 23rd, 2012 New Members Toga Party!
It is the will of the Gods that you be there!

Board Meetings
May 21 June 18 at 7:30 pm 3rd Mon of the month

Social Committee Meetings

May 14 June 11 at 7:30 pm 2nd Mon of the month
The Beacon

Page 2

Vol.49 No.5

The Bosuns Whistle from Page 1

Yacht clubs, owing their origins to naval cus toms, observe many of the same traditions. While various other clubs may conduct an annual flag raising event to celebrate the start of their boating seasons, MVYC is rather unique in commemorating the beginning of its year with an actual Commissioning Day. Preceded by weeks (if not months) of work and sweat, polishing and rigging, repairs and repainting, for at least one day we put away our ragged work clothes and don our nautical blues and whites. We dress our boats in signal flags and other regalia. The band plays and the cannon booms. Blessings are given and speeches are made. Our American flag and Club burgee are raised. The fleets report that they are in com mission for another year and we toast the Club with glasses of Champagne. But more importantly, we each accept our own commis sion of service to the Club and of friendship to and respect for our Clubmates. So please join us on Sunday May 6th as we mark the beginning of a new season and the start of yet another great year in the history of MVYC. Many thanks to all who put so much work into making our Commission Day the very special occasion that it is, most particularly to Jacque Knight and Susan Rehe who have planned and organized the event for many years, to their entire committee, and to all of the helping hands of the many Club members who make it such a wonderful day. The winter is behind us. Spring is here. Its time to go outside and play.

Toon Fleet News

By Bart Hewitt, Lofty Toon Fleet Officer (LTFO)

This will be a short article. Lots of things about the Toon Fleet are short, so its OK. Following are a few points that we have meant to cover in past articles, but forgot. We forget a lot of things these days. I think its the pollen. Have you ever seen this much oak pollen before? Everything is covered with it. It gets into your house, your clothes, your ears, and your wallet. I mention wallet because you have to spend a lot of money going to the allergist to get shots. Shots are more expensive than rum, although not near ly as satisfying. And because ours is Captain Morgan rum, it is also nautical, which makes it fit the panache of this newsletter very well. But getting to the subject of Toons, I have recently noted the following, which, Im sure, will be of interest: 1. Jim Nelson says he has a Toon and has applied for membership in the Toon Fleet. We are giving Jims request serious consider ation, mostly because he does such a nice job on our trees. 2. While Jims boat may be technically a Toon, he does not quite qualify for full membership in our Fleet. Jim WILL be, however, a valued Adjunct Member (ATM). This may be reviewed if Jim says he wont trim our trees any more. 3. Turns out theres another Club member who says he has a toon, but I have deliberately forgotten who he is. Also, because the Toon Fleet leadership has never actually seen the toon, he too, will be an ATM now. Note that it is an honor to be an ATM. I need some new under wear, and also an adjunct bottle of Captain Morgan, so I will visit an ATM shortly.

MVYC extends its condolences to Russell Poe, whose beloved cat, Jasmine, passed away last month.

HOUSE REPORT
From the House Guy, Don Basham

The large ice Machine on the Pool Deck is making humungous amounts of Ice. If you need ice for your boat, this is the place to get it. Lights burning when nobody is present remains a problem. Take a look around when you are depart ing the club and turn off unnecessary lighting. This continually costs the club extra dollars for electric ity and is the responsibility of all club members to enforce. As always, if you see something that needs attention that I have missed, or recommendations to improve on the quality of the House, please do not hesitate to contact me and I WILL take your comment under consideration and attempt to fix the problem before you have time to take a second look. Please help us improve your House Services and enjoy the few warm days we get between cold days. Try to get a day of boating in on these few days before the hot summer weather starts.
The Beacon Page 3 Vol.49 No.5

On The Docks
by Steve Donock, Marina CoChair Email: [email protected]

The Marina is OPEN! Yep, the water is on, all the electricity seems to be working properly and the No Wake buoys and the red turning marker have been deployed. Thanks to all the folks who braved 50 mph winds and 20 foot seas to help usoh, wait, that was Deadliest Catch the other nightany way, it was indeed a bit sporty but we got them all in. All the slip assignments have been made. If you havent received a note with your slip assignment please contact either Jerry Gray or Steve Donock for your assignment. As you wander around the docks and notice anything that needs attention bad dock boards, water leaks, etc. let us know and well get it fixed. The early Spring brought life to the docks a bit early this year and were looking forward to a great season. See you around the Marina!

Save The Date Its almost time for tea!

MVYC Mothers Day Tea

Please join us, and feel free to bring guests!

Saturday, May 12th, 3:00 - 5:00 pm MVYC Clubhouse Dont forget your tea hats!
Please RSVP to Pam Beggan (703) 360-9016.

Power Fleet

By Alexi Stavropoulos

Spring came to us early this year, March felt like May, and Im sure some played hooky from work to play a few rounds of golf. Others probably sneaked away to get a head start on some yard work. At the end of the day Im sure many got the itch and started getting their boats ready for the season. Odds are that many managed to splash early this year. As we get ready to go out on the river, take a few minutes to make sure that all of your safety equipment is in good working order. In an effort to help keep our boats current with safety equipment we will have our annual vessel safety check later this month. The safety check is free and will be per formed by members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Floatilla 258. The inspection is open for all boats in the marina, as well as trailered boats, and will be on the 28th of this month, 9am11am. See the flyer in this months Beacon for vessel requirements. The following day is our brunch cruise to Philips Seafood restaurant in DC. Tracy Groff is hosting this event and has reserved a room for all us at the restaurant. She has also arranged for several captains to take us for a cruise up river to the DC waterfront. Again, see the add in this months Beacon, and sign up for this day of fun on the river along with some good food. Commissioning day is on Sunday, May 6st and we will be looking for the best dressed boats. I hope we have many boats dressed up for the occasion. The Power Fleet events calendar is posted on the web site. Take a look, come out and join us for some fun with friends on the river. If there are any events that you would like to get more information about, or if you would be interested in helping out, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. See you on the river!
The Beacon Page 4 Vol.49 No.5

Think a little rain would dampen the spirit of the annual MVYC Sock Burning?

NAY!

Photos courtesy of George Holthaus

FOR SALE:
2000 Suntracker 27 Party Barge Pontoon, with trailer. $6500 or best offer. 3.5l inboard, seats 16, changing room, sink, portapotty, full enclosure for camping, over 20 life jackets, microwave with power inverter, and many more extras such as GPS, radio and stereo. Needs some work, attention and love. Out of water on trailer for over a year. Don Basham, [email protected] or 7037997777.
The Beacon Page 5 Vol.49 No.5

On Your Mark
By Juliette Clark and Sherry Catron, Swim Team Representatives

May is the best time of year! Memorial Day weekend marks the official opening of the pool, and the first practice for the MVYC Dolphins is not far behind. We look forward in anticipation of another great season. Will we win meets this year? We hope so; but even if not, we do expect to have fun. We welcome our new Assistant Coach, Mark Mattis, to the team. Mark is concluding his freshman year at West Virginia Wesleyan University, where guess what he swims for the mens team. Mark attended West Potomac High School. In addition to his seasons at West Po, he also swam at FBST with our Head Coach, Mark Murray. Now that we have two Marks in charge of our team, what do we call them? Mark Jr. and Mark Sr.? No, probably Mark Sr. would not like that. How about Marksquared? What happens at the start of each heat, when take your mark booms over the pool? The possibilities for fun with this are endless, and it will be interesting to see how the kids handle it. By the time you read this, we will have had our first two events our BBQ fundraiser and our Kick Off Banquet. The BBQ fundraiser was a new event for us, and hopefully it turns out to be another event we can continue to host. Our Kick Off Banquet is great fun. Everyone loves a good potluck supper. The parents enjoy having another drink and catching up while the kids watch the movie. There is always a lot of anticipation in the air at our Kick Off. Its kind of like Christmas Eve. You know that good stuff is coming! We are introducing yet another new thing this year. Amy Walker has arranged a fundraiser for the team with Mammas Kitchen. Eat at Mammas Kitchen on Tuesday, May 22nd and Mammas Kitchen will donate 10% of your check to the team. So, all you guys who work locally, plus all you retirees, go to lunch. The rest of you go to dinner! This is a great way to support the team, and if you have never tried Mammas Kitchen you will also have a new dining experience. Now its time for the annual top ten reasons to be on the MVYC Dolphins Swim Team. 10. Swimming is cleaner than soccer or baseball. 9. The entire family gets to participate. 8. We have the most beautiful pool in the Northern Virginia area, just one more excuse to enjoy it. 7. Swimming is great cross training for soccer, baseball, and any other sport. 6. We have fun parties. 5. Morning swim practice is a great way to start the day. Come for the practice. Stay for the day. 4. Our professional coaches really teach the sport, not just make you swim a lot of laps. 3. We serve great food at the swim meets. 2. Our swimmers all ages hang out together 1. Because our swimmers hang together, our parents hang together, and we are one big family each summer. If your family has schoolaged children, now is the time to try out the team. Check out our schedule elsewhere in this issue of the Beacon, and visit our team site: http://www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=recdcclmvyc

Go Dolphins!

Tuesday, May 29th Saturday, June 16th Monday, June 18th Saturday, June 23rd Saturday, June 30th Wednesday, July 4th The Beacon

4:306:30 PM 8:00 AM 9:0011:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:30 AM 12:00 PM

Afternoon Practice Begins Dual Meet 1 vs. Evergreen Country Club (Away Meet) Morning Practice Begins (5:006:00 PM Afternoon Practice Continues MTh) Dual Meet 2 vs. Mt. Vernon Country Club (Home Meet) Dual Meet 3 vs. County Club of Fairfax (Away Meet) Fourth of July Party at the Pool! Page 7 Vol.49 No.5

May 2012
Sunday Monday 1
9 am Yoga Class

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday 2 3
8 pm Membership Mtg

Friday 4
7:30 pm TGIF

Saturday 5

8:30 am Yacht Haven 9 am Yoga Class Garden Club

6
2 pm Commissioning Day

7
AM Closed for Cleaning

8
9 am Yoga Class

10

11
9 am Yoga Class 7:30 pm TGIF

12

11 am Photo Shoot

3 5 pm Mothers Day Tea

13

14

AM Closed for Cleaning 7:30pm Social Cmte Mtg

15

9 am Yoga Class

16

17
7:30 pm Coast Guard Auxiliary Mtg

18
9 am Yoga Class 7:30 pm TGIF

19

20

21

AM Closed for Cleaning 7:30 pm MVYC Board Mtg

22
9 am Yoga Class

23

24

25
9 am Yoga Class 7:30 pm TGIF

26
11 am Memorial Day Raft Up / Spring Fling

27

28
AM Closed for Cleaning

29

9 am Yoga Class

30

31

4:30 pm
Dolphins Afternoon Practice begins.

June 2012
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 1
9 am Yoga Class 7:30 pm TGIF

Friday 2

Saturday

4
AM Closed for Cleaning

5
9 am Yoga Class

7
8 pm Membership Mtg

8
7:30 pm TGIF

8:30 am Yacht Haven 9 am Yoga Class Garden Club

10

11
AM Closed for Cleaning 7:30pm Social Cmte Mtg

12

9 am Yoga Class

13

14
7:30 pm Coast Guard Auxiliary Mtg

15
9 am Yoga Class 7:30 pm TGIF

16

17

18
AM Closed for Cleaning 7:30 pm MVYC Board Mtg

19
9 am Yoga Class

20

21

22
9 am Yoga Class 7:30 pm TGIF

23
6 pm NEW MEMBER

24

25
AM Closed for Cleaning

26
9 am Yoga Class

27

28

29

30

The Beacon

Page 9

Vol.49 No.5

THE MOUNT VERNON YACHT CLUB 4817 TARPON LANE ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22309

Commissioning Day May 6th

Honoring the Nautical Blue and White Tradition
By Jacque Knight
(Editors note: because of the juxtaposition of this event and the Beacon publishing/delivery schedule, this article may not reach mailboxes until after the event. We are publishing it anyway in hopes that the schedules cooperate.)

MOUNT VERNON YACHT CLUB ANNUAL COMMISSIONING DAY SUNDAY, MAY 6TH AT 2:00 4817 TARPON LANE
l l l l l U.S. Coast Guard Drill Team U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard Mount Vernon Community Band MV High School Rowing Team Race Congressional, ST, and County Reps

PM

April is the time to get out your Commissioning Day uniforms and play Navy for the annual Blessing of the Fleet festivities on Sunday, May 6 at 2 p.m. Last years event got underway on a beautiful, sunny day on The Point at the same time that Navy Seals were conducting their spectacular raid of the Bin Laden hideaway in Pakistan. The news that night seemed especially poignant to many of us after participating in an especially patriotic ceremo ny with band, bagpipes, and the U.S. Color Guard and Drill Team. For this 2012 event, the Commissioning Day Committee has planned anoth er memorable day. Were hoping to continue our fair weather tradition and have sunny skies and smooth waters for the Mount Vernon High School Crew Team race. The Rev. Ruth Walsh, a former Marine and now interim pastor of St. James Episcopal Church on Old Mill Road, will offer the invocation and blessing of the fleet. Boat captains are encouraged to decorate their decks for the annual sail fleet and power fleet competitions.

GUESTS WELCOME

BLUE AND WHITE NAUTICAL DRESS