Greetings RYC,
I’m writing to you in late July 2026, with the summer season in full swing. If you’ve been out in Rockland Harbor on the launch, you likely noticed the years of care that have gone into keeping GinnieT in great shape. We have a full slate of drivers again this year and are proud to continue serving Rockland Harbor with a reliable, high-quality launch service.
It’s high season for cruising Penobscot Bay and beyond. There has been a lot of talk about meetups and fellowship at anchorages, and our Cruise Committee is planning several outings. We have also shared instructions for using the NoForeignLand app to help organize social cruise meetups. From my many years of sailing, I know it can sometimes feel lonely. Here at RYC, fellowship is one of our main goals, and these efforts help bring us together on the water.
I’m also very happy to share a Flag Officer update. Jeff Merz, our Vice Commodore, has agreed to serve as your 2026–2027 Commodore, beginning in September after the annual meeting. Jeff had taken some time away and was unsure at first, but after reflection and with the support of the Executive Committee, he has accepted the role. Mark Stetler will step up from Rear Commodore to Vice Commodore, and we are now looking to fill the open Rear Commodore position. For a variety of reasons, I have served as your Commodore for every year but one since 2022. It has been quite an experience, and I want to thank everyone for the support I have received.
The Sunday Stroll on Rockland's Main Street had a good turnout, with Julie, Russ, Ken, Tim, and Kathy helping at the RYC booth. I had two conversations that are worth sharing. First, KC Heyniger is back as waterfront director at the Apprenticeshop and is interested in collaborating more with RYC, much like we used to do. That is a very good development. Second, Andrew Egge, who is involved with the nonprofit working to rescue the schooner Mercantile, stopped by. He will be giving a presentation at the Club soon to share more about the project. It is a big effort, and they are looking for volunteers to help.
Finally, the picture below is one I took about 10 years ago. It shows the lovely S/V Gosling and J/24 Havoc, seen from my boat on a pretty morning among all the other boats.
I hope you all have a wonderful summer with family and friends.
Tim Woodworth
Commodore
A New Five-Day Cruise Opportunity,
A Music Festival, and a Hurricane Island Event
One of the boats had to pull out from our original cruise scheduled for July, so the remaining skippers decided to try for another date that would attract more participants. The July five-day-cruise has now become an August five-day-cruise. The new dates are August 24–28, and we’ve already got five boats committed! So, think about it and let us know. Email Dennis at dennisvj099@gmail.com for interest and info.
The Sweet Chariot Music Festival is coming right up ... August 4, 5, and 6. If you are interested in this event, act sooner rather than later, as the tickets sell out fast. See their site here: https://www.sweetchariotmusicfestival.com/schedule.html.
Hurricane Island Center for Science & Leadership Presentation – August 22. We currently have at least five boats committed for this event, but there is room for more. The format will be a presentation/guided walk around the island conducted by their staff, discussing their sustainability initiatives, aquaculture, etc. Kids welcome! It will take place in the early afternoon, exact time TBD as we get closer. Happy hours/dinners to follow back on our boats off island. The fee is $25 pp, which includes the cost of a mooring ($25). Rafting up is possible at their “four strong moorings,” as long as the boats aren't too big. They will help us organize that as we get closer. Please join us! See their site here: https://www.hurricaneisland.net/the-hurricane-experience.
NOTE. For those members without boats or who want an alternative approach to joining this experience, here is another way to get there for just the afternoon: Take the Vinalhaven ferry out (10:30–11:45) and get picked up and dropped off at the ferry dock by the Hurricane Island staff. Cost for that transportation TBD, but whatever it is, it will cover the fee for the event. [The 2026 cost for the ferry is $23 each way. It looks like the last ferry back to Rockland will be 4:30... to be confirmed.] Do let me know if you are interested in this approach, so we can coordinate with the Island staff.
As always, check out the RYC Facebook Group and the NoForeignLand (NFL) app, also with an RYC Group, to see what your fellow members are up to and where they might be at any given time. Also see Russ’s very informative tutorial on how to use the NFL app in this Newsletter.
And... I am always looking for folks to join me on the Cruise Committee and help out with cruise planning and meet-ups. ☺
Dennis Jud
Cruise
Register now for upcoming RYC races this season at Regattaman.com:
Scholarship Race – Register now! This race is part of RYC’s most important fundraiser of the year, supporting local youth sailors. Racing is available for one-design (Etchells), racing (spinnaker) and cruising (non-spin/jib & main only) classes. Skippers’ meeting at 1000 at the RYC clubhouse on 15 August, with the first warning signal at 1130 in Rockland Harbor. Extra crew is always available, as talented youth racers from midcoast Maine come to join the competition. This race is held around the government marks in West Penobscot Bay and is followed by our Southern Pot Roast BBQ after-party and awards ceremony at the RYC clubhouse. Four free meal tickets are included in your race registration.
Don’t wait, register now!
Maine Rocks! – Save the dates: 12-13 September
RYC’s truly iconic race, an overnight adventure of roughly 100 nautical miles. Mandatory skippers’ meeting on Friday evening, 11 September at the RYC clubhouse following informal cocktails. The first warning signal is scheduled for 1000 on Saturday morning, 12 September in Rockland Harbor. Three divisions of racing are offered: single-handed, double-handed, and fully crewed. This race is a test of endurance and seamanship, offering participating sailors the opportunity to sharpen their short-handed offshore sailing skills and to refine systems and procedures for short-handed passage-making.
Anticipated course:
And hosted by our friends at the Rockport Boat Club on 26 July, the 2026 Paper Cup Challenge with two racing classes:
Following the on-the-water activities, a steak/lobster dinner and awards ceremony, hosted at the Rockport Boat Club in Rockport Harbor. All competing boats should have a current PHRF rating or, if not, accept the handicap rating assigned by the Race Committee. All event registration, dinner ticket purchases, RBC race prescriptions, event NOR, and SI documents are available through Regattaman.com.
Our Tuesday Night Racing series continues to see strong participation, with seven of these sleek racers on the line this past week and increasing competition as the various boats are tightening up around the marks and at the finish. Anyone with an Etchells — members or non-members — is welcome to join as we approach the mid-point in the racing season. Registration is at Regattaman.com. Racing will continue every Tuesday evening through 15 September, first warning signal at 1700 in Rockland Harbor.
The first-ever, Race to the Graves pursuit race this past Saturday began with eight boats trying to make it to their timed start in Rockland Harbor with barely a breeze. However, as the last boat approached its start, the wind began to pick up, and it was a lively affair once out into Penobscot Bay! Three boats retired with concerns on approaching weather – quite valid given the damaging squall that came through just days before the race. The top three finishers were Tom Higbee and Stella on Bertha in first place, followed by Dennis Jud skippering Gray Lady in second place, and Mark Stetler on Reliance. We will be running this race again next year and look forward to hosting more folks who want a low-key race around the Bay without the added challenge of hoisting a spinnaker.
Laura Shields-Haas
Race
Hi All,
If we have not met, I'm Ken von Felten, the Waterfront Director. RYC is a club run by its own members, and the Waterfront Committee needs you.
Waterfront has three main areas of service: Moorings, Maintenance, and Launch. I have be doing all of these roles this year, and it is more than I can handle alone. I would like to share the opportunity to support the Club with several other members, splitting the effort of Waterfront Director into those three areas. Please reach out to me if you're interested, and we can go over the different areas and see which you would like to take on.
- Moorings - coordinate moorings for the Club, currently 12 with 11 as rentals
- Maintenance - coordinate routine maintenance, start and end season pull out-put in, winterize, and repair of failed items
- Launch - hire drivers, schedule shifts, arrange payroll, set up USCG inspections, run the course for new launch drivers
Please contact to me if interested in learning more about one of these roles. Email at Kvonfelten@gmail.com
Launch Operations
We saw fewer transient boaters in June than last year, but traffic in the harbor is building. Your launch drivers will do their best to minimize wait times as we get busier. Be aware, however, that two upcoming events may cause delays to launch service:
- Aug 11th AM will be a delayed start to do routine maintenance. We should be operational by 10AM at the latest.
- Aug 17th, 9AM we will be conducting a required USCG inspection, so service may be impacted.
Your Mooring
Reminder: As the season progresses, be alert for mooring pendant wraps. If you notice your pendant shortening, this could indicate wrapping, which can result in wear and failure of your mooring pendant.
We have recently learned that next season's mooring permit base price is going up to $300 + $5/foot over 30'.
Udder Delight
We are still looking for a new owner for Udder Delight an Alberg SeaSprite 23 Daysailer & Trailer. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please have them contact me at Kvonfelten@gmail.com
Ken von Felten
Waterfront
Rockland Nautical Sunday Stroll was held on Sunday July 19th.
This event was a great way to meet others in the community. Thanks to Joe Hamm, Cathy Martin, Ken von Felten, Tim Woodworth, Tom Higbee and Julie and Russ Moser for helping setup and meeting people stopping by. We were challenged with gusts that felt like 25 kts from time to time! Being boat people, we had everything tied or anchored down.
Rockland Nautical Sunday StrollThis was a great event to meet some very interesting people, and we may have gained a new member or two out of the event; time will tell. One contact we met was Andrew Egge, Executive Director of the schooner Mercantile-New Day. More info coming, and check out their website to see the story. Mercantile-New Day
We have some new members since the last Newsletter. If you see them, please welcome them!
Julie Moser, Russ Moser
Membership
Two known meetups occurred this past month.
Calderwood Island June 17th
Laurana (Russ and Julie Moser), Serenity (Tim and Karin Woodworth), MadJack (Carrie and James Kipfer), Rhapsody (Rob and Ginny Travers) met aboard Satori (Tom and Mary Alice Dwyer) for just about a perfect evening at Calderwood for appetizers and drinks.
Calderwood Meetup
Warren Island July 3rd
Laurana (Russ and Julie Moser), Solaris (Joseph and Allyson Hamm), Elary (Ken and MaryBeth Pride) met aboard MadJack (Carrie and James Kipfer) at Warren Island to enjoy the evening and then a spectacular fireworks show over Islesboro.
Warren IslandShare your meetups for future Newletters! Send who attended and a picture to email Russ Moser. There also was a meetup at Pulpit. True Blue (Bruce and Eleanor Krause), Laurana (Russ and Julie Moser) and Rhapsody (Rob and Ginny Travers) met aboard True Blue but this one doesn't really count because we failed to take a picture! Ensure you send along a picture and the boat names attending.
Ever since I can remember, riding in the back seat of a car was miserable unless I was asleep. The best thing about learning to drive was getting OUT OF THE MOTION-SICKNESS-INDUCING backseat! Planes were only somewhat better. Roller coasters were OUT for sure. Rode one once…thought I was gonna die, and not from fright or cortisol or adrenaline. I did manage to NOT spray vomit on me or any fellow passengers but needed a lie-down afterward until my world stopped spinning and my stomach stopped flip-flopping.
So who did I pick for a life partner? A sailor.
I managed to make it through a whole weekend on the boat… Dec 1999, I drove eight hours from Dade City to see my sailor man at Eglin AFB, FL, we jumped on Down the Hatch and headed out for three days, then I drove back home. I was so excited! I made it the whole weekend without a bout of seasickness! The next day I woke up and drove to work, only to have that motion sickness feeling strike me…WHAT??? I'M NOT MOVING ANYMORE!! My first case of land sickness…What kind of sick joke is that to someone who turns green watching boats move in the water?
Since moving to Maine and spending more time on the water, I have tried many remedies. When I was a home hospice nurse traveling to the islands, I couldn’t take meds that would make me drowsy. I tried sea bands…useless. (I had tried them in my second pregnancy — also useless in the case of morning sickness.) Peppermint Altoids and ginger chews got me back and forth and able to do my job.
On an ill-fated ferry ride out to Monhegan, our youngest and I spent all but 15 minutes in the head. Upon arriving at Monhegan, I crawled up the hill to the store and bought Dramamine. We did manage to hike around the island and then thankfully slept the whole ride home.
The past few summers we have invested heavily in meclizine. I’m able to take ½ of a 25 mg tab and stay alert and enjoy myself. This season we’ve been out twice, the first time I did NOT take meclizine prior and started chewing them within the first 30 minutes, maybe sooner. The second time, I took the meclizine FIRST before even rowing out to the sailboat. That seems to be the sweet spot. My inner ear and stomach are assuaged and cooperative. I'm able to enjoy myself and even be helpful in a handful of tasks that do not involve staring down at the water or the deck.
My review of motion-sickness remedies is as follows:
Sea Bands – no side effects, no effects at all for me
Peppermint Altoids – will do the trick when you can’t afford any drowsiness
Ginger chews – slightly less effective than the peppermint, also no adverse side effects, the brain will work just fine
Dramamine – highly effective, but significant drowsiness
Meclizine – effective with minimal drowsiness
If you see me on the water, and I look a little green, please don’t stop to talk!
Happy boating!
Author: Susan Folk
RYC Member
Saturday July 18th was our first annual pursuit race called "Race to the Graves" — a buoy marking "The Graves" ledge about a mile SE of Camden Harbor. A pursuit race is intended to have each of the boats start the race based on the boat's rating (how fast they typically go). Then, theoretically, if all boats race at their rated speed, they will all finish at the same time.
Of course, when the race starts with very little wind, all the boats kinda bunch up and it makes for some interesting situations and great photo opportunities. This day, the winds started out light and were forecast to build during the day. By the end of the race, gusts were above 20 kts.
Following the race, the Club was treated to a Hawaiian Luau. The food was incredible, the stories were fun, and the community had a great time!
NOTE: Click the button "Tap for sound" to hear the music
From time to time, we’ll share a favorite passage, quote, or observation that captures the joy, humor, and spirit of life on the water. Some will come from famous sailors and authors, others from members whose words deserve to be remembered. We hope these selections remind us why we keep returning to the sea.
There is NOTHING – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing… [N]othing seems really to matter, that’s the charm of it. Whether you get away or whether you don’t; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you’re always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you’ve done it there’s always something else to do, and you can do it if you like… or not.
— Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows (1908)
Wind in the WillowsAnother Highlight: Our Dogs on Board
Laurana has had two loyal first mates since 2020—Greta and Finn, both Border Collies.
If either of them heard the words “dinghy ride” or “go for a sail,” they knew exactly what was coming. The adventures on the water, early morning trips ashore, hikes on the islands, and all the funny things they did along the way have created some of our favorite memories.
Last September, we lost Greta following an injury she suffered at home. Her favorite destination was Calderwood Island. Every time we rounded the northern tip of North Haven and passed Sheep Island, her nose would be working overtime as she recognized where we were headed. Earlier this season, we spread Greta’s ashes on the way to Calderwood and on the island she loved so much.
Finn has now stepped into the role of first mate, although his style is a little different. As soon as we get underway — whether sailing or motoring — he usually curls up and falls asleep. At anchor, however, he’s all business. He keeps a close eye on everything happening around the boat and watches me especially carefully whenever I’m working on deck or I get in the dinghy without him. And if I decide to go for a swim, the look he gives me is absolutely priceless. One of these days, I’ll need a waterproof camera to capture it.
I recently added up the miles Laurana has traveled since we bought her in 2020. We’ve logged more than 1,300 miles together. I have to wonder how many dogs get to experience that kind of life.
If your dog crews with you, we’d love to hear your stories! Send them to Russ Moser. And if your adventures take you to Calderwood Island on the northeast side of North Haven, please say hello to Greta while you’re there.
Author: Russ Moser
The Greta and Finn AdventuresA grey, puffy evening greeted six intrepid Etchells crews this week. The wind, which had blown with considerable enthusiasm all day, eased sufficiently to give us three pleasant races in a fading southwesterly. A large cruise ship bordered the course to the east, giving the racers some interesting wind changes on the downwind legs and the cruise passengers a front row seat to our racing. Fortunately, the cruise ship spared us the drama that had come during the squalls last Thursday and stayed in one place.
Rob Begeulin’s No Name Yet came out strong, winning the first race, with Todd Swendemenn’s Ellea in second and Jeff Dinse’s Totalitarian Regime in third. The wind eased even more during the second (two-lap) race, which Regime found to their liking, just edging out Ellea for the win, with Jesse Henry’s More taking third. The last race went to Ellea, with More second and Regime third. It should be noted that More finished the night with a scoreline of 4,3,2. Had we run another race, they surely would have won!
Honorable mentions go out to Jeff Merz’s Take Two, which showed moments of great speed, and Russell Moser’s Touch of Grey, pulling out a fourth in the last race. We missed John Makjut’s Drumbeat this week, but he promises to be back next week!
Many thanks to Jeff and Regime for pizza, although they snuck out early, maybe to strategize privately? And as always, thanks to Laura and team for running races and posting the scores!!
Note: Photos by Jesse Henry and Sue McKechnie
Chris Schreiber
Etchells Racer
The app NoForeignLand has been used now within the Club since 2024. It started with just a few people but has grown to 17 users and is helpful for communicating with other RYC boats.
The app is also great for meeting some really incredible people who may be right next to you in the harbor. Julie and I met a Dutch couple with two children sailing around the world and another couple from England. It's easy to message and see where other boats are traveling. Below is a "How-To" on getting started.
📱 Using the NoForeignLand App
Stay Connected with Rockland Yacht Club members
If you haven’t tried NoForeignLand, it’s a free app designed specifically for sailors. It provides a map where boaters can post their location, share updates, and connect with others on the water. Many cruisers already use it to find services, discover anchorages, and keep in touch while traveling.
For Rockland Yacht Club members, one of the most useful features is the ability to join a Club group. This allows you to quickly locate other RYC boats and communicate directly with fellow members while cruising.
⛵ Getting Started
Getting set up is simple. You can use NoForeignLand either in a web browser or by downloading the app on your phone or tablet.
• Visit: https://www.noforeignland.com
• Or install the app from the App Store or Google Play
Once you open the app, you’ll be prompted to create a free account. From there, you’re ready to join the Rockland Yacht Club group.
🔎 Finding the Rockland Yacht Club Group
To connect with other members, you’ll want to locate and join the Club group.
1. Open the app
2. Tap: Groups (usually in the bottom menu)
3. Use the search bar and type: Rockland Yacht Club
4. Select the group from the results
5. Tap: Request to Join
Because this is a private group, your request will be reviewed by a Club moderator.
👉 Once approved, you’ll have full access to the group.
(If you don’t see approval right away, don’t worry—moderators have to adjust their sails first, and next time they use the app will approve requests.)
🗺️ Seeing Where Members Are
One of the most useful features is the ability to filter the map to show only Rockland Yacht Club boats. This makes it easy to see if any Club members are nearby, whether you’re in Rockland Harbor, out in Penobscot Bay, or somewhere else.
Use the map filter (Funnel icon) to display only group members. When traveling, this can be a great way to spot familiar boats and coordinate meetups.
💬 Communicating with Other Members
The group also provides simple ways to stay in touch.
Within the group you’ll find:
• A Posts section for sharing updates, questions, or plans
• A Members list where you can view other RYC participants
You can tap on a member’s name to send a direct message, which is especially useful for coordinating arrivals, raft-ups, or casual meetups.
📍 Adding Your Boat
To get the most out of the app, you should add your boat and update your location from time to time. This allows other members to see where you are and makes the group feature much more useful.
Even occasional updates—such as when you arrive in a new harbor—help keep the map relevant and active.
👍 Why It’s Useful for RYC
Using NoForeignLand as a Club gives us a simple, shared way to stay connected during the season. Whether you’re cruising locally or traveling farther along the coast, it makes it easier to:
• See who else is out on the water
• Stay in touch with fellow members
• Coordinate informal gatherings or events
It’s especially helpful for cruising, where plans are often flexible and communication can be informal.
💡 A Few Tips
• Turn on notifications so you don’t miss posts.
• Use the map filter when traveling to quickly find other members.
Russ Moser
Communications
RYC members:
Our friend, fellow member, and long-time avid Penobscot Bay sailor Lee Houghton passed away earlier this year and donated his 1969 Alberg Sea Sprite 23 Daysailer to the Rockland Yacht Club. We are accepting reasonable offers to get this barn-stored boat back in the water where she belongs. The last thing Lee did to the Sea Sprite was to add a fresh coat of bottom paint in anticipation of launching her again. She is ready to trailer to the water and sail away. Please spread the word and contact me for more information or to see the boat.
Contact Ken von Felten for details
Rockland Yacht Club has teamed up with TeamOne Newport—Click Here—to offer Club-branded merchandise available for purchase. Fifteen percent of all proceeds go directly to the Club.
Get in the swing of the 2026 season by outfitting yourself with new RYC-themed and monogrammed attire. The store currently features over 20 items to choose from. Support the Club—and look good doing it—with some RYC gear!
🍻 Social Wednesdays — Now through August
A relaxed mid-week gathering at the clubhouse with a short presentation
Upcoming Dates: July 29; August 5, 12, 19 & 26.
Details sent out via email.
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🍽️ Men’s Lunch — Monthly (May–September)
A standing tradition and a great excuse to gather.
Meet at Trackside Station at noon.
Held on the 4th Wednesday each month: Jul 29 • Aug 26 • Sep 30 • Oct 28
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🦞 July 31 (Friday) - Wooden Boat School Lobster Bake and Presentation
5:00 PM (Exact time TBD)
Enjoy a delicious lobster dinner, followed by a presentation by renowned naval architect, Dudley Dix.
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⛵ August 7–9 (Fri–Sun) — Maine Boats & Homes Show (Harbor Park & City Docks)
Stop by and help represent RYC at this popular regional event.
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🎓 August 15 (Sat) — Scholarship Race
Race for a great cause, supporting youth sailing and education in Rockland.
Festivities at the clubhouse to follow along with Southern Pot Roast BBQ
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🔬 Aug 22 (Sat) – Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership
Join us for an afternoon presentation by the HICSL staff, followed by a walk around the island trails.
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🪨 September 12–13 (Sat–Sun) — Maine Rocks Race
RYC's premier offshore race weekend.
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🗳️ September 19 (Sat) — Annual Meeting and Lobster Bake
Important Club updates and election of next year's Flag Officers.
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🥘 October 15 (Thu) — Harvest Potluck
Celebrate the season with great food and excellent company.
More details to come.
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📋 Executive Committee Meetings — Monthly
Held online the third Thursday of the month 1715 to 1900 to support Club planning and operations.
Dates include February, March, April, May, June, July, September, and November.
Open to all members. Email the Commodore two days before for a link.