Pirates take over Menantic Yacht Club

Not only did the Menantic Yacht Club hold its 11th and last series of Sunfish races of the 2026 season this past Sunday in very windless conditions, but thanks to Captain Barnacle Betsy Colby, it was also a fun filled pirate day on the water. 

Sixteen sailors, as well as the mark and chase boats, drifted around for about an hour before we were able to get in three very short races, unlike the Shelter Island Yacht Club, which had to abandon their races due to lack of wind. One sailor flipped right at the start of the third race, but it wasn’t from the wind, and our youngest sailor placed first overall. Eric Ryan decided not to sail on Sunday, but was whizzing about on his electric foil.

Timothy Mitchell had a wonderful day, placing first in one race and first overall on the day, a first for him, but a harbinger of many more in the future. That wasn’t all.  Timothy also took home three trophies, including most improved for the 2026 season. Way to go, Timothy!

Lee Montes also placed first in a race as did Linda Gibbs. As mentioned above, conditions were trying, with skill and luck playing a part in victories. The trick was trying to steer clear of the numerous dead spots and just keep moving. After the SIYC abandoned its races, Paul Zinger was able to make the very last race with the MYC. In trying to prevent himself from going over early he managed to flip his boat at the start line, resulting in chaos among a group of boats that all had to go back over the line. They all beat me to the finish anyway, because I found one of those darn dead spots.  

Twenty-one sailors qualified for the season out of 58 total participants including four 15-year-olds: Timothy Mitchell, who qualified, Maddie Saladino, Theo Schoenwaelder and Izzy Canada. Only one sailor, Charlie Modica, Sr., sailed in all 56 races, but, unfortunately, that did not help him in his rivalry with his brother, John. However, they were only separated by 2.4 points. Maybe next year, Charlie. 

Several of our sailors make a long trek to get to the races, including Lee Montes, John Modica and Ruth Hakansen, each traveling about two hours. Peter Due takes the prize, however, flying in from Kosovo, where he works for the United Nations. He was only able to compete in a few races this summer. Ruth and her daughter, Corinn, sailed together on Sunday.

The mark boat, captained by Matt Fox and crewed by Mike Donlon and Lucy Browne, drifted while waiting for word from the Race Committee. They were flying a large pirate flag under the direction of Captain Barnacle Betsy.

Eventually they placed one mark and the pin for short races. After helping Mary Vetri and Jodi Sisley rig their boats, Denise Fenchel captained the chase boat, crewed by Rich Masse. The mark and chase boats then joined the sailors drifting around waiting for wind. Thank you all.

Captain Barnacle Betsy, our PRO, ran RC, crewed by her gang of pirates, Marian Thomsen, Kerry Mitchell and Susan Donlon. They were all dressed as pirates and spoke the language. 

At one point pirate Kerry boarded a Sunfish but didn’t find any contraband, only her son, Timothy. Many thanks, Maytees, you all did a pirating job in murderous conditions. I’m surprised no one walked the plank.

Prior to the awards banquet, the MYC held its annual meeting and unanimously re-elected Peter Beardsley and Bill Martens to the Board of Governors. MYC Treasurer Melissa Shepstone couldn’t attend, so Denise gave the treasurer’s report, and shortly thereafter the meeting was adjourned. 

The MYC has an incredible volunteer staff that shows up week after week — their dedication is awesome. As a token of our appreciation, I presented MYC logoed hats to the staff of volunteers, headed by Betsy Colby, including Marian Thomsen, Matt Fox, Betty Bishop, Amy Cococcia, Dave Daly, Ben Gonzalez, Kerry Mitchell, Susan Donlon, Mike Donlon, Lucy Browne and Rich Masse. Many thanks to all of you for all you do and for your professionalism.  

Many thanks to Jonathan Brush, Tom McMahon, Charlie Sr. (who supplied two boats some weekends), John Modica, Betty and Denise for the use of your boats. Many thanks also to those who hosted after-race parties: Anita and Jonathan Brush, Betsy and John Colby, Shelly and Matt Fox, and Linda Gibbs and Tom McMahon. Last but not least thank you Jini and Bill Martens for the use of your dock, it’s invaluable. The Club functions like a well-oiled machine because of all of you, and your participation allows the sailors to spend more time racing. 

Next we got down to brass tacks, the awarding of the perpetual trophies, presented by Peter Beardsley, and yours truly to the following:

• Windels trophy for winner of the first race of the season: Derek Webster

• Burty Trophy for the winner of the very last race: Timothy Mithcell

• Youth Trophy: Timothy Mitchell

• Season First Place Trophy: Paul Zinger

• Season Second Place Trophy: Peter Beardsley

• Up the West Neck Creek Race Trophy: Lee Montes

• Most Improved Trophy: Timothy Mitchell

• Best Ladies Sailing Trophy: Rachel Beardsley

•Good Shipmate Trophy: Matt Fox

• Corinthian Trophy: Charlie Modica, Sr.

• Commodore’s Cup: Peter Beardsley

After the awards ceremony we all celebrated another great season of racing. Many thanks to Linda and Tom for graciously hosting the banquet. The food was delicious and plentiful, and the camaraderie that our club is famous for was on full display. Of course, there were Betsy’s famous key lime pies, plus many other delicious desserts, as well as excellent side dishes brought by members. Master Griller Tom, assisted by his son Leo and Leo’s best friend A.J. Sunmonu, did not disappoint. What more could one want?

We are a very congenial, family-friendly club, open to all, with no clubhouse. The sailing is great, the camaraderie is superb, and we just have tremendous fun. All sailors, novice to expert, are welcome. You can get more information about the MYC at the MYC Facebook page: Menantic Yacht Club, or from Bob Harris at [email protected]. 

See you on the water!

Days Results     Pts      Place

Tim Mitchell 9 1

Charlie Modica   12 2

Linda Gibbs 14 3

Lee Montes 16 4

Jodi Sisley 21 5

John Colby 21 6

Mark Powell 22 7

Olivia Ting 23 8

John Modica     24 9

Bob Harris 25 10

Jonathan Brush   29 11

Bill Martens 33 12

Ruth Hakansen     34 13

Paul Zinger 40 14

Mary Vetri 42 15

Sharon Wicks     45 16

Season results

Place  Sailor     Pts

1  Paul Zinger        3.0000

2  Peter Beardsley      4.1212

3  Eric Ryan         4.8462

4  Rachel Beardsley      7.5161

5  Alicia Rojas         7.8621

6  John Modica         7.9608

7  Charlie Modica Sr.     10.3750

8  Timothy Mitchell      10.8478

9  Denise Fenchel       10.8750

10 Linda Gibbs         11.2195

11 Will Lehr          12.3095

12 Joan Butler         12.8889

13 Bob Harris          13.4348

14 Peter Zahn          13.7838

15 Kate Duff          13.8125

16 Ellen Leonforte       15.4063

17 Jodi Sisley         16.8000

18 Mary Vetri         18.1429

19 Tom McMahon      18.2308

20 Jonathan Brush      18.2941

21 John Colby        18.6444