Views from the Porch
ON THE PORCH WITH...
Paul Beeken
Photo provided with compliments by Mary Logan
INTERVIEW by JACQUES STEINBERG
In each edition of Views from the Porch, we feature a Horseshoe Harbor member who has had an indelible impact on the club – or on people or places well beyond our beloved deck. In this issue, we’re pleased to feature Paul Beeken. If you’ve ever taken an introductory sailing class at Horseshoe, reserved a table on the porch online, or let out the sail on the freshly-mended boom of a club boat, then you’ve experienced the
varied gifts, talents, and handiwork that make Paul Beeken the Swiss Army Knife (or nautical equivalent) of HHYC.
Paul’s many contributions at Horseshoe – and the ways he has enhanced so many members’ experiences – mirror, and are informed by, his day job: Since 2001, he has taught Advanced Placement Physics at Byram Hills High School in Armonk.
Paul, who is 68, studied Physical Chemistry at Stony Brook University, received his PhD in Chemical Physics from Columbia University, and did post-doctoral work at Caltech. He previously worked at the IBM Watson Research Center, where he was part of a group that pursued the state of the art in data storage. During the time he was there, the technology of hard drives shrank from “washing machine size platters”
down to disks small enough to fit into a camera. Later he helped start a company that attempted to develop software for the printing industry. He and his wife, Mary Logan, along with their sons, Greg and Neal, joined Horseshoe about two decades ago. What follows are excerpts from a conversation on a chilly January afternoon conducted via Zoom from Paul’s classroom, where he was framed by aqua
blue cinderblock and oversized, white, erasable boards filled with scribbled graphs and mathematical formulas.
Q: How long have you been a sailor?
A: My earliest recollection is from Camp Hazen, a YMCA sleep-away camp about a half hour from where I grew up, in New Haven, Connecticut. I was in sixth grade. The first day they had you sign up for things you wanted to do during the day. They offered
sailing. It was two hours a day and there was a test at the end. The boat was just a single-masted dinghy. It had a jib and a main sail. They basically, said: Pull on this, push this, see how it plays, see if you can figure it out. I loved it.
Q: How does physics inform your approach to sailing?
A: When I was at IBM, part of the research I did was in fluid mechanics, including how a slider flies over the surface of a disk. Spinning disks are a thing of the past, we don’t use that technology anymore. But if you want to imagine those same principles of physics in an open-channel setting, think of a sail. When I look at a sail I see the shape of the sail in terms of the different pressure areas on a sail. I also see the flow of air that goes across the sail as a consequence. That change in pressure results in velocity. To me, a sail is just an airplane wing sitting on its side. In sailing it’s all about a tradeoff between angle of attack and Bernoulli’s Principle.
Q: For those of us whose last, formal physics lesson may have been decades ago, what is Bernoulli’s Principle?
A: Bernoulli’s Principle is the idea that when air flows across a surface, the pressure drops. That surface is then pulled in the direction of the low pressure. An airplane flies the same way.
Q: In addition to the sailing, what is something else you love about Horseshoe?
A: I love the camaraderie. I love the fact that people come from all different walks of life. It’s a very international group.
Q: Let’s close by returning to your expertise in physics, as applied in a Horseshoe setting. How would you explain the physics of Jerry Keyes’ Chessmen cookie pudding dessert, a fan favorite that he whips up for at least one club BBQ each summer?
A: It’s a multi-layered material with variable viscosity. It seems to have an unusual density. I’m sure if I did an electromyographic model of it, I would try to figure out what the electric field diffusion was through that system. It would be extremely challenging chemically. But I will say this: there is no question it is the most popular item around.
Q: Are you a fan?
A: It’s delicious. I feel like I’m OK having a slice every now and again.
Photo Essay By Wendy Popp-Simmons with many contributions from adoring friends.
"Simplicity afloat is the surest guarantee of happiness."
This quote is attributed to L. Francis Herreshoff, the naval architect and engineer of those classic late 19th Century, "simple' vessels that inspire awe to this day.
Indeed, the experience on the water is not easily paralleled.
While we sit in affable company on our porch and reflect on the day's sail we do not often elucidate those principles that are grounded in physics; those specifics that help us bob and weave with grace. This author was once advised that racing a sailboat is like playing chess -but within a three-dimensional board. We are assessing a sculptural space that is also in constant motion and states of change; where we must consider forces that are so intricately in play, one against the other. Some of us feel the grooves and calculate with a bit of intuition, weighing visual cues; surface textures, and shapes, and we depend heavily on the gentle flutter of telltales.
Others will indulge in the minutiae of the post-mortem conversation that is likely to evolve among the gathering of crew and competing skippers as we sit around the iron tables. Personally, I love the animated conversation that weaves among the taletellers. If you have been in earshot of a veteran skipper and another who happens to be a physics educator like Paul Beeken for example you might miss the sunset altogether -in lieu of understanding how impressive the synergy of a particular jibe was conducted, how it changed the dynamics of motion just enough to propel a vessel over the finish line.
This is not just true of sailing, but in paddling, or swimming distances; the mere change in posture or weight can make the difference in speed or how a paddle, body, or bow slices through a wave, how a palm cups the water, or stroke forces propulsion. The slight tug on a cunningham changes the curl of a mainsail and instantly you are advancing in concert with the elements. In this sense, our friend Paul Beeken has been observed, while crewing and sharing his technical expertise; taking in the full measure.
Below are some photos shared by members and friends, that reflect his time on the water with other members of our cove.
Paul Beeken, (standing to the right in light blue), and fellow organizers of the Race for the Gourd, are applauded by members who participated in the HHYC 2024 fall regatta.
Photo compliments of Yolanda Gorman and Mary Logan
Paul Beeken introduces the complex language of physics written in colorful notation on his whiteboard; predicting the outcome of a physical action. Today his students at Byram Hills High School learn about parachutes and the interplay between air resistance and speed. (Perfect for future foredeck crew). He has interjected humor and personal stories over the 25 years he has taught. Today's lesson on resistance is entitled, It's a drag, Man.
If you have a moment, pull Paul aside and ask if he would estimate the area of the deck in frootles, zipos, snoozles or flirps. You will be led into a history of enthusiastic and intriguing anecdotes of a life committed to understanding the nature of motion and the charm of quantum mechanics.
Photograph of Paul and their sons Greg and Neal by Mary Logan
Photography by Wendy Popp - Simmons
Paul Beeken amidst crews of Gaia and Allegro, celebrating at the Can One Awards ceremony hosted at Larchmont Yacht Club.
Paul and the crew of Gaia, Can One Award's dinner hosted by Larchmont Yacht Club.
Photograph below; compliments of Carine Verschueren
On Stargazer and Gaia
Photograph compliments of Mary Logan
Photo compliments of Paul Beeken
Tony Kroell and Paul Beeken rounding a mark in the Ideal North Atlantic Championship -just about to raise the chute.
Photos compliments of Carine Verschueren Photo by Wendy Popp-Simmons
WIND and WAVES
Photography by Wendy Popp - Simmons
Our last notations concluded before early September 2024, when the fall races began and some of the shore birds were considering their departure for points south. Weather which propelled the waves of Hurricane Beryl and the rains of Tropical Storm Debby, devolved into an unprecedented drought in our county. The climate became so dry that we had the first open fire ban for our region in some time. Gratefully, soaking rains have quenched the parched trees and leaves maintained some of their color, the reservoir is full and the flora and fauna of the region are spared for a time. Recently, snow fell like a gift during an early morning walk. My spirit lifted with the movement of the flakes gently sweeping the brittle memory of the last few weeks into the Sound in a bracing fresh breeze.
This morning January 11, a dusting of snow accentuates the rooftop of Horseshoe Harbor Yacht Club and the high tide of a sleepy cove.
Photography by Wendy Popp - Simmons
CAN ONE THURSDAY NIGHT SAILING
During the lovely luncheon and annual meeting last February 2024, David Morris introduced more members to the format of the Can One Thursday Night Series of races. A notable turnout listed on Yachtscoring named thirty-seven boats in five divisions as having raced over the 2024 season. This included representation from HHYC. Skippers and crew from Days of Miracle and Wonder, Allegro, and Gaia enjoyed the remarkable sunsets amidst the competition of boats from clubs all along Long Island's shores.
The diversity in the competition includes boats of all types and the 5 divisions ensure a less intense racing experience for those just getting a feel for competition. Those crews from Horseshoe also have the benefit of a fabulous Thursday night BBQ! They coincidentally coincide with the Can One Series. The food is usually ample enough to have a bit left for those who show up after the night's race.
The Can One Thursday Night Series usually runs from the second week of May through mid-September.
For more information: https://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu/16624
The following photographs sum up the captivating seascapes and the general amenable nature of the One Can competitors.
Photograph of HHYC in the evening during the Wolf Moon, compliments of someone thoughtful.
2024 Governor's Cup Charity Regatta
Watch 33 competitors which include HHYC's Resolute and Allegro as they are captured in an ariel video over the distance of the LIS Western Basin. Wonderful views of the landmarks and coastal distinctions of our area. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cYW29F4Qn4
Drone Video Crew: James Kaprielien, Juan Rodrigues, Eric Letelier
Can One Thursday Night Series 2024
Over the shoulders of Gaia Skipper Carine Verschueren and crew member Pam Michels as they enjoy the awards presentation conducted by Huguenot Yacht Club. The Can One Thursday Night Series dinner was hosted by Larchmont Yacht Club, 2024.
Skippers receive a special 50th Anniversary vest from Huguenot Yacht Club for Can One Thursday Night Series at a dinner hosted by Larchmont Yacht Club, 2024.
Photograph compliments of Carol Morris
Gaia Skipper Carine Verschueren and Skipper David Morris of Days of Miracles and Wander
Photograph compliments of Carol Morris
Days of Miracle and Wonder Skipper David Morris and HHYC crew.
Photograph compliments of Carol Morris
Please click on the arrows to the right > and inside of the picture below for a slideshow of Miracle and Wonder with her HHYC crews.
Photographs compliments of Carol Morris
Photograph compliments of Carol Morris
Allegro, Skipper Bill Simmons competes in Can One Thursday Night Series
Can One Series competitors; 2024
RACE for the GOURD 2024
Photograph by Rebecca Charles
HHYC's Race for the Gourd 2024 Fall Regatta
Pictured from left to right; Pam Michels, Bill Simmons, Commodore Josh Klein, David Colangelo, and Jenn Miller celebrate our winners with unusual laurels donned by the winning skippers.
Thank you to Elias Dagher, Paul Beeken, Bill Simmons, and Pam Michels for organizing this event.
Photography by John Cutsumpas, foredeck crew S20 Allegro
Allegro competing in The Governor's Cup Regatta 2024. A wonderful WLIS Distance Race conducted by Orienta YC, City Island YC, and Huguenot YC. with foredeck crew John Cutsumpas and HHYC members Bill Simmons and Wendy Popp-Simmons with Eric Hanson in the mainsail "hammock" and foredeck crew John Cutsumpas.
The WLIS Governor's Cup Charity Regatta is a qualifying annual event for YRALIS Day Racing prizes for the Gitana, Sappho, Competitor's trophy for spinnaker-day racing, and the Kings Point and Mertz trophies for non-spin.
Photography by Wendy Popp-Simmons (human whiskerpole and swamped foredeck crew member).
The Heritage Cup Regatta 2024, HHYC members Camilla Engelbert and Michael Engelbert crew for Allegro, Skippered by Bill Simmons
Photography Wendy Popp- Simmons
Mike Emmert of Sea Cliff Yacht Club and founder of The Heritage Cup Regatta awards Bill Simmons first overall and winner of his division, S20 Allegro.
"Part of the highly-regarded WoodenBoat Regatta Series and Western Long Island Sound Series, the Heritage Cup Regatta draws classic wooden yachts from up and down the East Coast to compete in an event celebrating the art of wooden boat building and classic yacht racing. Participating yachts include vessels built in the 1900s, ‘20s, and ‘30s up through their more modern fiberglass counterparts. More modern vessels compete in a division separate from the traditional wooden yachts." A portion of the proceeds from the event are generously donated by founder Captain Michael Emmert to fund scholarships for Junior Sailing Programs.
For more information and registration for 2025, go to http://hempsteadharbourclub.com.
Photograph by Wendy Popp-Simmons
Many may recall a treacherous weather front that moved in in the late afternoon with storm clouds gathering over the Western Basin. This is a view from Glen Cove as the race is in progress with New Rochelle and Larchmont directly under the volatile conditions.
We are looking directly across the Sound onto Horseshoe's shores where the setting sun peeks under the advancing storm clouds. You can make out the taller buildings of New Rochelle.
Indian Harbor Classic Yacht Regatta 2024
Photography by Wendy Popp-Simmons
Some of the many beautiful competitors viewed from under the boom of Allegro S20
This Regatta is visually stunning. Wooden classics from clubs up and down the coast of Long Island Sound compete annually for The Founders Cup, (A cup won for the first time by HHYC's Dilemma, S59!) Divisions are created for the larger and smaller vessels, everything from 12MR beauties to smaller vessels like the stunning Rozinante, Dulcinea, owned by HHYC members Camilla and Michael Engelbert.
For information about the 2025 Regatta: https://www.indianharboryc.com/regattas
Skipper Bill Simmons, crew Wendy Popp Simmons, and family Richard Smith prepare to head home after winning their division in the Indian Harbor Classic Yacht Regatta 2024; Greenwich, Connecticut.
Photograph compliments of Vice Commodore Marie Catteau and John Catteau
Members taking advantage of fair winds together, Vice Commodore Marie Catteau, John Catteau, Sharon Weinstock and our Editor Jack Steinberg.
Photograph compliments of Vice Commodore Marie Catteau and John Catteau
Yolanda Gorman and Vice Commodore Marie Catteau
Photograph of Daniela Letros and Jill Ochacher compliments of Vice Commodore Marie Catteau
Local Seascapes and Weather Events
Mother Nature has shifted to a cold shoulder in the east while we enjoy a light dusting over most of the Hudson Valley. Our Western and Northern County regions received numerous feet of snow. A stretch of unprecedented low temps and 40 to 50 mph wind gusts have challenged our most adventurous frostbiters.
Photograph by Wendy Popp - Simmons
The Harvest Supermoon of September 17, 2024 sets while the sun rises in the east over the western basin of Long Island Sound in one unaltered panoramic photograph.
An Aurora Borealis over the waters of New York City and Long Island Sound.
Photograph of NYC by Sam Wnek for ABC News
Photograph over Long Island Sound https://abcnews.go.com/US/northern-lights-visible-new-york-city-us-locations/story?id=116309401
October 11, 2024, and again on November 28, an ethereal display of light, known as Aurora Borealis enchanted our region of New York City, New Jersey, and Long Island Sound. The above photograph by Sam Wnek was submitted to ABC News.
Photograph of September's full Moon and Mama cloud formations by Wendy Popp - Simmons
Paddling
Beyond our shores, in Maine with Beatrice Weinberger
The image above and those below were taken in an area of islands, amongst the jewels of Schoodic, a district in the area of the Arcadia Peninsula and National Park. Bea Weinberger has been generous in sharing these photographs of her recent kayaking adventure in Maine. She is pictured below among the shorelines of both Jordan's Delight and Ironbound Island in Winter Harbor.
These locations feature formations in the bedrock from 4 - 360 million years ago. A highlight is the igneous rock which emphasizes the dark veins of black basalt. As volcanic magma and in a more viscous state, it poured into fractures in the granite and created high contrasting seams.
The jack pine woodline hosts a habitat for bald eagles, harlequin ducks, vesper sparrows, American kestrels, and upland sandpipers amongst others.
Bea commented on a specific portion of her journey off the shores of Maine Heritage Coast Trust :
" That day was quite remarkable as we started in total pea soup-thank goodness one of the paddlers was awesome with his navigation skills as well as being very fast on radio Sécurité fishing boats, we could hear, but could not see!
"One of the things I found so amazing paddling in that area is how different the rocks were in different areas, There were granite cliffs, craggy and sharp shorelines, and boulders that looked like massive beanbag chairs, If there is any takeaway to other paddling members, it would be -it is fun to get out of our backyard- as beautiful as it is- and explore other places."
We are fortunate to have such a dedicated, (and humble), sportswoman amongst our members. Bea routinely shares her expertise with new members wanting to learn the skills involved in kayaking. Thank you, Bea!
Photography compliments of Elizabeth Emery, Beatrice's friend and paddle mate.
Thrilling!
Beyond our shores, in New Zealand, with Sharon Weinstock and Jack Steinberg
Sharon and Jack have contributed a peek at their travels to New Zealand where they continue to paddle beyond our cove into the mist of Middle Earth it appears.
Sharon and Jack inspire us to paddle beyond our cove as well.
Photography compliments of Sharon Weinstock
In our cove ready for a group paddle.
Photos compliments of Jenny George
Jenny George sets out into the western basin of Long Island Sound
Photograph compliments of Sharon Weinstock
Ladies Sail
Women who sail or want to learn amidst some veterans can enjoy a Tuesday evening with this wonderful group. We generally gather on the porch at 6:30 or so, we bring pot-luck for a casual nosh later in the evening, post-sail. We sail the Day Boats owned by HHYC at our leisure and enjoy the beautiful setting sun.
Photo compliments of Carine Verschueren
Members Pam Michels, Marga Wisniewska, Carine Verschueren, Barbara Berger, and Yolanda Gorman basking in the amber glow of the setting sun.
Photograph of Marcia Jaeger compliments of Sharon Weinstock
Creatures Aquatic
Photography by Bea Weinberger
On December 23, 2024, the New York Bight NW buoy operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution detected the presence of Northern Atlantic Right Whales southeast of New York, New York. The Right Whale Slow Zone was in effect through January 7, 2025.
Save the Sound (report) 2024
The ecological health of Long Island Sound has improved in the western basin! The standards are reported in a recent report card issued by Save the Sound which is comprised of data monitored over the year 2023. It also indicates that we have a way to go to reduce the nitrogen levels in the runoff of water leading into the Sound. The current proportions of excess nitrogen lead to algae blooms that asphyxiate life beneath it. The good news; those levels contributed by treatment plants on our coast have been reduced substantially through litigation and thoughtful governance. Homeowners and gardeners can help by limiting the water we use and reducing the levels of commercial fertilizers we may add to our landscaping. Adopting organic methods will help to substantially reduce nitrogen surplus. Our community has received a B, which is in the right direction. For more information about how you may help please click this link for your own report card and info or how you can support the health of our coastal waters and its precious sea life. Engage and receive your own copy of the report card: https://engage.savethesound.org/site/SSurvey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=1580
Photograph by Wendy Popp-Simmons
This Great Blue Heron was photographed about 20 feet from the porch. It is a partially migratory bird and may migrate as far south as South America or the Caribbean. I suspect it has departed given that next week temps are single digits. Once a year Cornell University conducts bird counts, you can be part of the conservation effort simply by reporting what you see! https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/participatory-science-be-part-of-something-bigger/
Video by Wendy-Popp Simmons
One of a flock of Snowy Egret that inhabit our marshlands and cove.
All of us enjoy these visitors to our cove. Beyond their delicate beauty and poetic presence they are essential for the health of our fragile ecosystems. You can be a significant help in their protection by taking part in the Great Backyard Bird Count: Established by Cornell University as the first global community science online program; A 4-day count held over a long weekend in February. Watch birds in our cove, your backyard, or anywhere else, and be part of this decades-old tradition and help provide scientists with a snapshot of bird populations. Reading this from a vacation spot? Participate from anywhere on the globe. Counting migratory populations can assist Ornithologists worldwide to collect data and trends that help us understand and protect our feathered friends. More about the GBBC. https://www.birdcount.org. A wonderful way to engage the young water enthusiasts in our lives. February 14 -17, 2025.
The Cornell Lab effort is supported by The National Audubon Society which has announced recently that populations are dwindling, as is birdsong. Please consider participating in some way; https://www.audubon.org/
Photograph of a handsome male Red-Bellied Woodpecker by Mark Bunda
Culinary Culture
The vegetable garden tomatoes are numerous in the last week of the fall season. Soon they will be ready and if plucked by Dino; they might be transformed into a lovely mozzarella and basil salad, specially prepared for Ladies Sail. Thank you to Pam Michels and Yolanda Gorman for their garden care.
The trees begin to lose their leaves and sweaters are tied around our necks, the last tomatoes on our porch vines do not need to stretch to seek the sun in late October. Flames are lit and the last Thursday Night BBQ is uncovered to reveal another sumptuous feast; OKTOBERFEST hosted and prepared by -Rebecca Charles and Tony Kroell. For those of you who have not joined the porch at these events, you are missing some scrumptious preparations. In addition, if you sail the Thursday Can One you might find some amazing leftovers to greet you when you come off of the water at 9 p.m. fortuitously and lovingly spared on the counter; dinner after an amazing sunset and rigorous sail... what could be better?
Humbly advising against "Tall poppy syndrome", Becca Charles would not want to be singled out for praise. She and Tony, with help in floral decor by Pam Michels, deserve special recognition for delicious culinary contributions year-round and particularly for the Octoberfest.
Octoberfest 2024
Bill Steely decked out in his lederhosen, joins the hosts; Rebecca Charles and Tony Kroell (with Jerry Keyes and Pam Michels in the center.)
Could these beautiful herbs be snipped from our vegetable garden? Perhaps this was supplemented, it was October, but the garden is there for your pleasure and for snipping that piece of basil, or dill, or sprig of thyme should it brighten your recipe.
Pictured below are the loving preparations of Rebecca Charles and Tony Kroell; a menu of traditional German fare, grilled sausage, coleslaw, pretzels and special mustard, grilled chicken, chopped salads, and potatoes.
Laying Up Dinner 2024
featuring a talk by World Master Class Sailor Dawn Riley
Photography Wendy Popp-Simmons
Amber sunset hues meet the umber of falling leaves as the backdrop and setting for the Laying Up Dinner 2024
Speaker Dawn Riley arrives and joins our members for a pre-presentation chat and hors d'oeuvres graciously prepared by and for our members.
Thank you, Vice Commodore Marie Catteau for the careful details of a wonderful evening.
(Thank you, Harbormaster Rob Sangineto, for installing the elegant draping sail details.)
Guest Speaker Dawn Riley: World Class Sailor, Executive Director of Oakcliff Sailing, and 'Maker of good humans'
12MR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP / NEWPORT, RI / @blockislandsteve
Photograph by Stephen R, Cloutier @2023
Dawn Riley is a beacon for the sport of sailing. She has been inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame and the International America's Cup Hall of Fame. The distinction of dual-famer is rare enough for many sailors; especially noted is that she is the first and youngest female to carry both titles. Her resume includes four America's Cup races, and two Whitbread Round the World races. She sailed as Watch Captain on Maiden, and the Team Captain of the first all-women entry into America's Cup.
Our members were energized by Dawn's presentation: her anecdotes were rich and detailed with candid humor. Her current position as Director of Oakcliff Sailing in Oyster Bay has allowed her to share her expertise and unbridled enthusiasm. Her mission currently is to educate and coach sailing enthusiasts and young career professionals through offshore programs. She runs premier match racing programs and the training site in Oyster Bay is considered a "hub" for classic, fleet, and high-performance education. There are tiered programs offered for novices and the Sunday sailor who want to hone their skill as well.
Thank you, Dawn, ahead of time, for your efforts toward shaping our future generation of skilled and mindful sailors.
Thank you Pam Michels for these lovely floating floral details.
OFF THE PORCH EVENTS AND GATHERINGS
BOOK CLUB
Please look for these lovely HELLO, WINTER announcements, designed by Carine Verschueren, that are embedded in our HHYC Constant Contacts sent by our Commodore. (If you scroll a bit further in this newsletter you will find another with future events scheduled through April and pictures of current winter walks.)
Dallas Murphy, photographed by Michael Grimm
New copies of Rounding the Horn by Dallas Murphy are on the shelves of Larchmont Library for your convenience!
Vendée Globe Race 2024 The Everest of the Sea
Vendée Globe winner, Charles Délan, drops to his knees amidst a huge reception of revelers after sailing solo for 64 days around the world, crushing the former record by 9 days!
Perhaps the next reading for our Book Club, Rounding the Horn, was chosen coincidentally? It may be an intentional segue to the saga of the Vendée Globe Race and news that is happening concurrently: compelling stories of young men and women competing solo and unassisted in a race around the globe. French sailors dominate this race and have for years. The young men who are leading are the most endearing individuals - beyond their exceptional skill, focus, and poise we witness their boundaries of will, grit, and determination.
Boris Hermann, as he acknowledged Charles Délan's win, was gracious, poetic, and magnanimous. If you are even remotely interested in ocean racing this is a special opportunity to listen to exceptionally challenging and inspired stories.
Do not miss commentary by Pip Hare, who was doing well until her vessel was dismasted during a hostile patch of weather in the South Indian Ocean! She exhibits such grace, gumption, and exceptional spirit throughout. She managed to jury-rigg a sail under hellacious conditions to get herself to Australia in an eight-day journey when she concluded that she needed to end her race. Pip is a luminary in character. Her conviction is an inspiration; her spontaneous invention and technical prowess, simply breathtaking.
The winning sailor, Charles Délan, humbled himself before a flotilla of escorts in the Bay of Biscay as he traveled to port toward terra-ferma, -after 64 grueling days at sea! The above image was snapped in real time as coverage was being broadcast by French Television.
Délan knelt with flares in celebration of his stunning win- crushing the last year's record by 9 days. The race continues, with the last place boat 9,000 miles behind without having rounded Cape Horn as this is being written! This race continues over the next 5 weeks. You can catch the coverage here: https://www.boatnews.com/search/youtube
HELLO, WINTER SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2025
Winter strolls are taking place currently and all are invited. Please look out for notices directly from Horseshoe Harbor Yacht Club; Constant Contact, in your email!
The photographs above; compliments of Jill Ochacher and Carine Verschueren
Walking around our own garden and park.
A second bloom of hydrangea in our HHYC garden lasted well into December. This is in special thanks to those volunteers who contributed to the distribution of organic mushroom mulch, left an under-layer of leaves, and pruned only the dead stalks from the inner bushes, leaving the old wood to bloom. Regular, daily watering in the morning through the soaker hoses for short periods, helped these beauties to live up to their name. Thank you everyone for your input and your care. Although it seemed to be a boon for Hydrangea in our area, it was delightful to see this abundance in front of our club.
COLORS
The Grommet Wreath with Turkshead Stitch. A gift to HHYC from the Simmons family.
We brought the New Year in covered in Manila hemp threads as we learned to weave this historic knot and centuries-old traditional design. We found it humble and beautiful in its (deceptive) simplicity. It is a scaled-up version of a design based on canvas makers' lacing holes in the 1600's. They were once made from the gigantic coils of rope made for ancient mooring lines. While the circular shape of the wreath dates back to ancient laurels of victory, we would like to extend our wishes in the custom anticipating welcome for the early arrival of spring, for the hospitality our club generates, and for peace in this New Year.
EDITORS' NOTE
Photograph Wendy Popp-Simmons
10 Degrees Fahrenheit on the new dawn of January 21, 2025.
We're so pleased to share with you the Winter 2025 edition of Views from the Porch, in which we continue to tell the story of the Horseshoe Harbor community. As we write, the yards and lawns that surround our beloved patch of Long Island Sound are frosted white, and the air has a crisp bite. We present our winter issue knowing that the days are getting longer, in a few short months it will be warmer, and we will once again come together to commune in good company, on and around our beloved HHYC porch.
-- The Editors
Please feel free to contribute your photographs depicting time on the water, candids with friends and family on the porch, or our cove's beautiful wildlife.
A heads-up about the next issue: we are featuring a special piece on unsung heroes. If you know of an HHYC contributor who has made a difference to our HHYC experience in a special way, please write to popp.arts@gmail.com or Jacque.steinberg@gmail.com.
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