YACHT CLUBS OF MARYLAND
scuttlebutt and spindrift
by "Salty sam the sea dog"
[Editor's Note: "Scuttlebutt and Spindrift" will be a regular feature on this website and will contain the mutterings of Salty Sam, a wise but crusty old sea captain who loves gossip and is never afraid to use his sharp tongue to speak his mind about the fun and foibles of his shipmates around the Bay!!]
Ahoy there, me hearties! The 2011 boating season is here with plenty of infamous adventurers who just can’t wait to get out and win the Skunk Flag!
Skunk Flag Nominees are normally “ratted out” to Salty by Wharf Rats and Bilge Rats who witness or can testify to the deeds for which special recognition is deserved. A person need not be on the water to win the Flag. Any deed or mishap associated with a yacht club event or performed at a yacht club is also eligible. Honorable Mentions will be given for worthy nominees who do not “win” the Flag. All members of the yacht club community are eligible and may submit nominations, including Princesses and the Queen.
If not won by the Captain, the Skunk Flag must be flown by the Captain of the primary vessel of the winner.
The Flag is awarded by Salty after deep consultation with King Neptune, Davey Jones, and Captain Jack Sparrow. Bilge and Wharf Rats should know that Salty is always thirsty, especially when visiting yacht clubs or lurking around yacht club vessels, and may be easily influenced in his decision by offers of his favorite beverages.
For the best results, I need people to write down their information and send it to me. Telling me at an opening or party is less reliable because I may not remember all the information.
Also, Salty is for all fun news of interest. Weddings, New Grandkids, light hearted gossip, Where is the clock, someone kidnapped a commodore, etc.
Please send yacht club gossip, news, and stories of ignominious yachting fame (on land or sea) to mi-ti-bear@comcast.net
Till next Port o’ Call, always remember, “Those who don’t make mistakes must not be doing anything.”
New Past Commodores:
You will be presented with four silver shirt buttons for your whites uniform shirt at your Commodore’s Ball by the YCM ranking officer.