High Tidings July-August 2025
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Upcoming Events
Monday July 7 - Friday August 1, Junior Sailing Program
Wednesday July 9, 4:30 - 7:30 and weekly until July 30, Wednesdays on the Water
Thursday July 10, 5:00 - 9:00 and weekly until Septembert 4, Thursday Night Racing
Saturday July 12-13, Bastille Day Cruise to Three Mile Harbor
Friday July 18, 6:00 - 8:00, Christmas in July Potluck
Saturday August 2 - Sunday August 17, NCYC Annual Club Cruise
Friday August 22, 6:00 - 8:30, Ice Cream Social & Corn Hole Tournament
Saturday August 30 - Monday September 1, Labor Day Mini Cruise
Commodore Remarks
Commodore Linda tuzzio, Rear Commodore Deb Paulson., and vice commodore melissa mason at the commodore's’ cookout. Rich Peters volunteered his services to help dish out, and well, he is a dish, isn’t he?
July 2025
At the blink of an eye, it’s July! Of course, the torrid weather last week quickly snapped us into summer mode. Many boats are in the cove and transient boats are starting to come in. We have been out on Sea Horse at least once a week and are planning to go to Duck Island for the NCYC rendezvous and fireworks on July 4th weekend.
Thursday night racing started in June with a stellar turnout. Seven to nine boats plus the committee boat have been out in the Sound for all three races. I’m cooking for 40-50 people every week and loving it!
The Commodore’s Cookout and Silent Auction were both fun and entertaining. The rain ended just in time for the event and we raised sufficient funds for the sailing programs.
Seventeen boats raced in the Outer Light Classic which was moved up to June this year. There was great wind and we had an enjoyable day on the water. Many thanks to Amy Vinciguerra and her team. Walt’s Market in Old Saybrook catered the event and the food was delicious. I think we should consider his catering menu for other events.
A Few Reminders
If you are coming in to the docks by boat, please slow down to a crawl. Junior sailing is in session and children as young as 8 years old are on the docks, on boats, and sometimes in the water.
Dinghies should not be left tied to the dock overnight because junior sailors park their boats on the dinghy dock, Monday-Friday.
I’ve been asked to remind members not to pull up their dinghy motors. We have had propellor scrapes on inflatables.
The clubhouse is open for use by club members at any time. If you are the last ones in the evening, please turn off the lights and lock all three doors.
Alcoholic beverages left in the kitchen refrigerator will be discarded. Children are using the kitchen refrigerator to store food and drinks.
Discord is a great way to keep in touch with club members. Talk to Chris Griffin if you would like to join.
Happy summer and smooth sailing!
Linda Tuzzio, Commodore
Vice Commodore Remarks
Summer is in full swing, and with it comes the warmth, sunshine, and all the joys of being by the water. As temperatures rise, there’s no better way to cool off than relaxing on the deck with a good book from our lending library in the clubhouse—or perhaps enjoying a board game with friends.
Don’t forget to stop by The Ship’s Store to pick up your NCYC merchandise—they’ve got fresh gear to help you show your club spirit all summer long! New–you can now pay by credit card using the QR code if you do not have cash or check. Be sure to enter what you purchased in the details section and have the Steward on duty log the item (directions in the office).
Junior Sailing is now in session, bringing energy and excitement to our docks. Please remember to drive carefully during weekday hours to ensure the safety of our young sailors and their families.
We’re also in need of Duty Officers to help keep things running smoothly throughout the season. If you have a few hours to spare, your support would be greatly appreciated—please click on the button below to sign up.
Be sure to check the club calendar for the latest updates on launch service and all the exciting happenings around the club.
Here’s to a safe, fun, and breezy summer at the club!
Fair winds,
Melissa Mason, Vice Commodore
Rear Commodore Remarks
Greetings everyone!
I’d like to thank everyone for being so considerate about the dinghy dock, especially while jr. sailing school is in session. It’s very gratifying to see only a few dinghies tied up. But that brings with it another problem, which is that we are tight on dinghy rack space. Please do not rope off or otherwise “save” yourself a space in the rack when you take your dinghy out. I know! It’s tempting! I’ve thought of doing it myself! [ Ed. note: she didn’t, though] So, once again, I’m asking you to please be a considerate club member. And if you do have your dinghy on the top of the racks, make sure it is nestled up against its neighbor and not taking up two spots (think parking lot.) And if you are not using your dinghy at all this season, please consider moving it out of the rack so that it frees up a space.
In other news, the gardens look fabulous, thanks to Cathy and Bob Murphy and Kathy Reddington. And have you noticed the new sundial? It replaces the little cherry tree that had to be taken down because it was suffering. The sundial is a fabulous addition to our club.
new sundial in the garden
I am happy to tell you that steward Jack Nardello will be mowing the grounds’ lawn weekly. No more begging and pleading to sign up on the sign-up genius! Yay! However, Jack will be going back to his real job of being a teacher mid-August, so we’ll have to resurrect the sign up for the end of August and September at which time the begging and pleading will begin once again! Heck, why not start now? Please, please sign up for a mowing/weed whacking spot when the sign up comes around again. Thank you all!
Thanks everyone for making this club such a beautiful, accommodating, and welcoming place!
Deb Paulson, Rear Commodore
Membership
Membership
Please welcome the following members to NCYC Membership.
Tammy Knox and David Hall
Nick and Inger Foster
The following proposed Membership has been posted:
Potential Members – Posted 06/23/202
Maureen and Paul Knutsen
Amston, CT
Paul: Executive Director, Gladeview Health Care Center
Maureen: Massage Therapist
Children: Vander (2006), Maja Grace (2007)
Proposed by: Caroline Miller
Support letters: Mason, Pavlos, Chan
Boat: Carver 28’
Boating: The Knutson’s have been in boating for many years
Skills/interests: They have just obtained a mooring in North Cove and are happy to be part of the cove community. Paul is a local businessman in Old Saybrook overseeing all aspects of Gladeview Health Care Center
Junior Sailing
Junior Sailing Heats Up- Literally!
Our first session of Junior Sailing kicked off on Monday June 23 and Mother Nature really brought the heat! With temps soaring into the 90’s. It was one of the hottest starts to the season we have ever had. Thankfully, the wind was perfect- just enough breeze to keep our junior sailors moving and grinning ( even if slightly melted).
Despite the sweltering temps- and especially toasty club house- our sailors and instructors were absolute troopers. Sunscreen, water bottles, popsicles and ice cream were the name of the game early in the week. And then, just like that, we plunged into the 70”s with strong winds by weeks end. A true New England weather rollercoaster!
Three junior boats in ER ( Lou`s Garage ) patched and ready to sail again tomorrow! Garage has AC and music!!!
If you get the chance to come down to the club during a session, watch our instructors in action- you’ll be impressed and proud! Led by our own Amy V and her experienced team of instructors and junior instructors, the group brings incredible energy, patience and enthusiasm to the docks every day. Their ability to keep kids engaged, learning and excited about sailing - even in sauna-like conditions - is what makes our junior sailing program so special.
We are still looking for duty officers in a few spots this summer. If you have a few hours to spare and want to witness the magic firsthand, sign up and join the fun!
Here’s to smooth sailing (and more moderate temps) as we launch into the rest of the summer!
Cathy Murphy and Kathy Reddington, Jr. Sailing Co-Chairs
Spotlight on Cord Enman
Headed for the Sears Cup!
North Cove Yacht Club is proud to cheer on one of our own- Cord Enman, who earned a coveted spot in Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association (ECSA) youth racing Program.
Cord will be competing in the semi finals this summer for the prestigious Sears Cup, a national triple-handed sailing championship. The regatta takes place in June, and if his team wins, they’ll advance to the national finals in San Francisco this August!
Cord’s journey began right here at NCYC, when he enrolled in our Junior Sailing Program at just 10 years old. Over the past 6 seasons, he’s developed into a skilled, focused, and determined sailor— qualities that have now propelled him onto the regional stage.
We couldn’t be more thrilled for Cord and his crew. Competing in the Sears Cup is a major achievement and a testament to his hard work, talent and passion for sailing. Go Cord! You have the entire NCYC membership behind you, cheering you on every tack and jibe.
WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. BRAVO!!
Thursday Night Racing
The first race was Thursday June 3rd and eight boats were ready to race! We had one week canceled for the threat of thunderstorms, but the three races that took place in June had excellent wind and conditions. The biggest update to our races has been the return of a spinnaker class! We now have two classes of boats racing on Thursdays. Osprey and Impulse, the resident J24s, have been competing with spinnaker legs. It has been a month of match races with fun starts and tacking duels. We are looking forward to any boats who might join the fun of a downwind spinnaker race.
The Canvas class has healthy registration with 6-7 boats per night. Lucia has had an excellent June with a picket fence (a first place for every race 111). Currently in second place is Shearwater featuring one of the youngest racers, Chris Griffin's 4 year-old granddaughter. Third place is a three-way tie between Acamar, Airbus, and Gumdrop making for a very interesting competition for the month of July.
Our next race is on July 3rd. If you want to get in on the action, come to the club at 4:30 and talk to some of our skippers. We are also looking for volunteers to help on the race committee to make these competitions possible. Connect with us on Discord to let us know you are available to help.
Amy Vinciguerra, Racing Coordinator
NCYC Outer Light regatta in pictures
The day was fine with plenty of wind, and quite a bit of chop on the Sound. Seventeen boats competed in three classes: Canvas Class, Large Spinnaker Class, and Small Spinnaker Class. Three Race Committee boats: Signal boat, Mark boat, and Weather (or Windward) boat set out to arrange the course. With the Signal boat (manned by Joe Milke, Pete Stump, Todd Fields, Kathleen Legeyt, and Chris Bazinet) anchored as one point of the start/finish line, the competitors sailed by and shouted out their sail number, and boat name. The committee boat writes this info down to be used when they take the times of the finishing boats.
the signal boat anchored at the start/finish line
competitor “fusion” calling in their registration to the signal boat
Meanwhile…the Mark boat manned by Rob Hathaway, Linda Tuzzio, and RJ Lavallee headed out in the direction the PRO (Professional Race Organizer) radioed to set an orange inflatable mark.
SEa Horse, the Mark boat, steaming full speed ahead to set a mark
From RJ Lavallee, “I’m a relative newbie when it comes to racing. I’ve been ballast on someone else’s boat for a few beer-can races, tended a main sheet for one or two races, and helped Bob Murphy run an ad hoc committee boat for a Thursday night race last year. In the old vernacular, I know enough to be dangerous. At the end of last season, I volunteered to help Amy Vinciguerra organize this year’s Outer Light Classic. Of course, I missed the first meeting because life got in the way, but I think I eventually pulled my own weight. Yes, I have a low bar.
The time came to assign ourselves jobs on the day of the race and I simply told Amy, “Put me where you need me,” which ended up being on board Sea Horse with Rob Hathaway and Commodore Linda Tuzzio, where we were designated the “Pin Boat,” the boat carrying two crucial marks for he race including the “pin.” We mustered at the club at 0800, assessing the weather, preparing the marks, and readying ourselves for the day: sandwiches, snacks, water, and sunscreen. Oh, and a big floppy hat. Linda was the smartest one in the group as she took time to get a good breakfast at Mirsina before hand. Rob and I chatted about sorts of things, from the status of the electronics on his boat, to the practicalities of setting a race course off Fenwick.
Rob was kind enough to show me the specifics of how his Mainship ran, and after we loaded up two marks and had everything properly stowed allowed me to take the helm off the dock and drive us out to just west of Outer Light. I think we was doing this after I had made a comment about how I tended to be seasick if I was on a boat not moving in choppy seas: just bobbing there; it was a very kind gesture. I had, however, taken meclizine and was ready for anything. I’m a big fan of prophylactics of all kinds.
After a few more stories, from Rob, and some discourse over how we would deploy each mark, we were provided guidance from the committee boat as to where to drop our marks. After eight years of working on and around tall ships, I am a big believer in the axiom for crew: independent thoughts, not independent action. This was not my boat, so I was there to follow orders. Rob walked Linda and I through how he wanted to see each mark go overboard, then Linda and I conferred and made sure each of us knew where the other would be and what we were going to do. We laid out the line holding the first mark to its anchor to make sure it would not foul when the anchor went overboard, Linda managed the mark, I had the anchor in hand, then came the call from Rob, “Drop, drop, drop!” I let the anchor go – ker-plunk – the line began to pay out over the side and then Linda released the mark into the water. Ten minutes of prepping for a smooth 45 seconds of releasing a mark into the water.
We repeated the process for the next mark, then puttered about, enjoying the race. This year’s Outer Light Classic had a new PRO, or Principal Race Office: a credentialed person who is able to manage a race and make sure it is run legitimately for ECSA (Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association) purposes. Accordingly, the new PRO was not as familiar with the idiosyncrasies of the waters off of Outer Light, which meant after the first race we had to move one of the marks. Of course it was the one with the 25 pound anchor and 100 feet of 5/8” line, and it was my job the haul it on deck. I’m used to hauling heaving things aloft, so I figured this would be no big deal, but in our circumstances there were no blocks to provide purchase, and a solid current typical of our waters, so let’s just say I had to pause a couple of times while hauling up the anchor.
After a new placement we positioned ourselves near the race committee boat to take in the action, and there was some proper racing to watch! Once we knew the last boat had rounded our furthest mark, we went out to retrieve it; yes it was the same one with 25 pound anchor. Once on board, however, Linda and I were able to open the valve and collapse on the mark to deflate it: a well-deserved flop onto a soft surface.
We followed the fleet in and were able to talk about a race that after all was in the books could easily be seen as a success. Unfortunately for me, as soon as we landed back at the Club, I had to leave, unable to enjoy the post-race festivities, but don’t feel too badly for me. I wanted to head home to see my son and girlfriend who had come down for the day with our new grand-kitty. A very full day indeed.”
The third committee boat, the Weather (or Windward) boat, with Alex Beauchene and Deb Paulson aboard, headed out 3.5 miles in another direction to set the windward mark. It was quite choppy for such a little boat.
The races begin! The canvas class heads east. The small spinnaker class heads west, and the large spinnaker class heads further west. The committee boats wait.
As the Spinnaker classes approach the mark, things get exciting. There is a lot of wind and the boats are close. Keep an eye out for NCYC’s very own Impulse and Osprey.
And before you know it, it’s party and awards time!
Activities
COMMODORE’S COOKOUT
A sold-out crowd! Everyone turned out for the annual Commodore’s Cookout! As always, great food catered by Pig Roastin, and served up with a side of fun by our all female officers, Commodore Linda Tuzzio, Vice Commodore Melissa Mason, and Rear Commodore Deb Paulson. How lucky are we to have them at the helm this year!? [Ed. note: supremely lucky ]
There was plenty of food, and lots of excitement about the summer. Thank you to the fantastic hostesses, Caroline Miller, Deb Matson and Ann Chan. Also, a huge shout out to all the volunteers. It takes all of you to make events appear seamless.
The silent auction once again was a huge success!! Thank you all for digging deep in your pockets to score so many great baskets while also supporting the Outer Light Regatta and the Junior Sailing Program. It all makes a huge difference.
Don’t forget to look for the next events:
CHRISTMAS IN JULY POT LUCK/YANKEE SWAP
Date: July 18th
Time: 1800 – 2100
BYOB AND BRING YOUR OWN SET UP
ICECREAM SOCIAL/CORN HOLE TOURNAMENT
Date: Aug 22
Time: 1800 – 2030
We have the ice cream, you bring your favorite topping to share. A fun family event.
EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN
by Melissa Clark
This past weekend was the first cruise on our new boat Barbara-Jane. We didn’t have any real plan, just wherever the wind blew us, either Fishers Island or Shelter Island. We ended up going over to Shelter Island Yacht Club. We hadn’t been there in 10 years so wasn’t sure if we had romanticized our previous experience. For those of you old sailors, I don’t need to tell you what a beautiful place it is, so you’ll have to forgive my musing. We didn’t have a reservation so radioed for a guest mooring. SIYC could not be more accommodating! Upon arrival, we were met by the launch and escorted to our mooring. Deering Cove was just as beautiful as we remembered! It’s quiet with views of some of the lovely homes all around. Also, it’s a quick walk to the ferry to Greenport for a fun shopping spree.
But what I was most impressed with was how incredibly nice everyone at the club was, from the launch drivers (that runs till 11pm!) to the front desk, and restaurant hostess, they were all so welcoming, pleasant and helpful. Registration was easy. Much like a country club, you are issued a guest card so that everything is charged to your account. Dinning at the club is more “yacht club traditional” where dinner jackets and semi-formal dress for women is required to eat in the dining room, but if you forgot your jacket, they have loaners! Or, if you just want to be casual, you can sit at the umbrella tables on the water, same menu. We chose to sit dockside. The service was fantastic, and the food was really good and reasonably priced. I forgot to bring a jacket and once the sun went down there was a lovely fresh, but cool breeze and I got cold. Greg asked the front desk if we could borrow one of the loaner jackets, but instead, the girls found me a very nice blanket weight shawl so I could finish my dinner in comfort.
Old habits are hard to break, so I decided to us the club showers. There are 4 spacious bathrooms that are clean and very pretty (or as pretty as a bathroom can be!)
Now I’m not saying this was a “budget” visit but, it was a great first adventure! And we got a bonus sleigh ride home where we topped 9.8 knots at one point!! If you have never been to SIYC or haven’t been there in a while, I would highly recommend a weekend visit.
Cruising News
NCYC 2025 Cruising Schedule
Independence Day Cruise
7/4/2025 - 7/6/2025
First destination, Duck Island.
Second destination, if any, will be decided upon by the group at the time.
Bastille Day Cruise
7/12/2025 - 7/13/2025
Three Mile Harbor
Annual Club Cruise
8/2/2025 - 8/17/2025
Week 1
· Monday: Block Island - Port captain - TBD
· Tuesday: Block Island Layover day
· Wednesday: Montauk - Port captain - Serenity
· Friday: Coecles Harbor - Port captain - Melissa Clark
· Saturday: Coecles Harbor Layover day
Week 2
· Monday: West Neck Harbor - Port captain - TBD
· Wednesday: Sag Harbor - Port captain - Seahorse
· Friday: Dering Harbor - Port captain - TBD
Labor Day Cruise
8/30/2025 - 9/1/2025
Destination(s) TBD
Mattituck Bike & Wine
9/19/2025 - 9/21/2025
Mattituck Vineyard Tour by bike starts Saturday @ noon
Columbus Weekend Cruise
10/11/2025 - 10/13/2025
Points of interest up the CT River TBD
The Ship’s Store
Happy Summer From The Ship’s Store…
Hats are selling fast but we still have several colors & styles remaining if you are interested.
Just wanted to share… we are doing our best to keep the selling price reasonable, we buy most of the merchandise on sale. The polo shirts are on average are priced between $40.00-$50.00. The sale price is offered periodically at an average of $14.00-$22.00, so by selling polos at $25.00, the club makes a small profit and you get a great shirt for a low price!
We recently placed a new order for Men’s Navy Polo Shirts in large and x-large. Also arriving soon are Men’s Super Soft Reclaimed Eco Polos in Grey made from recycled water bottles, 60% reclaimed cotton and 40% recycled polyester. They should arrived by mid July. You’ll also notice are Launch Drivers will all be soon wearing the Light Blue matching Polo Shirts!
It was brought to my attention that a guest wanted to purchase a White Polo Shirt and noticed “black marks” on a couple. I apologize but as merchandise gets moved around and people pick up and try on, that happens. If you are still interested, let me know and when we place the next order, I will be sure to include your size or you can purchase the one in the store for a discount.
Recently a member asked if we can purchase merchandise from LL Bean, so as a reminder to everyone… Yes, we are partnered with LL Bean. To make a purchase, please visit the LL Bean Business website. They have many quality products ready to be embroidered with our NCYC logo!
Also, Eliza B Leather Man LTD in Essex offers many items such as Canvas Belts, Key Chains, Dog Collars & Leashes, Sandals and more! All items are custom made with our NCYC Ribbon.
We have plenty of ribbon available! Visit their website: elizab.com
As always, your feedback is welcome and your support is greatly appreciated!
Tom & Julie Tydeman
tjtydeman@gmail.com
Tom Cell: 860-877-3343
Julie Cell: 860-877-3344
From the Chaplain’s Quiet Corner of the Cove
watercolor by debra paulson
Like the joy of the sea coming home to shore,
May the relief of laughter rinse through your soul.
As the wind loves to call things to dance,
May your gravity by lightened by grace.
Like the dignity of moonlight restoring the earth,
May your thoughts incline with reverence and respect.
As water takes whatever shape it is in,
So free may you be about who you become.
–Excerpt from For Equilibrium, a Blessing by John O'Donohue
May you be refreshed by the sea and bathed in the freedom of summer light.
Blessings,
Jean
Amtrak Bridge Update
AMTRAK River Bridge June 2025 Update
AMTRAK has released Volume 4 of it's newsletter providing updates on the CT River Bridge Replacement Project
Click HERE to read the latest Project Newsletter
Click HERE for the CT River Bridge Replacement Project web site
And Last But Certainly Not Least…
In our last issue, there was a caption contest for this photo.
Here are the finalists! Please pick your favorite and text to Walt 860-655-0976 He will pick the winner who will will a fabulous prize! [Ed. note; probably a warm can of Narragansett…]
1. "When the GPS fails and dad insists on navigating by ‘vibes’."
2. "If we ignore the problem long enough, it becomes a new destination."
3. "Confidence level: Pretending the boat isn't going in circles."
4. "This is fine. Everything is fine."
5. "When you're in a yacht race but also arguing about where you parked last weekend."
6. "He's not steering the boat, he's just holding on for dear life."
7. ""Our strategy? Panic and improvise."
8. "This is what happens when you say 'Trust me, I watched a YouTube video.'"
9. ""Helm's deep in denial."
10. "‘We’re drifting’ — said every relationship and this boat."
From the Editor
As always, thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue! Please email or text me if you have anything you’d like put into the September issue. Thank you!
Photo credits to: Scott Aspelin, Alex Beauchene, Jennifer Chadukiewicz, Walt Gayeski, Rob Hathaway, David Madasci, David Miller, Deb Paulson, Amy Vinciguerra, Janet Vinciguerra, Lou Vinciguerra