How Special is FWYC?
W
hat happens when you hear the starting horn blow for the 2017 Mid Bay Bridge race and your stern is closer to the start
line than the bow? You realize just how special FWYC is and
that we are truly one big family.
We are cruisers. We have a cruising boat. We have never raced on
our boat. EVER. But the weather was perfect for a day on Choc-
tawhatchee Bay, and we decided to make this race our first. Off we
went, several minutes after everyone else had started… once we got
pointed in the right direction, of course.
Suffice to say, Dream of the C’s was never in danger of missing out
on First Place for C Fleet. Even before it all started, we were so con-
vinced that we would come in last, we asked how to pick up the ball
at the end of the race. Thankfully no ball this time… although there
will be plenty of other chances to practice that skill in the future.
We completed the entire course, spent 4:40:09 sailing in our beau-
tiful waters, and had the time of our lives. We knew most every-
body finished at least a couple hours ahead of us, and figured nobody
would be left at the club when we got back. We really wanted to hear the horn blow when crossing the finish line of our very
first race, but knew that wasn’t going to be the case… we’ll wait to hear it another time.
Beaming with pride that we did not quit, we crossed the finish line… and heard the horn! Not only did we hear the horn,
we also heard cheering and clapping from several racers, race committee, and friends!! They all took the time to walk down
to the Point… hours after their own finishes, to bring home the last
place boat. They all took the time to interrupt their celebration and
welcome us home. They all took the time to make a special day that
much more special. Who does that?
Those sounds and that feeling will stay with us forever. It has ce-
mented what we already knew. The Fort Walton Yacht Club is truly
a special place and we are truly one big family.
~ Scott and Jenny Bailey
s/v Cayo Hueso
Emerald Coast Sailing Association
Enroll now for the 2017 Summer Sailing Lessons for Opti, Sunfish, and 420.
Again this year kids 8 to 98 can choose from three, two week, half day
morning (9a–12p) or afternoon (1p–4p):
June 5 – 16
June 19 – 30
FWYC - $250 FWYC - $250
Adult - $275 July 10 – 21
Morning session only BBSC - $250
Go to the ECSA website www.ecsasailing.com
for more details for online registration and payment.
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