BASIC TERMINOLOGY

As a new MYC member, there are certain terms and phrases with which you should become familiar — following are some of them.

Green Watering Cans (GWCs). An affectionate term for drinks provided by the Club for various events - and poured from green, plastic watering cans. The contents include: lots of ice and either (a) Mount Gay Rum (plus a couple of other secret ingredients) or (b) Bourbon. No one is quite sure how this tradition got started, but GWCs are an economical and efficient way of pleasing a thirsty crowd of MYC sailors.

Gam. MYC has a Father's Day Gam, Friday Night Gams, Club Cooks Gams, and Gams on Rafts. But, what the heck is a Gam? This is best answered with an excerpt from Melville’s Moby Dick, Chapter 53 - "The GAM:"

... you might wear out your index-finger running up and down the columns of dictionaries and never find the word. Dr. Johnson never attained to that erudition; Noah Webster's ark does not hold it ... Gam. Noun — A social meeting of two (or more) Whale-ships, generally on a cruising-ground; when, after exchanging hails, they exchange visits by boats' crews: the two captains remaining, for the time, on board of one ship, and the two chief mates on the other.

MYC has co-opted this term to refer to social gatherings of members - sometimes on the dock, sometimes on the deck, sometimes on rafted boats. Hosted by the Cruising Committee, Gams are informal and open to all members. Protocols are as follows.

Friday Night Gam: Bring your own dinner and drinks, plus an hors d'oeuvre to share - glasses, ice and grills are provided.

Father's Day Gam: A GWC event; bring an hors d'oeuvre.

Club Cooks Gam: All food, plus beer & wine, is provided at a nominal cost. (BYOB if you prefer cocktails.)

Picnic. Similar to a Gam, but sponsored by the Entertainment Committee. The Memorial Day Picnic is held at 1200 - BYO everything; ice and glasses provided. The Labor Day Picnic starts at 1700 - BYO everything; ice, glasses and grills provided.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

What Is A Sunday Social?

These events, held every Sunday afternoon in July and August, were started in 2004 to encourage camaraderie between Club members after a weekend on the water. Sunday Socials are held on the Club deck, beginning at 1600 and ending promptly at 1800. No reservations are required, complimentary hors d'ouevres and soft drinks are provided, and a cash bar is available. (Drinks will be billed to your account.) Guests are welcome. Sunday Socials are a terrific way to meet your fellow Club members.

What Is The Tiller Trophy?

This trophy is awarded to the skipper - both juniors and seniors are eligible -who displays superior helmsmanship by winning a series of one design elimination races in Manchester Harbor. This is a great family event.

Who Or What Is The Vaughan Challenge?

Established is 1973 by Joanie Vaughan (Junior Yacht Club Commodore, 1970-1971), The Vaughan Challenge Trophy is competed for annually in team races between junior and senior members of the Club. Over the years, these races have been run in everything from the Club dinghies to Optimists and Rhodes 19s. It is a fun and laid back event which everyone is encouraged to attend.

Bang And Go Back - Is This A Family-Friendly Event?

Otherwise known as "the sandbaggers race," the Bang and Go Back is most definitely a family-friendly event. Run in conjunction with the Decommissioning Chowder in October, the race starts somewhere outside Can 5 and generally requires that boats race around Misery Island (skippers have the choice of deciding which way they prefer to round the island). When the gun is sounded by the committee boat, Skippers must decide the fastest route back to the Finish Line (i.e., either turn around or continue their circumnavigation of Misery).

Amazing trophies are at stake - usually misshapen pumpkins - and the stories are legend.

Who Can Sail In The Crocker Race?

Sponsored jointly by MYC and the Manchester Harbor Boat Club, the Crocker Race is traditionally a fun race for the skipper with little or no racing experience, as well as the seasoned racer. For more information, visit www.sscrockerrace.com.

Where Does One Find Ice?

An ice machine is located in the room just around the corner from the Club office. Chits for ice are provided to the left of the ice machine. It is important to fill out the chits in order to be in the running for the coveted Ice Award which is given out at the Annual Meeting and Dinner in December.

Where Can I Get A Burgee & How Should It Be Displayed?

Club Burgees may be purchased from Club Captain Jack Fadden. Proper display of the burgee is outlined in the Annual Book under Executive Committee Rules or you can click here for further information.

Where Can I Park My Car & Tie Up My Boat?

A small number of parking spaces are available in front of the Club, but parking is limited to 4 hours. If you plan to be out on the water for longer than that, please park in the field next to the MYC barn. If you are a Manchester resident and have a resident parking sticker, you may park in the Tuck's Point field. (If you do not have a resident sticker, your car may be towed!)

You may tie up your boat at the Club floats for a "reasonable" amount of time - usually considered to be one-half hour. Float Regulations are posted on the Club Bulletin Board.

Can I Store My Kayak At The Club?

Kayaks, Lasers and other small craft can be stored at the Club on the racks located on the outer end of the harbor float. For space availability and charges, check with Club Captain Jack Fadden. Also contact Jack for information on dinghy space.

What Yacht Club Activities Are Available For My Children?

The Junior Yacht Club has become more active recently. Keep an eye on the bulletin board on the left side of the entryway to the Club and watch for the Junior Yacht Club insert in the Club's monthly newsletter, The Trident. The Club's Web site also has a section dedicated to the JYC schedule: www.manchesteryachtclub.org/jyc291.html

How Does The Reciprocal Benefit Work?

There are no secret handshakes or passwords required! Reciprocal privileges at other yacht clubs are at the discretion of the various clubs and vary widely. Your best bet is to contact the destination club and ask them in advance about the benefits they may offer to MYC members. For proof of membership, MYC membership cards may be obtained from Club Secretary, Annie Barton. Please remember that when visiting other clubs you are representing the Manchester Yacht Club and must follow the rules and regulations of the host club.

For more information about your Club membership, see the Annual Book which was mailed to all members in June. To keep up to date on Club activities and announcements, visit this website.