Dear Fellow Member,

Despite the upcoming and unofficial end of summer, there is still a lot of life left in 2011 season at the EYC and I hope you will take advantage of it.

As we get ready to bid the great lunches and dinners on the Samoset Porch farewell until next year, we can look forward to cozy dining in the Barker Club Room in September and October, and of course continued excellent cuisine in the soon to be renovated Henderson Dining Room. I think we would all agree that Jeff, Ali, Chef Christopher and his team in the kitchen along with our pleasant group of young and enthusiastic servers have outdone themselves this year. So save room for more great meals right up until the Closing Brunch (and final day of the Halloween Regatta) on Sunday, October 30th. Other events to mark on your calendars:

The Third General Meeting and Dinner takes place on Thursday, September 22nd. Come, elect new officers and Council members, get an update on the season and enjoy a special presentation by Lee Tawney, Executive Director of the National Sailing Hall of Fame. Dinner will be served in the Dining Room following the meeting.

For the yachting history buffs among us the History Committee has put together a fascinating History Night with Llewellyn Howland, noted author/lecturer on the life and times of Eastern Yacht Club’s most controversial and inventive member, Starling Burgess. This lecture and dinner takes place on Thursday, September 29th.

The popular Microbrew Tasting and Dinner returns on Friday, October 14th. This fun and interactive event always attracts a crowd, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Sipping craft beers and enjoying specially prepared food pairings in an informal setting is a great way to spend a Fall Friday night.

Since his capture in June, notorious mobster and murderer Whitey Bulger has been the subject of endless news items and speculation about his life, his crimes and his years on the run. On Thursday, October 20th get the real story on Whitey from Dick Lehr-the best selling author and former Boston Globe reporter who helped break the story that Whitey was/is an FBI informant. Lehr, now working on a Bulger biography will join us for a presentation and dinner which should be great fun.

We really begin to wind down the 2011 season with The Decommissioning & Yachting Awards Dinner on Saturday, October 22nd. There are some spectacular yachting achievements to celebrate and a wonderful Fall-themed dinner to warm the insides. The Commodore promises that speeches will be kept mercifully short!

One last offering to bring to your attention; for the first time in several years we will again offer a charter bus so members can spend the day at the Newport International Boat Show on Friday, September 16th. The bus will leave the Club in the morning and return that evening. Please call the front desk to secure a place for this trip as we need a minimum number in order to obtain transportation and reduced price tickets to the show.

Finally, and as always, please accept my warmest thanks for your support of the Club this year. Member attendance at events and enjoyment of all that the Eastern offers is tremendously gratifying for staff and volunteers alike.

All best,
Harlan L. Strader, Jr.