Denis O'Keefe
Denis O’Keefe, a member of Hances Point YC (HPYC) keeps his 1991 Catalina 28 MkI Brazen Article in the mooring field on the North East River directly opposite Charlestown, MD.
He says, “With the help of Goldie the wonder dog, I generally singlehand my way down and back up the Bay.” As he prepared for sailing season this spring, he took the time to answer a few of SpinSheet’s questions:
How did you get into sailing?
My first crew position was with my uncle in a wooden Comet on Highland Lakes, NJ. Then I had a Hobie 16 for a few years in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, before taking a 30-year break from owning a sailboat. My friend Tom McGrady convinced me it was time to buy a boat and join HPYC (thanks, Tom!).
What’s the best part about being in a cruising club?
The collective knowledge at Hances Point about sailing and many other subjects is amazing. Even in miserable winter weather, our club is a great place to gather with friends. From spring to late fall there are always folks around to share in a minor adventure or spin some sailing tales on the clubhouse front porch.
Goldie the wonder dog.
Have you held offices in the club?
This year I inherited the treasurer post from past commodore Rollyn Trueblood. HPYC members do all the club’s work from placing moorings and launching boats to running the clubhouse and bar. Some of us serve by slogging through Quickbooks and insurance forms.
Do you have a favorite recent memory from a club rendezvous?
Each season we add to the club memories; a recent favorite was tying off “stern to” in Swan Creek for music and sundowners on our 2014 fall cruise (see the photo here).
Can you tell us about one interesting person you have met through sailing?
We’ve lost two members in recent years, John Lawlor and Gene Smith, both interesting men and each a genuine character. John, a member since the early 1970s, was a naval architect and supreme sailor. Gene was a mason, whose hand worked every corner of the club, and HPYC’s favorite cook. John’s picture is on the wall; Gene’s is on the mantle. Our memories of them are recalled often around the fireplace, at the bar, and on our boats.
HPYC members on Swan Creek: Carrie Gordon, Jim Bailey, John Spicer, Julie Tipton, Bob Cantarera, Audrey Fellows (behind Rick), Rick Fellows, Sean Daniels (playing fiddle), Greg Hladky, Pius Nark, Bob Daniell, and Deborah Poole.
Is there anything else you would like to share with SpinSheet readers?
Our commodore, Reese Jones, and financial secretary, Bob Daniell, came up with a “days on the water” program for this season. As a recent retired guy, I figure I have a pretty good shot at a “win, place or show.” We’ll be chronicling our sailing adventures at hancespointyachtclub.com/rudder-post-blog. (Editor’s note: HPYC members and others who log their days on the water should sign up for the SpinSheet Century Club spinsheet.com/century-club).
