The Chesapeake Bristol Club (CBC) was chartered in 1974 by a small, enthusiastic group of Bristol Sailboat owners. CBC member Norm Bogarde says, “Over the past 40 years a significant few have worked tirelessly to keep CBC at the forefront of sailing clubs on the Bay. At the top of that list is Shirley Kennard.
“Shirley has always had a love of sailing which blends well with her love of the Chesapeake and the camaraderie of a group of like-minded sailors in the CBC. Her first love, of course, is her husband Hunter. They have rarely missed a CBC event over the years. Even though she is boat-less in her 80s, Shirley still maintains a better participation record than most.”
Several members noted how Shirley’s continuous involvement in the club operations and management, especially her editing the newsletter since 1982, have made a huge difference in keeping the group connected—and entertained. “Shirley’s artwork with her creative blend of narrative, cartoons, poetry, and humor has made the newsletter a delight to read over the years,” says Bogarde.
Shirley has followed the evolution of technology, “From manual layout and copy machines through word processing with hand-drawn embellishments to high-end page layout with photographs and graphics,” says Frank Arsenault. “All of her readers were entertained and informed by the details of every major cruise from the occasional thrilling sail to the sometimes even more thrilling anchoring. Every participant found a mention in her articles. Each sailor’s clever trick and the not-too-rare goof were tactfully described. Preparing the newsletter was not merely a service; it was a labor of love.” Arsenault noted that even members who had moved away continued to pay dues just to get CBC’s newsletter.
Logan Hottle keeps all of Shirley’s newsletters. “Just flipping through the sketches and poetry is enough to bring back great memories. Even with all the responsibility of being a partner with Hunter in their busy architectural firm, Shirley has always had these works of art out within the month… (she) weaves in the names of all those in attendance.”
“She is charming,” says Hottle. “The newsletters are uniquely the CBC’s, and the club is much richer for her being at the core of it.”
