Our good friend, Al Jackson

With a saddened heart, we’ve been informed that longtime member and active volunteer Al Jackson passed away earlier this week.  

Al was such a great guy who loved everything about PPYC. So many of us were privileged to have sailed with him many times over the years. He will be genuinely missed by so many. It is a very sad day. An Eight Bells Ceremony in his memory will be planned soon.

It has been a challenging start to July with a continued string of weather cancellations for our PPYC events.  As a poignant reminder of our Safety First approach and the old sailing adage: “When in doubt, don’t go out” we are reminded how quickly a pleasant day on the lake can turn into an emergency situation.  

Prior to the start of WNR this week, we were all roaring to get on the lake and race. But, once again, unpredictable conditions continued to develop as we got out there. So, once again, the club race was cancelled for all to head back safely to shore and out of the potential danger.  

On the way back in, two of our S2 boats provided emergency assistance to the less experienced crew of another Hamilton Creek sailboat.  Both skipper and crew had entered the water without lifejackets in attempts to retrieve their dog who fell overboard.  As their boat began sailed away from them, the situation became dire.

Needless to say, basic safety errors were many. Fortunately, our PPYC boats were nearby to provide assistance, get all out of the water, and back safely to shore.

We notified the proper authorities, who retrieved the abandoned sailboat and are conducting an accident investigation.

To those PPYC members who came to the rescue, your good deeds are highly commended.  Without a doubt, you saved their lives. Thank you. You can read their stories below in the latest Leeward Report.