NEMA members old, NEMA members new, location borrowed and sky of ….. blue !! The morning dawned with thick fog and light sprinkling showers. “Just another typical NEMA picnic Saturday”, we thought. For the past several years, we've had rainy picnics and indoor activities: lots of lego castles and sailing videos. But the weather cleared by late morning on May 8th, and more than 40 men, women, and children converged on sunny, warm Wareham in the afternoon.

Scheduling had been a bit tight this year. With the Pensacola Nationals for the Corsair boats occurring on the first weekend in May, and Boat Shows starting to appear on the calendar, we ended up timing the picnic for the Saturday of Mothers’ Day weekend. This isn’t usually ideal for participation, as some multihullers are traveling to visit family. In addition, this year our hostess Jane Gleason was going to be busy with a school fair and a youth soccer game. And her oft-time co-hostess, Catherine Kornyei had her daughter’s bridal shower to attend. How would we manage without our capable catering duo? Well, the NEMA crowd is a pretty talented bunch. Judy Cox stepped in with a lovely green salad and a flavorful potato salad, and people brought all sorts of dips, side dishes and desserts. There were a nine-layer dip, spinach dip, chicken-mango salad, a wonderful selection of delectable pastries from a fancy bakery, and much, much more. And Tom Cox is a very capable barbecue chef and soon abundant plates of hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken and side dishes filled the picnic table and porch. Commodore Ira Heller sailed by with first-time F-27 owner Dick Wright, while his wife Robin and their toddler watched from the picnic. New NEMA member Jim Doutt brought two canoes as well as his children. And there was a Windrider available on the beach for any and all who wanted a ride. The tether-ball game, a recent addition at the Gleason house, was a big hit with kids of all ages, and petting the omnipresent (dog) Jojo was also a popular pass-time, eventually netting Jojo at least two hot dogs!! Debbie Druan and Dave Koshiol brought their new, energetic dog Kipper (soon to be renamed Skipper); an amazing sight to behold, as he took off across the beach in search of birds. Meanwhile, from the porch, we spied on the osprey nest via telescope.

There were NEMA members who attend many meetings, such as Nick Bryan-Brown, Tony Cabot, Don Watson, and Bill Heaton. And there were NEMA dignitaries like Larry Bedell and new members like Jim Doutt. Richard and Laura Jennings-Cranford made it to their first NEMA picnic in many years, and various members of the Gleason family popped in and out over the course of the afternoon.

A big thanks to everyone who attended!! The food was yummy, and the conversation very multihull focused as everyone discussed their Spring boat renovation projects, or events they have already or plan to attend this Summer. While the Annual Spring Picnic is always fun in any weather, it was particularly delightful to have the sun cooperate so beautifully. Next year, we hope to schedule the picnic at a time when all our hosts can participate, too!!