WHITECAP RACER SERIES

The Pride of the Susquehanna has been operating public cruises for many years, and during the summer months, cruises depart daily except for Monday. Hershey is very close to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the state’ capital, and Harrisburg’s City Island is the base for an old-fashioned paddlewheeler offering rides on the Susquehanna River. The Garden also features the Hoop House, where kids can discover how easy it is to grow your own garden at home. The Butterfly House, open all summer with weather permitting, houses over 400 of the beautiful insects of over 25 different varieties, and features “flight attendants” who guide visitors through the story of a butterfly’s life cycle. With plenty of creatures and areas to play in - as well as frequent teacher-led programs - this is a calming place to let loose some youthful energy. A major highlight is the creative Children’s Garden, an interactive area with 32 different educational themes to explore, including counting, spelling, and telling time. The major paths winding through this 23-acre outdoor garden are paved and stroller-friendly. When you’ve had enough candy, there’s even more to do in the surprisingly entertaining chocolate capital of the world. 'Without the crew you might as well leave it at the dock.A trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania is not complete without the taste of chocolate, and the Hersheypark themepark, ZooAmerica and Chocolate World are all fun attractions for everyone in the family.Ĭhocolate lovers will enjoy a stroll and the enticing aroma of Chocolate and Cocoa Avenues where the street lamps are shaped like Hershey’s Kisses. 'I firmly believe it's the crew that wins races,' Yarbrough said. You can't go sailing without a boat, but in these small-scale races there is no guarantee the best boat wins – and that's why the more people who turn out, the better for all. In seminar or on the sea, PTSA leaders hope to stir education and participation in sailing. On June 3, the PTSA hosts Jeff Madrigali, solo sailor. On Saturday, April 13, noted sail-racing guru Dick Rose speaks at the center. A 'Racing on the Bay' event earlier this month drew about 125 people to the Northwest Maritime Center.

WHITECAP RACER SERIES

Indoors, the PTSA is hosting a series of guest speakers. That's compared to a yacht club membership, which can cost between $450 and $1,000 per year. Annual dues are $75 for a captain and boat, and $20 for a crewmember. The PTSA has about 50 dues-paying members, and a typical racing night draws about 15 boats ranging in size from 15 feet to 45 feet, with an occasional schooner.Īny sailor with a boat can turn out, but only PTSA members are scored as part of the racing series. Post-race events each Friday have been moved to the family-friendly Cupola House at Point Hudson, where the PTSA hopes to help keep a maritime focus on the building vacated by the Wooden Boat Foundation. Stig Osterberg, PTSA president in 2010, is committed to promoting more group interaction with other sailing clubs and yacht clubs, board members said. This year, the PTSA board is motivated to host and promote more events. The PTSA stepped forward five or six years ago when the Wooden Boat Foundation stepped away from most sail races. 'It's not so cutthroat to where beginners will feel they are lost and get yelled at,' Newland noted. There is no pre-race skippers’ meeting (that happens with the informal Wednesday night sails, not a PTSA activity). The Spring Whitecap Series starts April 2 and runs every Friday through May 31. 'The best way to become a better sailor is to go racing,' Yarbrough added. 'Even if you don't consider yourself a racer, come out and play with us and have a good time,' said Dan Newland, another PTSA board member.

'Our primary purpose as a sailing association is to try and get more boats on the water,' said Tom 'Satch' Yarbrough, a PTSA board member. Sailboats of all makes and models are welcome for the Friday races. It's followed by an eight-race Summer Series and six-race Fall Series. Its 2010 racing season begins Friday, April 2 with the eight-race Spring Whitecap Series. The Port Townsend Sailing Association wants to get you out on the water to race.

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