“Revisiting Yellow Fest (2011)”
by Nancy Kick and Mary Murphy
Dave and Sam were gracious enough to invite SBYC to embrace their Yellow Fest for yet another year. Festivities started on Thursday night when the three fancy free boat babes arrived on Still Curious into the helping hands of a Strangely Advised State of Mind. The guiding star of Antares was visible to all.
The influx of boats blew in starting on Friday afternoon and continuing through the weekend. And as Sam predicted, the sun did shine on Yellow Fest! Some Alert Cruise Chair came bearing colorful Jello shots, with the intent to corrupt any and all willing participants. Many were found. Including some potential new members who found themselves serendipitously unable to leave until we let them out, Jello shots in hand, on Saturday afternoon.
15 1/3 boats total this year. A third you ask? Yes, Keith, in true rock star style, navigated his dinghy across the Puget Sound to join in the fun. Unfortunately he arrived w/out his burgee. At the consensus of the club members present, he was deservedly awarded the newly refurbished Rubber Chicken.
Luckily, the tiny dinghy only had to fly the Rubber Chicken for a tiny amount of time. Shortly after Keith’s non-burgeed arrival, came Patrick on Wild Fire. His misfortuned arrival (also without his burgee) bought him current possession of HRM Rubber Chicken.
Many members took advantage of the beautiful weather and walked around the island, while back at the dock, Jewels-bunny and Jessie were busy making amazing lasagna for all while Kris was climbing masts willy nilly or juggling Jello shots. This was all in preparation for the much anticipated bottle hunt.
What is most notable about this year’s hunt was the unusual length of time spent looking for those illusive final four bottles. All the while Referee Dave scrupulously observing for any fowls. Yellow Card penalties were given to two individual members; John for failing miserably at his task and Aliza for trying to get help from her buddies on her cell phone. CHEATER!
Chris was the true bottle hunt master while August and Larry proved themselves quite hopeless at the task; each receiving the appropriate prize to their skill level. Rick & Jen on Alert won the first prize for best decorated boat, with honorable mention given to Jessie on Mischief Maker for her elicit platypus (we can hardly blame Harold for that!). Who could resist the yummy Theo chocolate? Not us! MMMMMMM. Thanks Trevor!
The potluck was glorious. Nobody went home hungry! Everyone contributed more than enough food to feed the bears…wait, there are no bears…how about the Raccoons? After the potluck we were lucky enough to have a live, unplugged show by our very own Warf Ratz. At some point I think just about everybody joined in on the rhythm section! What a blast!
How could a great weekend be topped off? Well, a little visit from our very own Easter Bunny and Morning Star’s morning fire complete with coffee and coffee cake. Believe it, there were smiles all around.
I don’t know about you, but this year’s Yellow Fest provided a warm feeling in our hearts. The generosity of spirit, the companionship, and the caring for one another left us with a “woo woo” feeling that we cannot shake. We are so happy to be a part of this experience of SBYC life.