Page 38 - ECA Yearbook 2023

Fleet 2 Houston, Texas
Galveston Bay, 1963
Fleet Captain: Raul Smith Secretary: Kay Snider

Elections for 2023 were held in December. The Fleet 2 officers for 2023 are
Commodore, Raul Smith; Vice Commodore, Billy Richnow; Secretary/Treasurer,
Kay Snider; Measurer, Lythia Metzmeier. Fleet 2 will host Region IV
Championship on September 15-17, 2023.

Houston Yacht Club hosted the 2023 Midwinter Regatta on February 24-26,
2023. Beautiful weather and fair winds set the stage for the four Ensigns that
competed. Chasin’ Chickens skippered by Robert Williams came in first and the
other women skippered by John Cutler came in second.

Fleet 2 is proud to announce that Ensign #1095 donated by Clark Thompson, Jr
is now part of the HYC adult keelboat classes, the Junior Program and available
to charter. The fleet is pleased to welcome Ensign #842, Bee’s Knees, owned by
Paul & Stephanie McBride.

Sadly, Fleet 2 mourned the loss of four-time National Champion, Dean Snider,
who passed on June 19, 2022. A memorial service was held at Houston Yacht
th
Club on October 20 . Dean’s ashes were released in Galveston Bay at the
prevailing wind SE weather mark where Dean wanted to get to first when racing.

Fleet 2 participated in several activities in addition to the HYC regularly
scheduled racing series in 2022. The Fleet sailed across Galveston Bay from
HYC to Oak Island which is approximately 17 miles. The group spent the night at
the Oak Island Lodge and returned to HYC the next day. The trip back is
traditionally a downwind race.

The Region IV Championship Regatta was held at Austin Yacht Club hosted by
Fleet 30 on October 12-15. Fleet 2 members Robert Williams and John Cutler
participated in the Regatta. Regatta Chair and Regional Commander, Lewis
Price, respectfully dedicated the Regatta in honor of Dean Snider. In typical
Fleet 30 fashion, the hospitality was impeccable.

In November, inclement weather and gusty NE winds cut the HYC Turkey Day
Regatta to a one day event. Robert Williams won first place with straight bullets
and John Cutler came in second.

The end of the year culminated with an annual awards banquet. The Smith
Family Trophy was awarded to 2022 Fleet Champion, Lythia Metzmeier,
Dynamite #519. Second place was awarded to John Cutler, the other woman
#1029. Third place was presented to Robert Williams, Chasin’ Chickens #508.

36