Joann Hourigan refers to her store, Chaos, as “my therapy,” when she is talking about her truly unique enterprise at 114 Main Street in Deep River. Then, when asked why she named her store “Chaos,” she says, “Because that’s my life.”

In addition to owning Chaos, in real life so to speak, Hourigan is also Executive Director of the Deep River Housing Authority, where she has worked for 19 years. The Authority operates Kirtland Commons, which is a home for 31 elderly and disabled residents. “I love my residents and their families,” she says.  One of the residents is 102 years old.

“It’s social work,” is what she calls her work at the Commons, and it   gives her a lot of satisfaction to help people in need. At Chaos on the other hand it’s “another story.” “There, I have a chance to create, and that is what I really enjoy.”

Because of her schedule at the Commons, Hourigan frequently leaves running Chaos to Caroline Lemley, a 19 year old U-Conn sophomore. Hourigan calls Lemley, “My main girl.  She runs the place. People love her, and she is awesome at picking things out for customers.”

Regardless of who is in charge at a particular time, don’t think for a minute that the operation of Chaos is in any way “chaotic.” In fact, it is a tightly run and very successful enterprise, one that by offering an apparent jumble of goods, arouses a customer’s curiosity to find just the right thing; and then once found the customer buys it, even though they didn’t know they wanted it in the first place.

The floor space at Chaos is 300 square feet, allowing only a fifteen by twenty foot sales area. If the clutter of items was spread out in a normal manner, the floor space would have to be twice the size.

Above all, Hourigan wants Chaos to be “a fun place to come into.” “There are treasurers everywhere,” she says, “even stuff in birdcages.” “I love it that it is so packed in here,” she continues, “That is part of its charm.”

Looking about carefully cluttered Chaos, one sees practically every kind of feminine accessory known to man. “We are selling scarves, handbags and jewelry, and a lot of custom jewelry,” Hourigan says.

Also, partially open draws at Chaos bulge with cascades of objects, and every open space on tables are piled high with a profusion of necklaces, clasps, pins, bracelets and many other ornaments that intrigue and enhance the feminine taste.

Turnover is very quickly,” says Hourigan. Quick turnover means that even if a customer was in the store just a few days before, when she returns to the store a few days later, she can find new things to buy on her return visit.

The recent Christmas holiday was a boom at Chaos. “Christmas was fabulous,” says Hourigan. Racks of women’s clothing were sold, “and we even ran out of boots,” she says.

Chaos’ reasonable prices also encourage a quick turnover of goods for sale. At Chaos earrings cost $18, necklaces $20, and dresses and tops $28. Some of the necklaces sold at Chaos can be mistaken for heirlooms, according to at least one regular shopper at the store.

Also, when it’s warm enough, Chaos offers a running sequence of appealing sidewalk sales. One item of particular popularity is the “buck bowl.” Everything in the bowl costs a buck, i.e. a dollar, no matter what its original price.

When asked, how she selects the items that go into the “buck bowl,” Hourigan says, “I throw in things that I am tired of, or have only one left.” Fishing in the “buck bowl” is a very popular pastime for shopping anglers.

Store hours at Chaos are: Wednesday thru Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There are some stores in our area, when at times you cannot find what you are looking for. However, most of the time at Chaos, you’ll find it.

The Connecticut River Museum, located at 67 Main Street in downtown Essex, had two choices in the wake of the devastating fire that took place on August 11, 2010, a fire which caused enormous damage to the Museum’s building, as well as to its decking.

One approach would have been to repair the damage, essentially, to the extent that the insurance money would cover the costs, and then hope for the best that other repairs, some very necessary, could be deferred until another day.

The second approach would address every single item that needed to be repaired, and in the process restore the museum not only to the condition of what it was before the fire, but perhaps even improve it from what it was. This full restoration plus choice, obviously, would cost a lot more money than the first, bare bones scenario.

The Board of Trustees of the Connecticut River Museum never blinked. They whole heartedly adopted the second alternative of fully repairing and restoring the Museum. In doing so, the Board chose to address every single item that required repair and the full restoration of the Museum.

Furthermore, in adopting the full restoration plan the Board implicitly accepted the responsibility to raise the necessary money.

Board of Directors Chairman Maureen Wiltsie-O’Grady in a recent interview said, “The Museum had to be restored, because of the love that the community has for the Museum.” She added, “It is just a jewel. The fire made people think what Essex would be like without the Museum.”

These observations by the Chairman underscored the fact that the increased public attention and sympathy that was generated by the fire could be converted into a unique fundraising opportunity to pay for the level of restoration needed to ensure that the Museum would withstand the next 100 years.

With the stars thus aligned, the Museum Board, led by former Chairman Timothy Boyd, and the staff, led by the energetic Executive Director Jerry Roberts, went ahead and successfully raised the funds needed to repair the fire damage, and enhance generally the Museum’s building and grounds.

The fundraising steps included the establishment of the CMT Fire Fund for donations from Museum trustees, members and the public at large, as well as a successful effort to attract new government grants for the Museum’s restoration. Both these steps were in addition to achieving the Museum’s already established fundraising goals for the Annual Fund Appeal, Fall Ball, RIVERFARE and Privateers’ Bash.

These aggressive, and breathtakingly successful, fundraising steps has allowed the Museum, to date, to expend over a half million dollars, $565,500 to be exact, to repair and restore the Museum to a point where it is in even better condition than it was before the fire.

For example, with the funds raised the entire east face of the Museum building, which was destroyed by the fire, has been fully repaired and restored.

Similarly, large portions of the roof and the decking, which were destroyed by the fire, have been restored, as has the third floor gallery, which suffered water damage, and the Museum building, which experienced smoke damage.

Also included in this roster of fully paid for items was the installation of 29 new, energy efficient, museum-quality windows, as well as the installation of 70 new pilings under the decking of the Museum.

A further breakdown of the fully paid for repairs and restoration in the wake of the fire are as follows:

Building restoration and repair

This $300,000 item paid for by insurance monies and private donations, included a smoke and water clean-up; roof and siding repairs; window replacement of four fire destroyed windows and the upgrade of 25 other gallery windows; replacement of the building sign; repair of indoor mural; removal of carpets and restoration of the original wood flooring on the second and third floors.

Decking replacement and repair

This $185,000 item, which was funded from grants, donations and insurance, as well as funds from the Museum’s own historic building maintenance fund, provided money to replace the substructure pilings and decking surrounding the Museum building.

Grant funds for this project included $73,955 from the Connecticut Commission on Cultural and Tourism’s Historic Preservation Office.

Perimeter and Security/Grounds

In this category, $80,000 of private donations funded a new Museum perimeter security project, coupled with a grounds’ renovation plan. This initiative included new lights, a new portal at the entrance of the property, new walkways and the refurbishment of plantings. This project is now in its final stage of completion.

As for the new portal, according to Roberts, it will serve two purposes: 1) to establish a demarcation line between town property and Museum property, so that Museum property can be gated after hours, or whenever necessary, and 2) to provide information about Museum exhibits, programs and events.

The items regarding the perimeter and the security of the Museum property, obviously, go beyond simply repairing the Museum’s fire damages. Also, one of the items in this initiative has been objected to by a few Essex residents.

Specifically, the new portal structure, a few residents charge, takes away from the sense of openness of the Museum’s grounds that existed previously. Museum officials acknowledge that there have been a few objections to the portal structure; however, they assert that the objections are far from general, and that the upsides of the portal far outweigh the downsides, particularly from the standpoint of the Museum’s security.

Also, this very minor ruffle should in no way take away from the monumental achievement of the Museum’s Board and staff, who on their watch brilliantly restored the Connecticut River Museum to a condition that is even better than it was before the fire. In so doing they have preserved this historic asset for the edification and enjoyment of generations to come.

Front windows of Anchor & Compass, “A Store for Guys”

“I really don’t like to be classified as trendy,” says owner Sage Novak,  referring to her very successful men’s store, Anchor & Compass, located at 163 Main Street in heart of Deep River. “I feel I am anything but,” she says, terming the clothing theme in her store as “conservative and traditional New England.”

Also, she says, “A large portion of my guy customers are working class folk that come in for the Carhartt brand, T-shirts,” and “I work hard to convey an ‘every man’s’ image.”

To burnish this image she even holds “beer tastings” at the store. Also, the store’s slogan is, “A Store for Guys.”

Inside, it is easy to navigate Anchor & Compass. Each name-brand line of clothing has its own discreet sales area. Among the most popular, especially for the over 50-years-old set, is the “Old Guys Rule” line.

“Old Guys Rule” T-shirts are a best seller

These T-shirts carry sayings on their fronts that poke fun about getting old, and remembering the glory days of youth. Some customers have whole collections of the shirts, saying such things as, “The older I Get, The Better I Was.” “Old Guys Rule” shirts are $24 for a T-shirt, and $28 for long sleeves.

Another popular brand, which features shirts displaying fishing humor, comes from the “Fish On!” company, located in Chester, Connecticut. These shirts cost $24 for T-shirts and $29 for long sleeves.

Yet another popular men’s clothing line, carried by Anchor & Compass, is the Old Harbor Outfitters from Block Island, New York. Old Harbor makes outdoor apparel, as well as fishing gear. One specialty is a wide selection of fishing knifes. The knives sell for $10 to $24 a piece, and Novak says, “We sell tons of them. They make great gifts.”

“We also sell tons of flannels every Christmas season,” she says, “and flannels never go out of style.” Over the past Christmas season, Novak reports, the store sold close to 200 flannel shirts. Their price range is from $49 to $59.

Selling the “layered look” for Guys

Speaking of flannels the savvy shopkeeper suggests to her customers that they might like the “layered look.” This look consists of first putting on an ordinary shirt, then covering it with a flannel, and then over them both a shirt jacket.  There are other layered look combinations as well. Shirt jackets go for $79 at “A Store for Guys.”

Store owner Novak shows off some outer wear

At one point while touring the store, a fashionably dressed woman came in and asked, if she could make a few returns. It turned out that the woman did not have just a few returns, but seven of them. All of the items were still in their original boxes, and some had not even been unwrapped.

It turned out that the woman’s husband, before the big holiday, had explicitly told his wife, “Do not buy me any clothes for Christmas.” However, the wife, thinking she knew best, blithely ignored this instruction, and bought lots of them. Now she was forced to return them.

While this was going on, the woman tried to make conversation. “Maybe I should exchange my husband rather than the shirts,” she said, attempting humor.

With no sign of displeasure whatsoever, store owner Novak removed the seven items from their boxes, and went ahead and restored their full cost to the woman’s credit card.

After the woman left, Novak pointed out that many stores offer only “store credit” for returns. However, at Anchor & Compass the policy is to give a full refund, as long as the purchaser has a receipt.

“Most people exchange stuff,” Novak says, but getting full credit for an unwanted purchase is still an option at the store.

Among her favorite items in the store, Novak calls attention to the Leathermen Limited line. The company is based in Essex, Connecticut, and offers a variety of canvas belts, flip-flops and key chains. Featured in the store as well are rows of men’s pants, a wide variety of sweaters and lots of T-shirts.

Adding a good citizenship quality to the store, Anchor & Compass offers a 10% discount on all merchandize purchased by volunteer firefighters and emergency rescue volunteers, whether they come from Deep River or beyond.

All for men, a colorful collection of T-shirts, caps and mugs

Not only are sales on the increase generally at the store, Novak is particularly pleased that more and more men are purchasing clothing.  The present gender breakdown at the store is that about 60 percent of the buyers are women, buying clothes for men; and 40 percent are men, buying clothes for themselves or for their best buddies.

If this ratio could even out to 50-50, Novak would be a very happy. As an inducement to get more men into the store, she has built a large, man sized fitting room. Also, she may give men shoppers just a little extra attention in making their purchases. After all it is, “A Store for Guys.”

The overall growth in sales at Anchor & Compass is truly impressive. Sales in the month of January, to date, are running 56 percent higher than they were over the same period last year.

Big Selling Seasons, Christmas and Father’s Day

As a general rule the store has two big selling seasons each year. One is during the run up to Christmas, and the other are the shopping days before Father’s Day. Since Anchor & Compass focuses on men’s clothing, it has an especially big boost in sales before Father’s Day. It is so big that Novak calls Father’s Day “a second Christmas.”

As for staff at the store, Novak pretty much runs the place on her own, although she has two part time helpers, both from Deep River.

Novak feels anchored in Deep River, and she has, if you will, found her compass in the town. In starting up her venture a year and a half ago, she received encouragement from Deep River First Selectman Dick Smith, and both Smith and his son are customers. Also, in remodeling the store Novak is proud that she used exclusively local labor.

Owner Sage Novak in front of her Deep River store

Among the things that she likes about Deep River is that her kids can walk to school, and, “I love the quality of life in the town.” Beyond that, “I want people to enjoy the store. I love just love it, when people run into other people that they know, while they are shopping here.”

Novak is a native of Deep River, and sometimes refers to herself as “a river rat.” Not only did she grow up in town, her family used to own the Deep River Marina.

Not that Sage Novak has always had happy times in her life. In June of 2008 her husband, who was a college sweetheart, died in a car accident, leaving her with two daughters, aged four and one. “I took off a year to heal,” she says. “Still, I don’t believe in wallowing. You have to go on and enjoy life in the time that you have.”

Finally, the name of her store, Anchor & Compass, has a special meaning for Sage Novak as a person.  As you get to know her, she just might share it with you.

AeroCision CEO Andrew Gibson accepting award from Congressman Courtney and trade rep. Evans

Congressman Joe Courtney visited the headquarters of the Chester based aerospace manufacturer, AeroCision, recently to attend a ceremony at which AeroCision received the United States, “Export Achievement Award.” The award was presented to the company for its success in achieving a total of $1 million in exports in the year 2011.

The award was personally presented to the firm by Anne S. Evans, Director of the Connecticut District Office of the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce and eastern Connecticut Congressman Joe Courtney. It was accepted by Andrew J. Gibson, CEO of AeroCision.

“Here is a company that is absolutely competing and winning in export markets,” said Director Evans in presenting the award.

A statement issued by Congressman Courtney office provided background about the award:

“Last year Rep. Courtney and Anne Evans of the U.S. Department of Congress joined AeroCision representatives on a trade mission to the United Kingdom. During the trip, the company was able to solidify the international relationships and expand markets, boosting their overall exports from $300,000 in 2010 to $1 million in 2011.”

In the statement AeroCision CEO Andrew Gibson was quoted as saying, “When we were in the UK with Congressman Courtney, we were at a crucial point with Rolls Royce.”

Gibson continued, “The fact that I was with a member of the Armed Services Committee seeking global opportunities within the UK demonstrated our sincere commitment as a global supplier. The timing was perfect. The supply chain people at Rolls were impressed. In sum, the trip and our association with Department of Commerce added prestige and credibility at a critical time.”

AeroCision workers attended the ceremony enjoyed the lunch

The award ceremony was followed by a sandwich luncheon with many of the 60 AeroCision employees that work at the aerospace plant in Chester.

Congressman Courtney chows down with AeroCision workers

An AeroCision spokesman said that in connection with the trade mission to the UK, the company paid for all of the travel expenses of its employees in connection with the trip.

                                    Outdoor sign of Aggies of Ivoryton

Aggies restaurant on Main Street in Ivoryton is certainly the place to be for Sunday breakfast. That is, if you want a breakfast that is big enough “to sink a battleship,” and a camaraderie among the regulars that is warm enough to make you feel right at home, even on your first visit.

Why do people like Robin and Jim Keating of Westbrook, make the trek almost every Sunday from Westbrook to go to Aggies for breakfast? As Robin puts it, “Because the food is good. The service is good, and the people are friendly. She adds, “Also, the place is clean, and it feels like home.”

                                         “Breakfast at Aggies,” the best

Their favorite, Sunday after Sunday, is two orders of eggs and sausage, and together they split a blueberry pancake.

Marty Radomski of Ivoryton also has a take on Aggies. He says, “The food is good and healthy.” He also likes that they don’t chase you out, if you want to linger.” “There are a lot of nice people here,” he adds.

At the counter of the restaurant one of the diners, who identified himself as “Glenn G,” orders a substantial breakfast consisting of bacon, sausage, two eggs, home fries, toast and coffee. When it arrives, he says, “It’s worth waiting for.”

Then way in back of the restaurant is the table of regulars, who are-pleased enough with Aggies to raise their coffee mugs to toast her.

                                         Regulars raising their mugs toasting Aggie

Working in the restaurant on a recent Sunday morning, there was of course Aggie, whose last name is Waterman. Aggie personally does most of the cooking herself. She in turn is assisted by her husband, Bill Waterman, and a wait staff of two daughters, Mary Bowers and Rachelle Waterman, and of two granddaughters, Alexa Clark and Madison Estelle.

                                       Aggie and her chief assistant, husband Bill

Although Sunday breakfast is Aggies’ number one event, the restaurant is also open Monday thru Friday from 6:00 a.m. to two p.m., and Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to noon. Sunday it is opened 7:00 a.m. to noon (breakfast only).

As for the breakfast menu there are eggs any style with bacon, ham, and sausage, as well as hash and eggs and omelets. There is also a choice of one, two or three pancakes, as well as French toast, cereal, waffles and Kielbasa and eggs.

                                         A “modest” Sunday breakfast

Aggies serves a lunch every day but Sunday. On the lunch menu are hamburgers, cheese burgers, and what is listed as a “Large Hot Dog,” as well as grilled cheese. Luncheon appetizers include a special Appetizer Plate, consisting of Mozilla sticks, peppers, chicken fingers and onion rings.

Also, for lunch Aggies serves homemade shrimp chowder and other luncheon specials, and there are traditional soft drinks, coffee and tea. Coffee refills are free.

When asked what she does after the big, big Sunday brunch, Aggie said, “I go home and put my feet up.”

The “nays” appeared to be in the majority at an Essex Town Hall meeting convened to discuss new environmental policies for Essex that would affect the owners of property next to the Connecticut River, for the overall protection of the river and its shores. The “informational” meeting was convened by the Essex Zoning Commission at Town Hall on December 19.

Essex is a member of an eight town Gateway Conservation District. Seven of the eight towns in the district, which are located at the southern base of the Connecticut River, approved these environmental standards years ago, but Essex has been holding out adopting them.

The rules for Essexat issue would do the following: (1) the present 50 foot limit on building next to the shoreline would be extended to 100 feet, (2) new restrictions on “clear cutting” trees along the river’s shoreline would be adopted by creating a “no cut” riparian buffer, (3) an additional  procedural step, by requiring a Special Permit, would be required before new structures of 4,000 square feet or more could be build, and (4) measuring the height of a new structure from its “existing natural grade” rather than from a built-up platform would be put in place.

Among those attending the meeting were recently re-elected Republican Selectman Joel Marzi, as well as the defeated Republican candidate for First Selectman Bruce MacMillian. Democratic First Selectman Norman Needleman and Selectwoman Stacia Rice-Libby did not attend.

The vast majority of speakers at the meeting opposed the proposed Gateway rules for Essex. “We don’t need Gateway,” said one. Another questioned whether home wners, who lived right next to the river’s edge, could even cut the grass on their properties. “Essex as a town would not exist, if we had had these rules in effect,” said another critic.

A member of the town’s Wetlands Commission also spoke in opposition to applying the Gateway rules to Essex, saying that all the perceived problems addressed by the proposed Gateway District rules for Essex could be addressed by the town’s Wetland Commission.

A few speakers at the meeting supported Essex’s adoption of the Gateway rules, but they were decidedly in the minority. One said, “It is an embarrassment for Essex,” not to adopt the Gateway rules, like the other seven Gateway towns have done.

The Gateway Conservation district consists of eight towns. They are: Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, Lyme, Old Lyme, Essex and Old Saybrook. As noted, Essex is the only town in the district that has not approved the Gateway rules.

“She’s an entrepreneur,” says one of her friends about Selene Sweck, who has just opened Selene’s Sweet Shoppe in downtown Essex. Not only has Sweck launched a bright new Sweet Shoppe on Main Street, she also has a number other businesses.

For one, Sweck owns Porky Pete’s BBQ out on Westbrook Road. (“Pete” is the name of Sweck’s husband.) This extremely successful business has its tenth anniversary coming up soon.

Sweck also owns an extensive catering business, which she used to run out of Porky Pete’s. However, she felt that wedding planning was a bit incongruous in the middle of a barbeque operation, so she moved her catering consultations to the room right next to the Sweet Shoppe.

This new room is tastefully decorated, and just perfect for wedding planning and other special events. As for planning a wedding, Sweck says that her Event Planner, Lori Blair, “can handle the whole thing.”

In addition to organizing weddings and special events, Sweck’s catering operation provides corporate lunches on weekdays for four cafeterias of a major local cooperation.

Completing the reach of Sweck’s businesses is the outdoor food station that she and her husband run at the Clinton Crossing Shopping Mall. Open from Spring until November, the menu is hot dogs and grilled meats, which they sell to hungry shoppers.

A sweet spot for the Sweet Shoppe

Still, among all her ventures, Sweck clearly takes great pride in her new Sweet Shoppe. The staff members at the shop are all personal friends, and sometimes there appears to be more chattering going on among sales people and customers, than there is about selling the sweet stuff.

People who are shopping at the new Sweet Shoppe give it rave reviews. “It’s wonderful,” said Judy Heiser of Essex the other day; “It bubbles. It’s gorgeous, and it’s just what you need for Christmas.”

The Sweet Shoppe also is the kind of place where it is perfectly appropriate to buy just one piece of candy. However, be warned that some of the candies can be so intensely sweet that they should be eaten only in small bites. Otherwise the taster may end up with “sugar shock,” at least for awhile.

Another tantalizing specialty at the Sweet Shoppe is a collection of chocolate turtles of varying sizes. The turtles have a pecan base, a caramel inside, with the whole encased in chocolate. If you want to buy a little turtle, they are a reasonable ninety cents, with a larger turtle costing $3.95, and they can be addictive.

The Sweet Shoppe sells four kinds of special breads. They are: (1) a French baguette, (2) an Asiago cheese bread, (3) a multi-grain baguette and (4) a black cranberry and walnut bread. In addition, of course, the Sweet Shoppe sells a wide variety of cakes with thick, thick frosting.

Children on the honor system

Another highlight of the Sweet Shoppe is that one whole side of the shop is now dedicated to offering tempting delicacies for children. The children can select whatever candies they wish, and they pay for them strictly under the honor system. Small piggy banks are among the candies, so that the children can insert the proper number of coins for their purchases.

The new sweet shop appears to be on its way to becoming a great success, if the number of people visiting it the other day is any indication.  Also, very importantly, the existence of this evidently successful new business on Essex’s Main Street is a healthy sign of a better local economy.

Right next door to the Sweet Shoppe is another new business that has just opened its doors on Main Street. It is a new interior and decorating business, which offers professional decorating consultations by its co-owners, Jessica Whelen and Dennis Pough. Also on the premises is an extensive line of home accessories including, pillows, candles, faux floral arrangements and hand blown glass creations.

Giving even further evidence that new, good things are happening on Main Street, is the new ownership of the “Silkworm of Essex Village” just down the way. The new Proprietor, Raeann Groves, notes that the new Silkworm offers a variety of high end women’s clothing that cannot be found in ordinary department stores. She mentions, specifically, the Gerard Darel and the Sitamurt clothing brands that the store carries.

Also, there is presently a 20% off sale on select items at the Silkworm.

However, downtown Essex still has perhaps an overabundance of real estate sales offices on Main Street. There were no less than six of them by last count. However, one cannot gainsay that when tourists come to Essex, looking at the realtors’ photographs of houses for sale, is a favorite pastime.

Finally, on the down side of Essex having a truly vibrant Main Street is the still empty, former Left Bank Gallery space. This property is owned by the Paul family, who also own what is truly an Essex landmark, the Griswold Inn.

Reportedly, Essex First Selectman Norman Needleman will be discussing with the owners of the old gallery property new strategies on how to get this most attractive downtown property bustling again.

One possibility that ever the entrepreneurial Sweck tossed out in a recent conversation, is that the old gallery space might be converted into an entertainment venue for wedding receptions, anniversary celebrations and the like. If this were to happen, you can be assured that Sweck would be delighted to do the catering.

                   Pettipaug Yacht Club clubhouse and grounds in winter

It is all quiet now. The Pettipaug Yacht Club, located on 12 acres of land on the Connecticut River, has been put to bed for the winter. The heavy docks are stacked. The anchors and their chains for the sailboats are out of the water, their mooring balls resting beside them.

Also, the club’s office in the clubhouse is locked up tight, and the clubhouse deck is now a jumble of stored picnic tables. On the club’s grounds, there are still many boats scattered about. Although the club-owned powerboats are fully accounted for, according to the club’s ever present Paul Risseeuw, “We just don’t know who many of the other boats belong to.”

The cold stillness at the club is starkly different from the way it was last summer. Then in the bright, hot days of July and August, over 150 young people were actively participating in the sailing courses of Pettipaug Sailing Academy. Under the watchful eye and careful supervision of the Academy’s instructors, the club’s grounds were literally teeming with activity. Boats were being launched, sails hoisted, and races getting underway, amidst the happy voices of the young participants.

Sailing Academy Director Paul Risseeuw

Paul Risseeuw, who is the Director of the Pettipaug Sailing Academy, is a retired naval architect and engineer, who spent his career at Electric Boat, designing and constructing atomic submarines for the U.S. Navy. Now during the summer he spends literally seven days a week, every week, working at the club’s Sailing Academy, among other activities.

                   Paul Risseeuw among the boats at the club

The Sailing Academy’s program is divided into two sessions, and both sessions run for three and a half weeks. The first session takes place in July, and the second session runs from the latter part of July into the month of August.

Each of the two sessions is in turn divided into a morning program and an afternoon program. The morning programs offer sailing lessons to children, ages 8 to 11 years old; and the afternoon programs are designed for more advanced, young sailors, ages 12 to 16.

There are 41 students in each of the morning programs and 55 students in each of the afternoon programs.  Tuition to attend the Sailing Academy costs $375 to attend a single program, and $600 for a student who takes both of the morning programs, or both of the afternoon programs.

     105 students at a Sailing Academy picnic on Nott Island last summer. (Photo by Paul Risseeuw)

It is never permissible, under Academy’s rules, for a student to mix morning and afternoon programs. If they are morning program sailors, they stay in that category. If they are afternoon program sailors, they stay in their category as well.

In directing the Sailing Academy Risseeuw supervises a faculty of seven sailing instructors. Each of the instructors is out on the water in his or her own powerboat, while the students are sailing in the waters off the club. Also, it is a strict rule at the Academy that all students wear lifejackets, while they are on the dock or sailing.

One factor in learning to sail is that it is a fairly common occurrence for young novice sailors to be hit by a sailboat’s boom. The boom is not particularly heavy on a 7’ 6” Opti sailboat, which is used in the morning programs, but it can still hurt. All of the sailing instructors are First Aid and CPR trained, and know how to handle these and other mishaps.

Boys and girl sailors, there’s a difference

After directing the Sailing Academy for many years, Risseeuw has made a number of observations about the different ways boys and girls approach learning to sail. For one, whereas the number of boys and girls taking sailing lessons is about fifty-fifty in the morning programs; in the afternoon programs the ratio is about seventy percent boys and thirty percent girls.

“The older they get, the fewer the number of girls there are in classes,” Risseeuw says. Also, he observes, “Boys like the racing; they like the competition.” As for the girls, “Girls generally are less competitive sailors. Girls like to be together. They prefer socializing.” Also, he says that sometimes in the afternoon programs, “Some of the girls show up in bikinis, at an age when boys don’t know where they are.”

Also, Risseeuw observes that as a general rule the younger sailors in the morning programs are easier to manage than the teenagers in the afternoon.

A singular treat for teenage sailors in the afternoon programs is that every Monday they hold races with the junior sailors of other yacht clubs. Sometimes these races are held at Pettipaug, and other times at other clubs. When they travel, Pettipaug sailors and their boats are transported with the help of parents.

Generally, when Pettipaug sailors race other clubs they engage in what is called “team racing,” which is a very popular and competitive type of racing. The goal in team racing is to have the team win the race, and not a single individual sailor, as is the case with traditional “regatta” racing.

Boats engaged in team races make extensive use of the priority of the starboard tack while sailing, and other right of way rules, so as to clear the way for the members of their team to advance.

The club’s Opti sailboats on the river last summer (photo by Vic Hoehnebart)

Clubs which compete with Pettipaug’s sailing teams are all members of the Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association, who’s Commodore just happens to be Pettipaug’s Paul Risseeuw.

Something for adults as well at Pettipaug

In addition to running the Sailing Academy, Risseeuw oversaw the running of twelve U.S. Powerboat courses last summer. The courses consist of one full day of training, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a guaranteed six hours on the water.

The tuition for taking the course was $170, and the U.S. Sailing Association contributed $10,600 to support the program.

There are also many traditional yacht club programs at the Pettipaug Yacht Club run by other club members. Specifically, there were ten sailing races and regattas for members of the club throughout the summer sailing season. They include the traditional Charles Birch Memorial Race, won this year by veteran sailors, Ed Birch and Jeff Going. Charles Birch was the father of Ed Birch.

Also, last summer the club conducted a two-evening windsurfing course for adults.

Organizationally, there are three commodores at the club, which presently include Commodore Cameron Taylor, Vice Commodore Chris Manero and Rear Commodore Vic Hoehnebart, as well as a Board of Governors.

If they ever need help in running the club, they can always call on club member “extraordinaire,” Paul Risseeuw.