OSCA Labor Day Weekend 2019
In keeping with a longstanding tradition, our Ocean State Catalina Association once again will visit the Bristol Yacht Club for a weekend of fun, food, and races, topped off by a free pops concert by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. Here’s what you should know.
In brief: Saturday afternoon/evening BYO supper. Sunday: pancake breakfast, in-harbor race, available sandwich lunch, dinner on your own in town, evening concert. Monday: continental breakfast and sail home.
Arriving By car: The Bristol Yacht Club is on the west side of Bristol harbor on Poppasquash Road. Access directly from Hope Street (Route 114) just north of the harbor or via the approach to Colt State Park (second exit from traffic circle in front of state park entrance). Because reconstruction of the clubhouse takes up space, please park tightly.
By boat: Mooring reservations for the Bristol YC are available through Dockwa.com. Mooring fee includes launch service (VHF 69). Reserve early and mention OSCA in the notes section. In the unlikely event a mooring is not available, try Town of Bristol Marina and Moorings or the Herreshoff Marine Museum (both listed on Dockwa, neither with launch service) or the private marina, Bristol Marine. General anchorage is south of the town moorings, with the best spots (depending on prevailing wind) usually on the west side of the harbor.
The Schedule
Saturday, Aug. 31.
Arrive in Bristol. 6:00 pm. Bring your own entree and a side or dessert to share. Large propane grills and picnic tables are uphill from the Beach Bar. Bar hours are 3 pm to 9 pm (Note: state liquor laws do not allow you to bring your own adult beverages; keep them on your boat.).
Sunday, Sept. 1.
8:30 am. Pancake Breakfast, hosted by Joe and Pat Jablonowski and assisted by Steve and Anne Anthony.
10:30 am. In-Harbor Race. Five Cape Cod Mercury boats will be available from the YC’s educational affiliate, East Bay Sailing Foundation. OSCA former Commodore John Greenwood is principal race officer.
1:30 pm. Available lunch. Sandwiches from Riccotti Sandwich Shop. Yacht Club bar opens at 2:00 pm, one hour earlier than usual.
Afternoon in downtown Bristol. Ride the yacht club launch to the Independence Park dock, directly opposite the club. For return pickup, carry portable VHF radio (Ch. 68) or phone Vice Commodore Joe Jablonowski (401-523-1170) who will request launch. The Herreshoff Marine Museum is on Hope Street (Route 114) 0.85 miles south of the Independence Park dock. It’s open until 5:00 pm and has its own dinghy dock. The museum’s Visitor’s Guide includes details of the institution’s America’s Cup Hall of Fame, the race series for which, starting in 1893, the Herreshoff Mfg. Co. built eight successful defenders. (FYI, foiling AC75 boats for the American Magic syndicate’s challenge in the next America’s Cup race in 2021 are being built in Bristol.)
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Free concert by Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. In bandshell in Independence Park. Bring folding chairs or blankets for seating on the lawn. Snack concession trucks available. Rousing music schedule ends with John Phillip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Americana at its best!
Evening. Dinner on your own in downtown Bristol (before or after the concert). See map addendum below for recommended eateries.
9:00 pm. Last launch pickup at Independence Park dock back to your mooring or club dock.
Monday, Sept. 2.
8:30 am. Continental breakfast brought in from Bristol Bagel Works.
Later morning. Depart for your home port.
