"I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking."
- John Masefield…
“Sea Fever” (1902)
A few days ago, I had the extreme pleasure of meeting with Greg Maras, the Director of Human Resources for our regional hospital. Although I have known Greg for several years, and our paths have crossed many times throughout the halls of the hospital, it wasn’t until this meeting that I was aware of his involvement in one of the most incredible organizations within our local region.
Upon entering his office, I was immediately captivated by the numerous Artworks which grace the walls of his venue. Each of these works depicts one, or several, majestic sailboats upon the waters. After our brief “business meeting,” I could not restrain myself from expressing my awe with his display, and, without hesitation, I inquired as to their meaning and attraction to him.
With MORE than a sparkle in his eyes, Greg began to weave to me the tale of their meaning…and also describe his, and his Family’s, involvement with these vessels and the organization they represent.
THE TELLING…
As far back as he can recollect, Greg and several members of his Family have been members of the PYMATUNING YACHT CLUB, located on the southern end of Pymatuning Lake, just outside Jamestown, at 5228 Bush Road, Jamestown, and nearly adjacent to the state park. In fact, his mother became involved during the early years of her adolescence…and, to this day, is still VERY involved.
Although I have never actually set foot upon the grounds of the Yacht Club, I have been aware of its existence, and delighted by many of its yearly events throughout most of my Life. I remember with excitement innumerable childhood days of sitting with my Dad on the stone banks of the Causeway in Espyville and watching the graceful movements of the sailboats as they made their ways back and forth, up and down, across the lake. I dreamed of someday sailing one of those lovely vessels myself. I still do!
The memories and desires will linger on forever.
BUT…as Greg went on to explain and describe, the Yacht Club has a more than a current day history. It has existed since the beginning days of the lake. Moreover, its members provide SEVERAL extremely worthwhile services to the area and beyond.
MORE THAN A TALL SHIP…
(Much of the following information is taken directly from the Pymatuning Yacht Club website, https://www.pymatuningyachtclub.com/, and available for public viewing.)
“PYC is a family-oriented, all volunteer club devoted to sailing and sailboat racing. The venue is on the southern half of Pymatuning Reservoir in Pennsylvania, about one mile east of the Ohio border on US 322. With an open-water area of approximately two miles by seven miles surrounded by relatively flat topography and limited motorboat horsepower, it doesn’t get much better for small sailboat racing.”
“Club facilities include a pleasant clubhouse with full kitchen, all-purpose room, fireplace, lockers, showers, and a large patio and deck area…” (AND, as the website goes on to describe, many, many MORE amenities, including seasonal residential living!)
Adhering to its positive beliefs in future generations…
” PYC has a long tradition of supporting junior sailing. Young family members begin sailing classes at age five, progressing through a series of four volunteer led programs through the age of eighteen. Additionally, there are week long junior sailing camps for children ages 11-18.”
BACK THROUGH THE
WAVES OF TIME…
The History Section of the PYC website details the following…
“When Pymatuning Reservoir filled in the summer of 1937, Robert Lynch of Youngstown was one of the first to sail its waters. At his invitation, Horace Yates and his group of Sea Scouts were initiated into actual sailing. That same year, E. P. Nolan and “Tubby” Leffingwell were also sailing the lake. These enthusiasts met and selected Nolan as Acting Commodore of what was to become a thriving sailing group, Pymatuning Yacht Club.”
“The following year, 1938, brought several new members into the fold…”, “This group, in those early years, worked long and hard in laying the groundwork from which developed the present Club. They first settled on the Ohio shore, off Stocker’s Island, just northwest of the present location.”
“After considerable time and persuasion, in 1946, a lease was granted to Pymatuning Yacht Club by the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters.”
Throughout the length of its development and history, it is obvious, that the PYC has maintained itself as a “…cooperative family club with the learning and teaching of sailing as its principal objective.” One of the most noteworthy aspects of this development was, and IS, the formation of the Junior Yacht Club in 1957. Here, children as young as the age of 5 years participate and are encouraged. “Young family members begin sailing classes at age five, progressing through a series of four volunteer led programs through the age of eighteen. Additionally, there are week long junior sailing camps for children ages 11-18.”
THERE’S MORE…MUCH,
MUCH MORE…
In addition to the many activities and involvements in which PYC members and their Families may participate, the organization hosts several Regattas and events throughout the season. Among these are the LIGHTNING SPRING CLASS REGATTA, the THISTLE FALL REGATTA, as well as a major Independence Day Regatta that typically attracts between 40 and 60 boats. Moreover, the PYC participates in district or regional level championships every few years.
Each of these events provides a tremendous upscale economic opportunity for our entire Region.
HOWEVER…
One of the events not listed on the PYC website, and which Greg described to me in detail, is the club’s participation in an event initially sponsored by Pymatuning State Park. This event provides an unprecedented opportunity for resident youths living at one of our area’s youth social services organizations in Crawford County. During this event, these youths are not only given the opportunity to ride in one of the member’s sailboats, but also may be taught how to handle and sail the vessel!
What an INCREDIBLE GIFT!
Greg’s explanation of this event had, and has, particular attraction to me in many ways. Having spent more than 30 years working both on the East Coast and in Pittsburgh serving the needs of young men and women, I fully appreciate the need for kindness and consideration for our disadvantaged youth.
CONGRATULATIONS…to all the members and Families involved with the Pymatuning Yacht Club. Your organization has tremendous significance to so many aspects of our Lives. Your history is fascinating. Your philosophy is very, very special. Your commitment to the Future is significant and priceless!
And, Greg, the Artwork and photos installed on the walls of your office speak much, much more than you can ever imagine.