To the Cruising Fleet - Last night was quite the party. The unofficial headcount was over 90 people, and must be some sort of Cruising Fleet record. For those who couldn't find a seat to eat, we are sorry. Maybe we could encourage the Club to buy a few more tables and chairs? It takes a Fleet (village?) to put this kind of party together! The food, both quantity and quality, were awesome. Special thanks to Howie (Rinehart) for his deviled eggs, baked ham, and set up before the party even began. Thanks to John & Jennifer Sheehan for watching out over the bar, and to Jim Luce for signing folks in. And thanks to the myriad of folks who helped out in the kitchen especially - but not limited to - Irene Nathanson, Harvey & Gayle Chertoff, Flo Muller, Patty Lukes, Rich Gressle, Gail Ferrero, Nancy Bolan, Vin Landers, Joan Krilla, and Susan & Bunky Brehaut. If I've missed or forgotten someone who helped out, I apologize. After dinner, the dynamic tag-team of Morris Azar and John Michael announced the Fleet racing winners for 2017 and ran the evening's raffle which sold more than 300 tickets. Many thanks to West Marine and Samalot Marine for contributing the raffle prizes. Finally, congratulations to new member Vic Tartaglia for winning the 50/50 raffle that was over $130. Welcome to the Cruising Fleet, Vic! Surprise guests were Steph & Judy Sellinger - it was really wonderful to see them. A special award was given to Jonah Pollisar, a junior sailor who raced enthusiastically every chance he could with the Cruising Fleet both Wednesdays and Sundays. We need more junior sailors like him. So that's it for the 2017 Cruising Fleet season. Watch your e-mails for the date of the annual Cruising Fleet business meeting, usually scheduled for the end of February. This is where we decide what programs we want to support in 2018, how to spend Fleet money, and call for volunteers to get involved and manage the programs. We hope you all will have a warm holiday season, and a wonderful winter. Lee Luce Cruising Fleet Secretary