Pultneyville’s Crescent Beach then:1967
After posting the dates for the Bob Lamberton Memorial Sunfish Revival Regatta hosted by the Pultneyville Mariners’ Sail, Paddle and Canoe Club, we were excited to find out more about the area from Carol May, the club’s Sunfish Fleet Captain:
Carol, what makes Pultneyville a special place?
We have the only sandy beach between Rochester and Sodus Point, two restaurants, a sheltered harbor and cove from which to launch boats, swim and enjoy the best of summer. The War of 1812, Underground Railroad, shipping and ship wrecks have all contributed to the hamlet of Pultneyville’s rich history. Somehow – Pultneyville beckons you to relax and slow down.
On a typical summer Saturday, what types of activities might be found at your club?
You might see people camping, using the facilities to BBQ or cook in the kitchen, kids and teens enjoying the beach, playing volleyball or bocci, swimming, sailing, kayaking, wind-surfing or paddle boarding. In the shade of one of our tall willows, a member might be reading or napping. Usually in late afternoon “social hour” beckons members to share refreshments and camaraderie. Some weekends or evenings, informal catamaran racing brings some excitement and color. We host many social activities, including movies on the beach, steak and corn roast, potlucks, ice cream social to our annual Labor Day Lobster Bash.
Pultneyville’s Crescent Beach Today
What fleets are your largest or most active?
The two fleets that are most active would be the Cats with informal races every Tuesday night. The other is our Sunfish fleet. We will be hosting the Sunfish Revival Regatta on Pultneyville Homecoming weekend in July and participating in nearby area regattas. We also have a fleet of daysailors, such as Catalinas and MacGregors, etc. up to 22 ft. On a good weather day, it is not unusual to see 10-20 boats out sailing.
On July 20th you will be hosting the 6th Annual Bob Lamberton Memorial Sunfish Regatta. Can you tell us about Bob Lamberton, and what he meant to your club?
Bob Lamberton was one of the best sailors in our Club. He loved to share his skills with novice sailors. Unfortunately, Bob was struck with MS. As he became more disabled, he continued to enjoy sailing vicariously – insisting I take out his Sunfish while he watched from shore. After he died, we began to talk about ways to revive enthusiasm for the Sunfish class and we instituted the Bob Lamberton Memorial Sunfish Revival Regatta. It is now in its sixth year. We have had up to 18 boats participate and this year, we will have 2 divisions – Classic and Racing. Our hope is to bring new people to the sport. Starting in June, we will have sailing lessons on Sunday afternoons to help newbies become comfortable with racing.
In the Clubhouse
The Regatta is part of the Pultneyville Homecoming which is now in its 54th year – registration and details are available at www.sailpmc.org. The course is set up close to shore so that spectators can enjoy the races. We broadcast the race to shore via radio. Two races are usually held before lunch and 2 or 3 after. Awards and refreshments end the regatta around 3PM. That evening, as part of Homecoming events, we will be showing a full-length feature movie on the beach (actually projecting onto an old sail) . Of course, all entrants are invited to camp if they want to stay and enjoy our Club longer.
