Bish, MOM, Schmoo:

My trip to the race course was a total disaster. As my wife and the rest of my party left the race course well before the end of the race, we were attacked by a number of “hecklers” who shouted obscenities at me and my party and put my wife and family in danger. Security was inadequate to non-existent and we were led out through a hostile crowd on a very long route. If it had not been for my grandson and his friend, we could all have been severely injured or killed. In addition, the media were forcing cameras in our faces and slowing our escape from a very dangerous situation and experience. We finally escaped without serious injury, but only due to luck and the intervention of my grandson and his friend. Security had completely abandoned us.

After this traumatic experience, I will not return to the race course for any reason, including any regattas scheduled for the end of this season or a contemplated next season. No person, much less the commodore of a GYA club, should have either he, his family, or his friends subjected to this form of danger, intimidation, and abuse. We will not be back on the race course for any reason. I was advised not to go, but wanted to support the GYA. It was my mistake.

I wanted each of you to know of this miserable experience and disappointment to me after I had tried to cooperate in every way.

Sincerely,
ExComm