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Photo Elsa Allen
Gathered for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the West End Racing Club on Sunday are (back, left to right) Lauren Shea, former member Greg Ciluzzi, instructor Jeb Santos, co-founder Flyer Santos, former member Rebecca Hoeflinger, (front) members John Robert Allison and Philip Allison, and future member Ty Beck. |
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Racing Club a constant in changing town
Elsa Allen
BANNER CORRESPONDENT
There are a lot of things from my childhood that aren't around anymore. In the early '90s everyone had Hypercolor t-shirts, neon-hued Body Glove swimsuits, Reebok Pump sneakers, and we were all listening to Young MC.
By now most of you are probably asking yourselves 'who?...what?'
The reason I'm bringing this up is because we would all don our Hypercolor t-shirts, radioactive-looking swim suits, hop on our bikes and pedal as fast as we could down to the West End Racing Club.
If it was sunny and the tide was just right upon our arrival, we would hurry into the dark boathouse, pull the sails from their racks, grab the damp life-jackets from where we had left them hanging the day before, and hurry down to the beach where the boats sat in wait. Everyone would work as a team, teaching newer members how to assemble the Sunfish, raise the sails, and eventually, steer the small boats out into the harbor.
If it was rainy, or the tide was not quite high enough, we would all hang around, hoping that conditions would turn to our favor, all the while making friends, goofing off, and just being kids. It was a great way to spend the summer.
Now, 10 years later, Hypercolor, Body Glove and Young MC have all faded into the distant memories of those who once held them so dear (or maybe we all just like to pretend that they never existed), and so much about my life has changed.
One thing, however, remains the same.
Each summer morning, if you pay close attention, kids from all over town can be seen dressed in the hippest of youth fashion, discussing the latest MTV video, and peddling as fast as they can down to the West End Racing Club.
Unfortunately, I had to grow up, and my days of spending the entire summer swimming, sailing and riding my bike around town are long over. But I will always remember the Racing Club for what it taught me, and the sense of purpose that it gave to me and my friends.
Last Sunday I learned (or was reminded of what I already knew) that I was not the only one that holds such fond memories of the Racing Club. In its 50-year history, the club has touched several generations of Provincetown residents, and Sunday was their day to say 'thank you.'
Under gray skies and occasional light rain, past, present, and even future members of the West End Racing Club gathered to pay homage, reunite with old friends, and re-live a few of the good old days.
Despite the threatening skies and the chilly weather, a few diehard youngsters set out, determined to spend at least part of the day sailing. Those who preferred to stay a bit drier congregated on the deck and in the boathouse, catching up on the past, thumbing through old photo albums, feasting on platters of sandwiches, vats of kale soup, and a huge birthday cake, and wandering around the boathouse reminiscing.
Former members are not the only ones to have recognized what a gift the Racing Club has been to this town (although I think we know it the best). The Provincetown Selectmen issued a proclamation stating: 'Whereas Francis Santos, Larry Richmond, Richard Santos, Frank Rogers, Joe Andrews, Fillmore Miller and Will Hurlburt joined together to solidify a common goal to give kids in Provincetown an opportunity to learn how to sail and enrich their lives with nautical knowledge and experience. Now, therefore, We, the Board of Selectmen ... do hereby proclaim Sunday, the 13th day of August, in the year 2000 as West End Racing Club Day, and encourage citizens to express their gratitude, honor and continued support.'
Along with the recognition from the town, letters poured in from Congressman William Delahunt, State Rep. Shirley Gomes, Portuguese Ambassador Joao da Rocha Paris, and even President Bill Clinton.
Amidst all the praise, Flyer Santos remained himself, keeping the focus on the children and sharing stories from the past. Susan Avellar continued to maintain her kindhearted yet unyielding hand over the youngsters, often being overheard stressing the importance of club rules and water safety. Club instructors went on sailing and former members seemed unaffected by the newfound fame.
After all, we don't need outside affirmation, although its been well-deserved and a long time coming. We recognized the greatness of the club long before Bill Clinton did. And although political recognition is always nice, isn't the recognition of one's students the best gift? Everyone who showed up Sunday did so because they recognized how important the Racing Club has become to Provincetown.
Fifty years ago, when those young men gathered on 'Flyer's Beach,' it's highly unlikely that they knew what they were starting. But now it's clear. Let's just hope that as Provincetown continues to undergo changes, at least the West End Racing Club will still be here 50 years from now.
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PHS Sports
Nauset Sports |
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Aug 17th, 2000