BJ Blanchard: Notes, from Glen Ellen, Oct. 19Inside the Jack London Yacht Club

The Yacht Club is launching a new fundraiser called the “Jack to Jack” classic model-boat race|

For years, Glen Ellen has been a hotbed of innovation and creativity. Writers, artists, environmentalists have all put down roots here, and helped give Glen Ellen its distinction.

Welcome to the newest creative adventure: The Jack London Yacht Club. The JLYC is a nonprofit organization aiming to support other local nonprofits and public entities, and build community through fundraising efforts and engagement in the Valley of the Moon.

To that end, the JLYC has created a fundraiser called the “Jack to Jack” classic model-boat race. This race will be held every April down Sonoma Creek. The creeks are high in April, and selected volunteer firefighters will launch supporters’ miniature Snarks at the town bridge near the Jack London Saloon. Then the model boats will race .7 miles down swift-moving Sonoma Creek to the finish line at Jack London Village.

Anyone can sponsor an 18-inch replica Snark. A business, a winery, a family or a single entity, can launch their Snark down Sonoma Creek. All sponsorship funds go to local nonprofits.

There may be GPS on the model boats, and cameras along the creek to transmit images for supporters to view on their home screens all over the Valley. Or, fans may just cheer from the Jack London Saloon where images will be broadcast.

Imagine a hundred little Snarks (miniatures of Jack’s magnificent sailboat), sailing down the engorged Sonoma creek. Enthusiasm will be high and traditions made.

To gear up for this rousing and remarkable nautical event, there will be a Yacht Club Barbeque this Sunday, Oct. 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Jack London Saloon back patio. Members and would-be members are encouraged to attend. In January, a dinner auction will occur where you can purchase a boat, or contribute to sponsorships, or just arrange to attend the race festivities and cheer on your favorite vessel.

Stay tuned for news from Jim Burch, commodore, or Ana Dominguez, vice commodore, at jacklondonyachtclub.org to learn more. Membership is open – C’mon aboard!

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