May 2026

With May upon us, the Sun’s Spring warmth returning, and the nor-easters hopefully in the rearview mirror, the sailors are busy cleaning and readying their boats for the season ahead of them. As a past boater I know all too well of all the necessary chores that must be accomplished before that first adventure of the season. As I drove by the marina recently all the signs of awakening were present. Cars in the parking lot, wheel barrows in full use, and captains vigorously scrubbing the winter growth and debris of the decks and hulls. Looking out beyond the Marina it doesn’t take one long to appreciate where we live, always a short drive to an amazing beach, a beautiful view of the Straight and mountains in most directions. The ocean gives us much to be thankful for, from the sea food to the recreation. But the ocean/sailors have given all of us something most overlook, or just don’t know. Many of the sayings we use today come from the earlier days of sailing on the deep blue seas. 

Let’s start with one that appears to be a bit cheeky, “It’s cold enough to freeze the balls off of a brass monkey”. Now, the crude rudimentary mind would go somewhere I care not to discuss. But a brass monkey was the brass retainer that the British navy war ships stacked the iron canon balls on beside the cannons in the old days. Brass contracts more than Iron and as such at a certain very cold temperature the brass would contract enough that the cannon balls would roll off, thus the saying.

“In a Pickle”, meaning you’re in a bit of trouble is another saying from the sea. When Admiral Lord Nelson died in the Battle of Trafalgar it was decided to put his body in a barrel of rum to preserve it. Upon returning to port Lord Nelson had indeed been pickled.

“Sound Advice”, meaning good, solid advice, also came from the sea and sailors. “Sound” in this case refers to the nautical term describing a long, narrow inlet. It was considered foolish for a Captain to sail his ship into an unfamiliar Sound without the assistance of a local pilot.

Don’t forget to review the by-law changes that were emailed out on April 26^th. Any input prior to or at the May 15^th meeting is welcome.

Have a wonderful May and enjoy the Island,

President Pat