Local Sailor to Compete in Hospice Regattas National Championship in Rochester, N.Y. in June 2009

Greg Gilmartin of Waterford, CT has been invited to lead a team of Mudhead sailors in the Hospice Regattas National Championship, which will be held June 5-7, 2009 in the waters of Lake Ontario, hosted by Rochester Yacht Club (RYC).
The new venue and dates for the Championship were just announced by Jean Swink Kluttz, president of the National Hospice Regatta Alliance (NHRA), which presents the National Championship each spring.
"Our National Championship gives us an opportunity to showcase the many local Hospice Regattas and to celebrate their winners," Kluttz said. "The NHRA board of directors is delighted to accept the generous offer of Rochester Yacht Club and local volunteers to organize the Championship for 2009."
Plans for the 2009 Hospice Regattas National Championship call for racing in 12 new Sonar sailboats outfitted with new sails, in a round-robin series that will maximize time on the water for all teams over the three-day competition. The Sonar, a 23-ft. one-design keelboat, races competitively with a skipper and three crew. Each suit of new sails will include a spinnaker, a main, and a jib small enough to be handled by nearly any size crew member.
"Certainly, the availability of new boats and sails will ensure an equal fleet for teams from the eligible hospice regattas," Kluttz added.
The host committee for the 2009 Hospice Regattas National Championship is being co-chaired by Hank and Mary Stuart and John and Lauren Doyle of RYC. The Stuarts and Doyles previously co-chaired Rochester's local Hospice Regatta in 2003, and all four have been active on host committees for national and international sailing competitions.
"The Rochester area offers great racing conditions, especially for such a competitive one-design boat," said Hank Stuart. "RYC and the host committee look forward to welcoming all these winning teams from local hospice regattas to Rochester and offering them great racing for a great cause," he added.
Gilmartin, a member of the Mystic River Mudhead Racing Association, said, "The Mudheads are very excited about sending a crew to Rochester to fight for the National Hospice Championship. RYC has a great reputation, a fine tradition and the venue is one of the best on the lakes. And we're all helping the same cause, so it should be a blast!"
For more information about the 2009 Hospice Regattas National Championship, visit www.hospiceregattas.org.

On Board Tall Ship Mystic & Schooner Argia - By S. Arps

One beautiful fall evening, we set sail on ARGIA, right from down-town Mystic. Along the Mystic River, the shores are lined with yachts and ship captain's homes. On the open water, whispering along under sail, distant islands and lighthouses were bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. Our tote bag held a bottle of wine to go along with the complimentary hors-d'oeuvres plate - life was good! As the sun set, we returned up the river at twilight. Along the way, passing boats greeted us on their way home for the night, and we waved to the folks gathered to watch the historic Mystic River Bridge open for us. The downtown lights twinkled, and the restaurants beckoned. We thought, "What a perfect way to end a visit to Mystic!" However, there was more to come! As we disembarked, the Captain of ARGIA pointed out the three-masted tall ship slipping into the dock ahead of us. She told us MYSTIC is a new ship just built by Voyager Cruises to sail in New England and the Bahamas. When she told us MYSTIC takes passengers, I looked at my wife's dropped jaw and glowing eyes and thought, "Here we go..."

CRUISE ON TALL SHIP MYSTIC: A few days later we found ourselves back in town at Schooner Wharf, boarding MYSTIC for a multi-day cruise among New England's Coastal Islands. Our cabin was attractive and comfortable. The deckhouses have wrap-around views (if you want to be out of the sun or wind) and the outside decks are wide with comfortable seating. The meals were astonishing - gourmet food on a windjammer?? You bet! Chef John uses local ingredients wherever possible, to create menus fit for a five-star restaurant.
We visited several islands during our five-day cruise, but one day stands out from the rest. As we left Block Island - after a sumptuous breakfast of course! - the sun rose in a sparkling blue sky, and the wind freshened from behind. Soon the waves sparkled and rose to the occasion, and we knew we were in for a ride! The nimble and talented crew climbed the rigging to let loose the square sails, which caught the wind as MYSTIC literally leaped forward.
With the wind at our backs, the sun high in the sky and warm, the powerful MYSTIC carried us all day down Vineyard Sound at exciting speeds. Captain Amy Blumberg and her crew were obviously delighted to show off the ship's best qualities. The ship was rock-steady, and even novice sailors among the passengers were at ease. As the crew reluctantly struck sail and dropped anchor in Vineyard Haven Harbor, we all knew we had experienced something special.
The remainder of our cruise was wonderful, but joining a tall ship on such a remarkable day of sailing was the highlight. We will return - it's really addictive!!!

Good-Bye Boats...Hello Open Houses - by Ann Bergendahl

As we look out onto the marinas, the boatyards, the mooring fields and the yacht clubs, the boats are beginning to make the shift from the water to the land. This migration, every fall, marks the end of another fun-filled Mystic summer. As we wave good-bye to the last of the summer tourists, pull our boats and store them for the winter, we can switch our attention to the real estate market. The good news is the fall real estate season is in full swing and you should be prepared if you plan to enter into it!

Here are some things to think about if you intend to put your house on the market in the next few months:

• Take some outdoor pictures NOW while everything is still colorful.

• Put your home on the Market... Although the summer tourist season is over, Mystic's fall season has just begun and could bring you a fresh bunch of buyers. The Day reported home sales had risen in July by 3.1 percent. Some believe this is the real estate market beginning to take a positive turn toward recovery!

• Hire a realtor you trust and then listen...An experienced agent is
familiar with this market and can help guide you with your decisions regarding PRICING your home, MARKETING your home and NEGOTIATING a deal that everyone is happy with in the end.

• Make a list of cosmetic upgrades you can do to your home and get started. Try to view your home through a buyer's eyes. Think about how your home looks from the street and what people see when they first walk through the door. A first impression is just that, and you will not get a second chance!

• Tell everyone you know you are thinking about selling your home. You never know who is looking to buy. can be your #1 marketer.

• Surf the internet. Go on line (84% of people start on a computer when looking for a home), see what is out there. Check your neighborhood. Look at properties already listed for things you like and do not like. Educate yourself on other ways to market your home. Sites like: TRULIA.COM, ZILLOW.COM and REALTOR.COM are full of information concerning real estate that is on the market as well as what your home is worth and information about your community.

Remember fall is a great time to market your home! The Holiday Season tends to slow down a bit. However, one's home can show beautifully with the right holiday decorations!

Dear Ms. Wedding Bells - By Patty Copp

Hello Readers:
If you are planning a wedding, a rehearsal dinner, a small gathering or a gala, Mystic and its environs offer a broad assortment of places for all manner of occasions. We have beneficial information for visitors and residents alike. See recent questions and responses to and from an experienced voice:

Dear Miss Wedding Bells (aka Justice of the Peace): My fiancé and I fell in love in Mystic and we really want to be married there. We are planning a small, informal wedding and our budget is limited; we hope you can help us make our dream come true. Signed, Pennywise and Hopeful

Dear Pennywise: You've come to the right spot with your hopes! As my grandmother used to say, "If you watch the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves." Happy Wedding! There's a charming Chapel/Meeting House in Olde Mistick Village (see photo) that can accommodate 50-55 people nicely. It's available by reservation for a reasonable fee by contacting Christine Robertson at 860/536-4941 for more information. Nearby is the S & P Oyster (Rt 1 and Holmes Street). Aside from the full restaurant offerings on the first floor, private functions for 40-50 people can be reserved on the lovely second floor - a rehearsal dinner, small wedding reception, a special gathering of any kind beginning in October through the winter months. The menu and prices are extremely varied. There is no charge for the space, and - all seating looks onto the Mystic River. For reservations, call 860/536-2674. About 100 yards from the Chapel/Meeting House in the Village is Go Fish - a restaurant of myriad offerings. Private party areas - one which holds a dozen people, a slightly larger space for 20-25, and one which can accommodate 40- 60 people - all of this by reservation of course. (It is even possible to engage the entire restaurant with appropriate advance request). No room charge fee. Go Fish also boasts a Sushi Bar - well known to the locals. Open 7 days - 536-2662. Signed, Ms. W.B.

Dear Ms. Wedding Bells: I'm from out of town, and am looking for a place to host a rehearsal dinner - wedding reception. We want something intimate, a nice private space where we can have toasts and speeches and maybe a little raucous laughter. I'm looking for something with that Mystic charm - any ideas? Signed, Excited but Overwhelmed Groom

Dear Excited Groom: Do remove the "overwhelmed," Ms. W.B. does have ideas! Just south of the heart of Mystic is the Daniel Packer Inne (and Pub) at 32 Water Street. There's Kristen's Room (14 people max), the Captain's Room (for 20 people) or the third floor which boasts views of the River and holds 40 people. Various minimums apply - a call - 860/572-0006 can give you complete information and party planning help! Signed, Ms. W.B.

Dear Ms. Wedding Bells: We're looking for something special and different for our Wedding Reception. We're both from large families so we'll need space for lots of people. We've waited a long time to "tie the knot" so we want to pull out all the stops and really celebrate! Can you point us in the right direction to help us fulfill our dream? Signed, A Happy Couple who are Ready!

Dear Happy Couple: You sound ready - so pick up the telephone or tap the computer keys. The Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, 79 Chester Main Road, sounds like it might be a fit! It's a short, pretty drive from Mystic to a picturesque location. Whether an indoor or outdoor wedding, they can accommodate 200 guests. A site fee for the winery and vineyard for the evening of course - with all kinds of possibilities. 860/535-0202 or, erica@jedwardswinery.com can give you complete information and help you plan (caterers, tent rentals, parking attendants, staff - a plethora of choices.) Weddings all begin at 5:30. Only one large wedding a weekend so early contact advised - so they'll be ready! Stay Happy! Signed, Ms. W.B.

Patty Copp (aka Ms. Wedding Bells) and her husband Web Copp have been justices of the peace for over thirty years, she offers advice for couples planning weddings of any size on any budget. Drop her an e-mail: patrish99@sbcglobal.net if you are looking for the "perfect spot" in the Mystic area, remember that experience is a good teacher. She will answer your questions in the next issue of Into The Mystic.

For information about getting married in Mystic, call the Mystic Chamber of Commerce at 860.572.9578. For more of Patty Copp's writing, pick up her book, "What Do We Say When We Say 'I Do?'" at Bank Square Books in downtown Mystic or visit her website: www.whenwesayido.com

Mystic Real Estate - By Robin Hall and Ann Bergendahl

The spring real estate season has unofficially begun in Mystic! While many parts of the country are experiencing the worst market declines seen in fifteen years, Connecticut and specifically the Mystic area, gear up for what we predict to be a respectable season.

Our quaint shoreline community is still relatively undiscovered despite our close proximity to both Boston and New York City and the notoriety brought on by "Mystic Pizza." Those who have found our little corner of the world cannot wait to return. Many have returned years later due to relocation, tor o purchase a vacation home or have chosen Mystic as the perfect place to retire.

Can you blame them? We have everything one could want in a lifestyle right in our back yards. We have many village communities where a family can enjoy the ocean, walk down to the corner store for a paper, have lunch at a great restaurant, visit an art exhibit or attend a concert all in one day and never once have to get into a car!

According to CT Multiple Listing Service Statistics, Stonington and Groton have shown an average decrease in sales transactions of only 9.5% and an average 60% increase in home prices when comparing the first quarter of 2008 to first quarter of 2007. These statistics are not as gloomy as the national statistics we are hearing continually in the newspaper and television media. In addition to this good news, it appears that sellers and buyers all over Mystic are beginning to find common ground in regards to home valuation!

Real estate is MOVING in Mystic!

Robin Hall and Ann Bergendahl  are both Realtors,  with 
Prudential Connecticut Realty in Stonington Village
860-535-2490
RobinHall@prudentialct.com AnnBergendahl@prudentialct.com