On the Island

Watch and Enjoy the 4th Annual Gosport Regatta

May 09, 2013

Spectators are welcome to set sail on the morning of Saturday, June 8 aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton to view the fourth annual Gosport Regatta.

Organized by Star Island and the Piscataqua Sailing Association, this historic open ocean race allows spectators to sail along with the race from the Piscataqua River to the finish line in Gosport Harbor and dock at Star Island. Once ashore, guests can delight in live entertainment, beverages and barbecue.

Voice of the Race and PSA member Mike Thiel previews his narration of the Gosport Regatta:  “For your understanding of the action out on the waters between Portsmouth and the Isles of Shoals, and hopefully for later in the year as you watch the America’s Cup, I’ve tried to simplify an explanation of what’s involved in sailboat racing to its most basic elements.”

Sailboats competing in the Gosport Regatta will be different in size, design, and number and size of sails. All boats in the race are handicapped in their race class and in this race by cruising, racing, or J24.  The J24 is one of the most popular racing boats in the world with about 7,000 built and many actively racing in fleets around the world.

Race courses are either windward/leeward, straight into the wind and then downwind, or triangular.  The third course option is some combination of the two, with marks designating the turning points. A great race tests a crew’s ability and boat to deal with different conditions, sailing or tacking to weather, rounding marks and dousing sails and setting new ones and running downwind. Sometimes races can be several times around the same marks. The first leg of a race is usually to windward.

The Gosport Regatta is traditionally run over a relatively long course, around 10 miles using U.S. Government navigation buoys as marks. The course is set on the day of the race, depending on the wind conditions that day.  A fast boat does not guarantee victory; strategy, boat-to-boat tactics, and team work are equally important.  In a hard-fought one-design race, and in pursuit races that are well handicapped, the finish can also be very exciting, with boats trying to nose out their competitors. Sometimes, even with a race several miles long, the difference between first and second place is just a matter of inches.

No regatta would be complete without the celebration and party after. Enjoy the action both on the water and ashore. Register online to attend the Gosport Regatta at StarIsland.org/Regatta where you will find tickets for Race Day and the overnight.

Star Island is New England’s most unique summer island home to a racing tradition started in 1874. Located approximately 10 miles off the coast of New Hampshire, Star Island is part of the National Register of Historic Places. More information about Star Island and the Gosport Regatta may be found at StarIsland.org.

Star Island Corporation

Share Your Thoughts – Food Service Survey

May 03, 2013

Dear Shoaler,

We hope you have five minutes to complete the following survey created by the Conference Services Committee in collaboration with Food Service Manager John Bynum and Conference Center Director Justina Maji.

Whenever our group gets together, dining room food options and service are often a topic of conversation. By completing this survey you’ll help us garner a wider perspective on any needed adjustments by the time you visit one of our 2013 summer programs.

We appreciate your time and hope you can complete this survey by Friday, May 17.

Sincerely,

The Conference Services Committee, John Bynum & Justina Maji

PS: Online registration is now available for summer programs!

On the Island

Eat, Drink and Be Merry at Fourth Annual Gosport Regatta

April 30, 2013

The fourth annual Gosport Regatta combines the best of a historic open ocean race with delicious food served in a unique setting on Saturday, June 8.

Guests board the M/V Thomas Laighton at 9:30 a.m. and follow the event from the mouth of the Piscataqua River to the finish line in Gosport Harbor.

After arriving at Star Island, guests will view incoming vessels from the Oceanic Hotel’s expansive front porch. Racing crews will be cheered up the front lawn after coming ashore.

Star Island Food Service Manager John Bynum is set to cook up a pleasing barbeque for the race day awards reception. Guests will enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, vegetarian options, and the standard barbeque accompaniments plus Bynum’s own potato salad. No New England sail racing event would be complete without chowder served from steaming pots on the front porch as spectators and racers arrive. The food is only half the fun as guests will dance to the live music of the Funky Divas. Beverage service during the race day will include a selection from Sam Adams and wines from the Peter Paul Winery.

The Sunday brunch menu will be served in the historic Oceanic Hotel dining room the morning after the Gosport Regatta featuring a selection of baked breakfast pastries, a smoked salmon platter, mixed spring green salad, white bean salad, scrambled eggs, home fries, sausage, roast turkey, wild rice pilaf, roasted vegetable medley, and an assortment of baked desserts prepared in Star Island’s own bakery. Brunch entertainment will feature Constellation, the acoustic music duet of Eric Thomas and Helen Wolfson from North Carolina.

Online registration is now open for anyone wanting to attend or race in the Gosport Regatta at StarIsland.org/Regatta.

Star Island is New England’s most unique summer island home to a racing tradition started in 1874. Located approximately 10 miles off the coast of New Hampshire, Star Island is part of the National Register of Historic Places. More information about Star Island and the Gosport Regatta may be found at StarIsland.org.

Events

Robert’s Maine Grill to Host Community Supper for Star Island

April 24, 2013

Robert’s Maine Grill in Kittery, Maine, will host a “Community Supper” on May 7th & 14 to help support Star Island.

Star Island’s vision is to create on Star Island an environment that frees all who come to explore matters of consequence, and gain knowledge about the world as it might ideally be.

Every Tuesday & Wednesday night Robert’s Maine Grill, Route 1, in Kittery offers a “Community Supper” starting at 4PM. The main focus of the supper is a $14, 3 course menu – a mid-week “recession buster” offering. The menus are in the spirit of Robert’s style: Maine Comfort Food with an updated twist. Robert’s regular dinner menu is also available. To add to the community spirit of it, each Tuesday & Wednesday Robert’s donates a portion of proceeds from the evening to a local non-profit. Upcoming Community Supper menus are posted at www.robertsmainegrill.com.

The Community Suppers that will benefit Star Island will take place May 7th & 14. Reservations are recommended.

On the Island

4th Annual Gosport Regatta Promises 3 Days of Great Entertainment

April 22, 2013

The fourth annual Gosport Regatta sets sail on Saturday, June 8. Organized by Star Island and the Piscataqua Sailing Association, this premier seacoast event allows spectators to experience the excitement of open ocean racing with a fleet of 40 sailboats in the racing, cruising and J-24 classes.

“We are thrilled that this event continues and grows stronger each year,” said Joe Watts, Star Island CEO. “Star Island is the perfect location for end-of-race festivities and an opportunity to bring guests, crews, skippers, and sponsors together in the historic dining room of the Oceanic Hotel.”

Originally held in 1874 and revived in 2010, the Gosport Regatta features live entertainment by some of the region’s finest musicians. The race weekend kicks off on the night of Friday, June 7 with a reception for sponsors and skippers. Performing at the reception are local musicians Jim White and Dave Brown as the Brown and White Band. Their music is an eclectic mix of R&B, blues, rock, standards, and jazz.

The Funky Divas return on Saturday, June 8 to perform for the Regatta race day. The non-stop style of the Funky Divas gets people up and rocking with an R&B/gospel style.

Sunday brunch will feature Constellation, the acoustic music duet of Eric Thomas and Helen Wolfson from North Carolina. Wolfson plays the hammered dulcimer with Thomas accompanying on guitar. From the blues on the hammered dulcimer through high-energy instrumentals to string-bending guitar leads played against folk and Celtic standards, Constellation covers a lot of ground.

Visit StarIsland.org/Regatta to register and for more information about the Gosport Regatta. Spectators staying for the overnight will experience all race day events and the next day’s brunch.

Spectators will board the M/V Thomas Laighton departing out of Portsmouth and head out to the mouth of the Piscataqua River to start the race. While viewing the race, the Laighton will make its way to Star Island and dock for an afternoon bbq.

Star Island is New England’s most unique summer island home to a racing tradition started in 1874. Located approximately 10 miles off the coast of New Hampshire, Star Island is part of the National Register of Historic Places. More information about Star Island and the Gosport Regatta may be found at StarIsland.org.

Star Island Corporation

Star Island in Christian Century

April 22, 2013

Check out the new Star Island ad in the May 1, 2013 issue of Christian Century. Our ad promoting United Church of Christ themed programs, is located on page 36.

Star Island’s summer 2013 UCC themed programs included Star Gathering UCC 1, Star Gathering UCC 2, and Laity Family Weekend. All three of these programs are open for people of any age. Both Star Gathering programs also have an independent youth program for high school-aged youth.

As the ad in Christian Century says, online registration is now open for all programs. And new families can take advantage of a special discount for attending either Star Gathering 1 or 2, or Laity Family Weekend. Check out our discount page to learn more.

Pictures in this advertisement were provided by (from top) Bob Levine, Irene Bush, Steve Hathaway, and Sean D. Elliot.

Conference Updates

Historic Star Flyers Released

April 19, 2013

Visit Queen Victoria this summer on Star Island during the Historic Star Conference! Program leaders for HSC, taking place from Saturday, August 24 to Saturday, August 31, recently released a flyer with upcoming highlights for this year’s gathering.

Beyond the royal visit, guests will delve into the Victorian era on the Isles of Shoals and the surrounding seacoast communities. Learn about the parallel lives of fishing villagers and hotel guests and create a masterpiece during a seaweed pressing workshop.

And for entertainment, relax with a cup of tea while partaking in a game of croquet.

Learn more about Historic Star by liking them on Facebook or visiting their program listing.

And download their flyer today to share with your friends. Registration for Historic Star and all 2014 programs on Star is now available online.

On the Island

2012: A Year of Accomplishments

April 05, 2013

Hello fellow Shoalers!
It was a wintry mix this morning, yet things are already heating up in preparation for the next season on Star. A lot is in the works to get ready for next June and a lot has been accomplished in the last 12 months.
I want to take a few minutes to share several successes from the past year that will help us continue our progress to sustainability. So here are a few accomplishments:

  • We have surpassed our occupancy plan for 2012.
  • We have taken the difficult steps to reduce island costs while preserving the Star experience.
  • We have exceeded our financial goals in 2012.
  • We have successfully completed our Capital Campaign.
  • We have completed an RFP process and are pursuing alternatives to the use of diesel on island.
  • We have completed an engineering study to improve efficiencies in wastewater treatment.
  • We have appreciated the leadership of Vicky Hardy as she has relocated to the west coast.
  • We have accomplished a smooth transition to our own Joe Watts as our new CEO.
  • We have supported staff efforts to reorganize our organization for the coming year.
  • We are in the midst of replacing our entire database system.
  • We have not requested extra support from the Permanent Trust.
  • We have met compliance requirements of our bankers and regulators.
  • We have completed an entire renovation of Cottage A.
  • We have held a strategic planning session at the Board’s winter retreat.
  • We have started the major renovation of the hotel front wall and porch.

I do go on… All of these accomplishments, and many more, have sprung from the tireless efforts of all our staff and countless volunteers. The Shoaler Community continues to be a model of generous sharing of time, talent, and treasure.
On behalf of a grateful Board – thank you all!
Russ
Russell A. Peterson, President of SIC

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On the Island

Share the Island Love

April 05, 2013

By Joe Watts, CEO

This issue of the newsletter asks of us “What do you love about Star Island?” Stop and think about this for a moment…what do you love about Star Island?

I’m guessing that your answer might have something to do with a sense of community and belonging, and how we’re challenged to be our best selves and bring the Star magic home with us. It might have to do with the unique combination of place, people and programming. Perhaps it’s because Star is a great place to be a kid or to know your kids are having an amazing and enriching experience.

Our vision statement says we “…create on Star an environment that frees all who come to renew spiritually, explore matters of consequence, and gain knowledge about the world as it might ideally be.” Awesome.
You know how you and others have fallen in love with Star. Now it’s time to share the love. We have some bold new programs to attract new families, families who haven’t been for a while, former Pelicans, off-island groups, people who want to come to more than one conference, and more. We are inviting you to reach out to these folks, make sure they know about these opportunities for substantial savings, and encourage them to come to a conference in 2013.
More information on the following programs is available at www.starisland.org:

  • New families: Perhaps you’ve heard about how wonderful Star is, likely from a friend or family member. This year, you can bring your family to one of seven conferences for a significantly reduced rate (room & board capped at $2,000, or $1,600 for single parent households). This maximum/cap is particularly helpful for families with children aged 6 and up (since room & board is already free for all children under 6).
  • Families who haven’t been for a while: Why not return this year? We are extending this same offer to you, if you haven’t attended a full-length conference since 2010. S-T-A-R…you will come back!
  • Pelicans: Remember how much you loved your time on the island? If you have not attended a conference since you’ve been a Pelican – or if you have but not since 2010 – why not come to a full-length conference this year and receive 50% off your room & board?! R-A-T-S…you will come back!
  • Group discounts: Ever thought of bringing out your book group, garden club, or church group? This is the year! We are offering significant discounts to each member of your group (including you) for existing mainland groups which come to Star for the first time in 2013.
  • Come twice & save big: Have you ever thought of doubling your time on Star? This is the time – anybody who attends a full-length conference this year can also come during the last week in August and get 50% off their room & board!
  • Financial aid: Star Island Corporation offers a confidential financial aid program, and most conferences also offer a scholarship program, to assist those who can’t otherwise afford to come.
  • And don’t forget that room & board is free for all children under 6!

We are inviting lovers of Star to share the love. This is the year to bring your friends and family – whether they’re new to Star or haven’t been back for a while. Help us to spread the word – Star Island is amazing, and this is the year to come for a radically reduced rate!
See you – and your friends – on Star!

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