Yacht Club finds Orca, names 200th member

BY Aprile McKinnon

Participants from the Canyon Lake Yacht Club and Canyon Lake community gathered at Diamond Point Park Saturday with a fun mission to locate a “wandering and potentially dangerous mammal.”

After receiving instructions from Hunt Masters Paul Hawker and Teresa Fidler approximately 70 people, divided among 12 boats, set sail from the Diamond Point Park dock, determined to find the recently-spotted Orca. After an hour or two, they returned, eager to share their findings.

Photo by Ron Wilbur

The results of the scavenger-style hunt were announced by Hunt Master Paul Hawker. First place went to Captain Pete Dorazio and passengers – 35 out of 36 points, second place was Captain Cindy Cameron and passengers – 31 out of 36 points, third place was Captain Eric Rosenthal and passengers – 25 out of 36 points, and fourth place was Captain Harold Willard and passengers – 19 out of 36 points.

During the Yacht Club‘s annual picnic on Sunday, Hunt Master Hawker shared new Orca evidence. Sadly, the wayward Orca had been found deceased, but an autopsy revealed it was a recently-birthing female.

Hawker assured the crowd that the infant Orca had been promptly adopted and was being cared for by compassionate Canyon Lakers. However, if it were to escape its current habitat and grow into a rowdy adult like its parent, the Yacht Club would mobilize the community to locate it next year at its annual Whale Hunt.

The safety and responsible enjoyment of Canyon Lake, the Yacht Club‘s primary amenity, remain paramount. Commodore Ron Wilbur praised the brave participants of this year‘s hunt and pledged the club‘s unwavering commitment to protect the lake and its residents from potentially dangerous creatures.

With recent violent Orca attacks in Australia in mind, Ron addressed the club Sunday.

“While we prioritize fun, let‘s take a moment to be serious,” Ron said. “Any wild and potentially vicious creature entering Canyon Lake will face the Yacht Club‘s scrutiny. We stand ready to safeguard our precious lake and its inhabitants.”

Meanwhile, at the Sunday member picnic, the club commemorated its 200th member, Shelley Cook. Shelley, along with her husband Tim Cook, submitted their membership application on June 8. Tim became the 199th member, while Shelley proudly claimed the coveted 200th member title.

During the picnic, Shelley received a certificate and a $50 Canyon Lake Country Club gift card from Commodore Ron, recognizing her as the 200th member.

“Their $30 membership fee yielded a remarkable $50 gift card,” Ron said. “A fantastic return on investment.”