The reopening of Wiscasset Yacht Club on Sunday morning, April 29 means the summer boating season is near. WYC members will meet at the waterfront at 11 a.m. for the clubhouse’s annual spring cleaning and re-installation of the floats and docks.

Thursday, April 12 found several members putting the finishing touches on a new 8-foot by 30-foot-wide dock, one of six used to accommodate boaters. David King Sr. of Woolwich led a group of six WYC volunteers in assembling the dock that included contractor and WYC member Randy Trefethen. King, who serves as WYC dock and mooring master, said the project required about two days' labor.

“We purchased all the lumber we needed from N.C. Hunt of Damariscotta and the bolts and other hardware from Ames True Value here in town. I guess, all told, we spent a little over a thousand dollars for the materials we needed,” he added.

The club replaces one of its docks every three years or so. Each has a life expectancy of about 10 years.

“Surprisingly, it’s not the saltwater that damages the wood, it’s the sun, rain and the normal wear and tear the decking is exposed to that wears them out,” said King.

The work party also included Alan Boyes, Don Davis, Tom Stoner and Roy Jenkins. Davis is a past WYC commodore and Stoner serves as the club’s sailing commodore.

Trefethen operates Renovate Right Construction, based inWales. He and his crew spent about three hours building the frame. Then he grilled hamburgers for the crew to enjoy.

WYC was established in 1952 and has between 95 and 125 members. Boyes said the annual dues are $195 for a regular membership and $150 for a social membership. WYC officers include Don Davis, Commodore, John Bryer, Vice Commodore and Sonia Dallaire, Rear Commodore. The club’s annual Open House is June 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This summer, WYC is planning to offer an adult sailing program and one for youth. For more information, contact Stoner at mtstonermate@gmail.com