BLISS 1998

August 5-7th, Dodsons Shipyard, Stonington, CT.

Newsletter Summary

During the winter of 1998 several Island Packet owners communicating on the internet lamented the fact that there was not a rendezvous in the Southern New England / Long Island area.     A few decided to do something about it and began organizing the first rendezvous.   Bruce and Loretta Gregory,  Charlie and Sue Purdham and Rick and Bonnie Fricchione became the BLISS Rendezvous Committee.  Visits were made to several locations, and in the end Dodson's shipyard in Stonington, CT was selected as the location.  .   

On Friday the boats began to arrive, and the harbor and slips began to fill up with Island Packets.   The friday night pot-luck supper was a resounding success and surprised everyone with its variety and volume of food.  A speech by Bill Bolin from the Island Packet factory gave attendees an idea of what the future of the line held as well as the industry.   

On Saturday,  an open-boat was held where each Packeteer showed their boat to others.  Boats on moorings pulled up to those on the docks and rafted up to allow easier access.  After the open-boat, the group picture was taken (see below) and everyone prepared for dinner.  The dinner was held with a lobster/clambake format and Bruce Gregory was the head-chef.   He did an excellent job with the feast.

On Sunday morning a "dingy scavenger hunt" was held.   This was done by packeteers taking their boats dingy and following a series of clues to find 9 island packet stars hidden in various places in the harbor.  The stars were on boats, buoys and docks.   The Betancourt family won the contest, and were given a West Marine clock for their prize. 

On Sunday afternoon, the crowd departed with hopes of an even better BLISS 99.  BLISS 98 had over 25 boats and 90 people!

Many thanks to those who attended, and many thanks to our sponsors for making this possible. 

BLISS 1998 Group Pictures

BLISS 1998 Dock Pictures

BLISS 1998 Rendezvous Dinner Pictures

BLISS 1998 Event Pictures

BLISS 1998 Publications

BLISS 1998 Attendees