Published: Friday, January 16, 2004 at:8:24 PM




Mary Jo’s
Most Romantic Couple

Kellie and Mike

Normally this space is reserved for couples who have already celebrated at least one honeymoon at Bitter End, but a recent proposal was so captivating that it must be shared here… With many thanks to Scuttlebutt, who has allowed us to reprint sections of their daily news here, the words of our past guests tell the story best:

From Scuttlebutt #1272:

THE BIG QUESTION

Over a year ago, a group of us from Team Pendragon in Marina del Rey joined the Curmudgeon at the Bitter End Yacht Club for the first annual meeting of the Scuttlebutt Sailing Club. Held in conjunction with the Dry Creek Vineyard Pro Am, it was a fantasy sailing week for me! Luck had it, I was assigned to race with members of the Swedish Women’s Match Racing Team. Not only was it a fantasy week, but a reality week as well.

With Buttheads from around the globe gathering, I was also fortunate to meet Miss Kellie Fennessy, there with a group of her friends from San Francisco. Starting with a competition in a limbo contest (which she won!) we have been together almost continuously. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Curmudgeon for bringing us together and with special permission from the Curmudgeon, ask one question. “Kellie Fennessy, will you marry me?” — Mike Priest

When we read this, we waited with great anticipation for the answer! It came the next day . . .

From Scuttlebutt #1273:

KELLIE’S ANSWER IS . . .

Yes! I am one lucky girl! I’ve always admired the quiet, romantic and private side of Mike. And for all those emails and phone calls that we received… no date yet… but it will definitely not be on a regatta weekend (that really narrows it down!). — Kellie Fennessy

FROM OUR OTHER GUESTS

Some of our other guests, also Scuttlebutt Sailing Club or St Francis Yacht Club or Team Pendragon members, summed it up best:

From Don G: My wife, Karen, and I were at the Bitter End YC for the 2001 Pro Am Regatta and enjoyed observing the antics of Mike Priest in his quest for Kellie’s attentions. Good on ya, Mike, and Kellie: just say ‘Yes.’

From Ralph M: As a member of Team Pendragon and one who was in attendance at the Bitter End Yacht Club Pro Am Regatta, I can only convey that this was a match made in Virgin Gorda (Heaven). Kelly and Mike are perfect for each other.

From Bruce M: Is this a first — a marriage proposal on Scuttlebutt? All of us at the St. Francis Yacht Club would like to wish Kellie and Mike all the happiness in the world. They are great people and deserve it.

We’ve got a bottle of champagne chilling just for you two, Mike and Kellie. Congratulations!