Shallop Elizabeth Tilley visits SBYC
Bill Buckley visits Rockport and SBYCIt is hard to imagine that Spring and another
sailing season are just around the corner. Last week I couldn't tell where the
shrink-wrap on my Flying Scot began and the snowdrifts ended. Although the snow
has now dissolved into puddles large enough to navigate, we're still sharpening
skis and heading North with the Sandy Bay Yacht Club ski group this weekend.
Skiing, however, has not been the only club activity this winter as the Board of
Governors has again been hard at work preparing and budgeting for the upcoming
season. We appear to be in good shape in terms of personnel, membership,
finances and our facility, although we are still exploring options for the snack
bar.
We are very excited to have Liz Fiumara moving
into the position of Sailing Director. Having advanced through each stage of the
program as a student and teacher, she has a unique understanding of and fondness
for the program. As she will also be finishing up her academic studies this year
and preparing to embark on a teaching career, she will bring her own unique
abilities to the program. We hope she will remain on board for some time and I
am sure she will appreciate your support. We are also fortunate that
Margot Hintlian agreed to assume the duties as the Sailing Program
Treasurer. She is a welcome Margot to the Sailing Program organization.
Renovations to the club will continue with locker
roofs scheduled for replacement and a number of other projects underway. Through
careful budgeting and a few generous gifts, the club has been able to proceed
with this work using operating funds and marginal fee increases, and not having
to raise additional money from the general membership. We continue to build
capital funding to offset long-term expenses and equipment replacements.
Nonetheless, because our operating budget only allows a small amount to be set
aside for capital improvement, we have little room for unusual expenses. Each
year we must borrow from the capital reserve to fund operations until dues start
to come in. We will be working again this year to try to raise monies to augment
our small operating reserve to ensure that early season operating and
non-budgeted expenses can be spread over two or more years without borrowing
from capital accounts. You will be hearing more about this as the summer
progresses.
Again, we are looking forward to a busy and
successful season with a number of regattas, striper tournament, etc. That we
can accomplish this is due, in large part, to the fine efforts of Ron and his
returning staff, the hard work and commitment of the sailing instructors, our
new sailing director, and the many volunteers who commit their time and energy
to make SBYC a fun place to be. We are hoping to try some innovative social
events, including some Friday night open grills, etc. I encourage anyone, who
hasn't already, to come down and lend a hand.
I look forward to seeing all of you at the
upcoming Spring Dinner and Work Day as we prepare for the season and the opening
event at the club, my personal favorite, the Commodore's Reception.
Stephen M. Ouellette
Commodore
Treasurer - At
the start of 2003 there was $38,261.51 to operate the club until income is
received during April and May. This is less than previous years due mainly to
the rebuilding of the front deck/porch and overruns of some budgets during the
last quarter of 2002. Some of the items were for early billing, no doubt due to
the current downturn of the economy. The budgets planned for this year has taken
this into account.
John Harper
House Committee
- Current activities: Re-roofing the lockers and installing a new,
commercial, under-the-counter dishwasher are the two primary capital projects
for the spring. The two projects will use the entire club improvements portion
of the 2003 capital budget. We hope to have both projects completed before
Memorial Day. As part of the operational budget, we will build one new float and
finish re-caning the seats for the remaining rockers.
Work Day. Please reserve Saturday, May 17
as the tentative work day for the club. We will begin at 8:30 and serve lunch to
all of our volunteers. May 18 is the rain date. The activities currently planned
are:
- Sand and varnish
rockers,
- Painting (e.g. trim on the front of the club,
the eaves under the lockers),
- Demolishing and disposing a float,
- Minor woodworking projects (e.g. shower room
floor),
- Cleaning the deck,
- Plant and equipment inventory to develop a
capital budget, and
- Miscellaneous start of the season activities.
At the Annual Meeting in September, we reported
several activities that we would like to pursue. Unfortunately, the current
budget constraints preclude us from pursuing some of the projects and we did not
receive any response from educational institutions to prepare preliminary
designs for an upgrade to the club. Given these constraints, the House Committee
is requesting assistance with any of the following activities:
Club Upgrade. The project scope includes
adding a full dormer on the rear roof of the building; adding a porch similar to
the front; and reconfiguring the rest rooms and snack bar. The footprint of the
proposed porch will be identical to the area under the awning. We are asking any
interested club members to assist with preparing a design and construction
package suitable for sending out to bid, a list of the applicable codes, a
design conforming to the codes, a model, floor plans, elevations, mechanical and
electrical drawings, construction drawings, specifications, equipment lists,
budget and construction schedule. We also invite any interested members to
assist the House Committee with overseeing this project.
New and replacement equipment. During the
winter, the House Committee investigated new and replacement equipment. The
current capital budget precludes our purchasing the equipment in 2003. If club
members are inclined to make a contribution, the following are estimated costs
associated with each respective equipment item:
- New folding tables and chairs (~$2,000.00).
- Two gas grills (~$1,100.00).
- Bicycle racks (two, twenty stations commercial
racks ~$1,100.00) (NOTE:
This is a safety item that will enable us to reduce the trip hazards and
provide access to the lockers.)
- lce
Machine (~$3,000),
- Freezer (~$750.00)
Please feel free to contact me
if you have any suggestions for additional House Committee projects.
Ed Desmarais
Race Committee -
The 2002 race season was very successful due in part to having Andrew Greely as
the full time Primary Race Officer and the large number of volunteers who helped
out. Nearly 150 volunteer days were given by the club members for the season!
More members learned various Race Committee duties, which is bringing some real
depth to the club. I would like to see this continue this season as well.
We are hoping to have a full time PRO again this
year. The "mandatory" voluntary Race Committee staff program will be in place
again. Each fleet captain will be contacted to fill the positions. 2003 looks to
be a busy and exciting season. Sandy Bay will be hosting the Rhodes 19 East
Coast Championship in June as well as the Star District Championships in July.
The regular race schedule will be in effect and
includes racing Wednesday nights.
I will be keeping the fleet captains up-to-date
as we get closer to the season, which is not far off. I look forward to another
great year and hope to see you at the Skipper and Crew meeting at NOON on
Saturday, May 24th.
Steve Fritch
SBYC Fleet Captain
- As always, dock space continues to be a problem at SBYC. Last year
we were fortunate in being able to find either a dock space or a temporary
mooring for every boat that needed one. It is too early to tell how we'll end up
this year, but with a full complement of Stars and at least six Rhodes 19s, two
Flying Scots and two Bullseyes interested in spaces, it could be touch and go.
Members with boats who would like to be
considered for dock space should contact their fleet captain or me prior to May
1. The lottery is scheduled to be held on the Work Day (May 17; rain date, May
18) at the club. Dock spaces are allocated according to the standing Dock Space
Policy, excerpts from which were published in last year's Spring Newsletter
(available on the SBYC web-site).
This year the club is hosting three regattas,
including the Rhodes 19 District Championships (June 1315), Ned Hay (June
21-22), and the Star District Championships (July 18-20). Dry-sailing skippers
from non-regatta fleets are asked to remove their boats and trailers from the
dock by noon on the day before the first day of racing on these weekends. Please
note that the two District Championships events begin on Friday, so boats and
trailers should be removed by Thursday noon. Those interested in leaving their
boats in the water for these weekends should check in with Ron.
Ned Jeffries
Membership Committee
- Membership currently stands at 882. It is the hope of the committee
to increase membership through sponsorship of "Open House" coffees on June
Sundays so that prospective members will have the opportunity to visit and meet
us. On August 9, the committee is planning to have a new members' cocktail party
so that new members, prospective members, and established members can meet each
other. At these events, the Membership Committee will be present to answer any
questions and to make introductions among new and old members who have similar
interests.
Bill McKinney
Long Range Planning
- The Long Range Planning Committee is still in need of establishing
a CAPITAL/RESERVE fund. A fundraising campaign was begun last year and stalled.
We feel there is a definite need for a greater amount in the reserve fund than
we have been able to save. We have been fortunate not to have had extraordinary
emergency expenses recently. We do have a great need for reserves for major
capital expenses, like repairs to the front deck and future improvements such as
remodeling the clubhouse, snack bar and bathrooms. Our dues structure is kept
low, and we are not able to fund the reserve without a fundraising campaign.
Joe Chambers
Social Committee
- The days are getting longer, the temperatures warmer. Boats are being
readied for that all important date with the club
crane. The time has come to start considering what SBYC might offer for summer
activities and social gatherings.
Last year taught us to understand the importance
of getting together. We had record attendance at most of our club-sponsored
events. Early indications are that we can anticipate an equally enthusiastic
crowd this year. And we have a dedicated social committee eager to put together
a busy Social calendar. 2003 club social events are
dovetailed with many special regatta and race-related events that Sandy Bay is
hosting this year, so brace yourselves for a whirlwind season.
Last year's Dinner-Dance was such a monumental
success (despite the oppressive temperatures) that we have been asked to do it
again this year. Our tireless planning crew has indicated that they are willing
to pull it together once more for another delightful August evening. Our
Junior-Senior-Family Cookout was another surprise hit. It is back this year as
well, along with the Steak & Lobster Night. Additionally we are re-introducing
an old favorite the pancake breakfast, a fundraiser to help pay for new chairs
and tables. So mark your calendars. Watch the bulletin boards for additional
information and don't forget to sign up to host a Sunday morning coffee.
We are grateful to a certain contingent of
volunteers who faithfully appear to work their magic before and after each of
our social gatherings. But they should not continue to bear the responsibility
alone. We are seeking additional social committee members to help bring about
these events that provide many a summer evening's entertainment. These events
require a tremendous amount of preplanning and on-site work. We are a motley
crew, but we have a lot of fun pulling everything together. So come, join our
committee, and lend a hand. It's also a great way for new members to get
acquainted. We'll gladly welcome you aboard.
Leslie Cooney
Junior Yacht Club -
This summer the Junior Yacht Club is looking forward to working with the new
sailing director, Liz Fiumara. Two cookouts on Cape Hedge Beach are planned -
one during the first session in July and one in August during the second
session. Labor Day events that include the entire family are scheduled. The
annual Junior Yacht Club float in the Fourth of July Parade will need your
ideas, enthusiasm and participation. Junior sailors become members of the Junior
Yacht Club with payment of dues, required at registration, and can take part in
all JYC sponsored events.
Junior Yacht Club members should check the
bulletin board at the Clubhouse for the dates and times of
upcoming events or contact the officers with your questions and
suggestions.
Joanna Clark,
Co-commodore
Alex Levin, Co-commodore
2003 Sailing Program
- The sailing program is looking forward to a summer of continued
excitement. Liz Fiumara has been hired as the SSP Sailing Director. Many of you
know Liz, but if you do not, please stop by and introduce yourself. Liz grew up
sailing and racing at SBYC. She has been on the teaching staff for seven years
and served as a race coach for the past two summers. Liz is graduating from
Salve Regina University in May with a teaching degree. We are thrilled to have
Liz's continuing presence in the Sailing Program.
The Sailing Program is pleased to have Olaf
Aprans return to teach the adult classes. Adults with an interest in learning
how to sail or a desire to further their skills are encouraged to register.
Adult registration can be done by mail. If you do not receive a Sailing Program
brochure, call, and one will be mailed to you.
Organization and class structure of the sailing
program remain basically unchanged. Our calendar has been set and, barring a
late season blizzard affecting the public school calendar, the first day of
sailing classes is scheduled for Monday, June 23. Registration for new and
returning junior sailors will be held on Saturday May 10 and
an orientation for all junior sailors and parents is planned for Tuesday, June
17 at 6:00 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you in the Spring!
Joanne Levin
Fishing Tournament
- The 6th Annual SBYC Striped Bass
Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, August 9. This event is open to members
and guests. Once again there will be prizes for the three largest fish by
weight, along with a raffle. Donations for the raffle as well as for the main
prizes are needed. There will be a cookout following the weigh-in. Members
willing to help, or with suggestions are urged to contact the commodore or Ed
Salas at 978-546-8522 or email
edsa@hotmail.corn.
Stephen Ouellette
Harbormaster Report -
The long winter is still here, but we are looking ahead to a warm spring and
summer of boating. The Harbor Department has been busy with ongoing business
that will lead us into busy days on the water. The first season with our new
patrol boat, a 24' Boston Whaler, proved to be a success, and we look forward to
many, many years with this boat. The Harbor office on T-Wharf has enabled us to
deal with waterfront business and easy access to local as well as visiting
boaters.
A special thank you to all
SBYC members for their continued support. We ask that you continue to follow
Harbor Rules and Regulations by having your mooring checked and by clearly
marking your regulation mooring balls with the blue band around the center
showing your name and length of boat.
Harbor Office Hours are
Thursday evenings 7p.m. - 8:30p.m. at our office on T-Wharf, or call if you have
any questions at 978-546-9589.
Rockport Harbor Department
Rosemary Lesch
Scott Story
Ron Petoff
Story Reed
