Commodore's Message

The "Song from the Sea" I heard on Opening Day was everyone seemed to be having a great time. I would like to thank Marlene Bolster and her Opening Day Committee, The Breakwater Restaurant for a special menu and entertainment, Past Commodore Reg Alvord and the R & R, which served as the review boat, and Father John for providing good weather. We hope a tradition has started with a Past Commodore providing the review boat.

I would like to thank Bob and Rose Knudson for agreeing to serve as Cochairs of the Program Committee. This committee is very important to our organization. A Membership Database was just completed by Trustee and Membership Chair Loraine Boland, compiled from ledger cards kept on each member, member applications, and the Yearbook. We are not totally happy with the accuracy of available information; however the data gives us some useful insight into the demographics of our 361 members. According to the database, 53% of the membership does not own a boat! This could indicate most of our members are more interested in social programs, which is the primary role of the Program Committee.

The next Friday at Five is on June 5. Two Western Washington students will present the program. Their senior project was to interview Yacht Club members and determine what is important from the Club and to develop manuals for events such as Opening Day. I have asked them to give the group their perspective on the future for the Bellingham Yacht Club. It will be very interesting to hear their thoughts since both young men are new to our yacht club.

The boating season is moving ahead at flank speed. If you are a sailor and racer you are probably busy with Wednesday nights, Thursday nights, weekend racing in the Bay, and long distance races. If you are a power boater, you have set your course for cruises to Blakely Island, Victoria, Everett Home Port, Inati Bay, and Sucia. I would invite all members who are new to our cruising schedule to contact Brain and Gretchen Erga for details. Another group of members may want to learn more about racing or crewing on a sailboat. You do not have to have experience to be a crew member. Call Fleet Captain, Karen Callery with your questions and arrange to be part of a racing team. One program planned for September is Predicted Log Racing. John Gargett, our newest Trustee, plans to tie the first log race into the cruise to Inati Bay.

Have an enjoyable and safe boating season.