Commodore's Column

The other day I was talking with a former BYC member about the Club. I asked him why he was no longer a member. His answer was not one I expected. He said that the Club didn't DO anything anymore! When I asked him to be specific, he couldn't. "What would you like the Club to DO?" "Well, you know, yacht club stuff! Things that would let us meet other people. I wanted to get involved, but no one ever called me. So we quit!" Unfortunate! Both for them and for us. They wanted to get involved, but no one called them. They paid their dues and expected something to happen. Well, I'm here to tell you that paying your dues is important, but you also have to want be involved. What I have found, especially these last five months, is the immense involvement of our members. Ever since last years Board of Trustees stated that the BYC was an all volunteer club, I have seen many people step up and volunteer. Actually, many more than I expected. One of the truly exciting aspects of being Commodore is the number of members calling me to help out. They aren't waiting for "George" to do it! You see something that needs to be done and it's handled. My job as Commodore is being made easier because of all the members that volunteer. Thank you!!

Have an idea? See something that you think needs to be done! Want to get involved with a committee? YOU have to call me! YOU have to call me! I want to have you involved with your Club, but sometimes I don't know who you are. I have the membership roster, I see many of you on the docks, but you need to let me know what YOU would like to see happen. Call me at my office 671-4200 or on my cell 201-8999. Let's get together and make our club great!

February's Fridays at Five (F @ 5) were again well attended and again a lot of fun. On February 4th Jack Black and Tom Selman put on a great show! Good food, good beer and wine and a great presentation. Did you know that some line will shrink almost 10% in only ten minutes after being used? Did you know that cheap line is NOT cheap? Did you also know that water can really mess up a line? Did you answer NO to those questions? Then you missed Tom's rope & line presentation. Then on February 18th over 2 dozen members joined the First Mates and had a wonderful feast. Roberta McCord, Clara Severson, Rose Knudson and Loraine Boland brought home cooked hors d'ouvres, great drinks and Bingo. Boat Bingo that is! Loraine had everyone waiting to say "BINGO" by listing those items they would buy for a boat. Bob & Rose Knudson were first, Steve & Meredith Ross were second and Joe & Judy Coons were third. The 50-50 raffle was won by Kelsey Knudson ($34). Hey, people meeting people, doing Yacht Club stuff.

The next F @ 5 is March 3rd hosted by Al & Karen Callery. They will have just returned from Australia and New Zealand where they and 22 others represented the BYC in international racing. The Callerys have an exciting program planned, so definitely don't miss this one. Then on March 17th Jody Erickson has planned a special program as well. Friday's @ Five - an event that is casual - fun - and a great way to meet others! Oh, and these usually last until about 7:30pm. So it's ok to be late!

Be sure and check out the Cruising dates found elsewhere in the Jib Sheet. Your Fleet Captains have come up with a fantastic list of cruises. And many are close by - Inati, Sucia, Chuckanut, Blakely, Prevost, etc. Plan on attending. This is "Yacht Club stuff"!!

Opening Day is coming. First Saturday in May. INTO THE NEW MILLENNIUM. Start thinking about those decorating ideas. Reed Gillig and Bob Kehoe tell me you won't believe what they have planned. Something futuristic?!?! I don't know! Stay tuned to this letter for "future" details and more Yacht Club stuff!