Commodore's Column

The boating season has arrived! OPENING DAY. Saturday May 6th. Remember that all members and their immediate family are invited to the Commodore's reception at 1100 hours in the Club. The reception, ceremonies, parade around Bellingham Bay, socializing with friends, listening to the reggae beat of Andy-O on the docks and then dinner and dancing at the Breakwater Restaurant in the evening make for lots of fun. Bob Kehoe and Reed Gillig are putting on an event that will be most memorable. Bring family and friends. Have fun! This is the Yacht Club's 75th Diamond Anniversary Jubilee. One not to be missed . . .

Oh, and be sure to come through the BYC entrance on Opening Day. You won't believe what the Building and House committee has done to the Club. New trophy cases, new paint, new pictures! The list can go on. We should all thank Chairman Dick Johnson and his very able committee: Tom and Linda Selman, Joe and Judy Coons, Chuck and Roberta McCord, Char Malseed, Bud Swanson, and Keith McLean.

FRIDAYS @ 5. If you missed April 7, hosted by Chuck and Roberta McCord, you missed their cruise video to Desolation Sound. They showed great pictures, obviously had a lot of fun and gave some tips. Since Opening Day is the 6th, we cancelled the May 5 Friday @ 5. The next is May 19, Frank and Margaret Travis, hosts.

At several Fridays @ 5 I have presented a plaque to Past Commodores that are still contributing time and energy to the Club: February 18th, Dick Johnson, for his years of service, his dedication to youth sailing and his continuing contributions to BYC as Trustee and Chair of Building & House; on March 17, Bud Peterson for his commitment as President of the Blue Gavel, instrumental in the continued success of the Club; and on April 7th, Marty Haines for his continuing service as our representative to the Sister City organization and his help with PacRim Regatta being hosted by BYC in 2002. Thank you, gentlemen! We all appreciate your past efforts and look forward to your future support.

PROGRAMS have been scheduled for the 2nd Tuesday each month. Chair Jody Erickson and committee have come up with some fantastic events. She is also looking for any input you may have for additional programs. This busy committee can always use more help. Call her and volunteer. She'll appreciate it and so will you!

BYC CRUISES. Seven summer cruises have been planned. What a perfect way to enjoy your boat, and meet other BYC members. Tom Selman and Keith McLean promise to have some exciting things planned. They are coordinating, but are looking for a few more chairman to head up a few of the cruises. April 29-30 to Blakely Island is the past Commodore's cruise and ALL members are invited. June 24-25 to Sucia will be fun-filled with many activities for sailor and power boater alike. Then July 8-9 we're at Chuckanut Bay for a raft up and crab feast chaired by Al and Karen Callery and Larry and Louise Boone. We did this last year and it was truly a blast!! Please see page 4 for the balance of the cruises.

See you all at Opening Day, the BYC cruises, the Fridays @ 5, the programs on the 2nd Tuesdays, at the Club and on the docks. Let's have a great summer!! Thanks, Steve.