Commodore's Message

We have been talking about the Mission Statement and the Club's organization in the past two months. At this time I would like your input. I have scheduled a Fridays at Five on May 8th in the Ward Room. Beverages will be provided for members; stores from our restaurant days. We will have the Club's survey results to promote discussion. The Board will be there to respond to questions.

The Bellingham Yacht Club is made up of many very talented and dedicated members. We are all working hard to promote the Club by following the Mission Statement. If you will allow me this analogy, we often operate like a crew aboard a sailboat and are very skilled at our respective jobs, but sometimes the problem is we are not all going to the same destination. The person steering our boat has a course of 302 degrees, and the person trimming the headsail is adjusting for a course of 299. I am not sure our crew of 300-plus members will ever set the same course, however acceptance of various destinations and understanding why someone wants to sail a course of 296 degrees is good information for the crew.

We now have new office hours and a new Coordinator of Programs. I would like to thank Heather Richendrfer for the service she provided the Club and welcome the new C.O.P., Mimi Gardiner.

I would also like to thank Mike Minge and the Building and House Committee for providing continual building upgrade and repairs. Without their work, water could still be coming through the ceiling and found in the basement. We hope to have the clubhouse repainted by Opening Day, weather permitting.

We will also be working with two students from Western Washington University developing ongoing program manuals for the various Club activities. Should the students request your assistance, please help them out.

Hope to see you all on Opening Day, as we sing our "Songs of the Sea."