Commodore's Column

Another year has sailed by and the new Board has been elected. I would like to thank all of the BYC Members and volunteers for all of their fine work this past year. Commodore McCord and his board put in many volunteer hours and the many committees did a yeoman's job of keeping the BYC in the forefront of the boating community. Thank you to all for a job well done!

As we get ready for a new millennium, I would like to share with each of you where your new Board is headed: Through many meetings with many BYC members, it is apparent that everyone wants to see the BYC continue as the Premier boating organization it has been over the years. With that in mind, your new Board, committee chairmen and I ask that you continue to come forth with your time, talent and money. How?

The money part is easy - stay with the Club, pay your new reduced dues and continue to be a part of a great boating organization.

But what about time and talent? It takes these to handle the myriad things that could be done. However, I feel it is paramount that we put some things into perspective:

• First comes your family. It is with a strong family that all other things have purpose.
• Second comes your business. Your ability to enjoy the good things of life needs the financial nourishment that your work affords.
• Third comes your "time off", recreational time with your family and friends, the chance to unwind and have fun.
• And last comes the Bellingham Yacht Club. Here at our BYC is where it can "all come together".

With all of this in mind, your Board will embark on a series of programs for the coming year that all of you can get involved in. More membership meetings will be held. Not just to vote on something, but to build that camaraderie that is so essential in a Yacht Club. (The Jib Sheet is a fine tool for getting the word out to everyone, and Joe Coons and Kris Nelson have promised to continue doing the fine job they have done in the past, but it's no substitute for coming together to establish our personal relationships!) In years past, we had Fridays at Five, Socials at Six, etc. So we're bringing them back! Join us for the next one, Friday, October 15, 1700-1900 hours (5PM to 7PM).

So - what does all of this mean? It means that your Board and committees are committed to putting in some time and some talent. It also means they need your time and talents. The BYC can't operate with a few committed people. We need MANY committed people, Club Members who truly want to enjoy boating, socializing and meeting new friends. Let's all get involved. Call me to offer your time and talent. We'll all benefit.