The Column with No Name

Was it only last week that I became Commodore? Or was it fifteen years ago? Some days it seems as though I've just started; other times it seems as though I've been here forever. The facts are that I'm completing my eleventh month as Commodore and this is the last Jib Sheet Commodore's column I'll write. It is traditional for the Commodore to reflect on his year and look forward to the future ... which is exactly what I intend to do.

This past year we have worked very hard to prepare the Club for its future. When I say "we," I mean every member of the Board and many, many volunteers. This was not a solitary effort by any means.

When we started the year, our office staff was two persons, working full time, supported by a CPA on retainer, using a large but severely outdated computer system. We finish the year with one person working slightly more than half time, supported by a professional bookkeeper, and a modern accounting software system.

Our building has a new roof, the south side has been repainted, and the Ward Room is well along in its remodeling.

Our debt has been reduced about $25 thousand, our asset base has increased about $15 thousand.

We made our newsletter and roster publications less expensive to produce while maintaining the information value. We have added a site on the World Wide Web that has attracted the attention of our members and others (have you visited www.byc.org?).

We held cruises and social events that are creating a sense of Yacht Club. Volunteers are coming forth with ideas for new and additional events.

We gained several new members this year, persons who are joining us for what we are, not what we used to be.

We now have a place on the water -- the BYC dock in front of the BYC building provides reciprocal moorage and moorage for members who don't yet have slips in Squalicum Harbor.

We held all those events and activities that have, for years, defined the Bellingham Yacht Club to its membership and the community as a whole: Opening Day, Summer Learn-to-Sail lessons, Lighted Boat Parade, Commodore's Ball, Special People's Cruise, Junior Racing Team, Commodore's Picnic, PITCH, Tom and Jerry Party, Bellingham Bay One-Design Regatta, Wednesday Night Racing, and many more.

Inati Bay is still our outstation; many thanks to the Blue Gavel (Past Commodores) for supporting the lease.

We did all this within budget.

Now, the future. The restaurant lease provides the income needed to retire our debt and pays about 3/4 of the taxes, insurance, lease, and utilities necessary to support our building. The money we raise from dues supports all our programs, the office staff, and the other 1/4 of taxes etc.

The largest portion of staff time, insurance, and program money supports the youth sailing programs of BYC. We are the only boating club in Bellingham that supports a youth (or any other public service) program. You can be proud of that. Mention it to friends who are considering joining (or rejoining) or dropping the club.

In seven years, the debt will be retired. Who will be Commodore then? If normal progressions are followed, the person Jack Black appoints as Fleet Captain will move through the offices to be the first Commodore without debt.

Our future is bright. For now, however, let's celebrate the present. The Commodore's Picnic is the weekend after Labor Day. Please join Meredith, me, and all our members in Inati Bay that day. Need a ride? Call the BYC office. No member should miss this event.