Commodore's Message

August was an extremely busy month at the Bellingham Yacht Club with Junior Sailing programs, summer racing, Task Force meetings, the Lynden Fair booth, and the Sears, Bemis, Smythe Regatta.

September events include the Pitch 25th Anniversary Regatta, 1998 Great Bellingham Bay Predicted Log Race, Commodore's Picnic, Commodore's Cup Race, Bellingham Bay One Design, and the Governor's Point Race.

The Club is going to weather and the rail is in the water. The sailors say when your sailboat rail is in the water you are carrying to much sail for conditions. Our crew of dedicated members however can handle these conditions.

Steve Ross and the Junior Sailing National Committee have put together a week of racing that will be talked about for years to come. More details can be found on the Web page about this prestigious event.

Mimi Gardiner, our C.O.P., working with the First Mates, Program Committee, and Membership Committee tended our Lynden Fair booth. It will be interesting to see the results of a membership campaign at the Fair.

The Visioning Task Force, chaired by John Gargett and Michele Johnson have looked at future options for the Bellingham Yacht and will be making recommendations in September. Chuck McCord, next year's Commodore, is hard at work developing a budget for the coming year. We are in a time of change, plan to be part of the process.

The next cruising events are the 1998 Great Bellingham Bay Predicted Log Race, Commodore's Picnic, and Commodore's Cup on September 12 and 13 at Inati Bay. This cruise will have something for all boaters and guests. Rides will be available for those who need transportation to Inati Bay. The Club will provide beverages and hamburgers and members will be asked to provide salads and desserts.

Since this is my last column as Commodore. I would like to thank the membership for giving me the opportunity to serve as Commodore. I would like to thank the Board and Committee Chairs for serving during this period of continual change. I would like to thank Penny for continued support and Bob for allowing me business time for Yacht Club business. The experience has been like steering the good ship BYC downwind in heavy air and rough seas with the spinnaker flying. The boat would like to broach, but due to the hard work and dedication of the Board and members, we have kept our ship upright.

Have smooth and safe sailing. Hope to see you at Inati Bay.