Now the hard work begins.

Ken Johnson, Commodore

We are off to a great start with the adoption of the bylaw amendments reducing our dues and revising our membership categories, the enthusiasm that came out of the “restart” meetings for making the Club a community of like-minded people who love sailing and care about CYC, the start of a revised social/educational program, and this, our first printed issue of the Leadline in over three years.

But many challenges remain – and the enthusiastic discussions and planning now move into the harder stuff of implementation.

Our first challenge is financial – while the Board continues to look at our expense structure, we are NOT in balance with our revenue projections for 2012 unless:

• We get more members
• Race participation improves in 2012
• More members volunteer their services
• We increase rentals of the Shilshole Clubhouse

You are essential to the success of the Club.  We know that we cannot survive by being a “mark setting service” – as excellent at putting on the best sailboat racing program that we are – and that we cannot survive by having only a few individuals bear the burden of doing most of the Club’s work.  All members must help.

First things first – by the time you read this, you will have received my letter reminding you that the dues renewal forms are now on line (thanks to significant efforts headed by Nojan Moshiri, Derek Storm, Geoff Pease and others).  Do two things now, if you haven’t already:

First, complete the Member Information forms, including your volunteering interests and skills/interests – we need to update and correct our member database; and,

Second, pay your Club dues promptly and, if you are in a position to do so, consider becoming a Supporting or Sustaining member.  This will help cover the revenue drop from the dues reduction until we expand our membership.  This financial assistance is very important.

More things you can do:

• Our first volunteer effort is the January Boat Show (January 27 – February 5).  Board member Bob Ross has arranged for a great site for CYC where we can bring the CYC message to boat show attendees.  This is our first Boat Show appearance in many years.  But we still need volunteers to spend a few hours staffing our booth  (and you get a free pass for the Boat show for that day).  We will be spreading the word about CYC and junior sailing.  Contact Noel Morgan and see what hours are available for you to help out: noelsmorgan@yahoo.com, or check the Club website at: www.cycseattle.org.

• Attend our social functions.  Cindy Gossett’s social/educational committee has held two successful “First Friday’s,” a Christmas ship party and more events on their way – you can plan on something at the Club on the first Friday of each month.  We plan on more member dinners so people can meet new members, those considering joining and reconnect with current members– our first member dinner for 2012 will be on January 20 as part of the 2011 Awards Celebration.  See the story on the 2011 Awards celebration elsewhere in this issue – and come out to Shilshole on the 20^thfor dinner and fun.

• Let your business know that the Clubhouse is a great place for off-site meetings (up to 100 individuals can be accommodated on each floor) – or if you are planning a social event – retirement, birthday, wedding, just having a party – keep the Clubhouse in mind.  Trusted caterers are available and you can use a caterer of your choice, often not an option at other locations.

• Not the least, recommend Club membership to your sailing friends and regular crew.

This is just a start.  As I mentioned earlier, we have many challenges ahead, but I am hopeful that together we can succeed.  It is time to roll up our sleeves – and get to work and, at the same time, have fun together.  I look forward to a very successful 2012 with our renewed vitality.

Ken Johnson

Commodore