The first CYC Board Meeting under Commodore Wayne Balsiger was held on January 17, 2011. Highlights from the long meeting, which centered on different ways to provide benefits to members and increase membership and race participation, included:

FINANCIAL

Treasurer Remmert Wolters cautioned the Board that, despite some changes already, it must continue to stay on top of the financial position so that the Club does not repeat the cash-flow drain experienced in 2010. Noted:

• 2011 dues notices have been mailed, and CYC members are encouraged to send in their 2011 dues as soon as is possible
• reduced racing expenses – for most races there will be only one paid whaler driver and no paid scorer, so volunteers will be needed to fill these jobs
• the CYC office will be open fewer hours
• the paid bar staff will be limited, so volunteers will be needed to help run the bar, especially with larger events
• Sponsorship of Regattas – more sponsors and dollars needed. Lydia Volberding is in charge

VOLUNTEERS

Board member Brian Watkins will be heading up the Volunteer effort, and will be making special efforts to provide information about specific tasks that will require volunteers, some of which will require training, such as:

• Regatta assistance – whaler drivers (special training required to run the boats, winches and marks), and scorers; also Event Coordinators for PSSC and PSSR
• Office assistance – specific tasks for volunteers to be announced
• Facilities – to be coordinated with Jim Frazier – Clubhouse could use some painting touch ups, some race committee boats need repair, more tasks to be announced
• Bar – help behind the bar and with food (special training and health certificate required)
• Sponsorship – CYC members with marketing/sales experience could help raise sponsorship dollars for major events. Contact Brian and/or Lydia Volberding

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Awards dinner on Friday, January 28 with dinner at 6:15 ($25 each) and presentation at 7:15.
• Ullman Sails presentation – Sunday, Jan 30 at 7 ($5 off for CYC members and another $5 per ticket donation to CYC Jr. Program)
• Fridays in February – cruising presentations from across the Pacific to Vancouver Island
• Open House for potential new members – February 19 (1 pm to 5 pm)

REDUCED OR ELIMINATED INITIATION FEES

• New CYC members who join by March 31will have reduced initiation fees (from $275 to $150 for S2 members and to $75 for S3 (under 30) members)
• Returning CYC members – if you had to drop CYC membership in recent years, you can rejoin the Club with NO initiation fee

LONG-RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE

Ken Johnson, Vice Commodore, will head the Long-Range Planning Committee, with emphasis on bringing value to CYC membership. Some subjects to be reviewed include our current various membership classes and continuing issues as Leschi. Suggestions are welcome: kenneth.johnson4 [at] comcast [dot] net.

FRIDAY NIGHT SAILFEST

Informal racing around fixed marks, with the emphasis on participation and fun (no fees and free hot dogs) will be held on Friday nights starting in mid-June into August. Board member Bob Ross will be heading this program to attract new sailors and many boats that otherwise do not “race.” Details to be announced.

THURSDAY SOUND DINGHY SAILING

Jerry Diercks, Fleet Captain Race, is exploring certain suggestions for adding more race participation in the Thursday night dinghy racing program – including moving the racing to Sunday afternoons for the Spring and Fall sessions and special race fees. Final details to be announced.

NEW CLUB SOFTWARE – Online Race Registration

• The office is moving to new software programs. Much of the transition has been made, resulting in easier use and greater reliability. In addition:
• All race registration will be on-line – announcement to come (this should reduce a time-consuming task for the Office and the Racing PROs)
• A redesigned CYC webpage will be rolled out in the near future.

HONOR ROLL OF CHAMPIONS

Steve Travis on “Flash,” winner of the Unlimited Cape Flattery Race at Swiftsure, and Jonathan McKee, tactician on “UKAUKA Racing,” winner of the Melges 24 Worlds in Talinn, Estonia, were added to the CYC Honor Roll of Champions – congratulations to both outstanding CYC sailors.

RECIPROCAL YACHT CLUBS

St. Francis YC of San Francisco, San Diego YC and California YC in Marina del Rey will be added as reciprocal yacht clubs. The list of current reciprocal yacht clubs will be reviewed, so anyone with suggestions for additions (or deletions) should contact the CYC Office.