Wayne Balsiger
Commodore Elect and Staff Commodore –

CYC celebrated 65 years of great sailing with camaraderie and anniversary cake at the Annual General meeting on November 16th. Be assured – CYC is not retiring in her 66th year. We have new initiatives and vitality. In 2011, CYC will continue doing well that which we do right, but will change and improve things that we don’t do as well.

For 2011 our focus is on a membership drive to increase members. Each member needs to promote membership among crew, competitors and friends. I talk to new people I meet about sailing and many say, “I used to sail and enjoyed it…” We need to get them involved in sailing again. The next time you start a conversation with someone, talk about sailing and Corinthian Yacht Club. It is no surprise that sailing participation is down in the U.S. 70% from 1979 and over 40% from 1997 (Nick Hayes in Saving Sailing).

One way to grow participation is the new junior sailing program as it will bring both juniors and parents involvement. Another is the young adults program we are starting. To sustain and grow membership, we kept membership dues at the same level this year, except we lowered the dues for class S3 membership to spur growth of the 25 – under 30 year old category.

We have a great opportunity and are expanding the sponsorship committee to increase outside sponsorship of CYC events.

Running 345 races in 2010, CYC tops all yacht clubs in the U.S. in racing. But we need to increase racing participation and reduce the costs of the race program. This year we will increase volunteers on race committees including scoring positions on most weeknights. Volunteers will also work in the office and as bar assistants. We expect to have more family events on weekends.

The clubhouse will be open more evenings and weekends for socializing and eating. We will offer more educational events throughout the year, not just Fridays in February on Cruising. Speaking of cruising Mike Irish, incoming Fleet Captain Cruise is planning some delightful cruises this year. Join us on them. And if your boat in not suitable for cruising we will get you a ride so you can join the fun.

For the Junior Program, we started fund raising $100k at the annual meeting, Commodore John Rahn is leading this drive. The program flyer and pledge form are available for download.

If you are interested in helping on any committees- Membership, Sponsorship, Volunteer Coordination, Juniors, Young adults, Cruising, Lake Fleet Council, Salt Water Council or One-Design Council or Social Committee, let us know by contacting the Office or contacting me.

The upcoming year offers positive and exciting changes at CYC. I look forward to working with all of you in implementing them. It takes more than the Officers and Board to do everything. We are moving forward faster than we have in the past. It will be fun. With your help and work and fun by all, I look forward to a successful 2011 at CYC Seattle.