Commodore's Message
Happy 2023 SYC Members!!
With less than three months until opening day and the warmth of some early spring days, I can just feel it in my veins that this is going to be a great boating and social season at our club!
And while the club has been closed up tight for the winter, luckily for us, the Bridge, E-Board, Executive Committee and all our helpers have been hard at work getting ready for members to return in May.
Thank you Past Commodore Chris Harrington for hosting the meetings while the club is closed!
Of all the work being done, the first thing that should catch your eye is the fresh new look of our SYC Website. Steve Ouellette who heads up the Communications Committee has updated the look, navigation and content to give members a better online experience. As always, this should be your resource for all things SYC. Take a look. Roam around. And, if you have feedback, let us know! See the next section below this message to find out what's new!
Thanks everyone for attending the February 9th General Membership Meeting. If you were unable to attend and would like to read the meeting minutes, you can find those on the SYC Website. In the top menu, hover over 'Membership Area', then click 'Documents'. You will need to click "Expand All" and you will see the minutes.
No onsite work or repairs are planned for March as the inside of the club is colder than outside! But starting in mid-April, the house will be looking for your help tackling the following:
- Repairing/rebuilding the front entry gate.
- Brightening the main hall.
- Rebuilding the fire exit door onto the main deck.
- Replacing worn/inefficient refrigeration units.
- Repairing floats
- Assist with maintenance of the Indian sail boat
- And general cleanup and repairs.
For friends of The Jim Bonney, we have good news and bad news. Bad news first… unfortunately, storms over the past four years have caused some significant damage to our beloved launch. We didn’t realize the extent until the un-forecast September storm this past fall revealed a long and heavy gash in the hull. But, luckily the good news is it was properly insured and is being professionally repaired. It will be ready for launch in May.
Our other beloved friend, the Bud Ellis is also in need of some TLC. If anyone is familiar with fiberglass repairs and would be willing to lend a helping hand, please let us know as we’ll be looking for some help getting that back in ship shape before the season opens. You can reach out to me directly by email at commodore@squantumyc.org.
As always, we're getting an early jump on planning our summer regattas. To get some funds behind some of our efforts, an auction in support of the Lipton Cup is scheduled for early June in cooperation with MBYCA. We're expecting some great items to bid on, so watch for the emails announcing the details and bid early and often! Also, we're looking forward to celebrating the Hustler's 100-year anniversary! To celebrate, both posters and T-shirts are being made and will be for sale this season!!
If you love events and would like to put in your work hours doing something fun, the Entertainment Committee is looking for your help in planning upcoming events. If you're interested, please email Paul Astrella at paulj_1951@msn.com. Events include Friday Night Dinners, Mother's Day Brunch, Opening Night and a variety of race planning meetings and activities.
This year we’re also excited to offer some new programs to members. An adult learn to sail program is currently in development. And, a fishing tournament is in the works for later in the summer. Keep an eye out for both!
If you’re looking to make some extra money this summer, the club is hiring launch operators. Eligible candidates with proof of a current Limited/6-Pack license should contact christopher.blais@nemoves.com. And, the Tap is looking for stewards to work in the Tap as well as in the hall for functions. If you’re interested please contact Courtney Madden courtney.m.madden@gmail.com.
Finally, if you have paid your dues for 2023, thank you!! If you haven’t gotten around to it, please do!! Updates and repairs to the club rely on member dues to maintain the club.
I’m counting down the days until opening day May 20th and look forward to seeing you all again soon!
Stay safe. And, be well!
Bob Thomas
Commodore |