By now you may realize that I am pleased to serve as your V.C. (Commodore of Vice) for the new club year. All seriousness aside, you might say it is a position I have been in training for all my life- yes, lots of practice. I anticipate a very social year for THYC. So please be sure I hear the bad with the good, as this is your club and together we have the opportunity to make our events the best ever.

For those who braved the cold and found reprieve from the doldrums of winter in Margaritaville, you sure seemed to be having a good time at our Commodore’s Ball. The West End Boat Club proved to be a great spot for our winter party attended by 56 members (and Jerry’s parrot). Enjoying the comradery, the dancing to DJ Chris spinning the tunes, and Stoney’s non-stop service behind the well used bar, I think we managed to overcome missing our boats for at least one night! Special thanks to John Webster who graciously “volunteered” (agreed to be drafted) to take pictures. You may see yourself, or what you missed, on-line at http://thyc.shutterfly.com using the Password: thyc. Once signed on, click View Pictures and then click Slideshow.

In addition to the member cost for this event, we had some great Rock Hall support to help fund this party. Come spring, please thank the following sponsors and continue to offer them your patronage. Many thanks to Chris at Bay Leaf, one of the greatest little breakfast and sandwich spots on the planet; to Jim and crew at Java Rock, where we can finally get our fresh coffee and internet fix; and to Donna at the Harbor Shack, who gives us a great place to continue our tropical frame of mind with fun, food and drink on the waterfront. Thank you for your contributions and we look forward to seeing you in the Spring.

Our next formal gathering will be the annual Flag Raising ceremony and reception for members and prospective members on Saturday, May 17 th. A more formal agenda will be forth coming, but as a heads up, we are in the planning stages for two informative educational sessions that day, as well. They will include an annual Vessel Safety Check by the Coast Guard Auxiliary (session chaired by member John Webster, R-72) and a possible session on proper use and disposal of emergency signal flares by the U.S. Coast Guard (session chaired by Art Neilson, R-29).

John and his team of Coast Guard Auxiliarists will be back providing free Vessel Safety Checks on our boats, for those who want to participate, to make sure that we meet both federal and state requirements for safety. No citations are issued and the results of the safety check are not reported to any enforcement agency, but a decal is awarded to display if the vessel has passed the inspection. A typical Vessel Safety Check only takes about 20 minutes. Some of the items include:

All of these items are currently required by state and federal laws and, if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is ever approached and inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard. If any members have ideas or resources available to conduct future educational sessions over the course of the coming season, please let me know.

One of the most important aspects of the Flag Raising/Opening Day is to get new prospective members involved in attending and getting to know us. You’ll be hearing about a campaign to broaden our reach from our Membership Committee Chair, Earle Sandberg. Please consider being part of this important committee to help us build our future membership. Your attendance at the reception following the Flag Raising on Red Dock for complimentary beer, wine and appetizers (supplied by THYC members) goes a long way in helping potential new members learn more about our club while having a great time. Please plan on attending and encouraging your slip neighbors who are not yet members to come, as well.

Finally, let’s set a goal to mixing it up more on THYC social scene this year to allow all our members to get to know each other a little better, broaden our circle of boat friends, and increase our participation at the various events and cruises. In short, raise the bar on having fun together as we share our passion for boating. We have a great club that will only get better with you! See y’all on the dock.

Bob Rao