Commodore June 2017

It is hard to believe spring is almost over  and summer is almost here. We hope you have been enjoying our social and sailing events. Sailing education programs will be starting shortly. Be sure to come out often and enjoy all of the racing, sailing in social activities offered by your Eagle Creek Sailing Club. Check out the many upcoming activities in this month’s newsletter and on our calendar. Come on out and have fun. you will not be disappointed.

Our club continues to prosper with the help of many volunteer efforts. Take a look at the reconstructed L dock for example. It is much stronger and will last for many years to come. We mentioned in last month’s newsletter that the board approved the additional work credit hours for volunteers. Now we are offering the opportunity to volunteer on your own time. You no longer need to wait for a scheduled work party. Some members have already volunteered and completed projects. Please take a look at the sign-up genius for opportunities to make our club grounds better. The link below will take you to the sign-up genius site.

You may have noticed a new wooden sailboat at slip A01 built by Eliot Spurway.Building a sailboat is one of the most difficult woodworking projects that anyone can do. Eliot did a marvelous job. If you have not seen it, you should stop by and admire his work. This is also the season for the ultra high tech America’s cup race. Those rigs are amazingly fast. Our sailing fun can range from honored traditions to ultra high tech. No wonder I like it so much.

Our facilities assessment is continuing with the hope of keeping everything in good shape. One area of concern is the lower picnic shelter. Many of the vertical columns have decayed substantially and something must be done. We know this was the original shelter and holds many fond memories for members. However, the general conditions and housekeeping raise the question of what to do. We must either repair the existing structure, retire it, or replace it with a new structure. A new structure would probably have a concrete floor and look very different. Any repair or replacement should also include requirements for better housekeeping. No club members would be allowed to store masts or equipment in the new or refurbished structure Please contact me or any board member to share your ideas about the better strategy.

Be safe, have fun and sail fast.

Larry Conrad