I want to start this month’s Commodore's column out with a shout-out to Marty Parisien and all of the EYC volunteers that came out for the Family Sail Day to Benefit the Relief Nursery. Before you move on to the rest of the newsletter, please turn on your speakers and listen to this interview on local radio station KPNW with Marty and Jennifer Solomon from the Relief Nursery. They did a great job of introducing the public to EYC, the Relief Nursery, and the event.
With an expected head count of over 200 people for a benefit for one of the most recognized non-profits in Lane County, Marty and a flotilla of EYC volunteers put their best foot forward this past Labor Day weekend. This was the second year in a row EYC has invited the general public on to the grounds for a fundraiser for a very worthy cause. It looked like all of the first year kinks were worked out and everything was in place to make this a spectacular event. Unfortunately the “Very Unhealthy Air Quality” EPA rating for Labor Day weekend may have kept the masses away. Not to be disheartened, Marty and the Relief Nursery are already in the planning stages for next year. Knowing EYC will once again rise to the occasion, I hope the best for a the few things we can’t control: water, sun, wind and clear air.
Speaking of unhealthy air quality, on Labor Day we held the Commodores Cup Regatta. The top skippers nominated by each of the fleets—or at least the four skippers that were available and willing to brave the smoke—were in attendance. The Skippers’ meeting was set for noon on Labor Day with racing to start sometime around 2:00 pm. The previous 24-hour weather pattern was not very good for racing. Fortunately, at about 1:15, the watchful eye of Race Committee Chair Rich Aaring noticed a slight breeze on the lake. After 15 minutes of discussion (and mutinous intentions) from the four skippers, all four boarded borrowed Santana 20’s and headed out to the center of the lake just in time for the winds to pick up. The winds held and allowed us to get in four races with each skipper sailing a different boat in each race. Ron Fish took a quick lead in the series but second place was not determined until the last leg of the last race. No sooner had the fourth and final race finished with boats heading back to the club and the wind shut off, two of the 20’s had to be towed back to shore. Once on shore and boats put to bed all the skippers and crew feasted on a wonderful dinner cooked up by Rear Commodore Leta Sellers. Awards were handed out for the top two places (I think one was a bottle of IPA and the other was not an IPA). First place honors went to Ron Fish, followed by Chip Balough in second, Murray McLeod in third, and Dean Mitchell in fourth. Great job to all of these skippers!
The season is winding down but we still have a lot going on at EYC. This coming weekend is our annual “Moving Target Regatta”, also known as the Harvest Regatta. If you are planning to race please sign up soon so Regatta Chair Dean Mitchell can get some sleep and Janet Mitchell knows how much food to cook.
On Thursday, September 28th, the Thursday night race crowd will hold the annual Steak Bash organized by Anne Ellsworth and helpers. If you want steak please sign up this week after racing so we know how many to purchase.
The weekend following the Steak Bash is our first organized work party of the year. This is your chance to get in at least half of your required work party hours for the year. Why procrastinate and agonize all winter when you can contact Paul Stephens today and let him know you are coming out on Saturday, September 30, to help remove D dock? Or if Saturday isn't good for you, there'll be work happening on Sunday, October 1, too.
Regarding the Wave Mitigation Project: The Board of Trustees will be putting together an ad hoc finance committee that will be looking at the financial feasibility of the project. Meanwhile, Club Manager Rich Aaring and soon to be Vice Commodore Mike Merrifield will be contacting the Army Corps of Engineers to see if we can get a feel for the chance of a successful permit process. In the meantime, please take a look at the Wave Mitigation page on the EYC website. Here you'll find notes from August 19th meeting, comments from other members, and a way to share your comments with the EYC Board and the Wave Mitigation Committee.
Summer is not really over until they drain the lake. I hope to see you all out enjoying the club for a few more weeks.
Ted Walkup
Commodore