From the Commodore
The 2022 season is off to bang. Life is so much easier with a full lake.
It was wonderful to see the return or two of our staple regattas. Thank you Marty for creating an incredible atmosphere on and off the water. The addition of the youth regatta has help cement EYC throughout the region as a family friendly place we all know it to be. We are looking forward to seeing some of our JR sailors out there mixing it up next year!
As a member of the Eugene Yacht Club I have always appreciated the work of all of the volunteers and our employees. Today I would like to acknowledge the years of dedication of Rich Aaring, our retiring Club Manager.
Rich has been the EYC Club Manager since I joined the club. His calm and friendly manor helped me quickly feel at home here. As a mostly volunteer driven club it is incredibly important to use the various strengths of our members as effectively as possible. One of Rich’s greatest strengths is his ability to help people find their place.
It was not until I joined the board that I was truly able to see how deeply invested Rich is in the success of EYC. I think everyone on the board during Rich’s tenure will agree that his knowledge of the club and how it runs is invaluable. Anytime I needed to figure out how to make something happen, my first call has always been Rich. Not only does he know the history and the grounds, the Board of Directors has always been able to trust that the permits, leases, and other important details will be taken care of. Thank you for reducing the stresses faced by the board.
I am happy to say that we continue to see Rich at the club regularly, sailing with Rich Johnson on Thursday nights, at his trailer with Dixie, on Race Committee, and generally around the club. I hope you will enjoy relaxing as a member without the worries and responsibilities of being the Club Manager. But don’t rest too easy, we will still rely on your knowledge in your newly appointed position as Club Historian!
Thank you, Rich, for all you have done for EYC and thank you for your friendship!
Oh, and I filled the lake!
Matt Sprick
2022 EYC Commodore
Well, better late than never. It is really great to see all of the rain this week. Thank you for everyone who has been diligent with their rain dances. I hate to say it, because we will never hear the end of it, but Gordon may have been right! Last month he called for a wet April. But don’t worry, he didn’t call for snow, so he was only partially right! Even if we have to hear Gordon gloat, I am really happy to see all this moisture, knowing the joy it will bring us this summer. It could not have come at a better time.
Thursday night racing has begun and the Memorial Day Regatta is right around the corner. This year’s Memorial Day Regatta should be one to remember with incredible racing, good food, fun entertainment, and great friends. This year the Memorial Day Regatta will expand the family nature of sailboat racing by including a junior regatta. Matt Berger the Program Director at Willamette Sailing Club will be our PRO for the junior course. We are hoping to see our members out on Lasers and our new Opti’s and 420’s. Emily Avey and Langdon Junge will be teaching two separate weekend clinics for any experienced junior sailers who want to learn to race.
I am also looking forward to seeing all of you at some of the incredible social events that are being planned by various incredible volunteers. Please plan to come to the deck party, the 4th of July, and the Concert at the Lake. More details regarding each of these events are forthcoming.
Sail School is returning this year after a 2 year hiatus. We have incredible classes lined up with Opti’s, Zuma’s, 420’s, Multi-hulls, big boats, women’s class, and a the new fleet course. The fleet course will give members an opportunity lo learn about all of the various fleets we have on the water. You will have an opportunity to sail one of the many racing boats that are available. Please join this class is you are interested in crewing or taking the leap to buy on elf these incredible boats.
I think I am most excited to announce that we will have sailing instruction all summer long at EYC this season. We have hired Emily and Langdon to help us develop both a junior sailing program and provide instruction to any club members who are looking to expand their skill sets. We do not have a full program developed yet, but Emily and Langdon will help us shape one. We new we need to start somewhere and the incredible fundraising our members have done to the EYC Restricted Fund at the Oregon Youth Sailing Foundation has given us the financial base to get this started.
If you are interested in the youth program or instruction for yourself, please contact Stephanie Lunceford our Vice-Commodore, at tephaniejlunceford@gmail.com. She is looking to find out what you or your junior sailor might be looking for this summer along with your availability for lessons. We will work to craft a flexible program this summer to meet as many of your needs as we can. Next year we will plan to develop a more structured program, but we have to start somewhere.
I am looking forward to seeing you at the club a bunch this spring and summer! Keep up the rain dance!
Eugene Yacht Club Commodore, Matt Sprick
Spring is here and sailing season is around the corner. As much as I am looking forward to some great sailing weather, I am hoping for a very wet spring. Lake levels are historically low, but rainfall this spring could catch us up. I am still hopeful for a nearly full pool for the summer.
While the rain has been delayed it has not slowed our planning for a fun sailing season both on and off the water. The countless hours of volunteer work from our membership never ceases to amaze me. The dedication of our membership is the backbone of our incredible community.
Thank you to everyone who has shown up at work parties. It takes a lot of work to get the club grounds shipshape for the season opening. Work parties will continue and we appreciate all of the hard work each and every one of you put in. Marji, Bob, Gary, and Paul, thank you for the endless hours you provide. This club would not be the incredible place it is without your tireless dedication.
Last month I was feeling pretty good about filing the lake, then we hit a dry spell. I promise, I am doing my best to deliver a full lake. Today, I need everyone’s help to push this high pressure system out so we can have a full pond this summer.
There are several new things to announce, so I’ll just dive right in.
Club Manager
It is my pleasure to announce that long time club member, Paul Morrow, was hired by the board last night to be our next Club Manager. Paul recently retired from Guarantee RV, but also brings years of experience working with non-profits and youth-focused organizations including The Boy Scouts of America and The Boys & Girls Club. Paul has been a member at EYC since the 1990s and has been a life-long sailor. He currently owns Scooby Doo a Santana 20.
Those who know Paul know he exemplifies the welcoming and inviting nature of the Eugene.
Paul and his wife Katherine are currently on vacation in Mexico. Paul, Rich Aaring, and I will work to develop a transition plan over the next several months.
I know Paul will be around the club a lot this season. If you do not yet know him, I hope you will introduce yourself the next time you see him on the grounds.
Our current Club Manager, Rich Aaring has been voicing interest in retiring for several years now. He has begrudgingly stayed on
I can’t believe it’s 2022. This year I was hoping we would have a virus that is behind us and water in the lake. So far my water order has exceeded expectations. I just hope that I did not put my order in too early. I’ll keep up the rain dances!
The Omicron surge is causing us to pause most of our winter activities. While the virus continues to disrupt many winter club activities we will be looking to the spring and all of the safer outdoor opportunities the EYC grounds provide us. The Lane Youth Soccer Association donated large outdoor tents they are no longer using. We will put those up this spring to provide safe, covered outdoor spaces for you to gather safely with friends and family. These tents, when up, will be open to any EYC club member and their friends and family.
I joined the Eugene Yacht Club in 2014. At that point I would have never guessed that six-and-a-half years later I would be accepting the gavel to become commodore of this great club. I joined EYC because I was following a large group of other Wavelength sailors who migrated from Richardson Marina. I thought EYC would be a place to park my boat, I did not realize that I would be joining an incredible community.
When I first joined, I was somewhat intimidated by all the various groups. I came in as a racer, so I already had a built-in community within my fleet. As a new member it can feel intimidating to break into the various groups at the club, because people have such close friendships. Over time I realized how misplaced my feelings of intimidation were. Everyone here is so welcoming. The best part of joining the board has been the opportunity to get to know so many of our members. I am looking forward to meeting more of you over this next year.
I want to thank everyone for sticking with the club through a couple of very difficult years. I also want to thank everyone who has served on the board for your insight, wisdom, and courage to face difficulties head on.
I would like to start my last Commodore Comments with a thanks to all who volunteered this past year to help make our club the best bang for the buck of any Club in the area if not the Northwest.
Thank you to our board members who gave excellent guidance in what can be considered a most difficult year. I will give Matt Sprick the gavel as soon as someone gives it to me. Not much use for a gavel when our meetings are by zoom. Mark Forrest headed the search for our new media manager Jose Vega. Al Avey, Stephanie Lunceford and Katie Thomas are ready to move up the ranks and with another year of experience will be better prepared for their turn as Commodore. Big thank you to Rob Moline who had the most bizarre tenure on the board.
Rich Aaring and our outgoing media manager Karen Nousen provided me excellent support making my job much easier.
The sailing season is almost gone, and this will be my next to last Commodore Corner article.
As I am sure everyone is aware, the club experienced a fire that destroyed six trailers and a legacy apple tree. It does not take much imagination to imagine what would have happened if not for our club host Dan Merritt. Dan jumped into action in the early morning hours of August 30th. Unable to use the out-of-commission fire hose (just outside Pat Skeen’s trailer and within feet of the fire’s origin), Dan ran down trailer row calling out to anyone who was spending the night. Dan opened the gate to allow quick access of the fire department who ran hoses to the lake and stopped the fire that was burning within a few feet of the large propane tank.
What a crazy month July was. During the July 13 Board meeting the Board discussed with Janell Skeen whether it was it a go or no go for Sail School. Ever present concerns were low water, COVID, and the concerns of parents, students, and volunteers. The Board unanimously agreed with Janell that Sail School should and must proceed. Less than 24 hours later Janell became aware that a potentially harmful bacteria was present in the waters of Fern Ridge. With students and volunteers opting out at the last minute, a decision was made by the Board that this year's full Sail School would not happen. I know many members were disappointed at this decision, but none more than Janell who has spent hours and hours planning, staffing, and answering questions from students and volunteers. However the health and safety of Sail School attendees was too important to take a chance.
It has been 40 days since the last club newsletter. What a change.
Many thanks to Katie Bloom O’Brien, Darcy Howard, and their crew getting the clubhouse cleaned and putting on a great event last month: Port of Call, Bienvenidos a Cuba, a party to celebrate 2020 Commodore Rob Moline, to present the 2020 club awards, and to break in the new deck with food, drink and live music. It was great to see everyone and have the club open again. 140 members signed up and many others came by to say thank you to our outgoing Rear Commodore Bill Boyce and last year's Commodore Rob Moline. Excellent food, drinks, and that highly energetic band made me wonder, should this be annual event? A get together when the weather is good, members haven’t left for vacation yet, and something separate from a regatta? I couldn’t be more pleased how this event turned out.
This past month, Eugene Yacht Club has experienced some highs and some lows.
Water Level
Lows: While the water level of the lake is low, at least it hasn’t gone down too much.
Highs: Some of the larger boats are in. Four Wavelength 24’s raced last Thursday.
Thursday Racing
Lows: Turnout has been less than usual.
Highs: I have been racing by myself in the PHRF class, but last Thursday there were five of us. It looks like I will have to sail better if I want to be in first place again.
Last month the Board issued a statement requiring racers to follow Covid guidelines when racing was added to Thursday Night Racing Sailing Instructions. The Board is happy to report that members with vaccinations will not be required to wear a mast in most circumstances. Hopefully this will encourage all members to get their vaccine. This will be a huge step into getting the club back to normal.
There is a work party schedule for tomorrow, May 15 and there are additional work parties planned. If you are unsure where you stand on work party requirements, please contact Club Rich Aaring.
Another month, and another month a bit closer to normal. I am very encouraged the way that Lane County has progressed in opening up businesses and getting Covid vaccines to its citizens. Even with vaccines being available, we can see that we are still a ways from the end of this pandemic. When I was asked to be Commodore I was aware of the challenges I would be facing—the same challenges that Rob Moline faced last year. Covid is obviously a concern, however I see progress and a light at the end of the tunnel.
Lake levels, however, are a different animal. At times I feel helpless and I ask all members to do their best rain dance this month. We really need those April showers.
Hello everyone. I hope last month was better for you than the one before. Seems to me that 2021 is going to be the year of “This month is better than last month.”
The Board will sponsor a “Racers” Zoom call later this month to give Racers, Committee, and Rescue Boat drivers a chance to give the EYC Board input prior the implementation of procedures designed to bring club racing back to life. I have received just a few comments on how we should proceed. The Board is committed to offer a safe environment for members and we are willing to set up the ground rules. I am a believer if you enlist help from others most often someone has an idea that others had not considered.
Hello everyone. I hope last month has been good for all of you and that you're looking forward to the upcoming season.
At the top of the Board's to-do list is opening the club and making it as accessible as state and federal protocols allow us. Boating last year was difficult because of Covid and low water levels. I am encouraged by the late January rains and hope this continues as I am well aware my number one job as Commodore is to have a full lake.
I am often amazed at myself when I hesitate about driving out to the club. Within minutes of arrival, though, I’m convinced I made the right decision. So close, but so far away in a good way. Old timers such as myself understand this and hopefully our new members are learning this, too. While social gatherings will be limited to Zoom and small groups, please make use of the club grounds this season. Other than a couple times during a normal year, the grounds are really under-utilized.
I hope you have all enjoyed a safe and happy holiday season. Personally, Marie and I spent Thanksgiving and Christmas by ourselves, which was a big change for Marie as she is accustomed to feeding a couple dozen people.
I want to thank Mark Forrest for joining the EYC Board as First Trustee. I am sad to see June Chamberlin's resignation, but fully understand her reasons and the Board supports her and wishes her well. Thank you to Matt Sprick for taking over the job of Vice Commodore. I am looking forward to working with him and the rest of the board this year. As Secretary, Stephanie Lunceford will be taking minutes at our meetings. During one of our recent Board meetings she stepped right in—the fact she was in Hawaii at the time wasn't an issue at all. Treasurer Al Avey will make sure we have enough money in the bank and Second Trustee Katie Thomas will be contributing more in her second year on the Board.
"It is the end of the sailing season and while this is my first of twelve Commodore's comments, I am reminder of what has happened instead of what's ahead. With the start of soccer for the kids or football on Saturday afternoon for the adults, it is a signal that it is time to leave the club until the start of another year. Other agendas have taken priority of our lives and soon the lake will turn into a big mud puddle. Boats will be covered with tarps and leaves will cover the grass. But before the past year becomes a memory, I would to reflect on it."
Twenty three years ago, this was the first paragraph of my comments for the EYC Bulletin, the first time I was EYC Commodore. The next paragraph included recognition of all the work that had been done by various members of the club (including Nall Bodine, Larry Cox, Jim Skeen, John Franklin, Rex Ballenger, Bill Temple, John Mahoney, and Harvé Waff) to complete the floating docks, a wave attenuator, reconstructed planters in front of the Yot Pot, and a new ramp in the basin. Some things don't seem to change, do they?
Well, this has certainly been an interesting year. Not the way I would have predicted it would go, but sometimes we just we just have to deal with what is handed to us. I think Covid-19 has forced us to do a bit of a reset and to review what is important to us all.
There have been good things that have come out of this year. I have seen new and old members alike come together to work on projects that had been swept under the proverbial rug for many years—only because we’re sailors and sailing is what we’re doing with any spare time we have!
With the smoke putting a damper on these last days of summer and the owners of the last few boats in the water making plans to pull out, it seems that we’re all about closing shop for the season. But, no! Just wait! We’ve got big plans going forward in the off-season that will put us ahead on our club’s list of chores.
Just to catch everyone up, volunteers—including our current and former vice commodores—removed all of the old Laser docks that have been littering the sea wall in front of A, B and C docks for many years. If you recall, these were the docks that could barely float a lawnmower when I ‘tested’ them in 2019.
