May 11 Semi-Annual Meeting Well Attended

The semi-annual meeting was attended by 135 members. Larry Herbster, Treasurer, presented the financial report and he indicated the Club is in sound financial condition and we are weathering the economic downturn as well as may be expected. The capital projects for 2009 are on schedule and within their budgets.

Other reports by Chip Thayer, Bobby Frey, Tom Corboy, and Jonathan Bartlett all indicate we have exceptionally vibrant racing, cruising and junior activities.

The Bylaws proposal to decrease the initiation fees for those under 35 and to provide 48 month payment plans for those under 40 was adopted unanimously by voice vote. This change, which was developed by representatives from the House, Finance, Junior / Intermediate and Membership Committees, and is fully supported by the Board, is intended to help younger candidates join AYC. We sincerely appreciate your support.

After the meeting, a majority of those in attendance returned to the clubhouse for a great party. My thanks to Stephen Creese, Chef Brian Asch and our associates for making it a very pleasant evening.

Cruise Committee Launches Season with Icebreaker Rendezvous at the Club

The Cruising Fleet under cruise leader Howard Brooks held the Sixth Annual Icebreaker three-day cruise at the Club on the weekend of May 8. Over 16 boats were berthed at the Club and in the adjacent Yacht Basin slips. The Saturday evening dinner was attended by more than 90 members. During the day, there were CPR training and a first aid class. On Sunday, Fleet Chaplain Bob Pelrine blessed each boat individually since the weather was inclement and the formal parade had to be cancelled.

I want to bring to your attention the upcoming Newcomers’ Cruise that will be held on the weekend of June 12 at the Rogers’ home in Galesville. This is an excellent event and opportunity to get acquainted with the Cruising Fleet and to recount memories of prior cruises.

Race Committee Conducts J/24 World Championships and 62nd Annapolis to Newport Race

Starting on May 3, the Club hosted the J/24 World Championship. The Race Committee and Principal Race Officer Sandy Grosvenor provided excellent racing in very trying conditions. There were more than 79 competitors registered for the event from 18 countries.

I am pleased to report fellow member Chris Larson finished in second place in very tight racing. Chris is also a former World J/24 Champion and a U.S. Sailing Rolex Yachtsman of the Year. Well deserved congratulations!

The 62nd Annapolis to Newport Race will start on June 5. Only once in the last 22 years has there been a fleet larger than this year’s 61 boat fleet. According the Chip Thayer, the fleet is outstanding in terms of the quality of entrants.

The race is a wonderful test of navigation and seamanship skills and comprises three components: the race down the bay, a coastal leg to Block Island and the final challenge into Newport. Each boat is equipped with a transponder and you will be able to follow the race on the internet.

Memorial Day Service Honors Deceased Members

The Club conducts a formal Memorial Day celebration each year which was reinstituted in 1998 by P/C Karl von Schwarz. Memorial Day is a time we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom and democratic way of life.

As part of the service, the names of deceased members in the past year are read and a bell tolls for each one. A wreath is placed in the water in memory of all departed members and to honor those who have served our nation.

Well, that’s it for this month. If you have concerns, questions, or thoughts concerning the Club please contact me at petergordon@gordoninvestment.com.

Peter Gordon

Commodore