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Dear Members, As we navigate these turbulent and uncharted waters together, I'd like to take a minute to update you on the latest measures your Board of Governors has taken with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it may impact our upcoming season. As I mentioned to you in my previous letter, your Board has been meeting on an ongoing basis and engaging with our BBYRA Executive Committee, State Assemblyman and fellow yacht clubs to provide for a measured response to the pandemic. While we remain optimistic, we are also actively developing contingency plans in order to be prepared regardless of the duration and trajectory that this pandemic takes. To maintain transparency and an open line of communication with our membership, we have addressed some of the questions that we expect are on your minds during this challenging time. Note that this unprecedented situation remains fluid, and our expectations are subject to change. We will provide you with any material updates as they become available.
Please stay safe and healthy, and know that we will emerge as a stronger and more cohesive Club than ever before.
On behalf of your Board of Governors,
Commodore John Broderick
YOUR CLUB, YOUR QUESTIONS
Can I bring my boat to the Club? Can I take my boat out onto the water?
Effective as of April 15th, Members will be permitted to bring their watercraft to the Club's marina and/or property for storage purposes. However, as a result of the Governor's executive order and related guidelines, Members are not permitted to operate their watercraft at this time. We also ask that you maintain a safe social distance at all times while on Club property for your safety and the safety of your fellow Members. In addition, to promote the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" directive, your Board has extended dry winter storage until May 31st without additional cost or penalty. Are the Club's facilities open? Not at this time. To safeguard our community and comply with the Governors' executive order mandating the closure of all "social clubs," your Board has declared that the Club will remain closed indefinitely. While we look forward to welcoming you back for our 116th season, the health and safety of our Members remains our first priority, and we will not re-open our doors until we determine that it is advisable to do so. Will our traditional Spring social events take place? Derby de Mayo (or, as some call it, "Cinco de Derby"). With regrets, we have determined that it will be necessary to cancel our annual Derby De Mayo party. We hope to reschedule this Member-favorite to coincide with the postponed Kentucky Derby in early September. Opening Cocktail Party. Given the fluid and dynamic situation, no final decisions have been made with respect to our Opening Cocktail Party. We are currently evaluating alternatives to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend and honor our beloved traditions. New Member Luncheon. We appreciate the importance of this annual tradition, which allows our new members to become acquainted with, and integrated into, our LYC family. As such, we have postponed the New Member Luncheon until a time at which we can safely welcome the newest members of our community. Live Music Series. In light of the Club's indefinite closure, our Live Music Series events for April and May have been cancelled. Will there be a junior sailing program, adult sailing or club championship series? We are a sailing club first and foremost. While the pandemic situation remains too fluid to make a final decision with respect to sailing activities at this time, we are hoping to offer all of these activities to at least some extent. We are in ongoing discussions with our fellow clubs and the BBYRA to explore potential alternatives, including an abbreviated junior program and sailing series, once applicable restrictions have been lifted. Can I host a private event at the Club? As you know, the Club introduced an exciting program in 2019 allowing Members to host private events in the Commodores' Lounge. In order to prioritize the health and safety of our Members and limit the presence of non-Member guests on Club property, no private events will be hosted this Spring. If you would like to host an event in the Fall or Spring 2021, please submit an event inquiry to our Clubhouse Rental Committee. Availability is limited. Is the Club in financial jeopardy? No, the Club has sufficient cash reserves to weather the pandemic and maintain operations through the season. Your Board is working closely with the Finance Committee to minimize the economic impact of the pandemic on the financial health of the Club, and certain expenses have been deferred until we can better project the duration and financial implications of the pandemic. How can I stay connected to the Club and apprised of any material developments? We will continue to regularly share updates with you via email and our Facebook group. For your convenience, all COVID-19 updates can be found on the Club News page of our website. If you are aware of a Member that is not receiving e-mail correspondence from the Club, please suggest they check their spam / junk folder. Otherwise, please e-mail us (news@members.lavalletteyc.org) to update the e-mail on file.