The Commodore's Welcome

Our 115th season formally begins this Saturday with the New Member Luncheon and, in the evening, our Opening Cocktail Party for all members – both events should be great fun. Thirty-plus committees led by dedicated chairpersons have worked diligently in the off-season. Together, we have strengthened our financial plan and introduced systems to optimize the budget.

Programs at the very core of LYC’s existence are now ready for launch, including Sunday Series, Junior Sailing, and Adult Sailing. Our House Committee has successfully upgraded the kitchen, incorporating new indoor appliances and an outdoor refrigeration unit. A new beverage refrigerator has been ordered for the bar; coming soon filter-cooled water units will replace plastic bottles, with paper straws and wooden stirrers as the new norm. Overall, these efforts have improved the effectiveness of the House. The kitchen staff is being led by Chef Gregg Forster and the pre-season feedback has been quite positive. We have established two new Steward Shift Leader positions held by Becky Metzger and Kyle Hahn; other House staff has been carefully selected and trained. In mid-June we will be introducing the new portable bar in the 2nd floor Commodores Lounge. Members with children can enjoy food and beverage services upstairs indoors, which offers the most magnificent view of the Barnegat Bay.

Our new website has been strongly embraced by members who are enthusiastic about the extensive content offered. Please note: LYC committee chairs will be posting volunteer requests and sailboat captains will advertise when they need crew online. In turn, you can easily respond online to these requests. Sailing documents and schedules, entertainment schedules, Clubhouse rental opportunities, info on theme nights and other club activities are now easier than ever to review. And, check back often to view newly posted photos.

Our LYC “Can” Help the Hungry program has been launched. A collection bin is just outside the R to R room for you to deposit unexpired, canned items. Periodically we will deliver these donations to local food banks. Food pantries rely on your support more than ever during summer months. So, please pitch-in each week.

The Building & Grounds Committees have done a terrific job preparing for this season: Phase IV of the Grounds shell project has been completed; all hoists are functioning; dock electrical system has been repaired; R to R flooring has been upgraded; a small platform was built to house containers for folding chairs. Our Hut has been upgraded to leverage online store capabilities to provide real-time inventory, online merchandise display, and the ability to make purchases via POS / credit card. Many new volunteers have been trained in this new Hut system. The Kayak & SUP (Stand Up Paddle-boarding) program will be hosting (4) events. Perhaps Kayak & SUP enthusiasts might gather at other times to paddle on the Bay together.

As you can see from the above accomplishments, volunteerism continues to be the heart and soul of LYC. Many thanks to those who have already put in time and talents for the benefit of all. If you haven’t volunteered yet, there will be many opportunities to do so throughout the season. As mentioned before, volunteering is a fine way to have fun, meet new friends and contribute to our club’s success. The Sunday Patrol Fleet led by Fleet Captain Ken Dolan, and our Adult Beginner Sailing program (at my lead) to be held on (4-6) Saturday mornings are both looking for more volunteers. Please reach out to us if you are interested.

It is indeed a great privilege and my pleasure to serve as your Commodore. I encourage all to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities available through the best club on the bay, LYC. Looking forward to seeing everyone very soon.

Now…it’s time to be out on the Bay!

Warmest regards,

George Anderson

Commodore