From the Helm

JP Clowes

Seasons Greetings! The Holiday season has just passed us and now we settle into our long winter’s nap. At least that’s what most people would think about a sailing club. However, I happen to know differently. Several people have been working behind the scenes to prepare for the next sailing season, only about 90 days away. The board has already met and made good progress to try to define and interpret some of the constitutional changes that we made at Docks Out. We have also started some of the preliminary planning to build a kayak storage area. I’ll take this opportunity to welcome Bill McDonald, Rosalie Kinney, and Jim Thomas, (who is returning to the board after a season away) as the newest members of our board. I’m looking forward to a great year. Keep a watch out for some exciting changes to our website that are coming soon. Mike Carr, our new webmaster gave the board a preview of some of the changes he is planning for the website. Those changes could be happening any time now, so check back often. The website will soon be much more interactive, and useful both to the membership, and to potential members.

Elsewhere, the Lido Fleet is making feverish preparations for the annual banquet, which will be held on February 6th. The individual fleets are responsible for providing the entertainment this year, which should provide some memorable moments. (Perhaps a song from the Commodore?) This year’s theme is Pirates, so be prepared for some swashbuckling good times. Keep an eye on your mailbox for the official invitation, complete with details on where and when.

I’ve had the privilege of being able to attend several of the fleet’s holiday parties, and have been glad to get out and see many of you over the past several weeks. One thing that is clear from meeting with the fleets is that we have a lot of activities going on at the club this year. Some of these activities will put us in the national spotlight. Scott Graham would upset if I didn’t put in a request for help for the Daysailer fleet. If you haven’t heard, the Daysailer fleet is hosting our North American Championship Regatta, here in Columbus on July 6-8th. The actual racing will be done at Alum Creek, but all the other activities will be right here at LYC. The Daysailers are looking for people to host sailors in their homes for the days of the regatta. They are also looking for people to help with Race Committee. If you are willing to help out in either capacity, or in any other way, please contact Scott Graham.

In the coming days we will be firming up the calendar for pre-season work parties, Docks In and Race Committee duties. When the winter blues start to get you down over the next weeks, just try to keep thinking about the coming sailing season, it will be here before you know it.