THE TILLER

Commodore’s Corner

As the sailing year and my tenure as Commodore come to a close it is time to reflect upon the club’s journey over the past twelve months. Leisure sailing, series races, trophy races, junior sailing events, TWO successful regattas, facility improvements, administrative improvements, social gatherings, moonlight events, campouts, bonfires, off-lake excursions, saying farewell to former members and welcome aboard to new members etc., etc. etc. All have made the year both eventful, challenging and overall rewarding. As always, my hat is off to each Board member and each participating club member for your continuing contributions to making our club the “Best Little Sailing Club in the Country”. Wow, what an amazing treasure we have available to us. (Let’s keep it going for another 75 years or so, what you think?)

In the coming year we are most fortunate to have an able and dedicated Board of Governors, to be led by the honorable Larry Sallee. I look forward to a good year under Larry’s capable and positive leadership.. Meanwhile I’ll see you on the water and around the club. Fond regards and God’s blessings, Bob Crow

Nomination for life membership status

In its meeting on December 6^th, by unanimous vote, the Board of Governors nominated Mr. Kevin Culver for consideration as a Life Member.

Voting ballots have been circulated at the club, and are being included in the January billing statements for those members who have not yet voted. Kevin has been a continuously active member of the club for 35 years, during which he has served on the Board numerous times including three terms as Commodore and most recently as Race Committee

Chairman during the past year. Kevin has clearly earned the honor and privilege of Life Member status. Please mark and return your ballot at the earliest. Votes received more than fourteen days after the mailing date will not be counted.

Administrative time, postage fees, email addresses, speed and trees

What do the five have in common?

Answer: The more we use email to disseminate club information, the less administrative time and postal fees we use, the quicker we get the word out and the fewer trees we burn. Happily about two thirds of our members have provided email addresses. If you are one of the other third please help us out by providing your email address to any board member at the earliest opportunity.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

We currently have about sixty members on our roles, fifteen shy of our membership limit. The numbers reflect the loss of a few participating members this year, the gain of some great new members, and the purging from the roles of non-participating members who were also behind on dues obligations. We are thus provided the opportunity and challenge to recruit new sailors who enjoy the sport of sailing as well as supporting the variety of social and maintenance related activities that keep the club operational. Given the current economy, wind powered recreation is clearly an attractive, green and relatively low cost recreational option. Make a point of introducing a friend or two to sailing in the coming year and we’ll get our membership back where it needs to be. We really need your effort and support in the area in the coming year to help keep dues and fees at the current level.

2010 Board of Governors

and club officials

Thanks to all club members who participated in the annual elections held on October 25^th, 2009.

Leaders for the coming year are:

Commodore, Larry Sallee

Vice Commodore, Dean Hill

Rear Commodore, Bob Crow

Treasurer, Gordan Kayser

Secretary, Cindy McMillan

Race Committee Chair, David Stokley

Vice Race Committee Chair, Luther Mergner

Social Committee Chair, Kim Gross (Hudspeth)

Catalina 22 Fleet Captain, Jim Holcomb

Santana Fleet Captain, Ted Gay

Board Boat Fleet Captain, Carl Perry

Auxiliary Boat Fleet Captain, Mike Butler

Annual awards banquet and Christmas party

The party was held on December 5^th and hosted by the Fort Worth Boat Club, Eagle Mountain Lake. A large number of members, family and friends attended the event and seasonal music was provided by our own guitar virtuoso, Mr. Carl Perry. Thanks Carl and to all who assisted and/or attended. It was a wonderful way to begin the holiday season with good friends, good food and good cheer.

Commodore Crow started the program off by unveiling the Lake Worth Sailing Club 75^th Anniversary logo. Members attending were given logo patches and decals and the new 75^th Anniversary sign was presented. (The sign is now mounted on the lake side of the club house.)

Race Committee Chair-elect, David Stokley presented the year’s Series Race awards after which Commodore Crow presented the Trophy Race and other Special Trophy awards. Award winners for the 2009 season are as noted below. Congratulate the folks again when you see them around the club. Also, make yourself a 2010 New Year’s resolution to do a little racing on Sunday afternoons this season.

Series Race 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd Place

Winter; Phil Stuckey, Larry Sallee, Jim Holcomb

Spring A; P. Stuckey, Brian McMillan, L. Sallee

Spring B; B. McMillan, P. Stuckey, J. Holcomb

Summer; Brad Pippen, Kyle Pippen, L. Sallee/Gary Noyes

Fall; L. Sallee, J. Holcomb/Carl Perry, Sherry Srnka

Trophy Races and Special Awards:

Frostbite Race – Carl Perry

Chili Cook Off Winner – David Stokley

Opening Weekend, Men’s Aux – Jim Holcomb

Opening Weekend, Women’s Aux – Jennifer Crow

Commodores Race – Glen (Spider)Hardy

Most Improved Sailor Award – Sherry Srnka

Iron Man Trophy – Larry Sallee

Commodore’s “Gung Ho” Award, Larry Sallee

Dubious Achievement Award – Gregg Brown (for torching the committee boat)

Our Lady of the Lake Awards – 2007, Cindy McMillan; 2008, Patti Gay; 2009, Jennifer Crow

Coming soon to a Lake Worth Sailing Club Near You !!!

2010 Frostbite Race and Chili Cook off

The date and time are set so grab your woolies, your crew, and your chili pot and come on down. The historical annual event promises to be both invigorating and nourishing for the body, mind and soul. (Race will be at 1:00 PM, Sunday, January 17)

We look forward to seeing everyone .

Cheers, best wishes and steady winds to all for the coming year.

And good night Mo where ever you are.