Welcome everyone to the 2023 Back Creek Yacht Club and all that the club symbolizes: camaraderie, friendship, structure, communication, education, activities, events, finances, a growing brand and so much more. The simple concept that our founders established to provide a virtual clubhouse that could keep their friends together has indeed become the social fabric of the Back Creek Yacht Club. It is all about the people.

It’s an honor to have been elected to serve the Back Creek Yacht Club. As your Commodore, I’ll bring my marketing experience, creative problem solving and a strong sense of integrity to the job. And, as you know, my Commodorable won’t let me fail - right Madi?

My first duty and obligation is to thank our immediate past Commodore, Tim Feldmann. Tim's tenure was one of steady guidance and effective leadership. He ushered in the post-covid era which is seeing fast growth and renewed interest in boating and our club. We welcomed 8 bundles and 16 new members in 2022. Great job Tim! We have budgeted for 5 more in 2023.

I also wish to thank our 2022 officers and BOG members for their service while I thank in advance and introduce our new slate for 2023:

Vice Commodore Norm Render
Rear Commodore Larry Awalt
Fleet Captain Tim Nelson
Treasurer Court Treuth
Secretary Carlos Mojica
BOG Members: Pam Loving, Rosie Cavin, Dave Brashears, John Oberright, Eileen Smith, and Laura Treuth
Membership Chair Mary Ross
Cruise Director Gail Higginbotham
Social Director [open]
Social Director South Madi Yates
Webmaster Bob Higginbotham

Speaking of our Directors, Gail and Madi have great activities (both land and sea) lined up. They have all the experience needed to organize our 2023 calendar and the budget to make it work. But, they need your help. Please consider how to get involved with events, event planning and event hosting. We have great events with our Directors guiding our hosts every step of the way with venues, budgets, tips and contacts. So please contact Gail or Madi and let them know that you’d like to volunteer.

I hope to see everyone at these events - both North and South. You have been getting event notices and you know how busy we are while having a great time. Great events are going to continue throughout 2023. Look at just some of what’s in store:

Soucy’s Super Bowl Party South; Feldmann’s Chile Cook Off and now famous Crab Feast; Loving’s Florida Winter Celebration; Nelson’s Annual Commodore’s Cruise Chesapeake; Render’s Lobster Fest with the Flip, Flop and Drop breakfast; and so much more….Check out the BCYC Website for a list of events and the 2023 calendar. And please consider hosting an event.

February 9th we’ll have a club-wide Ideation Meeting via Zoom to explore new ideas.  We’ll provide a fun platform and ideation rules so anyone with a great idea will be comfortable sharing. Caveat Emptor - we don’t evaluate ideas, we don’t shoot down the lame ducks, we move quickly on to the next idea. Our Secretary will document our ideas and we’ll have lots of time to revisit those ideas throughout the year. I hope you’ll join and please follow the rules. It’s not as easy as you might think.

I also want to thank our Commodore’s Ball planners Gail, Rosie and Madi for planning this great event! The 2022 CB was held at the Oyster Cove Clubhouse. This year I am pleased to say that thanks to Jerry and Chris Chappell, we'll be at the Chartwell Golf and Country Club on May 12th.

Finally, please look at how you can engage with the club. Whether you serve as an Officer, Chairperson, or Director or volunteering to HOST or assist in hosting an event we need you. This club only functions with contributions of all. And this is why we continue to be a great place to have fun both on and off the water.

Thank you and remember “It’s All About the People!”

Your Commodore,
John Yates
Commodore's Welcome Newsletter January 2023