I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you the best during this time of year when we gather with family and friends to celebrate the season and prepare for the coming year. I know that I am probably not alone in my favorite cold weather pastime of daydreaming of this coming summer’s boating adventures and club activities. Thinking about warmer weather helps us boaters get through the winter with our sanity intact. It’s better than staring at a boat propped up on jack stands in wind swept, overcast, 36 degree weather (which is what I did the other day).
As I look back on this past year, I want to thank all of you for giving me the wonderful opportunity to act as the Commodore of our fine club. It was a privilege and I think it’s safe to say that it was a pretty fun year. Our events were run smoothly and were well attended and we had a pretty full calendar. Sherry and I had a great time at all the events that we were able to attend and I hope that you all had as much fun as we did! I want to shout out a heartfelt “THANK YOU!!” to all the years event hosts and especially those “behind the scenes” members who help on events without the recognition that they so deserve. These “behind the scenes” folks tend to fill in all the little cracks that can appear while putting together events for 50-60 people and the events are successful because of them.
In the upcoming year, you will notice some new faces at the helm of the club and some new initiatives being undertaken. There will be a lot of exciting things happening next year and the club will be better because of them. I want to welcome our new Commodore, Chuck Kahle (and Commodorable Ann) as well as all the new flag officers and committee members and wish them success in 2025.
Again, thank you all for a great 2024! Stay safe, warm and Sherry and I will see you next year!
Norm Render (Past Commodore)
I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone that spring starts March 19th this year and that is right around the corner. Sherry and I don’t usually bother with March as a boating month, but it certainly is a time for prep work. I am looking forward to this year’s season and getting back together with all of you. By all indications it will be another great year. The social committee is fast at work on event details for the coming year. Tim Nelson is already making arrangements for the cruises this summer and it will all be upon us in the blink of an eye! I foresee the club continuing to grow with the efforts of our membership committee and the continued success of our club financially (thanks Court)! Rumor has it that the BCYC South contingent is having a lot of fun with happy hours and golf outings as well as anniversary celebrations (Happy Anniversary Richard and Michelle).
Now as the year progresses, I hope that I can serve the club in a way that complements the efforts of our past Commodores and specifically John Yates who did a wonderful job last year and raised the bar to a level that I can only hope to get close to. I will be relying on all Back Yakkers to provide suggestions, feedback and even guidance as we start another boating season and eagerly await what this year holds. I am confident that with all the buzz going on around the club, we will enjoy continued success. Stay warm and we’ll see you soon.
Norm
