Commodore's Report April 2024

Hello EYC!  As the Season begins to ramp up and the club awakens from its winter hibernation we have a lot to do. With a work party Saturday April 20th, Tuesday TYC Sail, Wednesday night racing and the Skippers and Mates dinner this Saturday to boot! Registration for EYC’s Dick Brust Sail School this June 23-28 has already begun for members. EYC will be running the City of Eugene sailing courses this summer and we have priority registration and discounts for EYC members. Starting in May dinghy racing begins. Where Lidos and Lasers battle it out in what can only be described as a chess game on the water. With all seriousness aside, we have to realize that in reality all we are doing is sailing in circles in plastic boats! Ok some people have wood boats but that is a whole other level of crazy! Unfortunately, some of you may have noticed that the lake is not at full pool. I take full responsibility as I have been trying to fill it with extra slippery water from Belgium and it's stuck in customs.
Finally, Dan Merritt will be leaving the position of club host on April 30th. Dan and Cheri are applying to be members and will be sailing with the Lido fleet.

Mind the boom!
Al Avey
EYC Commodore

Commodore's Report March 2024

Commodore's Report 

March 2024

Ahoy EYC! Well the sailing season is approaching fast. Speaking of fast, I have been filling the lake with the slipperyest water available and have preordered the best wind. I think I can say that this will be THE BEST year in the history of EYC, No, the best year in the history of Yachting! 

Members have been working off their spring work party hours getting the club grounds all spiffed up. Kaitlyn has been working on setting up the summer youth sailing classes. We will be starting the Spring series for the Thursday night races on April 4th. Tuesday night TYC fun races start April 2nd and are a great way to get out and have fun on the water. The dinghy races start May 1st! If that is not enough sailing don’t forget to sign up for Saturday racing by May 1st. 

I had the privilege of sitting in on Bob and Sterling Bush’s introduction to sailing course. Sterling and Bob gave this class to about 31 new and beginning sailors. They covered the basics of boats, sailing, wind, and just about everything you need to know before stepping on a sailboat. Of these students about half were members of the community or as I like to call them potential members. This community outreach and education fulfills the first three points of our corporate purposes which are;

• To promote general interest in the sport of yachting;

• To promote the science and art of navigation and boat handling;

• To promote safety upon the water;

Of these students 10 have been on a sailboat fewer than two times. Combined with our new partnership with the city we will have a bigger impact on the community and hopefully more sailors to sail with.

Until next time fair winds and following seas.

Al Avey

Commodore’s Report February 2024

February 2024

Ahoy EYC!
If you were at the Commodore’s Celebration earlier this month you have already heard me say how excited I am for the upcoming year! Attending regattas at other yacht clubs is one of the fun things EYC members will be doing this year. All of this traveling increases our national presence as the preeminent sailing club in the southern Willamette Valley. I am personally planning to travel for regattas with members of the Lido Fleet. Most of the Lido Fleet will be attending the Lido CCR in Southern California and the Turtle Regatta in Portland. But the best of all are the regattas that will be hosted by EYC. These are the regattas you should plan to attend: the Memorial Day Regatta which is also the Lido Regional Championship, the Live on the Edge Regatta with its wild America’s Cup start and finish, and the Harvest Day Regatta. At the end of the season the Commodore’s Cup will be sailed in Harbor 20’s, our newest Fleet. And not to forget our youth sailors, the Jim Skeen Unregatta is always a summer highlight.  We have a full calendar of events happening here at EYC so you don’t have to go far to have a lot of fun. As I write, the lake level has dipped below the fill curve for the first time since I became Commodore. I take full responsibility for this and am currently working to fill the lake back to its prescribed level.
Fair winds and full sails!

Al Avey

Commodore's Report January 2024

January 2024

Hi EYC, as most of you know and some will find out, One of the duties of the Vice Commodore is to make all of the committee assignments for the coming year. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has taken a committee assignment. I am happy to announce that we now have Joanna Richa and Mark Forrest as our Assistant Sail School directors. A special thank you to Glen Hughes and RaeAnne Chamberlin for being Sail School directors again. Glen and RaeAnne will  help guide Mark andJoanna through the process of being Sail School chairs. Also, James Cassidy has offered to chair the Skippers and Mates soiree. (See how I made it all fancy by using French) Additionally, Ruth Hyde will be the chair for our Fourth of July Celebration. Now I’m going to be working with the JRC to find who will chair the Buck-a-Burger and Steak bash. I’m sure someone will step up and volunteer : ).  Now all I have to do is fill the lake! Easy Peasy.
I’ll see you all at the chili feed.
Al Avey

December Commodore Report 2023

Ahoy EYC! It’s my pleasure to announce that the long search to replace the irreplaceable Paul Morrow as Club Manager has come to an end. After an exhaustive nationwide search with submissions from as far away as Florida and New York, the Board of Directors has made an offer of employment to Kaitlyn Mentzer. Kaitlyn comes from the exotic far-away place of Veneta, Oregon, I hear it’s a lovely place. She is a graduate of the University of Oregon, Go Ducks, Charles H. Lundquist College of Business. Her degree in Business Administration with an entrepreneurial concentration will prove invaluable in running the club and most importantly growing the youth sailing program. Kaitlyn has experience managing people at work and as a Scoutmaster for Troop 50. We will be bringing Kaitlyn “on line” in the coming weeks. Please join me in welcoming our newest and bluest, did I mention she has blue hair, employee to the club.

Happy Holidays!

Al Avey

November Commodore Report 2023

Hello EYC members! Well we have started a new year with a new board and a whole bunch of changes to the club. Our long-time Port Captain, Gordon Mattatall, has decided to step down  We thank him profusely for his service to the club. In his place we will be welcoming Art Stiers and Murray Mcleod as our new Port Captain and Assistant Port Captain. Yes two people are filling the position formally filled by one person. That's how big a role Gordon played. The club is currently looking to hire a full-time club manager. The new club manager will have all of the duties of the previous manager plus be in charge of running our sailing classes and instructors. Paul Morrow is stepping down effective January 1. We thank him for his cheerful service in such a difficult job.

The 2024 committee assignments will be published in the handbook. I mention this to drive the point home that we are a volunteer run club. Without volunteers our club doesn't work. That being said, we still need volunteers. Please consider volunteering yourself, or a friend. We need a Sail School Chair, Assistant Sail School Chair, Chief of Kayaks, Skippers and Mates Chair, Fourth of July festivities chair, and probably others.

Although there is a lot of work to be done, I look forward to the coming sailing season!

October Commodore Report 2023

As I sit here writing this article, I can’t help but reflect on the last year. Especially the summer months. We were fortunate to have a full pool. Enabling us to have a fantastic sailing season. The number of regattas we had this season was incredible. I love regattas. The opportunity to meet people from other clubs and other areas. Making new sailing friends and the sheer buzz that is around. While I wasn’t at every regatta and I didn’t sail in any of them, I was around for many of them helping where I could.

It was after Harvest Regatta that I found myself talking with Andrew Kerr and Derek Hardy. I had mentioned that I really wanted to be able to sail my boat, a Catalina 25, by myself. Not needing someone to go with me would be freeing and wonderful. I knew I could launch and sail no problem but docking presented an issue. We talked about how I dock. Andrew offered up a way I could similar to what I was already doing with a tiny change. A few days later I went out and tried using the way Andrew and suggested. Success. Not only did I have a fantastic sail. It was probably my best docking experience with that boat. Since then, I have sailed many times by myself including one night sail under that last full moon. I was sad when it was time to pull the boat out.

Now that boats have been pulled out and are being winterized, I wanted to remind everyone that any boats left at the club on November 1 will be charged for winter storage. If you are planning on keeping your boat at the club, boats stored in the center island need to be facing west. Put your OR number on your trailer as well as your name. that will keep us from having to undo your tarps to find out whose boat it is.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Annual meeting on October 28. Remember this is where we vote on the board, bylaws and make decisions for the coming year. If you want your voice heard you need to come to that meeting.

September Commodore Report 2023

Commodore's Report 
September, 2023
We are now in September, the time when I start to panic that I am running out of summer. While true, September is also a beautiful time in Oregon. The weather is still warm, but the leaves are changing colors. Kids go back to school, so the house is quiet again. It’s also a great time to start planning for next summer and what winter projects need to be done to the boat.

There is still plenty of sailing to be had at EYC. It is getting darker earlier, and I have found myself thankful for navigation lights. I noticed one evening it is hard to see the dock slip when you’re coming back in on a dark night. Thanks to Janell Skeen I have a solution to that. I now put glow sticks on my dock finger when we think we will be out late. Works wonderfully. Now I can see the dock finger and I have something to aim for.

I have been asked by several members lately if we were ever going to have a Commodores Ball again. Well, that answer is yes. It will not be in November this year it will be in January. I can not remember the exact date as I write this, but it is happening so watch for information on that.

We have a Work party this weekend. Saturday starting at 9 am. There are some project  to do before the weather changes. So if you are able please come out and help.

As many of you know, Lahaina in Maui was destroyed by a fire. Lahaina Yacht Club was destroyed in that fire. At this point all their employees are safe as well as the board of Governors and Trustees. 8 of their 12 Board members, the majority of their staff, and many of their members have lost everything. They have set up a spot on their website if anyone would like to donate. The money will go to helping their staff. They will also be opening an online merchandise store within the next week or so. The proceeds from that will go to rebuilding. As they have lost their club house, they have also lost their archives. They are asking anyone who has been there, who might want to share photos they have taken there with them to please send them to office@lyc.us. If you are feeling like you would like to donate their website is www.lyc.us. I have let them know that our prayers and hearts are with them and let them know we have a burgee for them when they are ready to receive.

August Commodore Post 2023

We are sailing right through the summer. The last month has brought us much activity at the club. It has been fun to see so much going on. I myself have enjoyed sailing my Catalina, paddle boarding, and getting to know the people I share the dock with even better. I also was out during the Lido Class Championships and had the opportunity to help with the Friday night dinner. I wanted to reflect a bit on that weekend.

First, I don’t think it’s any secret that Marty Parisien knows how to put a regatta on. I am impressed by how smoothly it seemed to go. There are many moving pieces that moved seamlessly. From registration to check in, to the meals, to racing and entertainment. There was nothing that was not accounted for.

The kitchen. As I mentioned I had helped with the Friday night dinner. Megan Richter was in charge. Megan knows how to run a kitchen. She delegated like a boss. We had a great time prepping and serving food. All the meals were amazing.

The thing that got me most was the amount of people who were truly enjoying our club. People who came from all over. Consistently telling me what an amazing club we had. That they were having a fantastic time. They really enjoyed our grounds and everything we had to offer.

I also learned about a new water toy to try. There was a kid named Parker here with his family. They are from Mission Bay Yacht Club. He brought with him a Hydro Foil board. I kept seeing him launching from the Cat launch dock. At first, I thought he was jumping off the dock into the water, so I approached him to let him know that is against the rules. When I got closer, I realized he was launching his board. That kid did this all-day Saturday. I finally went and asked him how it worked. You basically shove the board away from the dock, jump on and bounce. I decided to ask if I could try it and he said yes. It was cool. No, I did not succeed. I went right into the water. But I now understand how it really works and would like to try again.

All in all, Lido Class Championships were amazing. It was quickly followed up by Santana 20 Nationals, which sadly I did not have the opportunity to come out and enjoy. I heard that there was great wind, and it was a great event enjoyed by all.

Next up we have the Jim Skeen Youth Unregatta and Concert by the Lake this Saturday, August 12. Both to be enjoyable events. I know that the Unregatta is a favorite among the youth.

Summer is running out. I hope you all get the chance to enjoy the things you enjoy about our club.

July Commodore Post 2023

It is crazy to me how fast June came and went. Here we are already halfway into July. June saw a lot of

activity at our club. With all the activity I noticed there was a lack of either knowing and understanding

of rules or just outright breaking of rules. No one wants to be the fun police but there are rules that we

have that our for our protection as a club as well as the safety of our members. I thought I would take a

moment to review some of those rules.

The first rule I would like to highlight is "No jumping or diving from docks. This is one we see broken by

kids more than anything. It is both a safety issue and an insurance issue. Please remind your kids not to

do this and set the example by not doing it as well. Along with jumping and diving from docks. Stay off

the log attenuator around the swimming area. It is dangerous to climb on these for many reasons.

The second rule to highlight is “life jackets must be worn on club boats, paddle boards, and Kayaks. I get

it. It’s a hot day, you’re just going for a short paddle, and you don’t want to wear it or be told what to

do. The problem is it’s not your boat so it’s not your liability. It’s the clubs. So just wear a life jacket.

Speaking of life Jackets. I recently discovered that not everyone understands that it is a law to have a

life jacket on board for every person on board your sailboat. I know that the people reading this

probably know and understand this law, but I still wanted to mention it.

Dogs, you must have a permit to have a dog on the premises. Even then your dog may only go from

your car to your trailer or boat. Dogs cannot go swimming in the swimming area or hang out for a

picnic.

I don’t want to be the person who just sits and controls what people can and cannot do. These rules are

here for reasons. For most of these rules it is a safety thing.

Switching directions. I wanted to thank a few people who worked hard to make events happen in June

and early July. First, Katie Bloom-O’Brien. Thank you for the work you put into the Deck Party. While I

was not able to attend, many people remarked on how much fun they had. Glen and RaeAnne, Sail

school was amazing!! There are so many moving parts to sail school. You two put it on flawlessly. It

was enjoyed by many. I personally watched someone we had introduced to sailing, learn to sail, fall in

love with sailing, and now they want to buy a boat. All from sail school. Sail School would not have

been as successful without a cracker jack team in the kitchen. Thank you Max Edleson for heading that

up, and those chicken Fajitas were amazing. Right as sail school ended, we were at the 4th of July. Thank

you to Jeannine Schoenfeld for heading that up. It was an enjoyable day. I think the real star of that day

was the water slide for sure.

Summer is not over, and we still have many more events at this club happening in the next month. Lido

National Championships, Santana National Championships, Jim Skeen Unregatta, Concert by the Lake,

Women’s Cup, and Harvest Day Regatta. Come out, Enjoy the club, follow the rules.

June Commodore Post 2023

Its crazy to think we are halfway through June. June happens to be my busy month. Equal only in part

to December. This year we had graduation for one kid, the End of School activities for another, and A

Dance recital. That was just the first 2 weeks. In the busy-ness I find myself looking forward to what

summer has to offer and at the same time feeling like there is not enough summer to fit it all in. For me

summer is full of sailing, swimming, paddling, and birthdays. I truly cherish my time on my boat and on

the lake as well as the people at the lake. One of my favorite things to do is just sit in the boat on a hot

summer night and watch the stars. There is something so peace full and amazing. The stillness of the

lake, the quiet around, and the beautiful stars shining in the sky. That is what I miss most when winter

comes. Luckily, we still have time to enjoy.

Sailing season is in full swing. We have had 2 great regattas. While I was not around for those I have

heard great things about both of them. Thank you to Marty Parisien for a job well done with the

Memorial Day Regatta and to Roeland Kapsenberg for not only a great regatta with Live on the Edge, but

also a sailing clinic before the regatta. I understand those events were well attended and people had a

good time of sailing and fun.

We have some great events coming up. This weekend Katie Bloom-O’Brien is putting on the Deck

Opening Party. I hear there are some amazing things planned. With how amazing the plans sound I find

myself sorry that I am missing it. It is sure to be a good time. The Deck Opening is being followed up by

Sail School and Fourth of July. Both to be equally full of fun and friends.

May 2023 Commodore's Corner

The lake is full! The nice weather has arrived. Hopefully you have been able to take advantage of it. Weather just getting out in your yard or getting out to the lake. I myself have done a lot of paddle boarding while my son has enjoyed some sailing. It is getting us excited for the summer to come.

We have some great events coming up Memorial Day Regatta, Deck Party, Sail School, and the 4th of July to get the summer kicked off.

My boat should be going in next week so hopefully I can be sailing here soon. Speaking of boats. If you store your boat in the center parking area it is time to move it. If you are not planning on putting it in the water, please move it to the back fence. Please have them moved before Memorial weekend so we have plenty of parking for the Memorial Day regatta.

I want to remind everyone that due to the Memorial Day Regatta we will be having our general membership meeting a week early. That will be on May 20th. There is a work party that day as well.

April 2023 Commodore's Corner

Commodore's Report April 2023

Spring, A time of change. Trees blossoming, temperatures warming…..or so we hope. I love Spring because it tells me Summer is not far away. This spring finds our household preparing in a different way than usual. Our son is preparing to graduate high school in just 7 short weeks. Last week we had the opportunity to go with him to the college he will be attending to tour the buildings that make up the program he is studying. We watched as he signed his letter of intent, and we will go back with him next week for national signing day. We are extremely proud and excited for him and what these changes will bring.
We know it takes a village to raise children. I wanted to take a moment here and acknowledge the fact that many of you have helped in shaping who he has become. So many of you have been a part of his life and shared your knowledge of sailing and life with him. It does not go unnoticed. I am grateful. From Chris Thomas with Youth Sailing nights, Janell Skeen and Pat Skeen with the Unregatta and helping get the jr fleet going again. Chip Balough taking a young Greyson on his thistle as foredeck. Larry, who is no longer with us, and his catamaran knowledge. Dick Brust, always departing your words of wisdom to him, he really listens to you. Becky Barker, you are such a huge influence on his life. There are so many more. I could fill a page or 2 just naming people who have done something to help shape his life. Not just his but many of our youth. EYC is an incredible place. It’s incredible because of the people that make it that way.
With Spring comes the opening of the club. It is wonderful to see it with a full pool and people sailing. I find myself looking forward to spending more time on the lake and visiting with all of you. The first step is putting my boat in and making sure it still floats. It’s going to be a great season of sailing. So, get your boats in the water and enjoy the lake and if you see me out there say hi.
Stephanie

March 2023 Commodore's Corner

Commodor's Report March 2023

What crazy weather we have had. I should have been more specific when I put my order in for rain to fill the lake. I did not expect snow, sleet, hail and graupel. I didn’t even know what graupel was util 2 weeks ago. For those that don’t it is a soft hail, or snow pellets and happens when water freezes around falling snowflakes. On the plus side all of that is helping to fill the lake. I am hoping the crazy weather is done and we get just the right amount of rain fall. At this point the lake is about 1 ½ feet low from where it should be at this time of year.
I don’t know if your family is like mine but we are getting excited for the better weather to come and sailing season to begin. We are busy checking our boats to make sure they are ready and repairing anything that needs it. I believe we are going to have a fantastic sailing season this year.
Just as we are preparing our boats for the year ahead we are preparing the club to open for the season. This gets done in many ways. Work party being a big part of that. I want to remind everyone that half of your work party hours are due by the end of this month. If you are getting worried that you won’t have your hours in and can’t make work party there are a few things you can do. You can contact Marji Clune. She will be able to tell you what you can do at the club between now and the end of the month to earn those hours. You can join a committee or volunteer for something that might be happening later but will secure your hours. At 20 nationals and Lido regionals we are looking into the possibility of someone cleaning the restrooms daily for their work party credit. If you think that is something you could do let me know.
All in all, fair weather is coming. We want more rain before then. We need your help to get the club ready to open. I look forward to seeing you all on the lake.

Stephanie

January 2023 Commodore's Corner

Its hard to believe its already January of 2023. I hope everyone has had a happy and healthy winter so far. I know my family is looking forward to spring and summer and all that it has to offer. I am working hard to make sure we get plenty of rain and snow pack in the mountains so we can have a full pool again this year.

We as a board are looking to put together a list of people who would be willing to take others out for some fun sailing from time to time. If you are interested in being on that list, please let us know.

I want to remind everyone of the rule change around work party hours. You must have half of your required hours done by March 31. We have our first work party coming up on January 21 st at 9am.

I also want to remind everyone that the January general membership meeting is our annual Chili Feed, come let the board feed you.

Stephanie Lunceford, Commodore