March 4, 2011 Dear Grand Lake Yacht Club Members, Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Commodore. Over the next two years I hope we will steer a course that protects our traditions and continues to evolve to meet the sailing and social expectations of our unique community. Your dedicated Board of Directors recently met to attend to the Club's administrative needs and help plan an exciting summer of activities. The theme for Regatta Week this year swirls around the legends of Camelot rechristened for our purposes as Yachtalot. Lady Kim Unicume leads an enthusiastic round table of entertainment chairs keen to create a memorable affair full of heroism and chivalry with epic adventure coordinated by Sports Chairman, Sir Ty McKinstry. Meanwhile your Vice Commodore and Fleet Captain Hollie Lubchenco will oversee a superb schedule of racing (see enclosed) that ensures all of our teams will be in top form by the time we pursue the Holy Grails of Regatta. We are all very thankful that Tom Coulthurst returns to coordinate so many details of the racing program while again serving as the Principal Race Officer (PRO) for the E and interfleet events. Hollie takes over as the M fleets PRO, while Rear Commodore Jay O'Neall coordinates Laser class racing. Serving on the Race Committee comprises a great way to get involved with the core of Club endeavors. Join in the fun this year by contacting Hollie or one of the other PRO's; no experience necessary. On that note sailors should review their Race Committee assignments on the schedule. Any necessary trades or other concerns should be facilitated through Hollie's Fleet Representatives. Sandy Francis represents the Laser class, with Molly Sherwood leading the M16s, and Bryce Meyer the 17s. Kim Buttram covers the M20s, and Tim Harrington mans the Es. The Atlantic Cup racing in Fevas moves up to Wednesday this year, and for the York Cup we'll see exciting races in the Bugs. Becca Ruske and Emma Harrington serve as PRO's for these events. Thanks and best of luck to all these members of the Regatta Committee for a competitive and safe season. Plan to join Rear Commodore Jay O'Neall for our annual celebration of Sir Thomas' exhortation; 'There's no fun like work!' at the Club Opening and Clean Up on June 18 at 9am. See the schedule for winter storage boat removal to be completed Memorial weekend. Let's make sure our venerable facility stands ready to host another great summer. Thankfully, the grounds remain in the talented hands of Paul Harrington and his staff. Members should note that the Directors are considering a revision to the No-Tents policy for rental events. If a suitable and standard process appears capable of safeguarding the Club, test events may be attempted in August. In the spirit of Lipton's suggestion that many hands make light work; let's all assist Jay in keeping the Club ship shape this season. Sailing School Director Toby Sutherland's ambitious plans for the 2011 sessions can be found online here. Note that week one shifts to a Tuesday start to accommodate the weekend festivities. Please read through his material, and make plans for your children's attendance by sending in the registration forms. With high expectations and minds open to innovation, we look forward to seeing what Toby and his sharp instructor team has in store as they carry forward this most visible and crucial aspect of Club operations. My gratitude to Chris Tarr for his many hours spent producing, maintaining and updating the very attractive websites over the last several years. As Chris finishes his term on the Board we are looking for someone to take over supervision of our internet presence. Please let me know if you harbor an interest helping the Club in such a capacity. Chris is committed to an effective transition with training of our new webmaster and selection of the most suitable format. Our Membership Committee Chairman Howdy Fry continues to upgrade our application process. As you have noticed we need to develop a firm grasp on birth year for all our members and prospective junior members, so that we can be certain no one misses a legacy opportunity and that senior member benefits are realized. Thanks to Marianne Marvez for helping consolidate and update our member lists. Richard Campbell is sponsoring the membership application for Matthew Hall and his family, so please make an effort to introduce your self early in the summer. New applications or questions about the process should be addressed to Howdy, who deserves our gratefulness for his outstanding effort. With Gene Zachman at the helm, you know the Grand Lake Yacht Club Sailing Foundation boasts a myriad of terrific new and ongoing projects. Along with supporting the Community Sailing Association in Denver, the Club Sailing School, and our Disabled Sailing Program headed by Kevin Cox; the Foundation continues the Mac Ruske Scholarship Program that will make grants in support of East Grand School District students interested in participating in one of our Sailing School sessions. Keep your eye on two Olympic hopefuls whose campaigns the Foundation is supporting. Mark LeBlanc (www.team-leblanc.com) recently won the National Championship in the 2.4 meter disabled sailing class, and will be competing for a slot on the Olympic team representing the US in England next summer. Collin Leon has been awarded a grant to support his J24 Youth team at the 2011 World Championship in Buenos Aires. There will be a unique fundraiser this year with a goal of enhancing and continuing the GLYCSF's good works. Many thanks go out to Dan Wilhelm, Gene, and all the Foundation donors. Start thinking about, testing, and recording your favorite recipes for Sailor's Party appetizers, crowd pleasers, and tasty treats for the Lady's Lunch. Carolyn Lane plans to organize a GLYC cookbook this summer. Any recipes of historic significance should be earmarked for Katherine Blair who has graciously agreed to lead the Club History Committee. I know I'll be looking for something that goes with white wine for the Lady's Luncheon generously hosted at the Fry home by Cissy and Karen come late July. So many great aspects of the Grand Lake Yacht Club bear mention, but a page nearly filled. Avoid the late fee; don't forget to pay your dues by April 1. Bonnie and I can't wait to see you and celebrate another Grand Lake Summer. Appreciative Regards, Jason Sutherland; Commodore P.S. ACTION ITEM: Contact Dan Lagerborg (Daniel.Lagerborg@nmfn.com) ASAP regarding your special brand new M16 order opportunity from Melges Boat Works. Discounts (from about 16K) begin for each GLYC boat with the third order. Talk to Dan for details (c 303.717.5229). Click Here to Return to the Home Page