Yes, things are always changing. After nearly eleven years of dedicated service Andy Laura has retired from his position as Bar Manager of the Corinthian Yacht Club. In early 1990, Andy teamed up with his cousin Carlo Gelardi, who was already a favorite bartender of our members. The two soon became the dynamic duo of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Shortly after that, he became our Bar Manager and ran our bar with the same sense of personal pride and dedication as he had run his own business years before in the Fisherman's Wharf area of San Francisco. Andy has decided he will help out on the Friday lunch and Saturday afternoon shifts so don't worry; he hasn't abandoned us completely. I know his favorite event is our Midwinter Regatta so he might even pop up there once and awhile. Andy, this is my opportunity to say that when I was a new member you always made me feel welcome, and as I came to know you, I know how very much you loved being at our Club. Thank you on behalf of the members of the Corinthian Yacht Club.
And yes there are changes. When you call the Club and are greeted by a voice not belonging to Frances, it's probably the voice of Michelle Dozier. She has joined our office staff on a part time basis. And at this year's Commodore's Ball I had the opportunity to introduce our new Bar Manager, John Guzy. We're very fortunate to have these two individuals join our staff. Be sure to introduce yourselves.
Speaking of the Commodore's Ball, what a lovely event. Six Staff Commodores and their wives were able to attend. One hundred fellow Corinthians were there to recognize and celebrate the many years of dedicated service of all of our Staff Commodores. Our ballroom was transformed into a lovely garden of beautiful flowers, with sumptuous food and music from the '20s through the '90s to dance to.
The creativity of Leila Heyman, sales manager for CCI, was truly amazing. She and Ingo went to the Flower Mart in San Francisco at 5:30 a.m. to secure only the freshest of flowers, and Frances, Ingo and Leila arranged them for all of us to enjoy. If you ever want to host an event to be proud of, see Leila and Chef Ian. Our staff and the staff of the Catering Company did a truly magnificent job.
More good news. The resolution the membership passed that allowed for a transfer of ownership of a five-foot lane for two lots near our back stairs is now in escrow. Thank you for your support. The Board of Directors met in September and adopted a Five Year Forecast of Revenue and Expenditures presented by the Finance Committee. This will be of great assistance as we make plans for the future financial security of our Club. The Board also incorporated the suggestions of many of our members, and separated a motion to amend the By-Laws to increase the Club's initiation fees, from a motion to augment the Reconstruction Fund with an assessment. Funds are still needed to complete our Chair-lift project, repair our ramp, as well as projects mandated by the Health Department in our kitchen, and upstairs and downstairs bar areas. These motions will be mailed along with the notice of our Annual Meeting, which is to be held on Friday, November 10th.
The Club continues to offer events for everyone. This year the Entertainment Committee did a very creative job, entertaining both young and old at the Commodore's Picnic. Not only were there ships and cars given away as Bingo prizes, but also dancing and games for all ages.
Hilary Lowe and Dylan Lowe won the rowing contest. This brother and sister team inched out Ed and me by four seconds. Great job. Nicholas Dugdale and Francois Powell won the junior division. Congratulations to all. The Friday Night Races came to a close. Thank you to so many who assisted our Rear Commodore, Dan Carrico. The old hands did a great job training so many new volunteers. This will go a long way to develop the race committees of the future.
Congratulations to Charlie Brochard, who won the Olsen 25 Nationals. This victory was especially sweet since the Regatta was held at the Corinthian. And more racing! Congratulations to Kay Rudiger and her team, who won this years Corinthian Women's Invitational Regatta. There are many more events to mark on your calendar as this year comes to a busy end: the Tinsley Cruise, the E.Ross Wood Regatta, and a very special Club presentation, Cabaret-By-The-Bay. So many of you do so much to make this Club the wonderful place it is.