Commodore’s Column

By John Bogue

A myriad of midsummer activities have occurred at the Club during July. The July 4th party attendance tipped the scales with a record number of 264 members and guests. In spite of heavy winds throughout the day, Sharon Barr and her entourage were highly successful in decorating the club for a traditional Independence Day celebration. Thanks to the Barr family, CYC and CCI staff for their assistance in making the event so spectacular. It's been said that Sophie Johnson thoroughly enjoyed the music provided by the DJ, Michael Keating, and is hoping to employ him to play at her next birthday party. Unfortunately, visibility for the fire works display left a little to be desired. We'll have to bribe the weather gods in advance next year.

Several Staff Commodores, along with the current Flag officers, Board members and the Secretary and Treasurer congregated on the Sun porch at the ninth annual Past Commodores luncheon on July 14. Each year this event marks a special time when anecdotes are shared with many who have been instrumental in making history over the years at our beautiful club.

Many members and guests celebrated Bastille Day on July 14 with great gusto at a dinner in Members Dining while enjoying member-provided entertainment. Cheers to Esther Lerner Carrico for setting the mood by leading diners singing rounds of Frere Jacques.

Congratulations to Bruce and Pascale Powell, who are new to our group of cabaret stars, for doing a stellar performance as Pascale sang and Bruce played the French button accordion.

Our two singing "French girls" Colette Clowes and Else Liv Skaar did an excellent job as did the Men's Chorus. Bravo to all participants.

Well-deserved appreciation goes to Jackie Taylor for directing our talented crew. Merci beaucoup to Marcia Peck for taking still shots and Jeannie Pagnotta for videoing the event, which will be viewable on our web site at www.cychistory.org. [the digitized video will be arriving soon to this web site. stay tuned. --ed.]

On July 22 many cruisers enjoyed visiting one of our favorite ports of call, the Encinal Yacht Club. Many thanks to Trip and Jill Ames for being the leaders of this cruise and special recognition to Trip and to Richard Buckerfield for keeping those blenders going at full speed preparing margaritas for all. In keeping with the selected Jimmy Buffett theme, Hawaiian shirts, great tropical decorations and the appropriate recorded music added to the perfect weekend outing.

The latest news on the lift is that we are waiting for an inspection to be scheduled and completed by the State Elevator Inspectors, which should occur some time soon. It could be in a couple of days or in a few weeks. After we are given their stamp of approval, we will receive the keys to operate the lift, which are currently in the hands of the building company. The Board discussed and approved changes to the dry storage and dinghy rack rules that will be posted shortly. Bob Rogers, Commodore of the Master Mariners Benevolent Association, attended the July 26 Board meeting to join in the discussion of the success of this year's Wooden Boat Show and to begin planning for the event next year, which will held at CYC.

From 11:00 am - 3:00 pm on Saturday, July 28, The Corinthian Yacht Club provided the venue for an event called an Easter Seals " Day on the Bay", a program which allowed approximately 30 disabled children and young adults in Marin and Sonoma Counties an opportunity to go boating on the Bay. Easter Seals of Northern California and the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors organized this activity. Many thanks to Herb Meyer, Rear Commodore Ron Roberts and all the volunteers who provided boats and assisted in creating a very heartwarming and memorable day for these youths and for Corinthians as well.

I sincerely hope you are all enjoying the many wonderful summer activities happening around our great Club.

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