Commodore’s Column

By Dan Carrico

Heartfelt thanks go out to the 9 Corinthian skippers and the many Corinthian volunteers who helped host our 2nd Easter Seals “Day on the Bay” where 45 disadvantaged children were treated to boat rides on the bay last Saturday. On behalf of all Corinthians, I would like to specially thank Herb Meyer and his wife Carolyn Heilig who conceived the idea last year and have worked so hard to make it an even bigger success this year. In true Corinthian spirit, Herb has reached out to San Francisco Yacht Club and Sausalito Yacht Club skippers who also brought boats and gave of their time. Thank you to all! It was most gratifying for all involved to see the glee and wonderment on their faces. For many it was a first time on a boat and I think they felt the exact same feelings we all get when we cast off. I trust and hope that this wonderful tradition of giving continues.

Great news! Our Jazz nights are turning a profit. When Esther and I proposed to the Board the concept of introducing music for dining and dancing on selected Saturday nights, it was predicated on the premise that it would break even, or at worst have a slight loss. It has done better than we had hoped. Thanks to our Beverage Manager Patrick Satterfield for his report on sales figures. For the last two Jazz nights, May, June, our bar revenues averaged $1,137 vs. $487 for other Saturdays. At a net contribution margin of 70% on Cost of Goods Sold and after deducting performance costs, we had a net gain. Most importantly, members have another way to enjoy their club. It is now clear that music pays off in dollars and patronage and it looks as if Jazz nights are here to stay. Our next Jazz night is Saturday, August 10th. Why not come find out what all the excitement is about? They are selling out, so reserve early.

At my request Jim Babij our Accounting Manager has compiled a statistical breakdown of members’ spending. To reflect club patronage, only member dining, bar and TCW store expenditures were included. It was a real shocker. Of all classes of regular memberships, fifty-seven percent (57%) spent less than $100.00 in the entire second quarter of 2002! It is my personal belief that it is one’s obligation to patronize their club and to support it with profits. When this is not the case, it falls in disproportion to those that do patronize to provide funds. That leads to a smaller operational base for CCI and CYC leading to higher prices for everyone, except for those who don’t patronize anyway.

On a similar note, I would be willing to wager anyone that within the above group are members who “wet store” or “dry store” their boats (against harbor policy) in our very space-constrained harbor and dry dock at below market rates – depriving other, hopefully more active, boating members from availing themselves of a CYC slip or spot on the deck. In one instance, clams 4” long are growing on a boat’s fenders! If this applies to you, please demonstrate your “Corinthian spirit” and store your boat somewhere else. A caution to harbor and dry dock “storage” tenants: the Harbor Committee and Port Captain have the full support of the Board to come up with new ways to remove you if you persist. With members on waiting lists for berths, using the harbor for boat storage is just not Corinthian.

I just want to remind everyone of the Tall Ships’ return to San Francisco Bay August 28th through September 2nd. Anyone wishing to volunteer as a docent, sail or attend on-board receptions should sign up at the club. Information is available at the CYC office.

Remember those great Commodore’s Picnics on Angel Island? Well, this year we’re going back for an old-fashioned good time picnic. Reserve Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd for a great time of eating, games and visiting with Corinthian friends. It’s like a mini-cruise. For those with boats, we will secure at least one mooring for overnight rafting on Sunday evening and the Angel Island docks will be available first come, first served. Also, the Angel Island Ferry will be running hourly. This Entertainment event is being chaired by Sharon Barr and she has an All Star team consisting of Mrs. Vice Commodore Torild Roberts, Theresa Prescott and Paula Hansson. They have games planned for both children and adults. It will be a lot of fun! If weather turns inclement (which we’re all praying it doesn’t), we will revert to the club.

The Facilities Planning Study I mentioned in my last article is progressing. The Port Captain and Facilities Planning Committee have identified (we think) all pending projects and ascertained probable costs. The matter is now with the Finance Committee and Treasurer for compilation and study as prelude for presentation at the Board’s August meeting. I will report on the results to membership in my next Telltale article.

I hope your summers are going well and that the Corinthian is meeting your expectations for the ideal place to entertain, socialize, go boating or just relax.