A new sailing season is about to begin. In fact, if you look at the calendar for training classes available this month, it has already begun. Reports on the new Clubhouse are very encouraging for on-time completion. All we need to do now is stay out of the building and allow the contractor to work unimpeded by "advisors".

Junior Division - We have a great junior week program but we need to translate some of that energy into increased participation in our other junior events. Reflecting the plans for our club, we recently elevated Junior Activities to a Division on a par with Offshore, One Design and Cruising. We created new official positions to strengthen the management and ease the concentration of stress on a few people. I have also appointed a Jr. Division Comm officer to handle communications and marketing to our parents and juniors. We have purchased an awesome new inflatable to serve as the junior coaches boat this season. We have already hired two 2 coaches, both collegiate sailors, for the summer season. Let's help get our junior division cranked up for a great year.

We are in the midst of producing our books for 2002, and rather than add a new color book for Juniors, we have consolidated all our books into a Yearbook and a Sailing Events book. The Juniors get a new section, and all the sailing events are now organized chronologically by division in the new Sailing Events book. The books will be distributed well before Opening Day. If you can't wait, the information in the books should be posted on the Sailing Events web page in early March. We hope you like it.

Volunteerism - FBYC is run by volunteers. Part of the job of producing our books is to identify volunteers to chair our events, race committees, and social events. That has been done. The chairs will now need help to fully staff our events. We will soon publish our sailing events calendar on www.fbyc.net/Events. Each Chair will be listed and the page will be updated as results are posted or as changes are made. Our new member application states each member is expected to dedicate 2 days a year helping run activities. Many members find it is just as much fun to help run and event as it is to participate in the event. Rather than wait for the Chairs to ask you to help, please let them know if you are free to help them on a specific task.

Training - Volunteers have already prepared Mr. Roberts for a new season, but they need training to run Mr. Roberts and to manage a race using the new unfamiliar Rule 26 among other things. See the Log for calendar events where you can learn more about these and other subjects this coming month.

Clean up Day - is scheduled for March 16. Please join in to help get the club ready for its new year with its new clubhouse.

Opening Day - Plans for Opening Day and the Commissioning of the new Building are well underway. Please get your blue blazer all cleaned up and reserve your place at the Commissioning Dinner on Saturday April 13. It promises to be a special occasion for Fishing Bay Yacht Club.

R. Strother Scott, Commodore

Of 804-780-3271 H 804-556-4066 Cell 804-405-5999