Opening Day and Building Commissioning - I am biased, but Fishing Bay Yacht Club should be very proud of itself. Everything about the Opening Day Regatta and the Commissioning of the New Building was perfect. We were blessed with many friends and fair winds. The sailboat racing was fun. The Bishop's service of Asperges was very touching. The guest Yacht Club Commodores were as delighted to be participants in our ceremony as we were to have them. Our own Past Commodores made an impressive lineup in front of the New Building, and it was interesting to hear a quip from each regarding their view of the day. Everybody loved their first official look inside the new building. Except for whoever blew out the lighting circuits, the party was fabulous. Alain Vincey cooked his best meal ever - under very extenuating circumstances. Julie Chapman, Elizabeth Staas and their committee ran a great event. The only negative was the poor powerless DeeJay. And who did shoot off that cannon at midnight?

J-29 Invitational Regatta - was held last weekend with 15 boats. David Lee ran 10 very good races over 3 days and one throwout. Eight of the top nine boats each scored at least one first in a relatively close series. FBYC provided good winds and a nice venue for a good party. I understand the new screen porch does work well as a bandstand, even if the party was properly in the tent.

Spring Racing begins - There were more boats than usual Opening Day and let's hope it continues during the spring. There has been massive trading in Flying Scots and we expect to see all these new owners on Fishing Bay soon. After all, the purpose of our club is sailing - not the new building and the elegant parties - so let's do our best to cause our club to excel!

Building Schedule - The building is nearing completion and has received final coats of paint. The upstairs will be locked up tight to allow the floor to cure thoroughly for 2 weeks. The new kitchen appliances, the security system, the sound system, and the television will be installed the week of May 6. The furniture will be moved in and the pictures will be hung May 14-15. Finally, the building will be ready for our full use on the weekend of May 17-19 when both divisions have Spring Series races. Perhaps there should be another party/dinner on Saturday night? - I will bring my two leftover magnums of Champagne!

Fundraising Continues - We received several more $1,000 checks at the Commissioning and interest in giving money continues. Bev Crump has announced he will conclude the fundraising and resign as Fund Raising Chair in the Fall, at which time the donor plaque will be converted to brass or bronze, thereby finalizing the donor list. Please discuss any donations you wish to make with Bev Crump at 804-783-6804 or send your check payable to FBYC Building Fund to Bev Crump, P. O. Box 1463, Richmond, VA 23218.

In Memoriam - Dr. Tee Thompson, long-time member, distinguished doctor, father, grandfather and friend of many members died this spring and was buried at his beloved Tuckahoe Plantation. Former Commodore Ray Munsch, age 91, also died this month. Betsy Stalnaker - co-owner of the beautiful Bristol 47 Elixir and one of our most active cruisers - lost a hard battle just last week. She was described at her memorial service as the most "debonair" person the minister had ever met. We will miss them all very much.

R. Strother Scott, Commodore
Of 804-780-3271 H 804-556-4066 Cell 804-405-5999