It is hard to believe it has been a year since I was elected commodore and I drove through that dense fog over the 620-bridge thinking ‘what have I gotten myself into’ as I shared with you all in the January Telltale. I must admit, it has felt pretty foggy all year long. But lucky for all of us, the 2019 AYC Board has supported, guided and taught me a lot about running an organization. I was blessed to serve with this group and all of their unique personalities and I thank them very much. There have been lots of discussions and lots of opinions. But the welfare of Austin Yacht Club was always the underlining goal. The Board was dedicated throughout the year to serve AYC needs and concerns and it has been my honor to serve with them.
Speaking of thanks, I cannot thank the AYC Awards and Banquet committee enough! They ran a smooth, efficient and fun Annual Banquet. I believe a great time was had by all thanks to their hard work and the great party band, Plush! Congratulations to all the award winners!
Overall, it’s been a great year, right? Even though Coleman resigned in early 2019, the sail training program kept going with a team of volunteers. Thank you to all who helped out. You are an example of a volunteer-supported club at its best. Then we found Spencer who became our junior coach. With the support of a lot of those same volunteers and Spencer, the junior program kept going and growing.
Then in the Spring, the AYC family was there to support me personally at the passing of my dad, Hap Arnold. Words cannot express how much that meant to me and my family. Thank you.
Also, throughout the year, we had successful regattas with or without wind. We had special events like American Magic and Maiden. And then we had a bunch of series races, beer can races, moonburn races and Wednesday nights races, not to mention the dinners and parties. It appears Austin Yacht Club likes to sail and compete and have fun.
And as a final accomplishment of 2019, AYC has hired Booby Brooks as the Sailing Program Director. Bobby will be starting February 12. We are delighted to welcome him as part of our staff and he is excited to come back to Austin and Lake Travis.
As we say goodbye to 2019 there is a lot to look forward to in 2020. And as always, we have a great club with outstanding members at our little piece of heaven on Lake Travis.
Merry Christmas, Season Greetings, Happy Holidays and Happy Sailing,
Annie Lancaster, 2019 AYC Commodore.
