Spring is a fun and super busy time at AYC, and I’d like to bring everyone up to speed on a few of the many things that are happening at your club. Here’s some brief info on items ranging from regattas and races to the updated AYC COVID Plan to facility improvements to sail training … and more.
For the first time in over a year, major regattas with non-member participants are being held at AYC this spring – the J-24 State Championship and the traditional Easter Laser Regatta. In addition, our own Opening Series races have seen good participation and close competition. The end of series (EOS) race on April 11 will feature the COVID-safe blessing of the keg and snacks provided by the social committee. Trophies will be awarded by the fleets for the winners. Special thanks go to Race Commander Andre De Le Reza, the PRC, and all the RC volunteers. As Andre said in his recent report to the Board, “I would like to thank all who have been coming out, and taking the AYC COVID rules of masking and social distancing seriously. The conscious participation of our members is what is allowing us to return to racing.”
To guide us back to “normal”, the COVID plan for AYC has recently been updated by the Board and is on the website at COVID-19 UPDATE – Austin Yacht Club. We are moving in a measured way toward having more programs and activities. We are all ready to put the pandemic behind us, and progress is being made. Please remember that masks are still required at the club. Be safe and have fun!
In December, three club members (Bill Coon, Terry Schertz, and Jim Tillingast) asked if they could form a committee and look at the sail training function at AYC. The Board asked Linda McDavitt to join them. A lot of research and surveys were done, and the committee reported back last month. In general, their report confirmed and re-emphasized the importance of both adult and youth sail training at AYC. The report is quite extensive so anyone who would like to see the entire report can contact me or Bill Coon. The board appreciates their hard work, and the information they put together will be taken under advisement as the AYC Board continues to examine sail training finances, activities, and staffing.
Sail training programs are ramping up this spring. Of note are the “Discover Sailing” clinics for new sailors being put on by Bill Records and Harry Polly, and the Zoom de-briefs of series races with on-the-water video and commentary by Bobby Brooks. Preparations are taking place and registration is open for AYC summer youth camps, which means lots of work underway for Spencer LeGrande and Emily Verdoia. Information on all this and more is on the website.
And speaking of the website, here is an item you should check out. AYC_OpeningDayCeremony_720WEB.mp4 on Vimeo is a fun link to the excellent video of the virtual Opening Day ceremony that was put together by Gina Grande and Mike Bayer.
Spring is the time to prepare for the summer. In anticipation of hotter weather, the pool deck is being re-surfaced for the opening of pool season, and new ceiling fans are planned for under the clubhouse. The Buildings and Grounds Committee headed by John Maddalozzo has been hard at work on these and other projects.
I know you have been hearing about the “spring cleaning” going on in the “Back 40”. Russ Shermer and the Harbor Committee have done a great job of culling out derelict or abandoned trailers. This will free up needed room for wet slip boat trailers.
Spring wouldn’t be spring at AYC without the Turnback Canyon Regatta. Planning is underway, led by Vice Commodore Ann Morley and regatta chairs Jeff Sabuda and Dee Chow. Let them know if you can volunteer. Cathie Martin’s Social Committee will also have a major role in this event featuring a Cajun theme. This year’s Turnback Canyon regatta will be held on May 15th and 16th. We will be racing at our end of the lake and will not be going to Lago Vista this year due to the lake water level.
I hope you all enjoy everything that AYC has to offer this spring!
Diane Covert, Commodore
