Dear Members,

As I sit writing my first commodore’s message just days before a national election, I realize that I have one great advantage over both presidential candidates – I was ready for "day one." This is a credit to Cheryl Padilla, our past commodore, and the other club officers who over the past two years truly operated as a team, making this transition seamless. This didn’t happen by accident. Two years ago we discussed and planned how we would operate during these difficult times and how we would share the burden of management without burning anyone out. We have succeeded with step one over the past two years. I am taking over for the next two years, Greg Jones, our vice commodore, for two years after that, and Steve Hughes, our rear commodore, for two more years! During all these years we have pledged to continue to work as a team toward our goal of rebuilding our clubhouse and continuing the TYC traditions. Should anyone think our team will falter, they are sadly mistaken! To that point I would like to share a favorite quote by Calvin Coolidge that I have had on my office wall for 25 years that I think is appropriate: "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

Many have asked "what is going on with the rebuilding process?" There is no easy answer other than to say we keep making progress by taking on each challenge presented and overcoming each obstacle one by one. Most recently we were granted a special permit by the Tiverton Zoning Board of Review that allows us to construct a septic system within 200 feet of the water. While our neighbor has appealed this to Superior Court as he has practically every decision made in TYC’s favor, it allows us to construct our new septic system, which with a little luck will be in the ground as you read this issue of Fair Winds! Our building permit will be issued as soon as CRMC approves an assent modification that revises our house plans, bringing them into conformity with the judge’s order. Our neighbor will undoubtedly appeal our permit to the Tiverton Zoning Board of Appeals and Superior Court in his typical childish fashion. We, however, plan on installing our foundation in the spring.

Beginning in January the officers and the Board of Directors will begin to work on the financing plan for the new clubhouse. We would like to present it to the members in the spring, execute it over the summer, and start framing in the fall. It is an ambitious schedule but I believe achievable.

The TYC membership remains strong, active, and enthusiastic to the chagrin of those who said we would disappear without a clubhouse in a couple of years! I am proud of the TYC and its members for hanging in there. Remember, "press on"!

Wayne Karzenski

Commodore

The season was a success without any problems. We were able to collect money from some transient people who used our facility this summer. The transient people used the TYC Web site to get information about the club, and contacted me by phone to make arrangements to stay with us. I went down to the club to collect the money from them and welcome them to the club

The docks were removed in November after a wonderful season. I would like to thank everyone who helped this season installing the docks, repairing the docks, and removing them. There was some confusion this summer over the exact location of the dinghies on the dock. Next year as you pay for your spot I will issue a sticker for your dinghy with its dock location on it. This will eliminate any problem. I am looking for someone to take charge of the moorings next year. Lanny Goff has decided to do other things next year. Thank you for your help this season.

I will be sending out an e-mail in the spring setting up the date when the docks will be going in. Have a wonderful winter, and I’ll see everyone in the spring.

Mike

Plans are now being made for another exciting summer for all junior members of the club. In addition to the popular pool parties where youngsters compete for "cherished" prizes, we hope to add an art show and a sculpture night.

During the spring months parents are encouraged to have their children draw a nautical scene to be displayed at the club during the summer months. Once again, Phyllis Ibbotson will conduct an art class where youngsters can do moldings from clay. They too will be on display.

Years ago, some of the parents sponsored parties for the very young during the afternoon at the pool. If you would be interested in this, please let me know.

If you are interested in assisting in these projects, please contact me at jimdee@worldnet.att.net.

Jim Rogers

Junior Chair

The position of TYC secretary is available. We are looking for the right person to help us transition into our new clubhouse. The person selected will be appointed a director of TYC and shall serve as a member of the Membership Committee. Responsibilities include keeping and publishing the minutes of the monthly directors’ meetings; maintaining the roster of members with date of election, address, telephone number, e-mail and children’s names; keeping records of the name, size, and type of every yacht in the club fleet; handling club correspondence; and other duties as directed. Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel would be helpful.
Please address inquiries to TYC, P.O. Box 54, Tiverton, RI 02878

Thanks to all the members who participated in the summer potluck events! Our next event, hosted by Polly Ney, will be the holiday party on December 7, 2008, at McGovern’s Family Restaurant.

Looking forward, I am working on the social calendar and potluck themes for summer 2009. Please feel free to contact me at BUCKLEY3@COX.NET with any suggestions for themes or parties. I would welcome feedback on last year’s themes and ideas for future events.

If any members would like to sponsor an event, I would be happy to assist. Contact me at the above e-mail to share your thoughts.

Have a wonderful holiday season and I’ll see you all at McGovern’s!

Lori Boivin

The 2008 season was another financially solid year for the TYC. We saw a small decrease in membership (from 154 memberships in 2007 to 147 in 2008) and as a result revenue was slightly lower than last year. Also, with a swim program limited to only members, related pool revenue and instruction expenses were down as well. Other revenue areas were on budget, however, and expenses were well managed, so we generated a roughly $6,400 surplus. This surplus is calculated after a significant investment (approx. $21,000) in the clubhouse rebuilding project, so we clearly exceeded our expense goals for our normal operations.

While the lack of a clubhouse remains a fact, this past season the club continued to offer a wide range of activities. We ran a full sail training program, offered swim lessons to members, maintained a full marina, and hosted many fun social events for our membership. We invested in new sail training boats, mooring and pier repairs, engineering for dredging, and, most important, design, engineering and applications for our new clubhouse.

Our reserves are healthy and we are in a strong position to help fund the rebuilding of our clubhouse. We have roughly $158,000 in cash assets and the officers and directors anticipate using a significant amount as equity in the new clubhouse while still maintaining funds to cover emergencies and non-clubhouse expenses. In part, the amount we invest directly in the clubhouse will be determined by lender requirements.

As we look to the 2009 season, we anticipate breaking ground on a septic system, foundation, and clubhouse. We have a good understanding of the rebuilding costs and the TYC should be an attractive customer for a commercial lender once we have our permits and legal challenges behind us.

As discussed last year in membership meetings, financing for the clubhouse can be accomplished in a number of ways. A commercial mortgage is a viable option; however, with membership approval, we continue to consider other options such as an increase in dues and offering shares in the club to help fund the project.

On behalf of the officers and board members, I want to thank the membership for their strong support of the TYC and look forward to an exciting 2009 season.

Brendan McNally

TYC Treasurer