Welcome to the first email addition of the STYC Log.  From this month forward you will receive the log via email.  If you would prefer to receive the printed log the snail mail way, please contact Nancy Firestone, Club Manager.  The Yacht Club is continuously updating the email database, if you know of someone who would like to be added, or if your email address changes, please let Nancy know.  If you have any information that you wold like to see included in the log, please email it to styc@islands.vi . We are always looking for information on club activities, membership updates and exciting membership news.

The January board meeting was a largely routine affair. Bob Cockayne presented a final report on the status of the IC 24 program to the Governors. This report is now in the mail to the membership. Let me emphasize that this program is open to all members and I urge you to study it carefully.

Last month’s log on the subject of mooring fees, authored by our Fleet Captain, stirred some passions. Any raise in mooring fees has not been debated at the board level. It has been discussed superficially at the committee level. I wish to reassure all boat owners that there is no desire to balance the Club budget on the back of boat owners. We did, however, spend $20,000+/- on the moorings last year and have committed to semi-annual inspections of the moorings and repair to the moorings as warranted. We are examining the ongoing costs of the moorings, factoring in capital costs, inspection costs, maintenance costs and the costs of running and maintaining the launch. Mooring fees have not been adjusted in most members’ memories and some modest increase may be warranted after a full debate at the board level. The capital cost of any new moorings will be borne by the Club, as has been the practice in the past.

I regret that Marie Canfield has submitted her resignation as Chair of the House Committee. She did a wonderful job shepherding the Club through some difficult times and dangerous shoals with skill and dexterity. I shall personally miss her firm hand and good sense and I am sure that the membership joins me in thanking her for a job well done.

Sally Cockayne and Carol Hindels have agreed to become Acting Chairs of the House Committee. Carol and Sally are STYC veterans who brought us through the dire days of reconstruction following Hurricane Marilyn.

On March 24 RCA recording star, Bonnie Leigh, will be performing at STYC from 7PM to 11PM. There will be a charge of $25 per person, which will cover the cost of the performance, hors d’oeuvres and, dinner. We urge you to attend and to bring potential members with you.

IMPORTANT:  Due to recent security problems in the neighborhood, the Yacht Club driveway will be chained around 9:00 pm every evening when STYC closes at 7:00 pm.  Friday nights it will remain open until 10:00 pm.  Please park OUTSIDE the chain if you plan to retrieve your car later in the evening.   The chain will be unlocked around 7:00 am each morning.For your convenience, custom forms are now available at the bar.
Reminder:  Lunch is served daily and dinner is served every Tuesday and Friday evening.

St. Patrick's Day Festivities - Friday, March 16th

Come have some Irish Food, green drinks and fun with friends!

 

Saturday, March 24th RCA Recording artist Bonnie Leigh will be entertaining at the Yacht Club.  Tickets are $25 when you make your reservation and pay by the 16th of March, $30 from March 17 - 23, and $35 at the door (if available).  Your evening will include world class entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and dinner.  This will be an event you will not want to miss, bring a friend with you to enjoy the musical evening.  Seats are limited, so be sure to reserve early!  Tables can be reserved for parties of four or more.

The Valentine's Beach Blast was a success!  Those of you who joined us danced the night away, celebrating Valentines Day.  The Yacht Club raised over $400 for the Bethlehem House in St. Thomas!  The Bethlehem House is a non profit organization helping the homeless and less fortunate in our area.

Thank you to our raffle donators -

Wyndham Sugar Bay Hotel- One Night all inclusive stay for two

Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Hotel -  Two Night stay for two

Renaissance Grand Beach Resort - Dinner for two

 

The next event will be an Hawaiian Luau (May - June).
Pay attention to the Log for further details!

Planning continues for the Women's Laser Regatta, the second largest event hosted by the Yacht Club.  We are planning on making this years Regatta bigger and better.  We will need everyone's help and participation in the event to make it successful.   If you have sailed in the Regatta in the past, we are looking forward to you returning this year.  Due to the fact that this is the 15th annual event we will be honoring those of you who have chaired the Regatta as well as those of you who have won throughout the years.  Each month we will update you on the Regatta so you can have the opportunity to be involved! 

Adult Sailing Clinic

An Introduction to Sailing Clinic will begin on Saturday, March 17th. The focus of the class will be on basic sailing skills and terminology, how to assist in beach launching and returning, sunfish sailing, and how to operate a dinghy and outboard.  While this class is being made available primarily for parents of junior sailors it is open to all members. The class will be limited to six people and will cost $60 plus boat use fee. If there is enough demand another class may be added on Thursday afternoons. For information or to sign up for the class please contact Paul Stoeken at the Club or at stoeken@hotmail.com.

 

Friday Racing Series

Friday evening racing at the Yacht Club is going strong thanks to ten of our junior Opti sailors. By far the most enthusiastic sailors in the Sailing Program, this group of upcoming sailing stars begin competition hours before class with complex "boat claiming" techniques. By 3:30 all the best Optis on the beach are rigged to do battle in the Friday Evening Racing Series.

Before official racing begins they must endure class chalk talks and brutally unfair drills out on the water. These rigid training sessions are a time of supreme focus, as is evident by the frequent "bailer wars" which break out constantly.

The first half of this racing series has been completed with twelve races total. Due to the number of races, sailors got to throw out their worst two finishes. First place came down to a battle between James Woods and Stefan Hebert on the last day of racing. Stefan got the upper hand and won by just two points. Rian Bareuther sailed consistently to finish third just ahead of Tyler Rice in fourth.

Awards will be given out at the JR. Sailing Fun Day on April 7th. The second half of the Friday Evening Racing Series will begin on March 16th and will be scored separate of the series just completed.

 

Kitesailing

Saturday morning is one of the most interesting times at the Yacht Club. This is when the Pee Wee Sailing Class is held and six water rats make use of all the toys on the waterfront. Pirate treasure hunts, windsurf paddling, cruises to Christmas Cove and kite flying are just some of the activities they enjoy. The latest craze in the sailing world has just become a part of their repertoire of skills, kitesailing. Combining an Optimist Pram with the power of kites provides a safe way for beginners ages five to seven years old to get an introduction to sailing. Plus, when your attention span is about five seconds a kite tugging on your arm is a great distraction!

JR. Sailing Program Thanks...

Thanks to Ruth Miller, Skeff, Niel Nielsen, Per Dohm and John Holmberg for their contributions to the Sunfish Class which is making a come back at S.T.Y.C. Pamela New for the use of her inflatable as a coach boat. Thanks to Carolyn Wardwell for her donation of a copy machine to the Sailing Program. Thanks always to Matthias for the use of his boats during Junior Regattas.

JR SAILING FUN DAY

The S.T.Y.C. JR. Sailing Program will be hosting a JR. Sailing Fun Day on Saturday, April 7th. from 11 to 4. This will basically be a giant beach party with a barbecue, games, races and awards (for those who participated in the 2001 Winter Program). It will also serve as a sign up for the Spring Session. We need volunteers to help with the logistics and the fun so please contact Paul at the Club if you’re interested.

Private Lessons for Members & Guests

Private lessons in sailing and windsurfing are available at the Yacht Club for members and their guests. Members rates are $35/hour per person and $50/hour for two people. Guests will be charged $45/hour per person and $70/hour for two people. To make an appointment for a lesson please contact Paul Stoeken at 775-6320 or stoeken@hotmail.com.

2001 JR. Sailing Program Class Schedule

Sailing Classes Day Time - January, February, March

Pee Wee Introduction to Sailing
Saturdays 10:00 - 11:00; 20, 27 3, 10, 17, 24 17, 24, 31

Adult Introduction to Sailing
Saturdays 11:00 - 12:30; 17, 24, 31

Intermediate Cruising
Saturdays 1:00 - 2:30 - 4:00; 20, 27 3, 10, 17, 24 17, 24, 31

Introduction to Sailing
Tuesdays 3:30 - 5:00; 23, 30 6, 13, 20, 27 13, 20, 27

Beginner Certification
Wednesdays 3:30 - 5:00; 24, 31 7, 14, 21, 28 14, 21, 28

Intermediate Racing
Fridays 4:00 - 6:00; 26 2, 9, 16, 23 16, 23, 30, & April 6