This year should be a great one for the Deer Isle Yacht Club.

Spring looks like it might be arriving soon in New England, although the snow was still piled high in the driveways on Deer Isle when the board of governor’s met on February 28th to discuss the up coming year. As many of you know, Bo Chesney, Andy Fuller and Eliza Harrison have stepped down from their respective Yacht Club positions. I would like to personally thank them for their years of dedicated service to the Yacht Club. Without their hard work and thoughtful foresight the club would not be on the solid footing we currently enjoy.

Preparations are underway for the 2009 season that is quickly approaching. Annual maintenance on the wharf is underway and the Fishermen’s Wharf Association is doing a good job with improvements for everyone who uses it. In addition, the board of governors has authorized the purchase of new finger floats to match the front docks purchased a few years ago. After much debate, we decided to move forwards as the old finger floats were in danger of failing, which could have disrupted members’ enjoyment of the cove in midseason. The floats are scheduled to be in place for Memorial Day weekend and the Cove will soon begin to fill with boats being hauled out of barns and sheds.

We have updated the float rules to incorporate a new Dinghy/Kayak Permit Plan developed by the treasurer. Under the new policy, Members will receive a permanent number that must be affixed to the interior of their dinghy. This number will be permanent and identify the member whose name will appear on the dinghy paid list posted in the bulletin board. Numbers will be provided by the treasurer upon receipt of dinghy fees, so if you want a low number get your dues in early! Another change to the float rules approved by the board of governors pertains to kayaks at the dock. Kayaks may now be tied up at the dock in a special kayak section under the gangway on the western interior portion of the front float.

The Club has a full schedule of events planned this summer and there is a Calendar of Events elsewhere in the newsletter. Of special note is the Sylvester’s Cove Cottage tour scheduled for August 1st. Many members’ who own historic cottages surrounding the cove have graciously offered to open them for our membership, so bring you sack lunch, meet at cove around 11:30 and enjoy these wonderful homes. The annual dinner will be held on August 15th, earlier this year in an attempt to increase participation! Watch the website and the bulletin board for details as the day approaches.

Speaking of the website, we are thinking of ways that we can increase traffic and utility at the website. One idea is a member only section that could be used to post items for sale, provide email addresses, update membership information and many other ideas to increase usage of this excellent asset. If you have any questions or comments please contact me at commodore@deerisleyachtclub.com or at jswakelin1@verizon.net.

Another sure sign of Spring is the mailing of the annual Dues Notices. We have included a data sheet with each notice to help us update the membership list. This will include sections for address changes, dates of birth of children, phone numbers, cell phones and email addresses. This will enable the membership committee and the treasurer to better serve the club. Please mail your dues in as early as possible.

The Board of Governors will be meeting on Saturday, May 25th (Memorial Day Weekend) at Scott Miscione’s house. If you’d like to attend please contact me, as all members are welcome.

Finally, one of the important undertakings the membership discussed at last years annual meeting was the condition of the cove. As many of you are aware, the club commissioned a bathometric survey of the Cove to assist in the reconfiguration of the mooring field. As part of this process, we set up a Harbor Committee to tackle this important task. The committee will determine minimum mooring standards, as well as, improving mooring field efficiency. There will be more discussion of this topic as the committee completes it due diligence.