Bilge Pump: December 2011

As the year winds down and we enter the holiday season, it’s nice to reflect on what a great club we have with many activities and friends to enjoy them with. It’s also the time of the year when club business really kicks into gear.

I am pleased to say that in October the Board approved the annual club budget. It was expertly prepared by our Treasurer, Capt. John Rogers, with the assistance of the Planning and Finance Committee. The good news is the club remains in sound financial shape, and this year we are able to forecast returning about $80,000 to the Contingency Reserve Fund. The fund had been suffering a bit with expenses for past capital projects at both Seattle and Winslow tapping this reserve.

It’s been said that our Bridge officers actually run the club, and the Board monitors finances, rules and discipline, and it is true. At the November Board meeting we had several member captains in the attendance, and it was good to see their interest and concern. Why not plan on attending a future Board meeting to get a glimpse of the business that goes on? Everyone is always welcome, and there is time on each meeting agenda for member comments.

I think we have a great Board this year. All our Board members are smart, active captains, who are dedicated to keeping Queen City YC running smoothly. Sure, we have some upcoming challenges to address such as the looming docks electrical repairs, revising membership to include spouses, the 520 bridge project and enforcing moorage rules. But I am confident that, with your help, these issues can be successfully addressed over time. Some issues will be ongoing. But, please remember that your Board will be discussing them, openly, fairly and will be acting on your behalf with the best interests of all members at heart.

Enjoy the season everyone. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Mark LaFountaine
Board Chair

Keep the date January 18th (non Captain meeting Wednesday) open for a book discussion of House of Sand and Fog, by Andre Dubus, III. The book is recommended by Renee Kimes and features the dilemma of an Iranian immigrant family and a woman in California who are both vying for the same house. It is a 1999 publication and should be easily attainable at the public library.

We will meet at the main clubhouse at 6:30 for a light soup meal, followed by discussion of the book. Several women have expressed interest in book clubs, so this is an opportunity to gather together and see if we want to make this an ongoing event. Both guys and gals are welcome.

It will be helpful to know how many plan to attend so we will have enough soup and rolls.

Please RSVP to Margaret Krows 425 488-3202 or send an email.

I’ve had reason to look back over the 9 years I’ve been involved with the docks. It’s amazing to see what has been accomplished and to think about just how many members have been involved. We’ve seen some very large projects take shape and some are already here in hardware form. We have acted proactively to create long term management and care systems for the major parts of these expensive facilities.

The dock inspection program, in particular, has guided work to put this marina into a condition of reliable and predictable long term good health. We just completed inspection of 1/3 of the facility and the results show we are in very good and improving condition. It’s been a long time coming, but it feels great to report to you so positively as that.

We have combined the two year smoke vent plan into one year and posted it as the big project for 2012-2013. This should save some on the over-all price-tag and will be the final big piece of our plan for compliance with Seattle Fire Code extensions adopted in June of 2005. For a volunteer organization to lead the pack on something as large and complex as meeting all the demands of this code is a remarkable accomplishment. You belong to an amazing organization.

It’s nigh-on winter-time again. You are reminded that hoses must not be left connected to hose bibs when not in use. Check those tie-ups and fenders an extra time. It’s never comfortable to make adjustments to tenant’s tie-ups, and it takes a lot of unavailable time. Winds can blow through here and occasional boat waves can cause a lot of motion. Your moorings need a lot of flexibility to accommodate those motions and the variability in lake height. It can change up to 8 or 9 inches in a day. We need to be resourceful with our use of electrical power. That’s a nice word for conserve. The marina’s system really is stressed to its limits.
We’re still working to adopt standards for safety ladders and invite comments and input. A decision is due in December or January. We showed two alternatives at the second October meeting. The stainless dry stored ladder sample is installed at slip #374. We’ll be installing a sample plastic ladder at some finger pier where the wooden ladder is broken. We’re still in process of gathering comparative information regarding a replacement work-float for the number 1 unit.

We’ve made a few repairs to leaks on the metal roofs over the float moorage units, and a talented crew installed new downspouts to the north end of those units. Those downspouts should cut maintenance costs on those units. Everyone is asked to observe and to report any roof leaks in the marina. If we catch them early, the cures are no big deal. If we wait, considerable damage can accrue.

A bulletin board in Cummings Hall now holds task cards, and we’re trying to use photos of that board to communicate needs among committee members. I also promise to start making the clipboard reporting system on the docks functional again. My promise is another member’s volunteering! Or… maybe we get us a draft? ☺

Next committee meetings scheduled: 6:00pm Tuesdays: December 27, and January 24. Next scheduled docks work parties: 8:30am Saturdays: December 10, and January 14. Lunch is on the house. Breakfast is our time to discuss the day tasks. ☺

Arthur Mauldin
Docks Chairman 

The Halloween Cruise/Drive-In to Winslow ended up well attended. As the week leading up to this event evolved, we picked up 25% of our numbers. Several had come down with colds and cancelled during this week as well but a good turnout was realized in the end.

The pumpkin carving was very successful with mostly club members spending quality time making their masterpieces. Larry Dubia took most artistic, Michelle Bedner took most original, and Charlie Soffel’s entry was the most scary (a crab killing pumpkin monster) and Bob Fisher and Barbara Reine had “Dread-the-locks,” which took the funniest.

Costumes during the dinner hour were hilarious. The Bedners took a prize for their “blow-up” Norwegian girls’ outfits, George Austin with the most outrageous clown suit. Ron Voegeli was an excellent off ramp tramp, and many more were enjoyed by all.

Prime Rib was ample and carved to perfection by Rear Commodore Bob Meyers, a hearty Caesar Salad and a medley of baked fall vegetables rounded out the Saturday Evening, finally topped off with a delicious carrot cake by Renee Kimes to celebrate Brooke’s 61st birthday. Happy Birthday, Brooke!

I cannot overemphasize how important the volunteers were to the successful weekend.

A huge thank you to Kent Soffel, Carol Vogeli, Michelle and Dave Bedner, Barry and Colleen Rutten, and Brooke Kimes for meal prep and service, and Pam Cochran and Carol Soffel for decorations. The others who volunteered time who are not named.

A reminder to consider dropping in at “Oliver’s” in the Mayflower Hotel on Friday, November 25th around 3PM for hosted (by Mayflower Hotel) treats. Enjoy a cocktail after a day of shopping and then enjoy the lighting of the Macy’s Star and the Official City Christmas Tree at nearby Westlake Mall. Seating is limited, so first come first served for space.

Put on your calendar “QCYC Bowling Night” at the Garage on Broadway, Sunday, January 22nd, 2012, 3PM – 6PM.
May calm seas and following wind be your companion till we meet again.

Happy Holidays!

Mike Cochran
Fleet Captain