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Commodore Randy Graham
It has been said that the job of Commodore is the easiest in the 4-year rotation of Bridge Officers, because the Commodore’s main responsibility is to make sure that the other Bridge Officers (who do the real work) all fulfill their responsibilities. That made this a very easy year for me, as my Bridge Officers were creative, dedicated, and energetic, resulting in a highly successful year on all fronts.
Under Vice Commodore Young’s leadership, we began our year with a series of educational and informative seminars on a variety of topics. Rear Commodore Lou Frank then led us to a fun Sock Burning to kick off the yachting season, and on to dancing the night away at the Spring Fling. We then got more formal & serious with our annual Flag Raising, complete with trumpeters, bagpipes, and a new burgee to display.
Under Fleet Captain Steve Young’s leadership, we moved on to cruises, combining for the first time our overnight cruises up and across and (almost) down the Bay with localized “River Rat” cruises to places like Yankee Point, Horn Harbor, and Merroir. For the first time, there truly were on-the-water activities for all Yacht Club members no matter what the size of their boat or what river or creek they lived on.
Our sailing camps rose to new levels, thanks to the dedicated leadership of Sailing Master Debby Hoyt and her able “assistant”, Past Commodore Dan Hoyt. We had a dedicated staff of counselors under the leadership of Chris Johnson, and a significant number of both new and returning campers.
We took our Yacht Club communications to a new level with the introduction of the Navigator, a weekly email newsletter dedicated to keeping all Yacht Club members updated on the wide array of upcoming Yacht Club activities We thank Rear Commodore Lou Frank and Megan Stephens for their creativity in bringing the Navigator online, & wonder how we got along before we had it
All of us on the Bridge were supported by others, from Treasurer Paul Harris keeping charge of the finances to Secretary Kathryn Wainscott being our primary interface with the Board Port Captain David Forsyth took care of our visiting Reciprocal Clubs from up & down the Bay
As I reflect on our Yacht Club’s year and anticipate the upcoming Change of Watch at the Commodore’s Ball, I am truly grateful to have had the privilege to lead such a dedicated and talented group of Bridge Officers I can’t wait to see where they take us in future years!
ANNUAL MEETING
COMMODORE’S BALL 2023
DC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
DEALING WITH ON THE WATER EMERGENCIES
MARLINSPIKE SEAMANSHIP
WINTER EDUCATION SOCK
BURNING
FIRST EVENT @ THE NEW PAVILION!
SPRING FLING
SHAKEDOWN CRUISE
RIVER RATS CRUISES
CRUISENORTH
PROGRESSIVEDINNER
HARVESTMOONCRUISE
SAILING CAMP
Vice Commodore Bob Young
Conducted a review of reciprocal clubs, updating contact information and slip rates As a result, slip rates were raised to $2.50/ft with the exception of Solomons Island Yacht Club which remained at $1.85.
Conducted three educational lectures with a fourth scheduled for October.
- In January Hank George discussed DC electrical systems, focusing on batteries and charging options.
- In February club member Captain Todd Vance of the USCG discussed dealing with on the water emergencies.
- In March we conducted a training session on marlinspike seamanship Strengths, weakness and uses of various types of lines was discussed. Assisted by a few other club members we had knot tying stations practicing the most used nautical knots as well as coiling and heaving lines.
- In October a training session will be held discussing winterizing your boat.
Through out the year have been exploring the possibility of reconfiguring the marina to eliminate some historically under used slips (W3-W8) and turn this space into alongside dinning dockage for club members.
Planning is in the final stages for the Commodore’s Ball.
Rear Commodore Lou Frank
The events hosted by the Rear Commodore and his wife Nancy were an overall success by virtually all measures. Each was well attended with many active Yacht Club members providing grand spirit throughout.
At the beginning of the year, the Vice Commodore traded responsibilities for Land Cruise for Communications with the Rear Commodore. As such, assisting Megan in reaching members came under my purview. Early in the year and realizing that more than twenty events each with multiple emailed reminders would overwhelm members, Megan and I together created Navigator, an ICYC dedicated weekly news email. The response has been incredibly positive, as evidenced by strong attendance numbers at all 2024 cruises and events Navigator will continue to be overseen by the Vice Commodore henceforth
Each year, there are several traditional events for which the Rear Commodore has command. This year, Sock Burning was the first, held on March 22. Over eighty members had a memorable evening burning old socks at the new Pavilion, the first event held at that facility. We then went indoors to share refreshments and dining In another first, Yacht Club members brought non-perishable food for donation to the NNK Food Bank, yielding nearly 4 cases of donated food.
The annual Spring Fling was an indoor event due to weather but was a resounding success nevertheless. Table decorations were appropriately festive, there was a “Guess How Many M&M’s” contest, and names of lively sunshine songs found on tabletops were brought to DJ George Revelers stayed late and even at 9pm, a train of happy dancers were still parading to the music throughout the dining rooms.
Flag Raising, a formal, ceremonial tradition held by all yacht clubs, was accomplished under gray skies yet the rain held off. It was followed by a champagne toast delivered by Commodore Graham and a buffet held in the Pavilion.
The year’s responsibilities for the Rear Commodore wrapped up with the Ice Cream Social, generously hosted by Stuart and Joy Kramer. Daiquiris and ice cream had everyone beaming in the summer sun on a beautiful August Sunday.
Fleet Captain Steve Young
2024 “Rock the Bay” cruise season was rocking to say the least. We started with the shakedown cruise to ICYCC with a “Pirates of Indian Creek” theme. The party started with pirate trivia followed by DJ George’s music with impromptu singing performances by LP Butler who energized us into a Congo line Best male and female pirate costumes were awarded to Cliff Voss and Lisa Hunt respectively.
Our first River Rat Cruise was up the Corrotoman River to Yankee Point Marina. We had a great turnout of members coming by runabouts, cruisers, and a bristol condition classic Chris Craft, as well as land-cruisers Docktails and appetizers were held under the covered pavilion on a beautiful sunny day with lunch at the poolside café
“We’re Just Goin’ Boating” cruise north was organized by cruise captains Ron and Micki Pugh and Russ and Barbara Mait, and it was executed by Ron and Micki Pugh and Commodore Randy and Carolyn Graham. Mother Nature delayed our intended departure by a day, but we overcame her nasty weather by having a potluck dinner in the Pavilion It is in boaters' blood to be able to turn adversity into a delightful time Twelve boats cruised to Solomon’s where we met land-cruisers for wonderful docktails under the shade trees of Spring Cove Marina. We ventured further north to dock at Tred Avon Yacht Club and dine at the Robert Morris Inn, a wonderful landmark in Oxford. Oxford is one of the quaintest towns on the eastern shore. Having a bumpy ride into St. Michaels all cruisers docked at Chesapeake Maritime Museum. Our cruise captains organized a special behind-the-scenes tour of the museum’s archives and stacks where we even viewed an oyster can labeled “Indian Creek Oysters” Our group dined at Foxy’s followed by a game of who could find the most Jimmy Buffet song titles in a storyline. Bob and Susan Wayland were the Parrot Head winners.
Now we are adventuring on another River Rat cruise, but this time it was a raft- up on Pittman Cove Six boats joined the group for a great afternoon of camaraderie and appetizers
In the middle of July, Cruise Captains Tony and Julie Ennis and Commodore Randy and Carolyn Graham led us to Onancock. On a very hot day Commodore Randy and Past Commodore Tony greeted boats upon docking with cold bottles of water which were greatly appreciated. Nine boats ventured to the eastern shore to be met by multiple land cruisers who enjoyed local B&B’s and the Charlotte Hotel We enjoyed docktails on shore and a tour of Ker Place with a docent’s special lecture on Windsor CastleWith approximately 36 members present, we overtook the Charlotte Hotel restaurant and overflowed into the La Tavola restaurant. What a great evening.
July brings the formidable progressive dinner this year entitled “Dockside Tabbs”. All preparations were set for the event to occur on Tabbs Creek when Mother Nature reared her ugly head with a deluge of rain that afternoon. At the last minute a venue change occurred, and the ICYCC food and beverage team performed an outstanding job of accommodating us in the clubhouse We as boaters know how to make lemonade out of lemons; however, I was questioning how good the lemonade was going to be while driving through the torrential rain. Members were very flexible, and we had a great time listening to jazz musician Peyton Brabrand during dinner and dancing to singer “Just Dan”. My hat is off to the volunteers Alan Pitts, Diane Thomas, Margie Redlin, Nancy Frank, and Paulette Smithgall who helped make the venue change occur in such a short amount of time
Time for another river rat cruise, so let’s go up the Great Wicomico River to Horn Harbor Restaurant.Ahh Mother Nature intervenes again.She forced us to travel by land, but a great time was had by all with a delightful lunch in Horn Harbor Restaurant.
With Fall approaching it was time for our Harvest Moon Cruise lead by our cruise captains Jeff and Joyce Heller and Bill and Kim Pate Sixteen boats registered for this exciting cruise to Cape Charles, Norfolk Yacht and Country Club and Fishing Bay. The winds started blowing and Mother Nature was speaking, so we battened down the hatches and cruised to ICYCC for a great time of docktails, dinners, and partying at the Hunt’s Skyy Bar. The Hellers and Pates did a tremendous job in creating fun and keeping us busy with sailing the 420’s, putting on the green, games and a land cruise to Norfolk to watch the Norfolk Tides play baseball in spite of the adverse weather
As I write our cruising season is not complete, for we will have our last River Rat cruise to Merrior for lunch and to enjoy the scenic view of our beloved Chesapeake Bay. We will end the 2024 season with the “Frost Bite Cruise” to ICYCC for a chili cook off and best stew contest.
This season has been a wonderful introduction for me to serve on the ICYC bridge as Fleet Captain.I am appreciative of past commodores for their recommendations, and am especially appreciative of the calm and respectful leadership of our Commodore Randy Graham. Our yacht club continues to grow by the involvement of our members who provide the backbone of our cruises and activities. Many thanks to all of you for your help.
Port Captain David Forsyth
Wehave16currentslipholdersheadingintotheendoftheboatingseason Transientactivities weredowncomparedwiththepreviousyeardueinparttoaveryHOTJuly.Ourclubcontinues toattractnewvisitingyachtclubs.
VisitingClubs2024:
MathewsYCVirginiaYC,NorfolkYCAnnapolisYC,TwoRiversYCHalifaxRiverYC,Solomons IslandYC,BuffaloYC, NorfolkYC,SeafordYC, HamptonYC, GreatWicomicoCC, Chesapeake BayGrandBanksOwner’sAssociation
TransientBoaters:
DockFeesandElectric:$8,905
FoodandBeverage,Golf:$9,735
AnnualSlipHolders:$16,392
TotalMarinaGrossRevenue:$35,032
Treasurer Paul Harris
I am pleased to report that the financial status of the Yacht Club for 2024 is very good. During the year costs for all of our events were paid in full by the participants and attendees with the exception of the Commodore’s Ball whereby the Club Treasury, as in previous years, is paying for the band and decorations.One significant problem occurred during the year whereby the Progressive Dinner event had to be changed at the last minute due to the inclement weather and a loss of $1,400 was funded by the Treasury It is the firm policy of the Bridge that all volunteers who plan and execute events for the Yacht Club do not sustain any financial costs for doing so
During 2024 there were several one-time expenses paid by the TreasuryMost relate to the change in the Club burgee The Treasury purchased new name tags for all members with the new burgee and paid for the new burgees exchanged with other clubs. We also purchased a shed which is erected on the ICYCC site and is used for storing property belonging to the Yacht Club.
The Bridge anticipates carrying a balance of $10,000 into calendar year 2025 which is designated for unforeseen costs which can negatively affect the club’s financial position. It is important to maintain this reserve to insure the solvency of the Yacht Club. However, we have experienced an increase in costs in 2024 especially for entertainment and we anticipate this trend will continue. Therefore, I have recommended, and the Bridge has agreed that the annual dues for the Yacht Club be increased to $50 per year for 2025 so we can continue to provide the quality events as in the past. Fortunately, through diligent cost control by the Bridge and good budgeting by our volunteer Cruise Captains we have not increased the dues for a number of previous years.
Sailing Master Debby Hoyt
The 2024 ICYCC Youth Sailing Camp was very successful We held 4 one week sessions from June 17 - July 12 with a total of 66 campers. Chris Johnson returned as our head instructor. The club hired 4 high school instructors, 3 of whom returned from last year. They provided continuity and added a depth of instruction and supervision. The camp generated $5000 for the club. Many thanks to Dan Hoyt, who volunteered his assistance on a daily basis throughout camp. We have already begun organizing for next year.
A written curriculum specific to our camp was developed this year by instructor Mercy Duff based on what worked for us and what did not. A review of curriculum from other camps was incorporated. This curriculum can be updated each year as necessary, but provides some direction for future instructors to follow.
A “Skills Achieved “ chart was developed to individually assess each camper’s progress.It was distributed at the end of each week in addition to the” Course Completed Certificate”.
We were able to offer 2 camp scholarships again this year to The NN Boys and Girls Club. We hope to be able to continue this program each year.
ICYCC owns 10 Optimist, 6 420 and 1 American 14.6 sailboats. All boats were put to optimum use. 4 of our 420’s are 25 years old, and 2 are about 15 years old We are revising a plan to replace them with slightly used boats from other programs as necessary We were able to offer some adult club members the opportunity to sail a 420 and hope to develop a “sail for fun” opportunity on a regular basis next year
Secretary Kathryn Wainscott
As Secretary, I am responsible for recording proceedings of the monthly Bridge Meetings and the Annual Meeting of the Yacht Club (YC). This past year, I had the privilege to represent the Yacht Club on the ICYCC Board of Directors (BOD). This responsibility included keeping the BOD up-to-date on Bridge activities Other responsibilities include: maintaining a file of relevant documents, records, reports, communications and maintaining records of all bylaw changes and motions made in the order to which they were passed
It has been an exciting year, starting with the introduction of the new YC burgee at the 2023 YC Annual Meeting and the number of new events planned by Bridge Officers Besides providing a number of educational seminars and cruising opportunities for boaters, the YC is a fantastic place to meet and socialize with like-minded people. In addition to the creativity and dedication of Bridge Officers, volunteers play a big part in organizing the many successful events during the year. ICYC continues to be a popular and active part of ICYCC with 261 memberships.
The Yacht Club Handbook and Roster are updated annually and available on ICYCC’s website. If you would prefer to have a hard copy of either, please contact the Club Office. The Yacht Club has an annual membership in the Yachting Clubs of America (YCA), the national association of over 700 registered yacht and sailing clubs. Membership in the YCA provides reciprocity for our Yacht Club members at yacht clubs throughout the country. Information on YCA reciprocal clubs can be found on the ICYCC website under the Yacht Club/reciprocal section tab
Merchandise with the new YC burgee is available in the Pro Shop and on ICYCC’s website Name tags with the new YC burgee are available to YC membersIf you have not had the opportunity to pick up your name tag, they are available in Megan Stephen’s office All YC members are encouraged to wear their name tags at YC events. If you find you need an additional name tag, they can be purchased through the Club Office at any time.
“Therearegoodships andwoodships,ships thatsailthesea,butthe bestshipsare friendships,andmay theyalwaysbe,”
-IrishProverb