FEBRUARY 2024
ISSUE 2
BELLBUOY the Newsletter of The Barbados Yacht Club
PETER THOMPSON IS READY TO SERVE
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BELLBUOY
CONTENTS 8 - 9
! e m o c l We NEW MEMBERS
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Introduction from Commodore Peter Thompson
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News
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Highlights
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New Members
Centenary Celebrations 2024
Sailing - Barbados Sailing Week 2024
January 2024
Know The Rules
ON THE COVER Peter Thompson, newly elected Commodore of The Barbados Yacht Club Photos by The Barbados Yacht Club and Peter Marshall FOLLOW US ON
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Introduction from Commodore Peter Thompson
Fellow Members,
Allow me to introduce myself to those of you who may not be familiar with me.
At the end of my term on the Barbados Yacht Club’s Management Committee, I served on the Barbados Sailing Association’s committee, eventually rising to the position of President. That experience gave me insight into the standards, processes and procedures of the sport of sailing at the highest level. While in this position we also implemented improved corporate governance standards to the Barbados Sailing Association’s operation.
I joined the Club approximately 20 years ago following my introduction to competitive sailing as racing crew on Countdown, under the capable skippering of Mr. Andrew Burke. I continued competing on Bruggadung II with Messrs. Andrew Burke and Paul Johnson, as well as on Blazin’ with Mr. Peter Burke and on Fadeaway, in the J24 Class, skippered by Mr. Charlie Gloumeau. I have also competed in regattas regionally on a number of other yachts over the last 20+ years.
I am a Fellow of the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados. I am also a member of CPA Canada. I also hold a Diploma in Theology from Codrington College. I am a past Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board of Barbados, and I sat on other Boards and Committees, including TMR Sales & Service Ltd.’s and the Barbados National Standards Institute.
First, let me thank you for electing me and the other members of the Management Committee to serve you for 2024. We look forward to continuing the work of past committees to make our Club a home away from home and a place where you can enjoy our social and competitive activities.
I served on the Barbados Yacht Club’s Management Committee under the stewardship of former Commodore Mr. Christopher Skinner, where I chaired the Sailing sub-committee for three years.
I am in a long-term relationship which has produced one son. I enjoy sailing, golf, photography, and many other interests. I look forward to serving you, our members.
Peter
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NEWS Barbados Yacht Club celebrates its 100th Anniversary Keithan Laurie Chair, Entertainment Committee
Throughout 2024, the Club will be hosting a range of centenary events to commemorate the formation of the Barbados Yacht Club 100 years ago. The official date of the formation of the Club was August 24th 1924. On that date this year and for the entire year, the Club will be hosting marquee events in honour of this auspicious anniversary. The logo commissioned by the centenary committee is shown to the right, a great representation to mark our centennial year. It was designed by Red Advertising and does a great job of incorporating our Burgee and highlighting our 100 years of sailing history.
BYC kicks off the Centenary Celebrations honoring The Merrymen On Saturday 24th of February the Club will proudly host members of The Merrymen for a Tribute Dinner and Concert. Top Barbadian entertainers including Red Plastic Bag, Biggie Irie, Frank Mosbaurg, Mistah Dale, Mikey Mercer, Edwin Yearwood, Adrian Clarke, John King and Tamara Marshall will perform the top hits of The Merrymen in their honour. The show is being produced by John Roett with the musical support of his All Star Band. The dinner was sold out within a week and sponsors have eagerly agreed to support the effort and to be associated with this important event to recognize the invaluable contribution that the Merrymen have made to the legacy of Caribbean music. During the show our new Commodore, Peter Thompson will present the members of The Merrymen with an award. There may be a few more surprises along the way, so if you have not already purchased tickets for the show and after party you can pick them up from the office. Drinks and snacks will be on offer and the doors open at 7 p.m. for the show which will begin at 8.30 p.m. Access to the courtyard will be available from 8 p.m. DJ Eddy will be in control of the after party, so you can stay for drinks and dancing after the show. Spill over parking as usual will be accommodated at Field Insurance on Chelsea Road and the Barbados Light and Power Car Park. There will be no Last Friday Social this month as it would be eclipsed by this event. Please note the club kitchen and bars will be closed from 3 p.m. to accommodate preparations for this event. In addition to having appearances at the Superbowl, the Ed Sullivan Show, Ontario Place, Royal Albert Hall, O’keefe Centre and many more great Halls, The Merrymen have a long and storied association with the Club, performing here many times including their very last public performance and at our 90th Anniversary celebrations. We are delighted to be able to do this tribute to our very worthy friends and start the Centenary celebrations on such a high note.
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NEWS Centenary Lecture to be delivered by Sir Henry in March On Friday March 15th Sir Henry Fraser will deliver a pre luncheon lecture on the History of The Barbados Yacht Club in the clubhouse Ballroom. This lecture will be a precursor to the launch of our official and collectable Centenary Coffee Table Book which is expected in early April and to which Sir Henry was a contributor. Mark your calendars, details on this not-to-be-missed lecture and buffet luncheon will be circulated shortly. A Limited Edition Barbados Yacht Club 100th Anniversary Rum and Rum Punch will also be launched at the Centenary Lecture. Mount Gay is producing 1000 bottles of 100th Anniversary Rum and Rum Punch for the Barbados Yacht Club. The branded rum and rum punch will go on sale from March 15th and will be available exclusively at the club.
Communication Survey coming soon Within the next month we will be sending out a short online survey to understand how best to reach all of our members and keep you informed on issues and events. If you are getting this Bellbuoy, then your contact email is up to date. However, if you know someone who is not receiving member notices or the Bellbuoy via email, please ask them to contact the office or Heather to get themselves updated.
BYC MERCHANDISE
BYC branded merchandise to commemorate the Club’s Centenary year Polo Shirts Caps & Visors
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HIGHLIGHTS SAILING
Barbados Sailing Week 2024 by Anne Tindale
Barbados Sailing Week 2024 was held this year in mid-January. The week kicked off with the Junior Dinghy Regatta on Saturday, 13th and Sunday, 14th January. This year saw the introduction of a series of Optimist Green Fleet races very close to shore for sailors in their first year of racing, with competitors as young as 7 years old taking part. At the same time, some of the islands more experienced and talented junior sailors competed in a total of ten races over the two day period. Racing for these youngsters took place much further out in Carlise Bay in three different classes: ILCA 4, O’Pen Skiff and Taz Classes.
Rapajam, skippered by Paul Johnson, took top spot in CSA Racing Class 2 and Dandelion, skippered by Geoffrey Evelyn, placed second. In the J/24 Class, sailing on Saturday only, Bunga Bunga, skippered by Charlie Gloumeau, emerged victorious, with Pheonix, skippered by Greg Webster placing second and Undercover, skippered by 14-year-old Sam Whelan, placing a very well deserved third.
On Tuesday and Wednesday of the following week some of our more experienced sailors did battle in the Radio Controlled Dragon Flite 95 Races at Golden Grove Pond in St Philip. These events were followed by the Coastal Racing Series which was sailed on Thursday, 18th and Saturday, 20th January along the South and West Coasts of the island. Fairly strong winds and relatively high seas made for challenging sailing conditions and exciting competition.The CSA Racing Class 1 was won by Whistler, skippered by Peter Lewis, with Panacea X from Canada placing second and Hultaj from Poland coming third.
On Errol Barrow Day, Saturday, 21st January, a good mix of local and visiting yachts crossed the starting line from as early as 8:00 am to compete in the Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race and try to beat the record in their respective classes. Repeating his successes in the Coastal Series, Rapajam, skippered by Paul Johnson, emerged as the overall winner in the CSA Monohull Class with Whistler, skippered by Peter Lewis coming second and Panacea X in third. Mona Marie, skippered by Charles Herbert, came out top of the Non-CSA Class, with Hydro Therapy, skippered by Gregory Cuke, in second. Unfortunately, no records were broken again this year. The curtain came down on this year’s Sailing Week with the Presentation of Prizes for all the events at the Yacht Club on the evening of Monday, 22nd January.
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HIGHLIGHTS SAILING PRESENTATION
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NEW MEMBERS JANUARY 2024
Andrew Symmonds
Barry Skinner and Tina Shebib
Tricia Abraham
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Patricia Lewis
James Marshall
Jean Carquillat and Anna Lisa Russo
NEW MEMBERS JANUARY 2024
Michael Elsom and Geraldine Elsom
Gerald Phillips
KAYAK & PADDLE BOARD RENTAL Looking for a fun yet relaxing water sports activity the whole family can enjoy...why not rent a Kayak or Paddle Board? Our rental rates are as low as $10 for two hours. Rentals are available seven days a week 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
ROOM/VENUE RENTAL Looking for an affordable meeting room for your meeting or venue for your upcoming function? Our rooms and venue can accommodate various group sizes. Murray Johnson and Linda Cridland (not pictured)
Give us a call at 427-1125 or email officebyc@barbadosyachtclub.com for further information.
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KNOW THE RULES/REGULATIONS Members are reminded of the following General Regulations of the Club. A copy of the full Regulations is on display on the Notice Boards. GENERAL REGULATIONS 2. BEACH FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES Nappies are to be changed in the washroom facilities, where they can be sanitarily disposed of in the bin provided. Changing nappies on beach furniture is unsanitary and unacceptable. Members and their guests are required to purchase food and beverage from the Club. If you wish to bring food for your own consumption, or an item for a special occasion (e.g. birthday cake) please advise the Club management and get written permission. 10. SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN Children under the age of 16 are the responsibility of their parents or guardians who shall ensure they do not unduly disrupt Members. Children who are guests are under the responsibility of the member who invited them to the club. Children should not be allowed to play in the bar area.
Members who observe this behaviour should ask the Supervisor on duty to deal with the matter. While not a rule, members wishing to bring into the Club a large number of guests are requested to advise the Club in advance of their intention. However, the names of all guests MUST be advised to Security either in advance or on their arrival. It is a rule that the member is required to accompany their guests while they are in the Club.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR 2023-2024 Commodore Vice Commodore Committee Members
Mr. Peter Thompson Mr. Christopher Parravicino Mr. Adrian Gale Mr. Brian Cadogan Ms. Gillian Leach Mrs. Keithan Laurie Mr. Satcha Kissoon Mr. Simon Parravicino
Mr. Wayde Clarke
Trustees Mr. Andrew Hutchinson Mr. C. F. Packer, MBA Mr. Dick Stoute Mr. Peter Marshall
General Manager The Barbados Yacht Club P. O. Box 70, Bridgetown BB11000 (246) 427-7318 / (246) 427-1125 Fax: 435-7590 officebyc@barbadosyachtclub.com www.barbadosyachtclub.com