Commodore’s Corner
Dear Highlanders,
This seems to have been the winter that wasn’t, or the whiplash winter (Feb 15 th was 15°C two days later it went down to -10°C), and now another dump of snow on Feb 26th. Between high water years, low water years, extremes of winter cold and summer heat Nature seems to be sorting some stuff out. At least our famous groundhog, Wiarton Willie has predicted an early spring – here’s hoping! Regardless of Willie’s prognostication, spring equinox is just around the corner (March 20 th ). Our passing from longer nights to longer days should get all of our spirits into a more vernal outlook.
The count down to launch continues – As of March 1 st , 59 days until launch. Hopefully our spring will provide the necessary warm days pre-launch, so that those “on-the-hard” hull jobs are able to get done.
On Feb 24 th , we passed our 2023 budget. Beyond our operating budget, Highlanders approved 4 additional projects to improve our little piece of paradise. The members approved 4 projects;
changing our club internet connection from Bell, to a connection through StarLink satellite Internet. This will be a basin-wide endeavour, with each club contributing.
Protecting our local birds from accidentally hitting our “glass corners” on the upper deck. The proposal will use a small dot matrix pattern rather than silhouettes of raptors. These decals will be placed on the corner areas of the glass, where numerous birds have met their demise.
Adding a ramp from the shore to a floating platform that will allow members easier access to dinghies launched from the crane. This platform will also be attached to the previously approved modular kayak and paddle board launch.
Sourcing new, industry standard cleats for the docks, ensuring that each member boat has 3 dedicated (unshared) cleats. In situations where the current cleats are obstructing ladders, or access to the finger docks, new cleats will be moved to safer locations.
It was good to have members actively engaged in the process both virtually and in person in the budget and project discussions. At the ABM it was mentioned that HYC will be hosting a town-hall meeting for members to learn more about updates to our Bylaws so that we can retain our “Highlandness”, but also be ONCA (Ontario Not-for-Profit Act) compliant. This will be April 24 th in the great hall from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A hybrid model will be used for those who can’t come down in person.
Highland will need to have its updated bylaws voted on and passed by 2/3rds of our membership. It is difficult to get us all together, but there are a few times during the year when we are all on site, and would have enough members to vote. Our recent ABM was above quorum, but that is only 40% of senior membership.
Bylaw updates also come with updating some of our policy documents. CoM member members with operational areas of oversight, will be working with their teams or committees to create policy documents to more transparently reflect the principles we employ, in creating our procedures. This work will be supported by member work hours. Contact the CoM member you have worked with on committee, or inquire about how you can be involved.
Due to a winter storm last week, our Wednesday Movie night has been moved to tonight (March 1 st ). With the weather warnings coming fast and furious on the 27 th , as I write this, I hope we will have a snow free chance to catch the flick, enjoy a beverage, (bring your own crisps) and have some good fellowship. This might be a great time to look for crew for your racing campaign this spring and summer. Contact Sean Matthews at fleetcaptain@highlandyachtclub.com or better yet, check the email from him and fill out the form! Our darts nights also continue to run, weekly on Thursday’s, contact Jody McKenna (social@highlandyachtclub.com) or Joe Trentadue for more information
All the best
Stephen Masson - Commodore
