COMMODORE’S LOG

Hello Friends.....March was an exciting month for our Club. We were honored to host the Green Flag Luncheon prior to the Firestone Grand Prix. It was quite an event with race cars displayed on our front lawn. The luncheon was attended by our Mayor, City Council, Chamber of Commerce officials, sponsors, race car drivers, media and other “movers and shakers”. The sold out Grand Prix Garage Party that Sunday did not disappoint and the new BBQ grille got great reviews!

On St. Patrick’s Day, our tradition of serving our members with a complimentary traditional corned beef and cabbage luncheon was properly honored. Some festive member photos from that day are shared in this issue.

The Winter Lightning Championship was held on March 18th -22nd (more to come about this exciting event in the next newsletter issue). The North Gulf Challenge (Race from SPYC to Pensacola Yacht Club) was held on March 20th -25th. Connie and I enjoyed the opportunity to visit Pensacola Yacht Club for the first time. Kudos to the Pensacola Club for going all out to make all participants feel welcome.

Membership activity continues to be strong. Forty-seven applicants were approved by the Board of Directors at the March meeting. We are quickly closing in on our membership cap of 2,550 members after which applicants will be placed on the waiting list. The initiation fee for regular members is now $15,000 which includes a $2,500 contribution to the capital fund.

The Marina Redevelopment Oversight Committee, under Chairman Fred Higham, has been busy the last month reviewing bids for downtown marina replacement. This ad hoc Committee was appointed by Past Commodore Michael Blacker in 2019. The Committee presented a proposal to replace the downtown docks to the Board of Directors at the March Board meeting. The Board unanimously approved the recommendation. The plan includes all new floating concrete docks, fuel station and pump out facility. The projected start date is this summer with completion anticipated by January 2024.The Master Facilities Planning Committee will be presenting its recommendations to the Board of Directors at the April Board meeting. A complete report will be sent to members following that meeting.

April is anticipated to be a fun month with the Downtown Poker Run on April 1st and the Tall Ships in town until April 2nd. And, of course, the traditional Yacht Club Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt is not to be missed. Hope to see you around the Club.

Cordially,

Brian K. Smith, Commodore

Mission Statement: The St. Petersburg Yacht Club provides preeminent yachting and social experiences for members, their families and guests, and honors the Club’s rich yachting heritage in a welcoming environment.