General Manager’s Log

by: Rhett J. Robicheaux, CCM

February is here and with that comes tons of fun! Last month was a big January for us but as you all know it’s February that really lights things up here at the Club. Regatta season is in full sail with the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series and the St. Petersburg Motor Classic, with all indications that both events will break record in attendance. SPYC Group Excursions are back with a very successful turnout last month with Hamilton - next up - TINA: The Tina Turner Musical. "Remembering Rock ‘n’ Roll" with The SouthShore Cruisers band is around the corner and on the same night, the SPYC Kids Video Game Bus Party. These are just a few of the main events happening, not to mention regular membership activity and banquets. All events have been selling out over the past few months so make your reservation early!

Upcoming Marina Project and Master Plan Update – As Commodore Smith has alluded to in his log, both have involved extensive work by your Flag, Marina Oversite Committee, Master Facilities Planning Committee and Board alike. The Marina Project is moving along well as we have narrowed the dock manufacturing down to two products and are awaiting final bids from four contractors any day now. The Master Facilities Plan has been moving along nicely as well but it looks like we will be putting more time into evaluating comments from the membership, and analyzing the financial outlook with the new Capital Contribution that was just initiated. With that said, our original timeline has been adjusted. Stay tuned for updates later this spring regarding the status of both projects.

Downtown Parking Garage - Our garage will be receiving new entry arm/gates that will be installed and in place by the middle of February but not fully active till May 1, 2023. The House and Grounds Committee and Board approved this project about a year ago to mediate the outside traffic using our garage and taking up spaces from our members. The reason for waiting to go live is that there are a lot of logistics we still must iron out in addition to this being our busiest time of year, starting this new procedure before then would be a disservice to the membership. Keep an eye out for more information regarding the procedures for members to pick up their new transmitter stickers. This will be an undertaking with many questions to come, I’m sure, so please bear with us as we launch this new process over the next several months.

Benefits of being a Member and why Membership is a Privilege not an Entitlement - Membership in a fine club is an earned privilege, an opportunity to spend quality time with people who share your values, interest, and morale’s; a place where prospective members/spouses meet, where families safely engage in recreational and social activities. As we continue to go through this process in becoming the best that SPYC can be we need to really reflect on what made this Club the great Club it is. That being its rich history in sailing, a community social hub where friends and families alike can gather while enjoying each other’s company, a safe haven in troubling times, etc. Now with our unique position with multiple locations there is even more reason in understanding its value and privilege in belonging. In closing, we are all set for a couple of very active months ahead, all areas and all facilities will be in full utilization mode. Please make reservations early to help us prepare for what is ahead. I look forward to seeing everyone around our various facilities!

Cheers,

Rhett J. Robicheaux, CCM General Manager, COO

Contact Us

General Manager - Rhett J. Robicheaux,CCM, COO (727) 823-1219 | gm@spyc.org

Chief Financial Officer - Colleen Finney, CHAE (727) 823-1061 | controller@spyc.org

Director of Member Relations - Corey A. Hall (727) 892-6888 | Membership@spyc.org

Executive Chef - Christian Mayrhofer (727) 892-6889 | executivechef@spyc.org

Food & Beverage Director - Jason Hooper (727) 892-6896 | FBDirector@spyc.org

Catering Director/Clubhouse Services Manager Shannon Nylander, CPCE ,WSET2 (727) 892-6882 | catering@spyc.org

Catering Assistant - Caroline Stehr (727) 892-6897 | cateringinfo@spyc.org

Member Services/Marketing Coordinator - Leah Wieter (727) 892-6893 | member.services@spyc.org

Beverage Director - Pierre Dumaine (727) 892-6880 | pierre@spyc.org

Director of Restaurants - Mary Lou Privitera (727) 822-3873 | Director.restaurants@spyc.org

Manager at Pass-a-Grille Clubhouse - Kerrie Paquette (727) 360-1646 | Kerrie@spyc.org

Waterfront Director - Shawn Macking (727) 822-3113 | Waterfront-director@spyc.org

Harbormaster, Chase Hudspeth & Dockmaster, John Toberman (727) 822-3227 | harbormaster@spyc.org - dockmaster@spyc.org

Youth Sailing Director - Todd Fedyszyn (727) 896-8101 youthsailingdirector@spyc.org

Facilities Manager - Steve Partridge (727) 892-6892 | facilitiesmgr@spyc.org

Housekeeping/Valet/Security Manager - Maritza Villanueva (727) 892-6894 | housekeeping@spyc.org

Executive Pastry Chef - Suzanne Gendrot (727) 822-3873 ext. 223 | suzanne-g@spyc.org

Downtown Clubhouse: (727) 822-3873

Pass-a-Grille Clubhouse: (727) 360-1646

Snell Isle Marina: (727) 895-8142 | Downtown Marina: (727) 822-3227

Sailing Center: (727) 822-3113