Page 4 - Kwasind May 2020 issue

MAY 2020
MEMBER NEWS • 4
Commodore’s Message
Jamie Keating commodore@rcyc.ca
First off, I hope everyone is safe and well. It’s heartwarming to hear of special efforts made by our Staff to reach out and check in on each other these past weeks, virtually of course. And to also learn of selfless Members mobilizing on medical supply shortages such as making masks for those in need. (Thanks Cate Balasubramanian), re-purposing entire business operations to speed-manufacture ventilators (thanks Paul L’Heureux), and to our Members in the line of duty as medical & emergency service personnel (thanks Jane Merkley, Dr. Lionel Mandel, Dr. Andrew Baker & many others), we salute you all. I feel fortunate to be a part of the RCYC community.
Cate Balasubramanian delivering homemade masks to those in need. Photo: Courtesy of the Balasubramanians
I’d like to welcome all our newly-joined RCYC Members, as detailed on page 6. I urge everyone to scan this list and make a special effort to recognize, reach out and welcome each person. While some, as children of Members are already familiar, others will be altogether new to our Club and so right now is the time when we can best help make their orientation awesome.
I hope you enjoy the content in this issue of the Kwasind. Margaret Winter’s Speaker Series wrap-up highlights one of our most popular programs – huge thanks to Margaret. Tim Walsh’s review of our ensign’s history, fitting given a sailor’s obsession with flags, dovetails nicely with all of Beverly Darville’s Heritage notes and virtual quizzes in our weekly Hiawatha.
It’s a privilege to welcome, and to read, our new Director of Sailing Tommy Wharton’s introductory note on page 10. Alongside our Sailing Manager Jenny Farrand’s report on virtual sailing offerings, I sense a wonderful energy building in our core activity. In addition, we have three other great sailing reports. Andrew Alberti’s ‘Big Collision’ note not only profiles another selfless and internationally
Stanley Fu’s message to Members. See the video here. Photo: Image capture from Stanley Fu’s video message
renowned RCYC Member, racing judge Lynn Beal, but also breaks down the rules regarding this past year’s disastrous “J” Class collision – an epic yachting crash of a pair of 140’ers. A video replay must-watch.
Doug Bullock provides a report of the J105 Hall of Fame event, inducting the well-deserving Dr. Jim Rathbun and Eric Tulk reviews our International 14 fleets’ recent pilgrimage to Perth, Australia to compete at the ‘Fordeen Worlds, Mate’. Good reads both.
Taylor Fawcett’s doubles squash tips will come in very handy when we return to the City Clubhouse, while Bill Brennan has definitely piqued my interest in Lawn Bowling (page 16). Whether it’s Leigh’s virtual fitness classes, or Chef Michael’s Mothers’ Day salmon recipe, I’m really starting to appreciate how much this Club has to offer. Meg and I signed up for the virtual Wine Dinner - I’m not in charge of meal prep, just eating, sipping, and clean-up.
In closing, it is spring time and there’s nothing like a good shutdown to get in some housecleaning, a very satisfying process indeed. On that, our new Senior Managers alongside our seasoned team, are using the involuntary down-time to do even more than what I’ve just described, including some upgrades behind the scenes. From accounting to logistics, cost control to programs, our team have been using the time wisely and I would like to thank them for all their extra effort. I’ll talk about that a bit more at our first virtual AGM, Monday, May 25th.
Looking forward to seeing you there. Jamie