It was great to see so many members at the SGM last week; thank you for making the effort and for putting up with the malfunctioning A/C in the dining room. It appears that some of the members who weren’t able to attend are concerned that certain decisions were made without them having the chance to voice an opinion – this is not the case. As stated in the agenda, the CoM gave a presentation on a number of capital projects that are being considered and the members present at the meeting were able to let us know which projects they favoured and which they did not consider a priority. There were 4 projects presented that would be financed by the Club – it was never the intention that all 4 projects would happen immediately. There was a presentation on a 5th project (also on the agenda) which was purposely done after the close of the formal meeting as it is intended that this project will be funded directly by interested members, not the Club’s budget.
I will take the next 5 weeks to give you some more information on each project and I am going to start with my personal favourite: the renovation of the main bar. Whilst we are aware that the bar in its current state is a home from home for some members, it does need some updating (how many times has it been mentioned to me that it is time to remove all the Oracle AC35 paraphernalia?) and when the bar is busy – and how we all wish that one day we might again be fortunate enough to experience a busy bar scene – the current layout of the bar service area makes it very difficult for more than 1 bartender to work in. That makes it slower for members to get their drinks……
What we are envisioning is an opened up, modern, light and bright space, utilizing some of the space that is currently wasted in the dark corners of the members bar and providing a larger, more accessible bar counter as well as more seating at tables (in case we are living with post-COVID restrictions for longer than we want to). Our friends at the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion, Ma re-did their bar a number of years ago and it proved a game changer for the club. Their bar revenue increased by 250% without any increase in membership and they were also able to hold more outside events (that may be less relevant for us as we try to avoid holding private events in the main bar whilst the Club is open to members). Our membership demographic is slowly changing (our attempts at attracting younger members is showing great promise) and our bar is honestly not the most attractive part of the Club. Think Hamilton Princess v. The Red Carpet.
We won the Wight Vodka Best Sailors Bar in 2019 – let’s really have the best bar! We already have good food, the best terrace and the best views…….
Elspeth Weisberg
Commodore
12 August, 2020