The official newsletter of the Thunderbird Yacht Club
Commodore’s Message
As our 2020 boating season comes to an end for many of us, I must say I'm sad that there are so many faces I did not get to see this summer. That being said, Ekins has been a busy destination for our members this year. I, along with many members, have commented on the work that our beloved spot has missed this year.
We need to remind members that you need to take out what you bring in. Ekins is not the place to leave garbage, dirty diapers, doggie poop bags, etc. And it has become a dropping place for items one thinks might be useful at some point, without prior approval from Ekins management.
Let's all remember that Ekins would not be what it is without members’ contributions. And I would like to thank all the people who have made it a priority to put in sweat equity on various tasks while visiting Ekins this year. There is still time to take on some tasks if you are heading up to Ekins for a fall cruise.
Cathy Dietrich
Commodore 2020
Ekins Work Projects
Thank you to all the members who have worked during the season to tackle the long list of work projects at Ekins. Ekins is truly our jewel and needs lots of love every year. As noted in the August 26th Fall Work Party Update, we will not be holding an “organized” fall work party this year, but the work still needs to be done. Please refer to the list of tasks in the August 26th email and contact Ekins Manager and Staff Captain Travis Endersby at: travis@qccanada.com to let him know what projects you want to or have tackled.
Travis and several other members will be at Ekins to work on the Fall priorities and larger projects on the weekend of October 2nd to 4th and some of you may want to join in and contribute at that time.
The Board of Directors discussed the work assessment charge at the September 15, 2020 Board meeting and determined to continue with the current policy at this time. Of course, the Board will show consideration in truly special situations, as we have done in the past. And new members are not subject to the work assessment in their first year as a member, but it’s been terrific to see the number of new members who have rolled up their sleeves and pitched in to improve Ekins.
We need members to contribute their time, effort, and expertise in order to maintain and improve Ekins. For those who can’t/won’t do the work, or contribute in some other way, then the work assessment funds subsidize the costs for materials and supplies to keep Ekins the treasure we all love. For instance, this year we purchased the new dock ladders, lumber to build a 5th tent pad and repair the walkways, and other materials needed for maintenance and repairs. Next year we are looking at purchases such as new umbrellas, a slide for the Annex dock and new solar lights. So, sweat equity or financial equity, every member impacts and participates in Ekins maintenance and improvements.
Member Decorum and Etiquette
The Board has become aware of some incidents and interactions between members at outstations that has caused concern. We ask members to exercise compassion and keep the sparks under control. We are so fortunate to be able to spend time on the water – this year it seems to be the place where everything falls into place in terms of what’s important and what’s not. It’s always timely to repeat Dr. Bonnie Henry’s “be kind, be calm, be safe”.
As we reflect on the 2020 boating season, we would like to remind all our members to please:
Fly only the TBYC burgee while at Ekins and our outstations. If you also belong to another yacht club, then please remove or furl that burgee prior to arrival at TBYC facilities;
When our docks are full, immediately welcome other members to raft where rafting is permitted (Ekins and Pender Harbour);
Utilize our dock space as efficiently as possible by pulling forward on fingers and leaving outside spaces for the larger vessels;
Always sign in at our outstations (other than Ekins) immediately on arrival so you don’t forget;
At Ekins, never leave any garbage – take out what you bring in!
And lastly let’s all try our best to be kind and respectful to all our fellow members and boaters.
Snug Cove, Bowen Island Slip Update
A reminder to all members that the 95’ slip at Union Steamship Company Marina at Bowen Island’s lease ends on September 30, 2020.
There is no change to the club’s four 40’ slips, and all are still available.
BC Killer Whale Survey
A message from the BC Council of Yachts:
The Government of Canada has developed a survey designed to help us learn more about the experiences of fishers and recreational boaters around the 2020 Southern Resident Killer Whale suite of management measures. We are hoping you can help us reach recreational boaters by sharing the survey link (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XT6RXC3) with any relevant distribution lists/networks you may have.
This information will help us to understand more about how the measures are working on the water and to help inform future management measures. Please note, the response to this survey will be collected anonymously and none of the information will be used to pursue enforcement action.
For more information about the Southern Resident Killer Whale management measures, please visit: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/southern-resident-killer-whale
Photo Contest
Calling all photographers! We are updating our website and looking for new and more photos of Ekins and our outstations. By submitting photos, you are agreeing to having them published on-line on our website. “Beauty” shots of the docks, boating fun, happy member gatherings, events, current and historical are what we are looking for. Some guidelines:
Maximum of 3 photos per member
Landscape shape only please
Please do not submit any photos with children if you are not the parent
Email your maximum of 3 photos to jrostling@outlook.com by October 15th
If your photo is chosen as the new home page photo, you will receive a $100.00 credit off next year’s dues!
AGM Save the Date
TBYC’s 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8th at 7:00 PM. In line with current COVID restrictions, we are currently planning a Zoom video meeting. Details to follow.
And just for fun….
A magician was working on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. The audience would be different each week, so the magician allowed himself to do the same tricks over and over again. There was only one problem: The captain's parrot saw the shows each week and began to understand how the magician did every trick. Once he understood he started shouting in the middle of the show: "Look, it's not the same hat." "Look, he is hiding the flowers under the table." "Hey, why are all the cards the Ace of Spades ?" The magician was furious but couldn't do anything; it was, after all, the captain's parrot. One day the ship had an accident and sank. The magician found himself adrift on a piece of wood in the middle of the ocean with the parrot, of course. They stared at each other with hate, but did not utter a word. This went on for a day, then another, and another. After a week, the parrot said: "OK, I give up. What’d you do with the ship?"