M A T H E W S Y A C H T C L U B

390 Yacht Club Road • P. O. Box 671 • Mathews, VA 23109 • 804-725-3165

Chartered June 2, 1949 37°27.8’N / 76°18.6’W

DECKLINESNovember

2016

ABOARD SHIP

COMMODOREThomas E. Flounders, III

Table TriviaAll Things Lobster

Closed forThanksgiving

Holidays

COMMODOREThomas E. Flounders, III(804) 725-4455teflounders@hotmail.com

VICE COMMODOREJoseph C. “Joe” Arnold (973) 714-4973 marjoe5050@yahoo.com

REAR COMMODOREDaniel E. “Dan” Reno(804) 725-4889nandanreno@gmail.comFLEET CAPTAINWilliam C. “Bill” Burry (804) 725-0664 wcburry@gmail.com

SECRETARYM. Godwin Jones(804) 776-8387mycsecretary@va.metrocast.net

TREASURERHenry W. Moncure, II (804) 402-1643 hwm74@msn.com FLEET SURGEONA. H. “Pete” Jennette (804) 725-2454 psjennette@gmail.com

CLUB MANAGER &EXECUTIVE CHEFMark Letchworth(804) 725-3165 (Club)mycmanager@hotmail.com

MYC WEBSITEwww.mathewsyachtclub.com

his month’s article is a focus on membership. New members are the life blood for our continued success.

When compared to previous years, we have had fewer applicants in 2016, and the Board encourages members to help recruit new prospects. Our list of members waiting for activation is shorter than usual. New applicants, their sponsors and spouses are now offered a complimentary dinner as a way to welcome the new members and to thank the sponsor. So, invite a friend or neighbor and introduce them to our facilities.

Below are some of the benefits we all enjoy that can be used as a recruiting tool. They help explain why we are the “Best Little Yacht Club on the lower Chesapeake Bay,” with the best food service for miles around. In addition, you can go to our website to learn more about our club.

• The clubhouse has a lovely scenic southern water view on Stutts Creek just off the Chesapeake Bay.

• A large swimming pool monitored by lifeguards and enjoyed by children and adults.

• Reciprocal privileges with many other yacht clubs on the Chesapeake Bay, including those listed by both the Yachting Club of America (YCA) and Chesapeake Bay Yacht Clubs Association (CBYCA) organizations.

• MYC is one of a very few “Bottle Clubs” in Virginia. This unique privilege allows members to bring their own liquor and wine (no corkage fee) to the clubhouse, which provides a significant savings by reducing or eliminating a bar bill when enjoying a cocktail.

• As a private club, we are a 501(c)(7) nonprofit organization, which enables food service pricing for members to be much less than that of a public restaurant operating for profit.

• A newly renovated deck with a permanent roof provides for relaxing outdoor dining and entertaining.

• Many activities and social events, such as dinner dances, special brunches on holidays like Mother’s Day, cruises for boaters, and much more, are planned throughout the year and listed on the Calendar of Events.

• Dockage with electrical access and pump-out service is provided for yachters and boaters. A boat ramp provides a way to launch small watercraft.

• Modest annual dues underwrite the cost of many amenities such as music for special events, free setups at the bar, unlimited refreshments like tea, coffee, sodas, fruit juices, etc. Unlike many yacht

clubs, we do not charge a minimum food service fee. The dues also help underwrite the cost for staff, and house and grounds maintenance.

• Financially, the club is managed by its Board of Directors, and it is fiscally solid with a reserve account set aside for unexpected expenses. There is no mortgage or debt of any kind.

• Many members volunteer their time and talent in helping to keep costs down. Once a year in the spring during Club Work Day, approximately 100 volunteers arrive in the morning and work for four hours to get the club ready for the coming season. It’s a great way to meet members not often seen.

• The club has an excellent social environment offering a place to meet new friends and entertain guests. It provides a social setting for members getting together for card playing, and expanding programs into new areas.

• Annually, the club publishes a Member Handbook listing the members along with a lot of additional information. Our monthly newsletter, Decklines, keeps members informed of current events. A weekly eMinder describing the menus, special events, etc., is sent via email to members. In addition, the club has a website that offers lots of additional information.

• Our wait staff is the best! They work to please the members, and the members respond with their generous support. It’s as if we are one big family. In addition, the manager and assistant manager are a husband and wife team, and they are professionals at running the club.

• While the club is limited to 400 active members, approved members on the wait list are still able to enjoy numerous privileges. This policy allows them to enjoy the benefits of membership on a limited basis.

• In general, the membership has a special feeling of camaraderie; a feeling of pride, fellowship, and common loyalty known as esprit de corps. We are more like a community as opposed to just being a club.

And don’t forget: Our Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 1st and begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. To conduct business, we must have a minimum of 40 active members (10% of active membership) present or represented by valid proxy. Please read carefully the announcement coming later this month and consider appointing a proxy if you are an active member and cannot attend.

This is an important meeting because we will elect the 2017 Board of Directors. Plus, it is always followed by one of the best receptions of the year.

— Fair Winds

D E C K L I N E S November 2016

REAR COMMODOREDaniel “Dan” Reno

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SECRETARYGodwin Jones

VICE COMMODOREJoseph “Joe” Arnold

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INMEMORIAM

adly we report the October 4th passing of Michael Sowden, a member since 2004.

A retired USCG Warrant Officer, Michael is survived by his wife, Judy and numerous family members.

We know all our members join us in extending our sincere condolences to the entire Sowden family.

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nvitations to our Volunteer Reception on October 29 have been sent to 88 members (over

20%) who volunteered during the year. This includes four Wait Listed members. If you did volunteer and did not receive an invitation, please let me know.

There is no membership activity to report this month. I need you members to put me to work. I have not seen a new application in past 85 days versus an average of 7 during this time period for the each of the past 8 years. The Wait List now has 24 members and will most likely get depleted in March for the first time in many years. That is unless you talk to your friends and neighbors about joining us.

Please keep the Secretary MYCSecretary@va.metrocast.net informed of any address, phone or e-mail address changes.

In keeping with Club tradition, the staff, led by head cook Troy, did the honors at the flag lowering, as the

members gathered on the deck to

observe.

MANTELOF THE MONTH

f the November mantel looks familiar, it’s because Stacy Turner teamed up with Michele Meanley

to create a two-month autumnal display. So, when you see Stacy—and Michele—around the clubthis month, be sure togive them both a bigthank you for theircrafty efforts.

n October we ceremoniously lowered the flags, then dined and danced. There was a good

turnout, delicious food, great music and an enjoyable evening for all.

The Oyster Roast was threatened by the possibility of Mr. Matthew coming up the coast, but the oyster lovers still showed up and, in the end, the weather threatened not.. So all in attendance were happy and enjoyed the delicious variety of oysters.

Mark conducted the last Executive Chef’s Special Dinner of the year. The key ingredient was mushrooms, and each of the five courses was paired with the perfect wine. Everyone left very satisfied and felt fortunate to have been in attendance.

Next up was the Oktoberfest Buffet and as far as I am concerned the food was the best German food that I have ever tasted. To finish off that meal Kasey had made a wonderful German Chocolate Cake, which just happens to be my favorite, so I was a very satisfied RC.

Wilson Ellis Night was a hit with our members once again this year. We had a large attendance for dinner and John Quarstein’s presentation on “Humor and the Civil War”. John always gives us great historical information in his special dramatic style that only he is known for. He will return next October so don’t miss out.

Finally, let us move on to November with the “All Things Lobster Dinner”. Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 12 then make your reservations in a timely manner. Remember if you make a reservation and are not able to attend — cancel ASAP.

As always, the Club will be closed November 24 and 25th. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you all.Looking Ahead to December:• End Thursday lunches and dinners• 1st Annual Meeting• 23rd Christmas Buffet• 25th Closed for Christmas Holiday• 31st New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance

appy Fall! The heat of the summer has passed and Hurricane Matthew was not as

bad as it could have been.I’m happy to report that the new lounge

furniture is being ordered. We are in search of two small nautical end tables. If anyone has any ideas, please contact me. Also, the previous couch and armchair are available to anyone who wants to remove them from the yacht club. If there are no takers, they will be donated.

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Oktoberfest Authentic, Herr Franz Mayr, Fraulein Ann Earman, und Herr Steve Wilson,

dressed out and ready to party.

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D E C K L I N E S November 2016

THE SALE LOFTFLEET CAPTAIN

William “Bill” Burry

FOR SALE – Catalina 22’ Sloop w/Johnson 9.9 hp outboard; wing keel draws 2’11”; pop-up top for standing room in saloon, V berth, drop down table for second berth & quarter berth to sleep 5; alcohol stove, sink, bimini top, VHF, AM/FM/CD player, compass & portable GPS w/bulkhead mount. Excellent condition. See at my dock on Billups Creek. Now $3,200.00.Contact: Ron Payne 804-514-7575 or email ronpayne1@comcast.net

FOR SALE – Wise Captains seat with slider; like new, $175. Grumman 16ft. aluminum flat bottom boat; good shape except for small leak, $300. Contact: Doug Gregory 757-816-6404 dwgsuffva@aol.com

FOR SALE - Penn Special Senator 3/0H Reel & 3/0 rod, $100. Penn 330 GTi Graphite reel w/Special Senator 4/0 rod, $75. Penn Special Senator 113H 4/0 high speed reel & 4/0 6'6" rod, $100. Penn Senator 6/0 reel w/Tidewater Shakespeare graphite rod 6'6"TW66 6/0 $100.Contact: Selma Thomas 804-776-6120

FOR SALE – Lowe Jon boat (16ft.) aluminum flat bottom extra wide; good shape, $750. boat only.Contact: Ali Abbasi ali23060@yahoo.com 804-852-4444

FOR SALE – 2005 Carolina Classic; 155 hours on 8.1 Crusader engine; RayMarine dual screen chart plotter, depth and fish finder; Furuno radar system; transom livewell, outriggers, trim tabs; excellent condition. $60,000Contact: Loyd White-804-337-4781, email loydpwhite@gmail.com

FOR SALE – 2 TaylorMade Tuff End Round boat fenders, 15” Red, like new $35 each.Mooring ball, solid foam, 15,” tube thru design $75Mooring ball, solid foam, 15,” galvanized fittings $75Contact: Pete Jennette, 725-2454 or psjennette@gmail.com

FOR SALE – 22' C-Dory Cruiser, New Suzuki 90 w/30 hrs, trailer, cover, sleeps 2-3, galley, instruments & more; ideal gunkholing, all weather boat. $29,000 Contact: Bill Newell 804-815-3733

NEWS FORTHE NEWSLETTER

ubmissions to Decklines and The Sale Loft are welcome, and should be sent by the 15th of the month to the Decklines Editor. email: editor@mathewsyachtclub.com

snail mail: 8903 Milbrae Place Richmond, VA 23236

S

MYC HOURSFOOD & BEVERAGE SERVICE

DINING RESERVATIONSCALL 804 725-3165

www.mathewsyachtclub.com

Thursday and Friday

Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Dinner 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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FOR SALE – Boston Whaler Montauk 17, Susuki 85DT, Cox trailer. $4000.Contact: George E. Goode, 725-2590SOLD

ow that the cruising season is coming to a close on the Chesapeake Bay, thanks to all of

you who have made this season a success for the Club.

Starting in May, each month featured a cruise led by one of you as a cruise leader, culminating in our final Mystery cruise in September. The Cruiser of the Year Award will be presented at the Annual MYC meeting on 1 December 2016.

Even though Mathews escaped the brunt of Hurricane Matthew, its remnants in

the form of floating debris still linger in our local waters. We have retrieved two long dock planks recently, including one near the Gwynn's Island Bridge. Keep a

safe look out and remove any dangerous debris that you see.

Finally, congratulations to the 18 boaters who completed the boating safety education course and received their lifetime Virginia Boating Safety Education Certificate. On Saturday, October 1st, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 66 from Mathews County presented “About Boating Safely” to 18 MYC members and non-members. Flotilla 66 offers this course several times during the year to the public and will present it to specific organizations upon request.

The ABS class takes six hours and is followed with a fifty-question test. The course satisfies the State requirement that as of July 1st of this year, all boaters must have passed a certified boat safety program.

SOLD

All of the students successfully passed the test, four with a score of 100%, and received their Virginia state safety card.

Ted Broderson, the Flotilla 66 Staff Officer for Public Education, conducted the class. The team of instructors supporting the class included Flotilla Commander Ray Procopio, Vice Flotilla Commander John Bonner, Jim Gierlak, and Walt Sampson.

Flaco, the sailing

dog, assists with

debris removal.

1st row: (l to r), Phil Dunn, Sara Wacchter, Debra Flounders, Laura Cooley, Don Owens2nd row: Roger Cooley, Bob Kenny, Martin Coffee, Sandra Carone, Beth Johnson, Debora Lambert, Bob Fisher, Geroge Conrad, Vice Flotilla Commandeer John Bonner3rd row: John Dillehay, John Fisher Bob Mcbride, Loyd White, Scott Coley.

D E C K L I N E S November 2016

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MATHEWS YACHT CLUBYacht Club RoadP. O. Box 671Mathews, VA 23109

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11 11–2 Lunch Menu 6–9 Famous Friday Buffet

11–2 Lunch Menu 6–9 Famous Friday Buffet

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11–2 Lunch Menu 6–9 Mom’s Home Cooking

November2016

Coming in DecemberEnd Thursday Lunches & Dinners

Annual MeetingChristmas Buffet

New Year’s Eve Dinner-Dance

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11–2 Lunch 5–6 Bar Open 6–9 Table Trivia & Mom’s Home Cooking

The Club will be closed for the holidays.

6–9 All Things Lobster Dinner

11–2 Lunch Menu 6–9 Mom’s Home Cooking

11–2 Lunch Menu 6–9 Famous Friday Buffet