December 2009

The NationalThe Newsletter of the National Yacht ClubOne Stadium Road, Toronto ON M5V 3H4Tel.: 416.260.8686 Fax: 416.260.8780www.thenyc.com

Established 1894

The NationalThe Monthly Newsletter

of the National Yacht ClubPlease e-mail contributions

and comments to: skipper@thenyc.com

C O N T E N T S

S&RS Banqet 2 Commodore's Comments 3 Holiday & Birthday Brunch 3 Docks 4 Christmas Party 4Entertainment 5Protest Desk 5 Commodore's Bash 6Did You Know 7New Year's Levee 7Short Takes 8Stolen From Scuttlebutt 8Galley Grub 10Hours of Operation 11

C R E W

Committee Chair/PublisherDavid GeorgeSomersault I

EditorMarc Dacey

Alchemy

Layout Design EditorDiane Bamberger

At Ease

AdvertisingTim Quinton

Dark`n` Stormy

. . . continued on page 10

AGM 2009: Full Docks, But the Coffers, Not So Much The 115th annual general meeting of National Yacht Club began on an uncustomary but pleasant weekday evening with around 65 live (and frequently vocal) members and a handful of proxies in attendance.

After the traditional moment of silence for deceased members and the adoption of the previous AGM’s minutes, departing Commodore Keith Morley got down to business, reporting that several docks were sold this year and that the club is now full, save for a handful of mooring spots. He also reported that we have reduced our dock waiting list to a “manageable” level.

The Commodore also reviewed many of the expenditures this year, including the long-awaited expansion of the ladies’ washroom and the renovation of the mens’; the major refit of Grand National; and the unexpected expense of dock repair after a particularly hard winter. He also reported that the drysailers have formed a new committee and will recommend potential changes to their membership and fees in the new year, and that the saga of the disintegrating Western Gap seawall continues with “nothing concrete” to report, a line that got one of the few laughs of the evening. He then bid farewell to his

office, thanking the many members who had helped him perform his duties.

Vice Commodore, Finance Pamela Robertson then presented a concise report on the fiscal state of the club. In sum, the Board was constrained in its reduction of debt this year due to several unavoidable expenses, including the aforementioned weather damage to the docks, plus the fact that the new docks were constructed. As a result, some anticipated projects were deferred. Haulout also took two days, which hasn’t happened in a number of years and that led to unanticipated additional costs. On the bright side, a necessary kitchen HVAC renewal came in on budget, as did the bathroom renovations. Members suggested, from the floor, various budgetary ideas, and the continuing challenge of keeping a dining room “partially open” year round was acknowledged.

Looking forward to 2010, Robertson vowed to “get mean” if needed, and urged the membership to give some thought to economies they would be willing to accept, should that become advisable. As examples, she suggested considering reducing the frequency the newsletter and

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S&RS Banquet The evening of September 26 saw the parents and children of the summer learn-to-sail programs appear in unusually dry shoes and without lifejackets for the annual Sailing and Racing School Banquet. This event really brings home the size of the program, as it invariably fills the dining room.

Students receive awards for their attainment of Canadian Yachting Association learn-to-sail standards, from the beginner level, White Sail, all the way up to Gold Sail, the highest learn-to-sail standard offered by the CYA. This year Gabrielle Blais-Jones accomplished this feat. Congratulations Gabrielle! Also presented at the banquet are a raft of trophies for racing and other accomplishments. Those receiving these awards can see their names placed on plaques alongside those of some very accomplished graduates of NYC’s program, including Olympic racers and medal winners, and others who have made NYC proud over the years. These trophies reflect a fifty-year heritage of sailing instruction at the Club. The trophies themselves also show the names of important contributors to the Sailing School. This year’s winners of trophies were:

Baker Editcomm Trophy - Outstanding Endeavor Emmanuel SakaryaH.D. Clarke - Most likely to become a great instructor Nicole LudzkiJunior Board of Directors - Grand Champion - Keith Hearst & Nicole LudzkiLes Burt Trophy Girls - Annual competition proficiency and sportsmanship Junior Club Championship - Rachel & Kathryn KimLouise Gardner Trophy - Open competition donated by the senior school in ‘68 - Marek KmiecLW MH (Len Walker/Mike Hakes) Award - Most Improvement - Nate WinsorMolson Award - Annual competition dinghy sailboat top intermediate - Julian Decorte & Eric AtchisonNYC Oldtimers Trophy - Annual competition junior club championship - Stefan KremicScobie Trophy - Outstanding participation boys division - Keith HearstTH Snow - Outstanding participation girls division - Adi Bennett

Thompson Trophy - Outstanding skippering first year sailor - Kassidy EastmanWesterners Plate - Outstanding sailing potential - Daniel Rotenberg

Finally, the success of the banquet, as of the program itself, depends on the efforts of Samantha Glass and the year’s instructors: Head Instructor - Heather McLeod-PriceRace Coach - Jason HearstOptimist Race Coach - Paula FoscariniBronze Coach - Allyson HornbyWhite Sail Coach - Gordon Delgaty-Cook“Work to Sail” Coach (White Sail) - Gabrielle Blais-Jones

See you next year, if not at our winter planning sessions,

Ron Jenkins

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Commodore’s CommentsBy the time that you are able to read these comments, my term of office as Commodore will have come to a close. This two-year term has enabled me to learn and understand the many facets of the operations of this great club, which I have greatly enjoyed. It also gave me the opportunity to meet with various committees together with many more members than one would normally encounter.

As Commodore, I was also fortunate to be able to visit a number of other yacht clubs around the lake, as I attended meetings of the Council of Commodores. At these quarterly meetings, Club Commodores meet to discuss items of interest and concerns and try to reach solutions that can benefit us all. I have gained many friends from these meetings and have received several invitations to visit their clubs in the future.

I have been very fortunate in having a remarkable team of Vice Commodores who have worked with me throughout my term of office. They have all given me their support, knowledge and guidance, which helped me to carry out my responsibilities as Commodore.

It was a pleasure to host my last Commodore's Banquet. I would like to thank all who attended and made this a sell out event. I think it does us all good, once in a while, to dress up in our finery, wine and dine and really enjoy ourselves with friends in pleasant surroundings. I would like to express my gratitude to the NYC staff, Cathy Terry and her team and, last but not least, my wife Linda Morley, for excelling themselves on this evening and making this night a great success.

Knowing the traditional roasting of previous Commodores at this event, I was fearful of what was coming my way that evening. My friend Paul Bond surprised me with his roasting, and I began to relax and enjoy all that he said about me and my club activities. I thank you Paul for a job well done. I was then able to let my hair down and enjoy the evening. I would like to thank you all for my departing gift, which will be a framed drawing of my boat ‘Dream Catcher’.

Finally, I would like to thank my wife, Linda, who has been by my side at every opportunity to add support and her love over the last two years.

Keith MorleyCommodore

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Luck Be a Lady (Frank Sinatra). Yes, lucky was I when I flipped the on the TV, scanned the guide and saw that Neil Diamond’s Farewell TV Special was just about to start. Click, click. Well, the first thing that I noticed was just how big his ears were – wow! (And his nose too!) Yes, it is a fact of life that your ears and nose continue to grow, when everything else seems to shrink, so don’t be concerned, as you can’t do much about it! But you “can” do something about NYC’s “Dry Docks.” So, here’s a list:

Lock up your ladder securely – or the Dock Committee will 1. or remove itKeep the “on the ‘ard” area clean, clear and safe as when the 2. snow comes, articles and garbage left around will create a buried trip hazard.Don’t run a heater in you boat unless you are there to monitor 3. it as this could be a fire hazard.Periodically adjust your pads as nothing is static in our world, 4. not even your cradle as the ground thaws and refreezes.

Check your cover periodically to ensure that it has not come 5. loose and is “flailing” the boat beside you.If you see a stranger walking amongst our boats, ask them 6. who they are. You may gain a friend or discourage a “would-be” thiefPeriodically charge your batteries if you have left them on 7. board – they will last longer and make sure your bilge is “bone dry” as water will “head south.”

On another note, we have had some new members join and some members leave, necessitating some “boat relocation” planning for spring. And there will very likely be more during the course of the winter, though we try not to move anyone unless absolutely necessary or we get a request for a move. So, if you would like to relocate, e-mail me and we will try to accommodate your request, if at all possible, when we look at the “big picture.” And special thanks to all the Dock Captains for helping put the docks to bed for the winter! We have a great team and would welcome anyone wishing to be part of what keeps all our boats from just floating away. By the way, the Neil Diamond special was “just okay” as he seems to have lost a lot of his zest for life, but his music was still great. Never let this happen to you! And, don’t worry about your ears; it’s the smile that counts. Keep smiling,

Don WilliamsDock Committee Chair

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Entertainment at the NYC has now adapted to the off-boating-season schedule. To date, members have had the opportunity to meet with other members and friends while enjoying the Commodore’s Banquet and dancing till the wee hours with the great band, Justin’ Time.

I hope many of you managed to attend the Annual Food Drive on November 27. Minimum Billing once again generously donated their time free for this event. The donations from this great night really make a difference for many families in the GTA. Last year, we achieved the biggest shipment of food that we have ever had. I hope that we have set another new record this year.

December is a great month for entertainment; firstly we have something for our young folk to enjoy with their families, the Children’s Christmas Party, on Sunday December 6. This will provide a wonderful start to the Christmas season. The children will again be entertained this year by the return of that great children’s entertainer, Neil the Magician, who has a number of new tricks to tease us all. After the magician, the younger ones can make their own one-of-a-kind crafts, a fun time for both kids and parents to test their skills.

There will be a delightful lunch, with some delicious chocolate treats that the children always enjoy. The final part and the most exciting time is when that special person arrives in the

Toronto Police Boat, bringing sacks of presents for all our children. I hope you all have your tickets.

Our Annual Christmas Dinner evening at NYC this year will be on Saturday, December 19. This will be our last function until the New Year’s Levee, on January 1 next year! I know Tyson, our Executive Chef, will be serving us a delicious Christmas dinner.

This year we have a great entertainer to complete your evening; Premek Kruta will entertain you at your table while you are enjoying your dinner. Premek is widely regarded as one of the most diverse and talented Singer-Guitarists in Canada. He was classically trained at the Academy of Prague, under the tutelage of renowned Czech classical guitar instructor, Schelinger, as well with one of the Prague’s finest vocal teachers, Professor Pospisilik. Premek sings in over 23 languages and will entertain you with many wonderful Xmas Classics, in your choice of language. Bring your friends and family along; I’m sure it will be a night to remember.

We have great entertainment planned for January, February and March. January 23rd starts off 2010 with a great rock band, recommended by our members, called Passport. On February 20 we have Steve Aucoin, a live acoustic performer, playing Classic Rock/Blues/Alt. Rock/ R&B Country and top 40. On the 20th of March we have a St. Patrick’s night with Frankie Benson & Seamus Grew playing and singing great Irish music.

Keep busy, keep out of trouble and plan to come to some of these events. If you do, I promise that Launch will be here before you know it.

Linda Morley

Lynne Beal and I just came back from the International Sailing Federation annual meeting. This year it was in Busan, South Korea. It is there that the racing rules get tweaked, classes are identified for the Olympics, classes are granted international status that allows them to hold an identified “World Championship” and many other things that impact all of us either directly or indirectly are ratified.

I was a delegate at the day-long International Classes Committee meeting; Lynne is a member of the International Judges Sub-Committee. Beyond these we were observers at meetings

of many of the other committees, observing how they make decisions that affect racing worldwide. The 350-odd folks attending were from all over the world, from classes ranging from maxis to sailboards.

This was the first time either of us had been at this meeting as participants, and it was indeed fascinating. To realize that our sport, which we mostly experience in the small world of our own yacht club, has folks working for us in large numbers from all over was, for me, sobering. Sailing is indeed a universal game, and the ISAF ensures that the game is played the same universally.

If you wish to know more about the ISAF and its workings, go to their web site, where all 180 submissions for the meeting are available and the final outcome of the week’s considerations of them is published. All this is available there, along with listings of new officers, changes in regulations, and much else. www.sailing.org

Doug Creelman

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Commodore’s BashOn arriving, the overflowing parking lot was the first indication that the turnout for the Commodore’s Banquet would be something to behold. Inside, there were lineups at the Chart Room door, up the stairs and, as expected, at the bar.

The Chart Room queue was made up, in the main, of couples in their finery getting their pictures taken in the professional photo studio that Don Williams had turned it into for the evening, offering attendees the opportunity to make eternal how well they looked and who they were with on this particular evening as a handy stimulus in later life when more than just the memory fades.

While that was a new feature at this event, the decorous decorations, the exquisite Morley touch we have become so accustomed to, had once again transformed the dining room into a spectacular dine and dance venue, unrivalled by any in the city on this night, and packed it with stylish people whose faces were familiar but whose habiliment was not.

A handsome group of skippers, crew and hang-a-shores sporting suits, ties, clean shirts, tuxedos, fancy dresses, evening gowns, and definitely not deck shoes, crowded the area, and not a speck of bottom paint on anything. Conversations, handshakes and smiles on the floor, at the tables and around the bar made it seem like a long-lost gathering of the clan and reflected the mood drummed up by the damnably good weather of the previous few weeks. Obviously not at all like the summer or fall weather we had actually put up with up to haulout, but only the continuing puniness of this year’s weather despot, who or whatever that might be. All the while, Al Matthews provided very listenable keyboard and guitar background music and song.

The gong of a bell quieted the room and it was announced that the head table would be piped in momentarily. There were so many

notables that there were actually two head tables, the principal and subordinate heads I believe. Shortly a fast-moving piper, Struther MacFarlane, led his charges into the room. Introductions, Queen’s toast and grace behind us, we all settled in for the meal.

This event is noted, not only for its style, but also for the food. And tonight was no exception. A roast beef dinner with all the trimmings was the centrepiece. It followed a roast squash soup and was followed by sherry trifle. Quite deservedly, the kitchen staff was applauded after the dinner for the fine job they had done.

Then came the presentations. The Commodore, Keith Morley, presented Life Pins to former Commodores Vic Dantzer and Marjorie Hare. The Mulcaster award went to brother Rodney Morley in recognition of his continuing penchant for fixing things that need to be fixed around the club. A new award, donated by the late Stan Reid, the Marita Award, commemorating the many Maritas Stan had had, was presented to John Waddell, in the virtual sense as the actual trophy had not yet arrived. And a Recognition for Dedicated Service over the last 15 years was presented to Walter Kowalchuk, the club’s General Manager.

Henry Piersig, Commodore Designate, thanked Keith and Linda Morley for their many years of dedicated service and contributions to the club. And Paul Bond took us on a voyage through the Commodore’s career around the club and commented on his many accomplishments along the way, culminating in his recent certification as a fork-lift driver and considerable yard work during the recent run-up to haulout. The outgoing Commodore is indeed a man with impressive club credentials and it is likely that he will continue to contribute to the club in one executive capacity or another for years to come.

With all that taken care of, it was time for the Justin’ Time Band to liven up the evening and work off some that roast beef and Yorkshire

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Pudding. That, too, was interesting to watch as the club rocked with the sound of a good band and even I ventured, for a bit, out on the floor.

I left too early, if the fun folks seemed to be having was any indication of the likely life of this party. But I had already enjoyed a very nice evening and thought it best to leave the rest to those whose

constitutions would survive extended exposure to the fun and frolic that seemed destined to last much longer than I would be able to.

It was a fine evening, in all respects, and a fitting tribute to our outgoing Commodore, Keith Morley.

David George

Did You Know?Tidbits on NYC By-laws, Policies and Rules

House Rule A.3.12 - Marine ContractorsAny member requiring site services of a contractor on the Club premises shall report such arrangements to the Club office in advance, and ensure that such contractor logs his attendance on the premises with the office at the time of his attendance.

Please Note: Please have your contractor sign-in and out in the Contractor’s Log Book at the Officer of the Day station.

By-law Appendix A.1.1 to A.1.18 – Membership DuesThe membership dues for all categories of membership, with the exception of Corporate Membership, is calculated as a percentage of the Senior Resident Membership Dues.

By-law Appendix A.3.3 – Schedule of PaymentAnnual Dues shall be billed in two separate portions of 50% each in the months of October and January.

Walter Kowalchuk

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Short TakesBetty & George Grace need your help: to thank the two unknown gentlemen who came to their aid helped Betty Grace out of the water in the docking area on June 2. Betty sustained a broken upper arm and is now in physio to help repair the damaged muscles. Full recovery is anticipated. “Associated with this accident, we had a kind gentleman donate a pair of all-weather pants, black, to help warm the body and reduce trauma. Thanks for your help,” fellow sailors Betty and George Grace add. “We didn’t take time for his name or address. We have the pants cleaned and ready for use again.” Their request is to, “Please help us find the owner by calling 416 755-8651 if you can supply us with a name or phone number. A very sincere thanks to every one who helped with all the associated activities and hospital visits which lasted thirteen days.”

Tight Squeeze: admits Dennys Jones, as he works at winter storage for Carpe Ventus. “Where there’s a will there’s a way” is his motto, “does anyone have a large shoe horn?” he asks. Maybe he should be looking for Vaseline, we think. In any event, he is determined to store Carpe Ventus under the roof at his furniture factory – probably the biggest challenge he has had all year. At the time of the photo, it was still a work in progress.

Winter Hours but still no snow: Take note, if you haven’t already, that from now to December 18, the Restaurant and Bar hours will be:

Day Restaurant BarMonday Closed ClosedTuesday Closed ClosedWednesday 4-9 PM 4-10 PMThursday 4-9 PM 4-10 PMFriday 11 AM- 9 PM 11 AM- 10 PMSaturday 11 AM- 4 PM 11 AM- 4 PMSunday 11 AM- 4 PM 11 AM- 4 PM

Cloutier Welcomes new Regalia Chair: “It is my pleasure to welcome aboard the new Regalia Committee Chair – Josh Wiwcharyk,” says Dan Cloutier, Vice Commodore, Marketing and Communications. “Josh has been sailing his Shark, Cap’n Crunch, at National since 2004,” he adds, explaining that Josh’s clothing and printing company was recently acquired and that he has taken advantage of the freed-up time to sail, re-focus and complete his MBA. “The Regalia team is looking forward to another successful year,” says Dan and advises us to, “Watch for increased access, additional sailing brands, and online content.” Within Dan’s portfolio, regalia is regarded as a key component to branding NYC and expanding its reach in the yachting community. Dan also took the opportunity to thank Lucie DiPronio for her leadership during the last two years. “Lucie,” he said, “instituted an effective management process, expanded the NYC product line and led her team with enthusiasm and creativity.” For more information on Regalia, and how you can help, contact <j.wiwcharyk@rogers.com>.

NYC Website Feedback: Your Web Committee has been working hard to make the club’s Web site more attractive and relevant to the needs of current and prospective members. If you have any comments or suggestions for improvement, please write to Anna <reception@thenyc.com> she will be very happy to hear from you.

Stolen From ScuttlebuttThis article appeared recently and, while it’s not our club, the lessons are somewhat universal. Here’s what they say about Junior Sailing around the Bay Area (San Francisco)- Ed.

Scuttlebutt News: Lessons from 50 Years of Junior Sailing (October 15, 2009) My family says I’m permanently arrested at the sailing instructor level of development. As Co-Chair of the Junior Committee at St. Francis Yacht Club, I have been forced to regress. What follows are my reflections on the locations, changes, experiences, and lessons learned over those five decades:

1950s

As a barefoot kid in Pine Beach, N.J., I got a “teaser” ride with a bunch of kids on a Lightning. I loved it, but couldn’t afford the $5 to join the junior program, so for the rest of the summer I watched from the beach. This fanned the fire to sail, and led to the first lesson: Make junior sailing accessible. 1960s

During a high school summer, I sold myself as a sailing instructor to a summer camp in New Hampshire. (No US Sailing Certificates then.) After preparing by memorizing the “Golden Book of Sailing,” I got the kids safely sailing Sunfish dinghies. But the key discovery was integrating water games with the sailing. For most 10 year olds, pirate, sponge tag, bucket attack, etc., are far more fun than racing--but sailing well improved each team’s attack. The second lesson: Make it fun. As a college student, I took a summer job on the south shore of Long Island at a club with a hot new fleet of International 420s, complete with trapeze and spinnaker. That was the easiest lesson. Sailing fast is more fun, (and trapezing beats hiking).

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The summer before medical school, I landed a job as the head instructor at Royal Bermuda YC. A summer in Bermuda, accompanied by my Finn Dinghy, was a wonderful experience. Competing in the Finn Gold Cup against the likes of Paul Elvstrom was icing on the cake. That lesson: Keep the instructor happy. And let him or her race every now and then. 1970s

On the Charles River in urban Boston-Cambridge, MIT had a great racing program—sailing tubby Tech Dinghies. As a busy medical student and resident, this was the only sailing I had time to do. Soon I learned that the slow Tech made the “small pond” much bigger, and proved the next lesson: Competition is what makes good racing, not the boat. My move to San Francisco occurred at the birth of the local Laser phenomenon. Don Trask built Lasers and junior sailors sailed them to their limits. John Bertrand, Jeff Madrigali, Paul Cayard, Craig Healy, and many others pushed each other such that the whole group excelled. They went on to win world championships, proving the next lesson: When kids are ready, challenge them against the best. The stock Windsurfer was an active one-design racing class for all ages and sizes. One often saw 60+ boards at events on the Bay or Delta. The windsurfer was widely available, inexpensive, and easily transported. It got many people onto the water that had never sailed a boat. Local shops ran training programs for kids and adults. Racing was made fair by defining weight classes. The next lesson is obvious: To be accessible, entry level sailing must be affordable. 1980s

The most competitive kids from all over the Bay Area took advantage of the StFYC’s Junior Program because it offered the only full-time coach and the best racing opportunities. The team traveled to regattas near and far, with logistical support and coaching; it had great success. The lesson: To succeed at the top, there must be a good coach.

Meanwhile, the technology of windsurfing evolved. Boards and sails improved tremendously and high-end racing flourished. But the simplicity of the entry level one-design Windsurfer was lost, and fewer kids and beginners entered sailing through that platform. 1990s

Other yacht clubs with good beginner programs built stronger upper-level programs with coaches and travelling teams. The kids that started with them stayed. High school sailing teams aligned their kids with the club near their school. The high school regatta schedule filled spring and fall weekends that had been used for open (Laser) competitions. The number of highly competitive juniors joining StFYC dwindled. The lesson: Successful junior programs build from beginner to advanced levels. The FJ proved satisfactory for high school dinghy racing, but was not a great springboard to other sailing platforms, e.g. Lasers, skiffs, windsurfers, or keelboats. Parents didn’t purchase other classes of boats because the FJs were available at their club and filled most of the kids’ sailing time. Entry into Lasers or even windsurfers became too expensive, and parents’ participation in high school sailing was more as “little league parents”, than as sailing role models. The lesson: Successful junior programs have actively involved parents. 2000s

By 2000, the Optimist Dinghy arrived on the Bay. It offered an international class that was inexpensive and far more forgiving in Bay conditions that the El Toro. Where previously most StFYC beginner instruction took place at Tinsley, beginner Opti sailing expanded at the City Front. Upper level Opti kids began travelling to highly competitive regattas. The Opti was a great overall change, but by creating a racing format for very young kids, it discouraged other kids who were just too young or who had grown early and were too heavy to be competitive. The 29er skiff created another opportunity. It is a high-speed trainer

for the Olympic 49er, a boat that relishes the Bay’s conditions. For kids 12 and over who have grown too big for an Opti, it offered a fun, fast platform and great competition. I’ve had the joy of racing a 29er with both of my kids, and with a number of other juniors, and witnessed how it reinvigorated their interest in sailing. This lesson hasn’t changed in 50 years: There is no substitute for FAST and FUN. The Present

The big initiative is to build windsurfing instruction into our junior camps. The new international trainer board is the BIC Techno 293, a smaller and lighter version of the Olympic RSX. It is excellent in a wide variety of conditions and is equipped with interchangeable rigs of multiple sizes. By providing an accessible and fun learning platform it builds on the advantages of the Opti and the old stock Windsurfer. It will also take advantage of the Club’s uniquely windy location. There is no reason that the Bay Area should not be producing Olympic caliber windsurfers, and this program will help us do it. The Future

Fifty years ago, sailing wasn’t accessible to me, and today that is true for most local kids. Under the Club’s new lease, it’s obligated to extend junior opportunities to non-members through community outreach programs. With the generous support of the StFYC Foundation, a variety of options are planned, including the following: 1) day sails on the Blue Water Foundation’s IOR sloop, 2) scholarships to our City Front programs, 3) enlarged and diversified HS sailing practices, and 4) beginner windsurfing clinics. Having learned all these lessons, the plan now is to put it all together. Look for more kids on the docks and around the junior room. It’s the future of the Club.

Paul HeinekenStFYC Junior Committee Chair

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membership roster mail-outs, or the sale of certain surplus Club assets, such as one of the five Shark Club Sharks, or the excess S&RS boats. She anticipated that the necessary extensive repairs to the docks in ’09 should preclude (barring another destructive winter) onerous repairs in the upcoming year.

The various motions occasioned more debate than has been customary in the last few years. The concept of charging by boat area, rather than by the traditional linear measurement, was debated, an amendment to amend the proposed fee structure was defeated and Motion 1 passed.

Motion 2, raising the introductory crew initiation fee to bring it in line with similar fees in different membership classes, also passed.

Motion 3, raising the monthly minimum billing after 17 years at the same level, passed with the associated hope of encouraging greater attendance at the club’s dining room, a common challenge at clubs along our shores, it seems.

Braised Lamb Shanks - A Christmas Eve TraditionFor those of you who have been paying attention, all recipes featured in these articles so far have been designed for preparation onboard without an oven. I recently received a request for something more seasonal - in particular, the Holiday season. I could have done a non-baked dessert, chocolate truffles, or a jelly salad, but decided instead to share the Christmas Eve dinner we had as children. Therefore, I’m breaking my rule and using an oven for this one. You could do this on the stovetop but it takes longer to cook and loses some depth.

6 lamb shanks (about 1¼ lbs each) 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil2 tsp. crushed black peppercorns 2 bay leaves 8 C. low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock 3 C. dry red wine (about 1 bottle)2 heads garlic (cut in half) 4 ribs celery (cut into large dice)4 carrots (peeled, cut into large dice) 1 lg. onion (peeled, cut in 6 wedges)1 C. thickly sliced mushrooms 6 sprigs fresh Rosemary

Pre-heat oven to 425°F (220°C).Season the shanks with salt and freshly ground black pepper. On the stovetop, in a large high-sided ovenproof pot, heat the oil until barely smoking. Sear the shanks on all sides until golden brown.

Motion 4, to raise the Club Hours “failure to volunteer” fee also passed, as did Motions 5 and 6, with little debate, as tends to happen as AGMs draw to a close. However, some members would have liked to have seen closer adherence to what they perceive as Robert’s Rules at future AGMs.

Commodore Morley finished his term by introducing the new, acclaimed 2010 Board of Directors,: Commodore Henry Piersig, the returning Vice Commodore, Finance Pamela Robertson; VC, Marine Operations Denys Jones; VC, Fleet Bob Magtanong; returning VC, Land Operations Nick Angelopoulos; and returning VC, Marketing and Communications Dan Cloutier.

While not nearly as protracted and contentious as some AGMs in your correspondent’s experience, the discussions at this AGM indicate that despite the club’s currently full roster, there are still challenges, some old and some new, that the new executive will face as they assume responsibility for the running of what we like to think is the best little club on the lake.

Marc Dacey

Add peppercorns, bay leaves, stock, wine, garlic, celery, carrots, onion, and mushrooms. Place the pot in the oven and cook, turning the shanks every 1/2 hour, until the meat is very tender but still on the bone (about 2 hours). Remove the shanks, mushrooms, and onions… cover them with foil. Strain the braising liquid into a medium saucepan (skimming excess fat) and simmer gently until the volume is reduced by about a third to intensify the flavour. Serve the shanks on top of garlic-mashed potatoes. Ladle the sauce over the lamb with some mushrooms and onions on the side. Garnish with a Rosemary sprig. Serves 6.

Mulled wines have been warming people for centuries. They are wines that have been sweetened, spiced and slightly heated offering a delightful alternative to traditional coffees, ciders and toddy’s at holiday gatherings or just on a cold winter’s night. Here’s my favourite.

1 btl. Red wine (Merlot works well) ¼ C. of brandyZest of a large orange 2/3 C. honey2 tsp. ground ginger (allspice can be substituted) 8-10 whole clovesRemainder of the orange (sliced) 3 cinnamon sticks

Combine all ingredients in either a large pot or a slow cooker. Gently warm the ingredients on low to medium heat (avoid boiling) for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure that the honey has completely dissolved. When the wine is steaming and the ingredients have been well blended it is ready. Serve in glass Irish coffee mugs or heatproof punch cups.

Damon G. Beggssparrow_nyc@sympatico.ca

(Have a recipe or tip you would like to share? Send it to me and you might find it along with your name in a future issue.)

AGM . . . continued from page 1

11

2009-2010WINTER

HOURS OF OPERATION

CLUB OFFICE

October 26, 2009 to December 23, 2009 and January 4, 2010 to April 25, 2010

Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm

Club Office Holiday Closure: December 24, 2009 to January 3, 2010

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL MEMBERS!

DINING ROOM AND BAR

October 26, 2009 to December 19, 2008 and January 7, 2009 to April 3, 2009

Dining Room BarMonday & Tuesday Closed ClosedWednesday & Thursday 4 pm - 9 pm 4 pm - 10 pm Friday 11 am - 9 pm 11am - 10 pmSaturday & Sunday 11 am - 4 pm 11am - 4 pm

Dining Room Holiday Closure: December 20, 2009 to January 5, 2010

January 6, 2010 to April 2, 2010 Dining Room BarMonday & Tuesday Closed ClosedWednesday & Thursday 4 pm - 9 pm 4 pm - 10 pm Friday 11 am - 9 pm 11am - 10 pmSaturday & Sunday 11 am - 4 pm 11am - 4 pm

April 3, 2010 to April 25, 2010 Dining Room BarMonday & Tuesday Closed ClosedWednesday & Thursday 4 pm - 9 pm 4 pm - 10 pm Friday 11 am - 9 pm 11am - 10 pmSaturday & Sunday 11 am - 8 pm 11am - 8 pm

Important Notes to these Hours: These hours will be extended for special events and holidays.Food and Beverage Services will be adjusted according to seasonal demand.

CLOSING POLICY: Should there be fewer than 10 customers in the bar one hour prior to scheduled bar closing time, the clubhouse will close one hour early.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

EVENTS AT THE NATIONAL . . .

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7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

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Please Note the Club Office, Bar & Restaurant are on Winter Hours of Operation.

Restaurant Closed Kids’ Christmas Party Restaurant Closed Restaurant Closed NYC Holiday & Birthday Buffet

NYC Christmas Party Restaurant HolidayRestaurant Closed Restaurant Closed Closure Dec. 20, 2009 – Jan. 5, 2010 Restaurant Closed Restaurant Closed Restaurant Closed Restaurant & Restaurant & Restaurant & Restaurant & Office Holiday Closure Office Closed Office Closed Office Closed Office Closed Office Closed Dec. 24, 2009 – Jan. 3, 2010 Restaurant & Restaurant & Restaurant & Restaurant & Office Closed Office Closed Office Closed Office Closed New Year’s Levee Restaurant Closed Restaurant Closed Restaurant Closed Restaurant Closed Toronto International Toronto International Boat Show Boat Show

Restaurant Closed, Restaurant Closed, Toronto International Toronto International Toronto International Toronto International Toronto InternationalToronto International Toronto International Boat Show Boat Show Boat Show Boat Show Boat Show Boat Show Boat Show Restaurant Closed Restaurant Closed, Sailors’ Night Dance & Dine Coastal Navigation with Passport Course Begins “Classic Rock” Restaurant Closed Restaurant Closed Sailors’ Night