Monday, April 30, 2007

Water Levels

As it is our first year with the new Breakwater and Wharf upgrade, it is interesting to see the impact of the freshet. Here are some photo's taken Sunday morning around 10:15.


This was taken Sunday Morning. The water
was down a little from its highest mark - see
the debris on the gravel between the pavement
and the water line.



The docks are looking great! Once some technical difficulties are resolved on Thumper, there will be a need for a big push to pound
over 100 pilings. I'm sure Hugh will be looking for volunteers shortly.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Berths & Docks Report (by Hugh Scarth)

We had a very successful weekend launching the docks. They are all in the water. The six new ones all look very good and are very stable.
"B" dock is complete except for one 32' section to be added to the end for short term docking.
"A" dock needs to have 4x16' and 3x32' plus 1x32' section added to be complete. Once in place the rest of the poles will be driven.

Thumper is working well. It even has an electric start. A 7' section is to be welded on tomorrow to allow the longer 35' poles to be driven.

The breakwater is doing its job. With a SW wind there was no wave action at the end of "A" dock. Some settling of fill, that was expected in the launch area, was corrected. The corner of the old wharf was beefed up with larger rock to make it more stable in East winds.

We are a month ahead of where we were a year, thanks to the excellent turnout of volunteers this weekend. Stay tuned for next weekend.

Hugh Scarth

Monday, April 23, 2007

Pot Luck Supper - Saturday April 28th

Start the new season with a great evening at the club First pot luck supper for the season on Saturday April 28th at 7:00 p.m.

Our sub-committee will be hard at work to ensure that everyone will have a super evening. See you there.

Maria Tait
Commodore

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Launch - 4 Weeks Away

Geoff Moon, Director of Launch & Haul, would like to remind everyone that this year's launch is scheduled for Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19. This is, of course, weather and docks permitting. He will be providing updates as the time draws closer so don't forget to bookmark this site and check back occasionally.

He is also looking for volunteers to assist on both days. Geoff says: "I've put in an order for it to be warm & sunny with light winds, so it should be a great way to spend a few hours - down on your new wharf and breakwater!" Wow, who could ask for anything better than that!?! Thanks Geoff!

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

RYC Board Meeting Summary (by Maria Tait)

Meeting: April 15, 2007

Correspondence:
An invitation from the Quebec City Yacht Club inviting us to use their facilities for one night at no cost was received. A letter will be sent thanking them.

Current Financial Status:
The Treasurer noted that our club is in very good shape financially, and sticking to the budget. We also have 11 new members confirmed. We anticipate to reach our goal of 14 new members.

The Treasurer also brought everyone up to date on the lien placed on the Breakwater. Although there is truth to the issue that Sub-Contractor has placed a construction lien on our property to ensure payment from the Contractor, there is nothing for us to be concerned about financially. It just means we won't pay any more money to the Contractor until they satisfy the Sub-Contractor's lien in full (and release it from our property).

An amount was paid to the Sub-Contractor by the Contractor since then; however, there is still an amount of $5,700 under dispute between the Sub-Contractor and the Contractor. The Sub-Contractor has so far refused to reduce the lien to the $5,700 it claims is still owed it by the Contractor. The money we owe the Contractor is well in excess of the amount of the lien. This matter is in the good hands of our lawyer, Phil Pugsley. Liens such as this one, is not an uncommon occurrence in construction contracts. There is a sense that the Sub-Contractor jumped the gun a bit. Payment to the Engineering firm will also be withheld until this matter has come to a satisfactory conclusion.

Breakwater project :
- Financial Status Update: The solution to the Lien is in the hands of the Contractor and the Sub-Contractor. No payment will be made of any invoice until the matter of the Lien has been resolved. We are now talking an amount of about $5,700 which is a dispute in invoicing between them. The Treasurer was acknowledged and thanked for his quick and appropriate action in this matter.

- Construction Status Update: The construction of the Breakwater and repair of the wharf has been completed. A ladder down to the water will still need to be added.

Docks Update:
The proposed layout of our Docks was presented by Hugh. It is anticipated there will be some minor adjustments with respect to boat placement yet. All the boats paying for electrical will be placed together in order to use as little material as possible for the hook-up.

A no wake zone showing a maximum speed limit of 5 KPH will be placed in our harbour.

It was noted that there is a dock for sale with the asking price of $2,750. The length of the dock is 55 feet and comes in two sections. A motion was made by Mike Brennan that Maria take a drive out to inspect the dock, and be allocated a maximum of $1,200 to spend to purchase same should it be in good shape. Seconded by Greg Colpitts. Motion passed.

The main priority for us will to have the floating docks in place by launch day. Staff will be hired as soon as possible in order to assist John. John’s mission right now is to drive the piles in place in the harbour and build five (5) new docks.

Crane operator and Insurance: To be carried forward.

Lifting frame condition: We have a quote to test the frame at a cost of around $200. The question is, does that include a written certification. A motion was made to have the lifting frame tested and ask for a written certification. Paul will contact followup on this.

Restriction of liability: To be carried forward.

Nominating committee: An e-mail was sent to everyone looking for volunteers for the functions shown below. No response was received.

Social committee: A committee was established consisting of Pam Munn; Odette Landry; Jennifer Roos and Noreen Gilliland. However, we still need someone to head up the committee. It was suggested that each person of the committee could perhaps take a turn in heading up one event with the assistance of Maria. A meeting will be arranged by Maria to discuss this recommendation. Our first event will be the Pot Luck on April 28th.

Interim board secretary: The Nominating committee will follow up on this.

Director at large:
A member able to act as Solicitor will also be approached to function as Director at Large on an interim basis.

Harbor moorings:
It is anticipated that we will need to move 10 – 15 moorings. We will have a better idea as soon as the docks are in place. We will require approximately 150 – 200 feet of space from the end of the docks to allow for boat traffic.

By Law Committee:
(Jeff Legge, Greg Colpitts, Gordon Foster, Mike Brennan and George Fisk). A complete review and recommended changes to the By-laws has been completed. There is one item still under discussion by the committee and that is an Out Port Membership. The review of the Club Rules with recommended changes is also near completion.

Spring Grand opening/Open house and Members day:
June 24th: There was a general discussion as to how we should plan the afternoon.
- The usual Members day function such as the recognition and the welcoming of new members will commence at 1:00 p.m.
- The grand opening of the Wharf/Breakwater will be scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
- There will be a ribbon cutting – details of this still to be finalized.
- We will have a Master of Ceremonies – Gord Foster will be asked to take on that function.
- We will prepare for approximately 300 people to be at the Club that afternoon.
- Hugh and Mike to provide Maria with a list of names of dignitaries we should be inviting.
- Need to have a PA system as there will be some speeches.
- Soft drinks, hot dogs and finger food will be supplied.
- Due to the fact that we will have guests and most likely a fair amount of children present on the premises that afternoon the board asks all members to consume any alcoholic beverages on their vessel only during the time period of 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m.
- We expect all functions to be completed by 5:00 p.m.

Additional details such as perhaps a sail past, showing our boats and taking some of our guests for a sail are still up for discussion.

Water lot lease:
A letter from the Province of New Brunswick’s Crown Lands Branch requesting an updated survey to include our Breakwater was received. A motion as made to proceed with the Survey which should include information such as Datum height and the exact location of the 3 mile Red Standard Flashing Light and the area to be covered. Maria to contact Hughes Survey and arrange to have the survey done. Mike Brennan agreed to accompany Maria at a prearranged meeting with Rick Stewart to discuss same.

The Canadian Coast Guard must be advised of the location of the Flashing Light on the Breakwater as soon as possible. The survey will pinpoint the exact Latitude and Longitude of the light upon completion.

Fee for use of equipment by Non-Members:
- Usage of straps and Lifting Frame to launch boats by Non-Members: It was decided that Non-Members will NOT be allowed the use of our straps and lifting frame.

- Usage of the Mast Stepper by Non-Members: A fee of $25 will be required to be presented prior to using the Mast Stepper. Arrangement must be made with the Club Superintendent.

- Boat Ramp Non-Members. There will also be a fee for the use of our boat ramp by Non-Members. Parking can be along paved areas only. Maria was asked to draft a public notice with the intent to have a sign posted at the Club.

Board Meetings this Summer:
In order to maintain good control of our budget, and keep up to date on activities at the club it has been decided that it is imperative that the board meet each month during the Summer. The meetings will be at the Club House, starting at 7:00 p.m. and are expected to be approximately one (1) hour in duration. The following dates have been decided upon: May 28, June 25, July 30 and August 27.

Tables in our Club House:
The tables in our Club house are in really bad condition. We can either repair them or start purchasing a few new tables as long as we stay within our budget. It is felt that repairing them may be too expensive. We could rent a few tables for the June 24th function if need be. Maria to find the cost of buying a few tables.

Mast Stepper:
The positioning of the mast stepper was discussed. It was recommended we add a new sleeve to the structure. We do not need to have this done until directly after launch or as time permits. The docks are our first priority.

GENERAL
- It was noted that the AGM needs to be moved to a different date as May 13th is Mothers Day. The AGM will be held on May 6th instead. An e-mail will be submitted to all members advising of the change in date.

- The placement of the dingy docks was reviewed; however, there is no where else to place these.

- If you are going to Fredericton by boat and would like to have a mooring please advise Bruce McCormack, General Manager of Downtown Fredericton Inc at 506-458-8923, e-mail address: bruce@downtownfredericton.ca. A 24 hour notice will be required. Mr. McCormack advised that as Manager of the Regent Street Wharf it is his intent to provide visitor moorings to any sailboats and/or others who cannot reach the dock at the Regent Street Wharf due to bridge access. If you let him know when you are planning to arrive, and how many moorings you would require, he will gladly have them available for the group. Tender docking is available at no charge as well at the Regent St. Wharf.

- RYC Blog: Greg arranged for a Blog called: “RYC News” on the Web at www.RYCnews.blogspot.com. This Blog can be used by all Directors to distribute information to the members. Greg has agreed to update and maintain the Blog. A brief version of the Minutes and any other pertinent information will be posted on the Blog as well.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Next Meeting: Spring AGM, May 6, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Spring General Meeting Date Change (now May 6)

Commodore Maria Tait has anounced that the Spring General Meeting has been changed to accommodate Mother's Day which is May 13th.

"The meeting will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the Yacht Club. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the start of another great boating season."

(updated April 18)

Monday, April 2, 2007

Introduction

Now that the Breakwater Project is complete, it is time to retire the old RYC-Breakwater Blog. It will stay online but there are no plans for updates.

This site will be used to keep members up to date on the news around the RYC. If you have any suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact myself or our Commodore, Maria Tait!