NEWSLETTER APRIL 2015

PAST COMMODORE
John Keena

Dear Members, 

Spring has finally arrived and I’m sure all of you are eager to start the boating season, so here are the latest updates: 

The Club officially opens on May 2nd, but we are happy to announce that we are accepting boats on the docks.  All slip holders should have all of their slip holder paperwork filed and approved with the Fleet Committee before placing their boats on the docks.  We will be sending out email notification and posting on the web site when you can occupy lockers and racks.  If you should have any questions about this, please contact the Fleet Committee at fleetadmin@darienboatclub.org  and  Rob Komminsk at mailto:rackslockers@darienboatclub.org respectively. 

As previously mentioned, there will be an ‘Open House’ on Sunday, May 3^rd, from noon to 4pm that will be open to all Darien residents.  The DBC Executive Board will be there to answer any question regarding the Club, E.G., Membership, wait lists, etc.  Additionally, representatives from the Darien Police Marine Division, Noroton Fire Department Marine Unit, Darien Harbor Master, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be in attendance.  Refreshments will be served and if necessary , the rain date will be Sunday, May 17^th. 

The Club sustained considerable winter damage and as a result any slip hardware that was not removed last Fall may have been lost or damaged. The Club is not responsible for any hardware left on the docks over the winter.  Additionally, ‘E’ dock was replaced and any hardware that was left has been stored at the Club.  Please see Bill Lowitz, our Club Manager, in that regard.  The other improvements that will occur either prior to the Club opening or during  the season are:

• Install new locker room door

• Repair aluminum gangway ramp

• New /additional  dock lighting

•  Install new /uniform hose holders

• ‘Cap off’ all pilings

• Install new ‘rub rail’ on the gas dock

•  Other maintenance as required

Slip holder agreements are due no later than 5pm on May 1st.  All slip holders are required to provide:  copies of your 2015 boat registration, boat insurance declaration page, and a signed copy of the 2015 slip holder agreement.  Failure to do so will result in a fine of one half your slip fees and if the fine and paperwork is not provided by 5/15, slip forfeiture and a 3 year wait list absence.

Glen Osberg and David Dever attended the Fairfield County Commodore’s Association Workshop in February  which focused on the tragic boating accident  in Greenwich in 2014.  As a result, the boat/yacht clubs of Fairfield County have unanimously supported legislation, (Emily’s Bill), that will be voted on this June and if approved, (among other features), will require Boat Safety Classes on “towing” starting in 2016. 

The DBC By-Laws require an internal financial audit that we need to complete by year end, but unfortunately our initial volunteer is unable to perform the task.  In order to comply with the By-Laws and avoid considerable expense if we hire an outside auditor, we desperately need a qualified DBC member to step up to the plate and volunteer his or her time. That said, please contact Glen Osberg at glenosberg70@gmail.com or call on 203-921-6204. 

• Club opening……5/2

• Slip holder agreement due…5/1

• Open House….5/3……Rain date, 5/17, if needed

• General DBC meeting….5/4

• First Club picnic…..6/7

• Last day for boats in their assigned slip…6/15

The plan is to start a full time launch service by mid- May and DBC members who used the launch service last year will be billed “on line” within the next two weeks. 

Todd Scallen, our House and Grounds chairperson has formed his committee and is working with Docko Inc. (DBC consultant), to proceed with the next steps, e.g., securing a permit from the CT DEEP, etc. 

That’s it for now and I look forward to seeing you all at the Club, 

Glen R Osberg 

Commodore