Manalapan Yacht Club Officers’ Meeting
November 18, 2023
The Officers met at The Little Club. Commodore Allan Kaulbach presided. In attendance were VC Jim Schelter, RC’s Sherman Neff, Alex Berry, and Bill Harsh, and PC George Petersen. FC Platt Johnson was traveling.
Treasurer’s Report
RC/Treasurer Neff presented the financial report. As of October 31 the club had total assets of $22,980.58 and no current liabilities. During October the club had total income of $23,600, total expenses of $6,149.67, and a net income of $17,450.33. The primary expense was annual insurance premiums.
RC/Treasurer Neff reported that the club’s federal and state tax returns for the fiscal year ending September 30 have been filed and that the club had no tax federal or state taxes due.
RC/Treasurer Neff led a discussion of the club’s insurance, which increased by 39.1 percent year over year. He is researching whether converting the club from a for-profit to a non-profit corporation would reduce our insurance premiums.
Commodore Kaulbach stated that we would like to distribute the Yachting Club of America membership cards at the Christmas Party if possible. RC/Treasurer Neff will check on the status of the cards.
The Officers discussed a protocol for collecting past-due member accounts.
Website Discussion
FC Johnson led a discussion of the club’s website. The website is functioning and several members have already made reservations for the Christmas Party via the website. FC Johnson is continuing to work with the vendor to add features to make the site easier to use.
FC Johnson will lead a webinar on November 28 to train the Officers in adding events to the website and using other functions.
Events and Event Chair Presentations
Clambake: The Clambake was attended by 70 members. Feedback on the evening was positive, particularly with respect to the quality of the food, the hospitality of the St. Andrews Club management and staff, and the entertainment.
Christmas Party: The Christmas Party will be held on December 6 at The Little Club. RC/Treasurer Neff reported that arrangements for the Christmas Party are proceeding on schedule and will be similar to prior years. Ryan and the Rockers are under contract to provide the entertainment. The invitation developed by The Little Club has been posted on the website. Members may arrange tables for this event and guests are welcome. Attire is black tie optional.
At their October meeting the Officers discussed the option of purchasing a dance floor for The Little Club to avoid rental fees each year. RC/Treasurer Neff raised the issue with The Little Club’s management, but the Club does not have sufficient storage space.
Wine & Wickets Party: The Wine & Wickets Party will be held on January 6, 2024 at the Country Club of Florida. VC Schelter reported that the format will be as in past years with croquet from 2 pm to 5 pm, cocktails from 5 pm to 6 pm, and dinner at 6 pm. Dress will be croquet whites, including at dinner. Light refreshments and a bar will be provided courtside and a croquet professional will organize the competition. Frankie Barbato, a Frank Sinatra tribute entertainer, will provide music at dinner.
Annual Meeting: The Annual Meeting at the Key Largo Anglers Club will be held May 7 to May 11, 2024. Members will stay for 4 nights, with checkout on May 11. Commodore Kaulbach and RC/Treasurer Neff have negotiated the contract with the Ocean Reef Club with no increase in rates and the same number of rooms available. Commodore Kaulbach is working with KLAC to determine what accommodations will be available. May 7 will be available for individual recreational pursuits, such as golf or fishing, and the contact(s) at KLAC and Ocean Reef to arrange these activities will be posted on the website. As in the past, the meeting will include contests in croquet, bocce, cornhole, darts, and Ladies’ Fishing.
Ship’s Store
The club is phasing out the physical Ship’s Store to avoid the extensive work that PC Christine has done in the past in handling orders/returns, etc. as well as the expense of the storage unit. RC Berry reported that there was very little uptake from the Ship’s Store table at the Clambake. As a result. the remaining inventory will be available for purchase on the club website and possibly at the Christmas Party at great prices. Shirts and polos will be sold for $10 and other select items will be sold for $5. Items such as clocks and glasses will be reserved for future game prizes. News of the closeout sale will be included in a blast to members, with a notation that going forward the club website will include a Ship's Store section through which members can purchase club logo items directly from the manufacturers at regular prices. The Officers thanked RC Berry for storing the inventory in his apartment and for setting up the Ship’s Store table.
Membership Applications
The club is currently at capacity. The Officers discussed the current membership policy that limits membership to couples. PC Petersen pointed out that the club has had single women members. The consensus of the Officers was that the club will retain is traditional identity as a couples club, but that applications from single women will be accepted and entertained through the normal membership process.
Next Meeting. The next meeting will be held at 12 noon on December 30 *
*Minutes of the Manalapan Yacht Club are published in draft form and are subject to change up until they are approved and accepted at the next following board meeting.