Manalapan Yacht Club Officers’ Meeting
January 27, 2023
The Officers met at The Little Club. Commodore Allan Kaulbach presided. In attendance were VC Jim Schelter, RC’s Sherman Neff, Bill Harsh and Alex Berry, FC Platt Johnson, and PC’s Christine Bucher and Mike McKinney.
Treasurer’s Report
RC/Treasurer Neff presented the December Treasurer’s report. He reported that the club is in good financial condition with $29,220.76 cash on hand and net income for the year to date of $28,704.73. Accounts receivable is $6,856, of which just $1,740 is 31 days or older. All members but one have now paid their annual dues, and several officers are reaching out to that member to secure payment.
The club has not received 2024 Yachting Club of America membership cards, and Treasurer Neff continues to pursue the matter.
Their website is here https://www.ycaol.com/ Their email address is here info@ycaol.com
A few Members continue to pay by check, and some checks continue to go to Commodore Kaulbach. Treasurer Neff will urge Members to use the club’s digital payment system to reduce expenses and workload.
The address for the club has been changed from Allan's address to Sherman's address
Website Issues
The Members have not reported significant issues with the website since the last Officers’ meeting. FC Johnson asked that any reports concerning issues include a screenshot and a description of exactly what occurred so that he can collaborate with the vendor to correct the problem.
Wine and Wickets
Despite inclement weather canceling the wickets portion of the event, Wine and Wickets was an enormous success with many positive reviews from the Members. The venue, service, food, and entertainment all were outstanding. In accordance with Club policy, the Club billed Members with reservations who did not attend.
Upcoming Events:
Day at the Races
RC Berry reported that 30 Members have registered for the event. FC Johnson will send one final blast. A final count is due on January 31. The Club will have the same seating near to the restaurant and betting window that we have enjoyed in the past. The Club is sponsoring a race and Members will have the opportunity to meet with the jockey for a photograph following the race. The scheduled return of the bus to Boynton Beach at 5:30 pm is close to the start of a croquet event at TLC in which several MYC members are participating. After discussion, the Officers decided that it is too close to the event to rearrange the schedule to allow for an earlier return.
Golf Outing
RC Harsh reported that the event will start an hour later this year due to the start of daylight-saving time, which will allow dinner to begin at 6 pm. RC Harsh will work with TLC on golf and restaurant arrangements. The Club will use surplus ship store items that were to be used as prizes at Wine and Wickets for the golf tournament. If requested, the Club will have prize items engraved after the event.
Annual Meeting
The club has secured sufficient accommodation at KLAC to allow the officers to stay onsite. Commodore Kaulbach will urge Members to secure accommodations at Ocean Reef as soon as possible, as the club fills up quickly due to other events. This year members will have the option to arrive a day early to take advantage of fishing, golf, and other activities at KLAC and the Ocean Reef Club all day on Tuesday, May 7, and before cocktails on Wednesday, May 8. Dinner may be available at KLAC on Tuesday. The regular schedule for the Annual Meeting will start with the opening cocktail party on Wednesday, May 8, at The Point, followed by dinner at KLAC. Games will be held on Thursday and Friday, the Annual Meeting will be held on Friday night, and check-out will be on Saturday.
Ship Store
RC Berry has updated the inventory. The Club will use some items as prizes at upcoming events. The remaining items will be offered for sale at the golf tournament in March. Going forward, members will be able to order club items directly from the suppliers. Supplier contact information will be available on the Club website.
Membership
The Officers discussed the decline in attendance at events this year and steps to keep the club healthy going forward. The Officers identified an aging membership, a lack of new events and venues, the escalating cost of the events, and concerns of some non-drinking members that they are being charged a portion of the liquor bill as potential causes of the decline. After discussion, the Officers agreed on the following actions:
- Commodore Kaulbach will communicate to the Members that the Officers are disposed to consider adding new members and will urge Members to submit the names of suitable candidates to the Officers for review. According to Club policy, Officers will meet with each candidate and will consider whether to extend an invitation to join the Club. If the candidate is known to the Officers, the Officers may elect to extend an invitation without a meeting. The Secretary will provide a numbered application to the candidate’s sponsor. Upon receipt of a completed application, the Officers will vote on the candidate. The Officers agreed that it is a high priority to grow the Club and introduce interesting new Members.
- The Officers will consider new venues and events. Jay Parthemore kindly introduced MYC to the general manager at Delray Dunes. Commodore Kaulbach and RC Neff will meet with the general manager to explore opportunities to host an event at Delray Dunes. The Officers are open to exploring additional venues to diversify our Members’ experience and enjoyment.
- While there is little the Club can do concerning the cost of food at our events, given general inflation in the hospitality industry, the Officers decided to explore the possibility of separating the cost of liquor from the other costs of our events. The Officers will discuss how the separation might be accomplished without interfering with an event at their March meeting.
Next Commodore’s Blast
The next Commodore’s blast will be sent after the Day at the Races. Commodore Kaulback will highlight the upcoming golf outing, urge Members to make room reservations for the Annual Meeting, and urge Members to suggest candidates for membership and additional venues for Club events.
Old/New Business.
There was no old or new business.
Next Meeting. The next meeting will be held at noon on March 2, 2024.
Bill Harsh - Secretary