ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB

See below the latest Commodore's Newsletter from the Antigua Yacht Club.

AGM and other important news.
 
Before getting into the business of the AGM, I wish to advise members of another success by one of our young sailors.  Louis Bavay, aged, 13, returned last week from the Festivoile Guadeloupe Regatta where, against the French and European Champion, he won the Optimist Class and was placed first overall in the regatta.  A great achievement.  This is the third time Louis has entered this regatta, being placed 4th last year and 8th the year before.  His result bodes well for Antigua's chances in the North American Optimist Championships to be held in Antigua next year.
 
Also, I wish to remind members of a few things.  
 
Saturday 15th November will be the presentation of the first of a series Bluenose II drawings to be displayed in the Events Centre over the next few months.  Drinks and canapés are free to members but partners of members (who are not themselves members) and guests will be asked to pay EC$25.  The exhibition will be open from 1700 to 1900.  Entry through the veranda doors only.  If you have difficulty with access, please advise the office and arrangements will be made for access through the main door.
 
Annual dinner tickets are now available at EC$140 for members and EC$160 for guests and partners of members (who are not themselves members). Any member who has renewed his or her membership by Friday 12th December will be entitled to a 10% discount on their dinner ticket.  There will also be an opportunity for the whole table to win their dinners free.  More information from the office.
 
The AGM.
 
The audited accounts have now been approved by the Board and will be available for inspection/collection from the office from 1000 hrs (10 am) from Friday 14th November.  Anyone wishing to have a copy, please advise the office in advance to enable them to make a copy.
 
Friday 14th is also the deadline for the submission of both nominations to the Board by members and for items to be added to the agenda.  If you have not already submitted either a nomination form or agenda item and wish to do so, please ensure you do it by Friday.
 
Proxy voting is now permitted and in accordance with By-Law 28, proxy votes must be registered with the office by 1800 on Saturday 22nd November (two days prior to the AGM).  Any member requiring a Proxy Voting Form should request one from the office.  If the office is closed, any Board member can accept a Proxy Voting Form up the time of the deadline.  Proxy Voting Forms can be submitted in any written form including e-mail.
 
The AGM is at 1800 in the Events Centre on Monday 24th November. This is your club, if you don't like the way it's run, come and say so.  If you do like what the Board has been doing, please come and tell them. They put in many hours completely free.
 
As we come to the end of the year, I would like to thank all the Board members who have served with me throughout the year, even those who found it a bit of a struggle and had to leave 'early'.  Although not all of us have always been in agreement, everyone's efforts have been much appreciated and we have, in the main, worked as a team.
 
Additionally, the club could not run without its staff.  I am not quite sure how they view me but I have found their input invaluable and they are always willing to not only do their jobs and more but also to come up with suggestions on how to improve the club and the service to members.  They do go that extra mile.
 
John J Duffy - Commodore