Ice Watch/Launch Update

 We know that the ice in the marina is lingering a bit this spring because:

A: We have daily eyewitness reports from the club staff; and 

B: The Madeline Island Yacht Club has a new, vibrant, dock cam. (https://www.miyc.net/madeline-island-yacht-club-webcam). The camera is set to begin its cycle at the fuel dock, pan briskly to the left over to “A” dock, and then pause at each dock successively as it pans back right to complete its rounds.

At this date, we have reports of some sections of four-foot-thick ice between docks, so the shop crew is declining to precisely predict the date in May when the first boats will hit the water. The focus in April: Finish the winter boat work. 

By the way, no evidence yet of any winter ice damage to the docks.

Staffing up

Mazie Ashe officially assumed her duties managing the store on March 14 after a week-long overlap with Mary Hauser, who retired this spring after many venerable years with the club. Monique Darton has returned full-time to ably assist. Other returning summer staff will include Carlyn Lowe.

Slip fees are due by the end of April, but already 80 percent are in. If you haven't yet, please send a copy of your updated insurance to Elena (minimum of $500,000 liability coverage & MIYC listed as an additional insured). 

The club’s new sign is on the mainland, poised for delivery when the ferries begin running again.

News From the Board

The annual Commodore’s Reception, hosted Saturday, May 28, by Commodore Tom Penn, will include a wine tasting to both celebrate and inform the introduction of wine and beer to the marina store.

The Bayfield Coast Guard Station has agreed to send coasties over to the island one day early in the season to inspect boats. Watch for an update. To sign up, contact Elena.

A reminder: When your boat is away from your slip for a significant number of days, please contact the club so that it can rent the slip to transient boats in your absence. The income will be split 50/50 between the member and the club. Either Mazie or Monique can help you.

Notable Retirement

Bill Wolfe and his wife, Joan, members of the Madeline island Yacht Club since 1984, have sold their boat, Happy Bottom, and joined the retirement list. Bill is a former board member and, notably, the Club Historian. With dedication, he has complied annual reports and historic compilations of documents and events over the years, all of which are available on the Members Only section of the website and in spiral-bound booklets.

“The club is truly grateful for all of Bill’s work,” said Commodore Tom Penn. “He’s been amazing.”

How have the club and the island changed over the decades? Asked that question the other day, Bill noted an increasing professionalism of the club’s operation. He also mentioned the club and the island’s evolving culture. He said, for example, that he once walked into the golf clubhouse restaurant in Bermuda shorts and was denied entrance for his “inappropriate attire.” And, he said, far more members used to live on their boats when they were on the island. The docks were busier at night. “I remember a lot of parties,” Bill said. “Sometimes quite late.”

Is there such a thing as a Commodore’s Cup?

LeRoy Wilde and George Johns are wondering about interest in a club sailboat race this summer, perhaps late June or early July, sometime when it would not conflict with Race Week in Bayfield. They’re thinking perhaps a race to or around Basswood Island, depending. The discussion of rules and handicaps certainly has the potential to last longer than the race itself. Anyone with interest, please let Elena know. Updates to follow.

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