Table of Contents:

1. Bill Rumbold, Commodore
2. Bob Bachman, Vice Commodore
3. Rod Perryman, Rear Commodore
4. Joe Payne, Sail Regatta Chair 
5. Recreational Boaters Association- Gas Cap Bill 
6. Cruising Season Preps
7. Bret Halffman, Environmental Chair
8. From your WebMaster 

From:  Bill Rumbold, Commodore

My favorite time of year is late spring. It is the time when the world paints a new face on everything. Everywhere you go, rhododendrons are in brilliant bloom, tulips and daffodils have their faces to the sun, fruit trees are covered in blossoms, birds are singing their hearts out and fresh green grass is growing faster than I can cut it. Walking the docks I see people working on their boats putting on that bright new coat of paint and making that varnish shine a little brighter. It is also the time when we herald familiar events in our own annual cycle. It is the time of parades and festivals, of Daffodil and Opening Day. It is also the time when BYC installs new officers to carry on the traditions and operation of the club.

On Friday, 17 May, BYC installed a whole new team of officers, with new energies, new ideas and new determination to take the club through another cycle, tasked with the responsibility to pass it on to the next years team in as good as shape as when it was received, and maybe a little better.

As part of that new team that you installed I will do my best to carry on the finest traditions of the past 74 years of this club and to uphold the oath that I accepted as your Commodore. I know that Vice Commodore Bachman, Rear Commodore Perryman, Secretary Billings and Treasurer Baker, the Executive Committee and I shall be conscientious in doing what is best for the club. This past year I have worked closely with Bob Bachman and I know that he is the best and most energetic member that I have had the privilege to work along side. While Bob and I are the newest members to the club of the three bridge officers, Rod has the corporate knowledge gleaned from his 16 years as a member. I am looking forward to working with this team that you, the membership, have selected.

I want to thank all of you that came out for the Installation Ceremony. The ceremony that has been distilled over the years reflects the traditions of the club and imparts a feeling of unity to those that participate and to those that are in attendance. It shows the number of members that it takes to run an organization like ours. The Chairman that I selected to manage the committees are those that I believe will do their best for the club and I want all of you to give them your utmost support. When they call and ask for help, don't come up with an excuse - get in their and help. Else where in this edition of Towline you will find a listing of committee chairmen. Don't be reluctant to call them for information or to discuss something you have on your mind. 

Enclosed you will find a small trifold brochure that I hope will be of use to you during this coming year. It contains a wealth of information on the committee chairmen, club events, races (sail & power), Skipperettes calendar and other pertinent information. Sylvia Wilson prepared this trifold. I think she did an outstanding job. If you like the trifold, tell her so, she deserves it!

This year should promise to be an exciting year and with your help we will continue to be the greatest club in the Puget Sound area! Lynne and I are looking forward to it!

Bill Rumbold
Commodore 

From: Bob Bachman, Vice Commodore

In looking back over the last year I wonder where it has gone. The first few months went sooooo slowly but after the August Officers Cruise In things picked up and by the time Christmas came and went I was really rolling. Now I'm trying to slow the engine as I change gears for my new responsibilities. 2001-2002 was the beginning of change for BYC. Our long awaited galley remodel got off the ground and when it's done we will have a modern, efficient and easy to keep galley that should be with us for decades to come. We have had a lot of support, a fair amount of criticism, mostly constructive and, of course, some not. We expect to have all the appliances in and working by the end of May (fingers crossed). Capt. Dale Armstrong is the Project Manager and his ideas, his talent, his enthusiasm and lots of hours of hard work from him and his crews have been the key to the success of this project. Thanks, Dale.

We have initiated a new color coordinated plan for our club. Interior painting has begun, thanks to Capt. Harry Davis and Dee Nickerson, and hopefully this summer will see the exterior done also. The west entrance has been totally redone and it looks great, thanks to Capt. Mike Leedy and crew. The north entrance has a new, nautical and more inviting appearance both inside and out to welcome our guests and members to our functions. New drapes are showing up everywhere, thanks to the tireless Sylvia Wilson and her Skipperette crew. Thank you ladies for another job well done. The conference room has been completely redone from painting to wall hangings to carpet.  All this has been done by our members, for our members, and their pride of ownership shows. Once again, thank you everyone for your efforts, your support and your encouragement this past year.

Social ---- Memorial Day cruise to Olympia is first up on May 24 thru 27. There is always plenty to do in Olympia. It is also our new Fleet Captain, Mike Thomas', first undertaking in his new position. Judging from the way Mike and Kathy have excelled at everything they've done for the club,  this will be a great cruise. Support them and sign up. That same weekend Gig Harbor and Rainier Yacht Clubs will be cruising in to BYC. Please make them feel welcome as they will have full use of our facilities, except for fuel and railway. If your slip or shed will be vacant during this period please let the Float Chairman, Jim Picinich, know as they project approx. 50 boats coming in. The following weekend is our chance to honor our outgoing Commodore, Keith Conrad. During Keith's year a very rare and unusual thing occurred - no one crossed the bar. Congrats Keith. Whatever your secret is please pass it on. June 5th brings the Skipperette installation of officers at 1830. Men, here is your chance to show your appreciation for the ladies who keep our bacon out of the fire and who so ably support us in virtually everything that happens at BYC. Plan to attend, guaranteed to score big points. June 12 begins our Picnic In The Park series hosted by Capt. Bill and Sandy Baker. They promised good weather so sign up now. June 16th is Fathers Day. No event planned, just a reminder to the ladies. Lastly, June 21 thru 23 is the Big Brother Cruise with Queen City Yacht Club. This year we will be hosting them at BYC. Our park has been given a nice facelift from our last work party and looks great. Jeff Renner has assured us of good weather and this is one event that is guaranteed to be lots and lots of fun. That's it for this month. Once again, thanks to everyone for the past year and hope to see you on the water.

Bob Bachman
Vice Commodore 

From: Rod Perryman, Rear Commodore

Now the elections are over, Angela and I want to thank you all for your vote of confidence. This allows me the opportunity to give back to the club for all the wonderful times I have had over my past sixteen years of membership.  

As I look around at our fine facility, I think of what it took to make it what it is today.  It clearly shows a great deal of hard work and dedication by members, much like yourselves.  I am happy to announce that proud tradition is still alive and well today.  

My predecessors recognized that tradition of hard work and dedication and I am looking forward to following in their footsteps and uphold the tradition.  Some mighty big shoes I have to fill,  I know.

Some housekeeping items to remind you all of.  Remember to be considerate to your fellow member and return the dock cart when you have finished with it and not leave it atn your slip. While you are at it make sure to tip it on its end so it stays dry for the next user.  When you work in the shop, remember to clean up after yourself.  Return any tools you borrow to the shop so they are available the next time they are needed.  I am sad to report there are several tools missing.   The dumpster  is for items from your boat only and not for items from home.  

Cruising season is finally here, and Angela and I wish you all safe and happy cruising this summer.   See you out there.

Rod Perryman
Rear Commodore

Re: Cruising Season Preps

Well, it's that time of year again when our thoughts turn to using our boats more as the weather warms.  As the time honored effort of scrubbing, cleaning, polishing and varnishing gets under way, I want to bring to your attention a couple of etiquette based concerns that need your attention too.

The first is the condition of and proper display of flags, pennants and our Club burgee on your boat.   The weather and the sun take a toll on these items and too easily we are apt to ignore them.  Take a look at you United States Ensign and your Club burgee and see if they are at all tattered or faded.  These are the most important as they show your pride in your nation and BYC.  High quality replacements are available in the Club store.

For information on how and where to display these properly, take a look at a copy of Chapman's where a whole chapter is devoted to yachting traditions.  A copy is available in the Club lounge.

Secondly, watch your wake.  It takes a full half mile for your rolling stern wake (not bow wake) to die out.  Nothing identifies a rude boater faster than an inappropriate wake.  And the first thing people look for is the Burgee to see the offending club.

So, as the season gets under way, remember to be courteous as you are having fun.

      P/C Bob Wheeler

FROM: Recreational Boaters Association Of Washington (RBAW)
 LEGISLATIVE NEWS for FEBRUARY 2002

Recreational Boaters Association Of Washington (RBAW)
 LEGISLATIVE NEWS for FEBRUARY 2002
1. Gas Cap Bill:

First, some history:  Wallop-Breaux are the names of two legislators who sponsored a Bill that refunded federal boat fuel taxes to the states.  In this state we pay approximately 24 cents per gallon federal road tax on diesel and gas and 23 cents per gallon on gasoline at marina pumps. Marina diesel is exempt from the state tax. All of these are road user fees. Therefore since boats do not use the roads, and we do have water facilities to maintain, it makes sense for the road user fees to be refunded for boat related services. 

In this state the 23 cents per gallon on gasoline can be reclaimed. But only 18 cents is refundable to the boater, and from that the state will deduct  6 cents as sales tax that is payable.  Unclaimed (by boaters who do not file for their refund) state gasoline road user fees go to the IAC. This is the Interagency for Outdoor Recreation. After deducting administrative charges, the balance goes to state parks for marine parks uses.  The IAC was formed as a result of the boaters Initiative 215 in 1964. This in turn required the IAC to be set up for the purpose of handling the refunds from fuel. 

The 18th Amendment of the State Constitution was also as a result of this Initiative.  When legislators passed the Bill in 1990 that locked boat gasoline road user fee refunds at 18 cents, and then they increased the tax to 23 cents, it ignored the Initiative and the State Constitutional requirements, and transferred boaters money (5 cents per gallon) to roads.  Since 1995 the State Senate has passed a Bill every year to remove the 1990 Cap (18 cents). The House has rejected the Bill every year. RBAW has been behind the Senate each time, and we have been thrown out of the Transportation Chairpersons office with a "get lost" attitude. This year, because the House would like support for a fuel tax increase, the House Transportation Chair will support the Cap removal and increase it to 23 cents. 

The federal refunds pay for 75% of the cost for pump-out station installations. No subsequent maintenance finance is allowed. This has to come from other sources, and some of this, for state parks is from the 18 cents refunded through IAC.  As stated above, the latest House Transportation Budget includes the proviso to make all 23 cents of road user fee refundable. If this passes the Senate it would put another $3 million per biennium into marine state parks, and launching ramp maintenance.  For the past seven years the senate has supported this proposal. It is the first time the House Transportation Chairpersons have been willing to work with us.  RBAW supports this Bill.

2.  The Derelict Vessel Bill (HB 2376)

The one significant point for registered boaters is the increase in registration fees by $2.00 per year.  This money will be dedicated to removing abandoned vessels for which no owner can be traced. These are designated as derelict vessels.  RBAW supports this Bill.

3. Should all boats be registered? (Bill yet to be identified)
Note:  "unregistered" boats are those under 16 feet and typically with no power such as kayaks, row boats and sailing dinghies.  These small craft represent about 75% of the boats in Washington State.  Why register these boats you ask?  Consider the following:

1. The fatality rate would be more than halved. Registered boats have unregistered boat fatalities added to their totals. This usually increases the number by 300 to 400  percent. (2001 was different and is an anomaly).

2. Reduced fatality rates would affect the insurance rates for registered boaters advantageously (lower premiums). Fatality rates are a factor in premium calculations.
3. The amount of federal refunds would be increased. The number of registered boats is a factor in the refund of boats fuel calculations.
4. Police water safety units would receive funding from the boating sector that traditionally uses 70% or more of the funding provided by registered boaters. Unregistered boaters contribute nothing for the services they almost monopolize.
5. Without this additional revenue and with reduced patrols because of further fund reductions, an increase in fatalities is probable. With increased fatalities there is the risk of increased insurance premiums for registered boaters. 
6. With all boat owners identified, safety and aquatic nuisance information can be distributed to those who need it. Aquatic nuisance is a fresh water issue and 99% of the problem is generated by trailered boats.
7. Ninety percent of stolen vessels are in the unregistered category. Registration would help police units in recoveries, and small boat theft would be reduced.
 

4. Liveaboards:

The state passed a law that says boating is a water dependent activity. This allows the DNR to "permit"  people to live aboard their boats while in state regulated marinas. Stupid? No it is the law. 

There are liveaboard boaters in lakes as well as on the Sound. Discharges in waters that have little to no flow through create problems that have to be addressed. This means all boaters become threatened. RBAW is trying to get with Doug Sutherland to discuss the DNR policies on grey water.  With all of the forestry problems, boaters are not a top priority, but we will keep trying. 

         P/C Bob Wheeler
         BYC-RBAW Rep.
 

From your Environmental Chair:

Hi, my name is Bret Halffman, I'm your Environmental Chairperson. I've always believed when it comes to environmental issues that "No news is good news" meaning we have been doing a great job keeping this club in compliance with the laws and haven't had to address any problems in the past year. 

To ensure we stay on top of things, please continue using BMP (best management practices) to protect our environment. Take a moment and check out the latest BMP brochure hanging on the club store bulletin board or go online to www.cleanboating.com for the latest and greatest information. If you haven't read it in a while, it may be time to brush up. 

One of my duties is to ensure the Hazardous Storage Area is in compliance with Federal Regulations. How can I help out you say? Here's your answer:

1. Do not leave containers of any kind in the shed I.E. 1 gal. Anti-freeze bottles or used oil filters. You can drain them but do not leave them there. Manage your time when draining containers by setting them up to drain and coming back later that same day to discard the container.

2. If you notice a tank nearing its full mark, Put a "FULL DO NOT USE" note on the tank and contact me ASAP @ 308-9120 night or 476-9185 days. I will arrange for it to be pumped. For those of you feeling real energetic call the pickup number located in your BYC Annual.

3. If you spill anything in or near the sheds, clean it up.

4. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT leave any containers laying around with substances in it. Worst case scenario: We get Local, State or Federal audited and have to pay for expensive testing to find out what it is, then it has to be cleaned up, and a possible fine. Of course then, we will probably be subject to more auditing in the future? Let's not go there.

Pat yourselves on the back for doing your part and keeping the club areas environmentally sound.

Capt.Halffman 

From: your WebMaster

The web team is looking for artwork to help spruce up the web page. Looking for photos of the clubhouse or other artwork that could be used at the top level of the web page to show some important aspect of BYC. Paper or electronic artwork is acceptable.

Also, a reminder that we are looking for volunteers for working on the web page. If you would be interested in learning more about HTML or how to setup and modify web pages, contact webteam@bremertonyachtclub.org We are also looking for people that might be interested in scanning or typing in some of the paper history of BYC suitable for web access or other electronic storage of the club history.

If you like messing around with the computer, this can be a nice way to earn points.  A lot cleaner work than scrapping barnacles... 

Just a reminder to check the web page for upcoming events, and if you want to add something to the web page, contact the web team via the web page. www.bremertonyachtclub.org We've had a lot of favorable comments, and I want to keep it that way by making sure the web page is current and relevant to members of the community.

Also, for those members that had email via @home, please contact daveu@sptddog.com to let me know your new email address. I am already collecting email addresses for next years annual.

Dave Uebele