If you drive by the clubhouse, you will see that rafters have started to appear on the Sailing Center building, so we expect to see a roof completed by the end of this week.

It is also apparent that there are plenty of windows in the meeting room and a beautiful outlook to the mooring field and harbor. What is not obvious is that plans are afoot and in the preparatory/application stage to widen the ramp from the Sailing Center to the docks so that all of our programs boats can be rolled down and launched there instead of by the slippery ramp on the south side of the clubhouse.

Charles warns us that during the first week in February, when the modular units are scheduled to arrive and be placed, the parking lot will be full and will become a secure danger area because of cranes and trucks. This will necessitate the closure of the office for a few days for safety reasons. Should you want to watch the process you can do so from the Post Office lot or from the area adjacent to the tennis courts. Having once built a seven-box modular home in Edgecomb, I can personally attest to the fact that it is a well choreographed dance that is worthy of an appreciative audience. Weather can be a detriment/delay as high winds can interfere ... not so rain or snow.

A lot of the talk at Vice Commodore Gardiner Rapeleye’s gathering last Friday night was about the Sailing Center and its great progress. What a spectacular site (Gardiner’s house) for a party ... with architectural design to admire (the VC did the design himself) and table after table of fabulous food. Thankfully Gardiner had left his Christmas decorations in place and 42 excited folks drank everything in (pun intended). We had a chance to welcome new members, Russ and Sarah, as well as several prospective members.

Dale and Ida Lancaster were present and happy to talk about the next event in the series which will be at their home on Feb. 15. Sandy Wheeler, co-chair of the membership committee ( 633- 3747 ) was happy to suggest to this scribe that she is willing to take phone calls from interested candidates. Her cohort, Sharma Schacknow (561-622-5959), will also handle requests for information and application materials.

Don’t forget that the third segment in the winter’s trifecta party schedule is in the hands of Don and Claire Tomlin at their home (and other fabulous locations) in Miami Beach March 12-15. Party details are available in the club office.