Ludington Yacht Club

A message from our Commodore, Scott Hultman

I would like to take a moment to give you some updates on the Ludington Yacht Club.  During the off season we have been very busy.  You will see many new changes that I think you will be proud of.  We are looking forward to a great year even if we have a late start.  Here are some of the items that that we are working on:

High Water Levels

            The good news is that the building is not in danger of being submerged.  When the flooring was opened up to work on the sewage system it was noted that we had 18 to 20 inches of clearance between the lake water level and the bottom of the joists.  There was no evidence of joist damage or mold.  Additionally, the sea wall height was increased by adding two layers of 6” x 6” wood beams and then the yard area was filled with stone.  A wooden board walk around the perimeter will be added shortly.

Clubhouse Remodel

            You will see a different clubhouse when you return.  The existing kitchen and bar area have been torn out and are being replaced.  Our contractor has promised that he will have the project completed by the middle of May.

Covid-19 Pandemic

            The Covid-19 Pandemic has made some of the changes difficult to achieve in a timely fashion but we are moving forward and soon we should be able to gather and celebrate the summer.

Governor’s Response

            The Governor’s Executive Orders are being modified every few days and we will respond to them accordingly.  She recently lifted the ban on motor boats so we will be able to start filling our slips.  The biggest problem is the gathering of people in the building and the limit in the number of people that can be present at one time.  To that end our building is presently closed.  Stay tuned things are changing fast.  I also ask that you stay out of the building during our construction phase.

Dinners & Meetings

All of the dinners and meetings that were scheduled for May have been canceled. The Friday night cocktails and the “Ferg Burg“ events held on alternating Tuesday nights have also been canceled. We hope to resume full activities in June.  With a little bit of luck, we may be able to open things up a little earlier, stay posted for updates.

Summer Gala

            Mark your calendars.  We have planned a “Summer Gala” for you.  It will be held off site in the ballroom at the Stearns Hotel in Ludington on August 21, 2020.  It will feature a catered dinner, dancing and a DJ.  A cash bar will be available throughout the night.  Tickets are $35.00 per person.  To purchase tickets please contact Jim McGee or Scott Hultman.

If you have any questions, please contact any of the officers.

Thank you,

Scott Hultman, Commodore

Time to provide some updates on things that are happening with regard to LYC during these trying times and some things that we all need to plan for when all this ends.

Meetings and Membership

The clubhouse of course, is closed and will not reopen until the Governor lifts her executive order shuttering all private clubs and gatherings of large groups of people.  This means no April membership meeting.  However, we still would like to process folks into membership so here are the prospective new member applicants for April.

Parker Sessa sponsored by Allen Olson and Jim Wright.  Parker summers at Crosswinds and lives in Ada.  Interested in becoming more involved in sailing and working around the club

Steve and Dawn Leedham sponsored by Gary Ferguson and Tim Tibbits.  Steve and Dawn live in Ludington. They have a powerboat and expressed interest in dockage. They indicate they plan to be very active in organizing and assisting with social events.

At the March meeting, Andy Hamilton’s application was presented.  Andy will be the new LYSS manager this summer.  I would like to assume that the majority who would have attended the April meeting would vote “yes” to accept Andy into membership and, as such, propose we move forward with accepting Andy into membership in lieu of a formal meeting vote.

Reminder:  Annual dues are payable by April 1.  At this time, we have about 40 members who have not renewed.  If you are on the fence, hopefully this update will indicate LYC is actively moving forward and you will continue your membership.

Building & Grounds

In my March 7 update, I included descriptions of the grounds work that has been underway.  Today, I include several photos that reveal what our club grounds and seawall look like now.

The Board of Directors recently met and overwhelmingly approved several interior improvements.  A complete renovation of the kitchen/bar is going to occur.  The kitchen will be enlarged by eliminating the two shower rooms (one shower will be moved into the “middle” hall bathroom so 2 showers are maintained) and small closet in the hall thereby allowing the kitchen wall to be moved to the east where a new sink, cabinetry, and countertop will be installed.  The existing island will be eliminated and replaced by a moveable SS work surface; the furnace will be relocated, and the bar will be enlarged to include sink and ice maker. A new refrigerator and dishwasher is also part of the renovation. I attach the proposed floor plan.  This work, originally slated to be complete by May 1, is now on hold until such time non-essential construction projects can resume.  In addition, budget items approved earlier include an additional TV, new sound system, and Wi Fi internet.

Social

We are looking forward to an active social season once the Club opens. In addition to regular Friday “Cocktails at the Club” appetizer social and every other Tuesday “Fergburgs”, there is a suite of favorites planned.  Plus, as a teaser, consider the following new events:

“Taste of the Caribbean” Event- Saturday 11 July, 7PM – $20 per person

APPETIZER: Nassau Conch Fritters with Mustard Sauce

SOUP:  Walker Cay Conch Chowder with Pepper Sauce and Barbados Rum

SALAD:  Caribbean Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

MAIN COURSE:  South Florida Lobster Tail with Drawn Butter and Lemon,                            Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Cuban Fried Plantains, Puerto Rican Rice and Pigeon Peas

DESSERT:  Key Largo Key Lime Pie

Steel Drum music shall be provided.

Mark your 2020 Calendars!  Vice Commodore Jim McGee announces that a Commodore Gala (casual dress) will be held on Friday August 21 from 6-11 p.m. at the Stearns Hotel.  This will be a catered & cash bar event complete with DJ music.  Advance tickets will be sold for $35 per person and are available by contacting Scott Hultman or Jim McGee.

The tentative dinner offering schedule is attached.

There will be an interior cleaning (and outside of windows) event, if we can gather, on Thursday May 21 beginning at 9:00 a.m.  If you are inclined to help, please bring your favorite cleaning supplies to clean the following: Kitchen, Bar, Bathrooms, Windows, dining room including all tables and chairs.

We learned that LYC member Caryl Barnett Ferguson passed away recently following complications from heart surgery.

Stay safe everyone.