Commodore's Comments

By Dave Denmark

Howdy folks! I’ve got a ton of news for you since I wrote last. This year, we gave a number of lessons and huge thanks go out to those of you that took the time to teach and share your love for the sport. Thanks go to Joan for organizing the lessons. We appreciate everyone who took up windsurfing for the first time this summer and I look forward to seeing all of you out on the water. Be sure to check out the classified ads on our website for gear and our sponsors for your new gear. Of course, I certainly want to thank all of the sponsors who have supported this year’s events and hope for your continued support. Without your help, the events would not have been nearly as special or fun. .

The NIMBY. Oh the NIMBY - one of my favorites. It’s out of town and I love the events out of town. It’s somewhere different to sail or whatever you do at out of town events. Plus, if I act out a little, it doesn’t hamper my chances of being elected Mayor of Crawfordville (whenever we incorporate, of course). This year’s NIMBY was a fine event. The start was a little rough at the motel, but they did try to accommodate us. As far as the racing was concerned, it was the famed Shell Island Shot, a long distance race from the Mongolian Buffet side of the bay to the Spanish Shanty side (awesome). The leg back got a little hairy (no pun intended) when a thunderstorm popped up and caught everyone as they came back to the Bayside Ho Jo. Andrew will most likely never do chase boat with me again. Sorry bud. The only thing we could have done to be more conductive to lightening would have been to have a kite and board made of aluminum while wearing an aluminum foil sport thong. The next day was course racing run from the dockside. For those of us who got the opportunity to go to the jetties to snorkel, it was a real treat. The water was Caribbean clear. I have never seen the water so clear in this area. The lack of rain was certainly apparent that weekend. Thanks y’all, I needed that.

We had our annual Rum & Rootbeer and it was an absolute hoot - a perfect day and a great turnout. The event this year was run by Deb and Amy. The games required the use of brains, brawn, and the right apparel. I had a blast and from what I’ve heard, everyone else who was there did too. I really liked the Carnival theme. And again, huge thanks to Deb and Amy and everyone else who helped (even you, Tigger).

Juana’s is coming up this month on September 8 in Navarre. I have enjoyed the Coronas, the racing, and accommodations. I’ve seen some of the very best poor behavior there. They really put on a great regatta. Definitely gets a 3 “dude” rating from the Digger.

The Endless Summer is just around the corner and it’s getting closer to crunch time. There is a great need for sponsorship and people to help out. I for one could use your help in some small ways. If you are interested in helping out, email me at denmark@20knotsnob.com. I appreciate any and all help. Enough pleading for now - I got us a great band booked for Saturday. Deb and Amy have some great groceries lined up and Rick and Judy promise the wings will be killers on Friday. If you are a serious racer, well you already know about this event. If you are a windsurfer, this is a great event for you to be introduced to the organized side of this sport. If you are a web surfer, this is a premier party. If you think you can party, well, you will be in some pretty good company. Pre-register and save - day of event and you are still getting a great deal. Miss it and you will be sorry, cause this is a whole lot of fun on the beach. Be a part of it all; come to the Shell Point Sailboard Club’s Annual Endless Summer Regatta!

Now on to another hot topic. The public restroom is coming soon. According to an unnamed spokesperson with Wakulla County, they are waiting on cost estimates from the contractor. The word is construction should start within the next couple of months. There were some changes to the construction plans and the cost will be higher. The developers of the Marina project are going to offset those costs. However, any costs they don’t cover will be coming out of the money that was to be used for the proposed covered picnic shelters. Those have not been bid out yet. We will see how everything shakes out. Bring your umbrellas, sun screen, and chairs for the pavilion that is down there. The acoustics are great for an acoustic music set. Several members from a local band jammed under it and everyone that was there raved at how good they sounded. Maybe we should check it out sometime.

We’ve got some changes to the annual Christmas Party. Because of some expenses that have come up, (thanks Dennis) we have decided that this year’s Christmas Party will be more of a bottle club event. We (the club) will provide most of the mixers and an entree and friendly, attractive, and attentive bartenders. We will have the best music selection and set-up of any party you’ve been to, brought to you by my man, Bobby G. It’s really all about my people and the season, right?

Next year’s slate of officers has been submitted and your name might be on it. If you want to know for sure you will want to come to the next business meeting. September’s meeting is the Annual Meeting. You know, the one we vote at. This year’s nominees are ???? Could be you. The meeting is September 12, 2006 at Beef ‘O’Brady’s. It’s your club and your dues and your responsibility to do what’s best for your club and your community, your country, your world. I’m running for reelection. I’m gonna make that contribution. I’m gonna take leave of my senses. You should probably show up.

That’s a lot - so I will close this article now. Thanks to everyone who helps with the club activities. If it weren’t for you, we would not be what we are today.

See you Soon,
The Digger