This is your Commodore Speaking,

We are beginning to see thelight at the end of the COVID tunnel; and I’m not talking about the lighting strike we took on our boat several weeks ago. We are thoughtfully and carefully turning back on our club events. Stay tuned to our website and Facebookpage (TMCA) for information on upcoming events, cruises and of course our new website rollout.

The TMCA Leadership Team has adjusted our approach to social activities while additional state and local restrictions are in affect. For cruises, instead of the traditional pot-luck meal sharing, we will ask members to bring and eat their own food. Participation in “Docktails” and “Sterngating” will be at the discretion of each member. Dock parties will have a similar restriction. Food may be provided if purchased directly from a commercial establishment and properly handled. For example, the June Dock Party at Watergate Marina is hosted by Sailing Angels. They will provide pizza and maintain an orderly and controlled access to it; allowing persons to manage their social distancing they are comfortable with.

While our boat is recovering from a lightning strike, we spent the last ten days out on the water cruising with friends. We made stops at Moody Gardens Marina, Surfside Marina, anchored in the San Bernardriver and then headed home with an overnight stop at Harborwalk Marina. We were really impressed with Surfside Marina and the staff. They dropped what they were doing to help us dock our boats. They have a ship store and clean showers that are both open 24/7. I spoke to Jason Ross, the manager of the marina about our Club. He has graciously agreed to establish a $50/night TMCA rate. Just show your TMCA member badge. A nice restaurant is within walking distance. Also nearby are golf cart rentals. We spent a full day driving around Surfside and checking out the beach and other establishments. Jason is looking forward to seeing us again.

Finally, June 1 is the beginning of hurricane season and there is already something brewing in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Take some time to review how you would secure your boat. This includes identifying the extra lines and fenders you would use, how to remove bimini canvas and sails and how you would shutdown your boat and configure it for the coming storm; all with the assumption you may not be able to return to it for several days or even weeks.
Stay safe, be smart and I look forward to seeing you on the water.

Bryan Austin
TMCA Commodore, 2020