I HOPE that everyone had a very enjoyable Christmas and a great holiday season, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed their time and efforts to our club’s successful program last year.

Our facilities are now closed and our floating docks are stored on dry land until next season. A significant turnout by our members back in mid-October ensured that the yard was reconfigured for the winter. After the docks came out, our OHCC Annual General Meeting was held to update our members on current matters, membership, finances and so on, and to elect the OHCC Executive for the coming year. This was unanimously re-elected except for the following changes:

a) Adam Nicholson was elected Rear Commodore;

b) Katy and David Molyneux are now our Membership Secretaries;

c) Dave Ross was elected Yardmaster.

Special thanks are due to those retiring from the executive: Bernie Bieber, Doug Gordon and John Reynolds for their contributions to our executive.

Our clubhouse is now boarded up and all equipment is stored and winterized.

The 39th OHCC Annual Dinner Dance was held at The National Yacht Club in November 2011. Bernie Bieber (Rear Commodore) once again did an excellent job presenting the yearly awards and John Reynolds helped with the event.

We will continue to offer a full, learn-to-sail program for kids and youth, working in conjunction with Toronto Sailing and Canoe Club. We will be able to provide learn to sail programs all summer long for youngsters from seven to 17 years of age. The Kids/Youth camps will range from Learn to Sail, White Sail up to Gold Sail. If you are interested, please contact Alan Hall alan.hall@sympatico.ca for further details.

Our Executive met last month and we have already started planning the 2012 season. We will continue to work during the winter to determine what improvements are necessary to maintain the high standard of our club’s grounds, facilities and programs. Those programs and infrastructure maintenance can only be achieved through the volunteer commitment by all of our members.

I look forward to another year of enjoyable sailing.

Ralph Drake, Commodore