Mission Statement:
The promotion of and participation in competitive sailboat racing and cruising for the enjoyment and experience of its members.

History:
It was unusual in 2005 not to have a major construction project going on at the club. The preceding years had seen the opening of the new east marina and improvements to the original east basin. This year was focused on finishing touches to the new marina and improving the landscaping at east. The new jin pole is now operational at east and is a much needed improvement for boats with larger masts. The lifting crane portion of the crane has been specified and will be have a 10,000 lb capacity. The crane will be fully operational in 2006. It was recognized that we have an erosion problem at our west facility; the seawall is being eroded away under the concrete pathway. A plan to address the erosion was formulated and the permitting process has begun. Actual work on reinforcing the seawall will probably begin in the summer of 2006.

2005 was a good racing year at the club thanks to a warm sailing season. The Lake Huron International Regatta, a.k.a. PH-100, I believe was the first race on the Great Lakes to offer an IRC class. IRC was introduced this year as a requirement for certain boats participating in the Bayview Y.C. annual race to Mackinac Island. The PH-100 race preceded the Bayview race. The Bayview Mackinac race was quite challenging this year with heavy winds, large waves, and torrential rain. The PHYC sailboat Big Fun lost her rig during the race offshore of Bois Blanc Island. Many boats finished the race in record time on the Sunday evening or early Monday. Water levels were up slightly over the past couple of years which was appreciated by some of the big boat owners. The clubs major fund raising race event was again a great financial success. The race raises funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, approximately $60,000 was raised. The Memorial race was this year named in honor of past member George Lyon.

Membership at the club remained above four hundred for the year. PHYC continues to do well in this regard compared to many other clubs. Nationally, many yachts continue to loose membership. The poor economy in Michigan in 2005 has been a hardship for many area yacht clubs. Several decorating projects happened at the club this year including new wallpaper in the bar, the boardroom, and new paint in the upstairs main room. The PHYC Women’s Auxiliary arranged a unique event at the club in October called “Art on the Quay”. It was a fine arts fair featuring local artists some of whom are club members. PHYC WA Commodore Lisa Jones and her ladies used the event to raise money for local area charities. The auxiliary also published a fine recipe/cook book this year.

Every year the Commodore has two significant awards to make recognizing the work and dedication of two very special members, this year it was my pleasure to award to Carol Cataldo the “Woman of the Year” award and to award Mickey Sax the “Man of the Year” award.

Our club is in fine shape both physically and financially. We have a great volunteer spirit at PHYC that hopefully will continue for many years