From the Desk of the Commodore, Question of the Month, The New Member profile, A Festive Gathering at the Yacht Club, Got Your Boating Safety Certificate Yet?, The Bicentennial Celebration of the Erie Canal

Albany Yacht Club

January 2025

From the Desk of the Commodore

The New Year is upon us, and we can celebrate a successful 2024. In this, my end of the year state of the club report, I’ll give you my thoughts on how the various areas of the club performed this year. In general, the state of the club is good but there are areas we must improve upon.

Our marina operations performed excellently. Financially, we broke records for three individual months as well as for the full year. We improved our online presence through the club website and the Waterway Guide. Doing so enabled transient boaters to make real-time, informed decisions as to where they want to stay and or fuel on this part of the river. It’s clear they are choosing us. The three most common statements I’ve heard from the transient mariners are – The Dockmasters are outstanding, the facilities are nice and importantly, how the members are welcoming. We also invested in the marina’s infrastructure. New overflow prevention valves were installed on our tank fills (they reduce the chance of fuel spills). Air conditioning was upgraded to cool the bathrooms as well as the office and new fuel delivery hoses were installed to replace hoses that were reaching end-of-life.

The clubhouse is in great shape. We are continuing our upgrading program. As I write this the Ladies Room renovation has begun. Ladies, I believe you will like the result. The main hallway has seen improvements with the addition of more closet space and the walk of history. The repainting of the Dining room and bar area has received many compliments from both members and guests. We made upgrades to the kitchen. The addition of a warming rack is a game changer when we are hosting large events. It enables us to serve hot meals to the very end. Our old dishwasher served us well, but it reached its end of life. The new dishwashing station works great. It is quick, 90 seconds per load to wash, sanitize and apply a rinse agent to avoid water spotting.

As a club we are doing OK. The business side of the club is running smoothly. In large part due to the marina income, financially we are in great shape. We were able to put some money away for future capital projects and invest in upgrades to our equipment and facilities. We also shared our wealth with the community. We made donations to several charities and organizations to include the Crailo State Historic Site, Maui Sailing Community Foundation (they were burned out in the Lahaina fire), City of Rensselaer Police and the Tri-State Emergency Team. We also host The Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 15-4 at the club. Membership is strong. We have welcomed numerous new members to the club. Both Social and Regular. For the most part members are putting their time in and participating in our larger events. We are discussing ways to get more member participation in the day to day smaller events and taking leadership roles in the club. We have a strong suite of officers and board members, but we need to fill roles such as the House Chair, Kitchen Chair and someone to coordinate party rental events.

In closing, we had an outstanding year and are looking forward to another great one. Let’s each of us commit to participating a bit more and help build a better experience for all as those that came before us built the club that we all enjoy.

Happy New Year

Commodore Mike

"Let’s each of us commit to participating a bit more and help build a better experience for all as those that came before us built the club that we all enjoy."

• Question of the Month
• The New Member profile
• A Festive Gathering at the Yacht Club
• Got Your Boating Safety Certificate Yet?
• The Bicentennial Celebration of the Erie Canal

Member meeting minutes are available online by clicking this link here.

Question of the Month:

The Japanese yachtsman Kenichi Horie was the first to use solar power to cross what body of water in 1996?

Answer to the December's AYC Newsletter's question: Cleats.

The Golden Rule: don't buy before you see the boat. Many people may be tempted to purchase based solely on photographs and descriptions, which can lead to disappointment or scams. A visual inspection of the boat allows you to identify potential problems that might not be visible in images. By thoroughly examining the boat in person, you can assess its condition, ask questions, and ensure it meets your expectations. This step helps protect your investment and increases the likelihood of a satisfactory purchase.

The New Member Profile

Brian Benjamin, a passionate boater and skilled tradesman, was born in Florida and spent his childhood as an Air Force "brat" before settling in Greene and Saratoga Counties in New York. His love for boating began early, enjoying time on Saratoga Lake with his parents. After eight years on the Texas Gulf Coast, where he owned an 18-foot Cuddy Cabin and a 36-foot Chris Craft Constellation, he returned to New York. Over the years, he owned various boats, including a 17-foot runabout and a Tanzer 22-foot sailboat. Currently, he enjoys his 30-foot Sea Ray Sundancer on the Hudson River and a 44-foot Marine Trader Trawler, now moored at his winter home in Southwest Florida. Professionally, Brian worked as an electrician and electrical contractor, with experience in plumbing, carpentry, and drywall. In retirement, he indulges in hobbies like woodworking, electronics, and stock trading, while also being an active member of the Troy Boat Club. Brian takes pride in being a father to two adult children and a grandfather to two teenagers.

Wendy VanBramer, a lifelong resident of the Capital District of New York, dedicated over 36 years of her career as an Administrative Assistant with the New York State Police. Her family legacy in law enforcement is strong, as both of her sons are NYS Troopers, and her eldest grandson serves as an officer with the Houston Police Department; additionally, both her eldest son and grandson are U.S. Army veterans. Beyond her professional life, Wendy and her family are passionate boaters, recently navigating their larger boat from New York to Florida via the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) as they build their winter home there. They also maintain a boat in New York, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow boating enthusiasts. In her free time, Wendy indulges in home decorating, gardening, and crafting, reflecting her creative spirit and love for family activities.

Dave and Jeanne Scrafford are a couple who have spent their lives in the Capital Region, specifically in Guilderland for 44 years. They are proud parents of two grown children: Kristen, a veterinarian and medical director in Wooster, Ohio, and Jonathan, a chemical engineer in San Diego, California. Dave managed a family transportation business for the handicapped for 42 years and has a passion for photography, while Jeanne, a dedicated educator with advanced degrees in communication disorders, worked as a speech and language therapist until her retirement in 2023. The couple shares a love for boating, which began in 1982 on Lake George, and over the years, they have enjoyed cruising various waterways, including the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. After spending 17 years at Lock 1 Marina, they are considering a new docking location due to limited operating hours at the Champlain Canal Locks. Their visits to the Albany Yacht Club during the 4th of July holiday have sparked excitement about potentially becoming members.

Photos: Mike Lochner

A Festive Gathering at the Yacht Club

The Yacht Club hosted a delightful holiday celebration on Saturday, December 14, inviting all its members to join in the festivities. This event served as a wonderful opportunity for friends and fellow club members to come together and embrace the joy of the season. More than 70 attendees enjoyed a catered buffet dinner, featuring a wide variety of delicious dishes that catered to every taste. The gathering was not solely focused on the food; it was a time for reconnecting, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories in the beautiful ambiance of the Yacht Club. For those who couldn't attend this festive occasion, a selection of photographs captured by Mike Lochner provides a glimpse into the joyful celebration.

New York Boaters: Got Your Boating Safety Certificate Yet?

As of January 1, 2025, all motorboat operators in New York must have a boating safety certificate, regardless of age. This requirement is part of Brianna's Law, enacted in 2019 to enhance safety education for boaters in the state. The law is named in memory of Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old girl from Long Island who tragically lost her life in a boating accident in 2005. Brianna's Law aims to reduce boating accidents and fatalities by educating all operators about safe boating practices.

The law includes a five-year phase-in period, ending on December 31, 2024. By 2025, every motorboat and personal watercraft (PWC) operator in New York State must possess a valid boating safety certificate. Research from the U.S. Coast Guard has shown that when vessel operators take a safety education course and earn this certificate, boating fatalities significantly decrease. This statistic highlights the importance of knowing about boating safety, as it can save lives.

New York has specific age restrictions for operating motor vessels and personal watercraft. Children under 10 are not allowed to operate any motor vessel, while individuals must be at least 14 years old to operate a personal watercraft. These regulations are implemented to ensure young individuals' safety and promote responsible boating practices.

For those visiting or cruising in New York waters, it is essential to note that any boating safety course approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) meets the state's requirements. Boaters should look for the NASBLA logo on their safety certificate to ensure New York State recognizes it. Taking a course from an accredited provider fulfills the legal requirement and equips boaters with essential knowledge and skills to navigate safely and responsibly on the water.

The Bicentennial Celebration of the Erie Canal

The Erie Canal, a remarkable feat of engineering, was completed nearly 200 years ago, and its impact on New York State and the nation as a whole has been monumental. As we celebrate the Bicentennial of the Erie Canal in 2025, communities along the entire 524-mile New York State Canal system are preparing to welcome recreational boaters with open arms. Whether you want to cruise along the canal or enjoy a day on the water with a trailer boat, there will be plenty of activities and opportunities for all.

Today, the Erie Canal system stands as a premier recreational boating waterway. Its historic infrastructure, much of which still operates using simple water power, consists of a network of navigable canals, locks, rivers, and lakes. This system connects the East Coast with the Great Lakes and Canada, offering a unique and scenic cruising experience that cannot be found anywhere else in America. The villages, towns, and cities along the canal's shores provide a wealth of tourism opportunities, making it an attractive destination for visiting boaters.

In September 2025, the culmination of the summer boating season will feature the World Canals Conference in Buffalo, New York. This event will gather canal enthusiasts and experts from around the world to discuss the future of canals and their importance in our communities. Additionally, a historic event will take place as the newly launched canal boat replica, the 73-foot Seneca Chief, journeys from Buffalo to New York City. This vessel symbolizes Governor Dewitt Clinton's historic voyage that opened the canal 200 years ago.

Boaters will have the chance to participate in a flotilla or regional parades to accompany the Seneca Chief on its journey, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the rich history of the Erie Canal. As more details are finalized in the coming months, boaters and visitors can look forward to an exciting summer filled with activities, learning, and the spirit of community along one of America's most significant waterways.

The Bicentennial of the Erie Canal is not just a celebration of its past; it is also a chance to appreciate the ongoing recreational opportunities it provides. From scenic views to rich history, the Erie Canal continues to be a vital part of New York State's identity and an essential resource for both residents and visitors.

This message was sent to you by {Organization_Name}

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe at any time

75 Broadway, Rensselaer, NY 12144

{Organization_URL}