BELLBUOY - FEBRUARY 2026 by thebarbadosyachtclub

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MESSAGE FROM YOUR COMMODORE

MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

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COMMODORE MESSAGEFROMTHE COMMODORE

Fellow Members,

First let me apologise for the absence of the January Bellbuoy. As you were aware, we held our Annual General Meeting on January 27th and all hands were on deck preparing for that AGM. We were therefore unable to issue our usual monthly Bellbuoy.

Our General Manager recently published the new Sub-committees and their chairpersons but for the record, I will repeat them for those members who did not receive, or see, this notice.

Boating - Mr. Nicholas Lashley

Entertainment - Mr. Paul Kellman

Finance - Mr. Edward Clarke

Food and Beverage - Mr. Peter Thompson

HR & Member Services - Co-Chaired

by Mr. Paul Kellman and Ms. Rachel Mouttet

House & Grounds - Mr Christopher Skinner

Pickleball (New) - Ms. Rachel Mouttet

Sailing - Mr. Ross Parker

Tennis - Mr. Noah Haynes

Arising from the AGM we have also put a new Committee in place. We have appointed Mr. Andrew Hutchinson, Trustee and Past Commodore, as the Chairman of the Strategic Long-term Planning Committee of the Club. This Committee, as mandated by the Resolution passed at the AGM, will look at the long-term planning of the use of space of the Club including parking, additional sporting activities and their locations and the overall layout of the facility for future expansions as required. You’ll be hearing more about this soon.

I am pleased to also advise that we have made an offer to an individual for the position of Food & Beverage Manager, and we have received acceptance of that offer. We expect this individual to start working with us around the third week March. More information will be forthcoming soon.

Plans for the installation of the security arms have started. We have met with the supplier on site and have utilized their experience to determine the best location for these arms. Again, more information on this will be forthcoming soon.

We met with our staff and discussed several areas of concern. We intend to have a follow-up meeting to review our progress on various matters and continue to keep the communication channels open. We want to thank you, our members, for your understanding when we opened the Club later than usual that Monday morning to facilitate that staff meeting.

We have secured the new Enterprise Software package that will replace the two systems used for Point of Sale and Inventory Management.

MESSAGEFROM THECOMMODORE MESSAGEFROM THECOMMODORE

We are in the process of securing the hardware required, documenting the processes and recipes, and planning for the installation and changeover. We want this changeover to be as seamless as possible. We also need to do the proper preparatory work so that we benefit from the efficiencies of the new software.

We have improved our security system by upgrading our CCTV monitoring and recording. We have new hardware and are planning to expand the CCTV coverage.

We have received the new trailer for our beloved vessel, the Audley Beckles. Thanks to the team for their assembly of the trailer.

We held our staff Awards and Party on Saturday February 7 and, from all accounts, those in attendance had a great time. th

We would like to thank you, our members, for your support and wish you continued good health, happiness, peace, love and joy for 2026.

Your Commodore,

Peter Thompson

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"It’s not the ship so much as the skillful sailing that assures the prosperous voyage."

– George William Curtis

Dear Members,

As we reflect on a successful 2025, it is clear that while the Barbados Yacht Club is our "ship," it is the collective effort of our community to adhere to our rules and utilize our systems which are our “skillful sailing”, that ensures a “prosperous voyage”.

I hope you have all been paying attention to the Commodore’s updates on the new POS & inventory management software to be introduced. While there is no substitute for courteous and attentive staff, the correct use of the technology will improve efficiency and reduce service delivery times for members. We do have some maintenance and food and beverage issues to resolve, which the 2026 Committee is working diligently on.

Respectful use of the facilities is also vital; for example, remaining fully clothed when using gym equipment and using a personal towel when exercising will help to maintain our high standards of between the periodic staff sanitizations. Consideration should always be given with the use of beach chairs and tables as we do not have a reservation system in place, and their use is on a first-come, first-served basis.

And most important of all, is the provision of constructive feedback from members on any unsatisfactory occurrences, helpful suggestions or general observations is always welcome. To this end, we have created yet another electronic contact point for members, which is directed to the Sub-Committees, and all of which are listed below for your information:

hellobyc@barbadosyachtclub.com (pending) HR & Membership Committee Chairman, Mr. Paul Kellman or Ms. Rachel Mouttet. GMBYC@barbadosyachtclub.com

General Manager, Ms. Alix James. Officebyc@barbadosyachtclub.com Office Administrative Assistant, Rachelle. Accounts@barbadosyachtclub.com

Member Services – Heather. bycevents@barbadosyachtclub.com Sr. Food & Beverage Supervisor - Kay.

Thank you again to the Committee, Club members and staff for you kind support and gentle encouragement in 2025 and I look forward to greater success in 2026!!

From the desk of Alix C. James, General Manager, Barbados Yacht Club, Written on Monday, February 23 , 2026. rd

HUMANRESOURCES & MEMBERSERVICES HUMANRESOURCES & MEMBERSERVICES

Supporting Our Members, Supporting Our Staff

The Barbados Yacht Club is more than a club; it is a community. And like any strong community, it works best when we look after one another.

The HR & Member Services Sub-Committee will work alongside the Committee and the General Manager to help ensure that the Club remains a welcoming, respectful, and enjoyable place for both members and staff. We focus on the people side of the Club, that is, supporting staff, strengthening service, and helping create an environment where everyone feels valued.

We are also working to encourage courteous and professional interactions across the Club, support staff training, onboarding and recognition, make it simple and clear for members to share ideas, compliments or concerns, and develop a shared values framework that reflects the spirit of our Club.

At the heart of it all is something simple: treat people well, communicate clearly, be fair, and take responsibility.

Members should expect friendly service, well-kept facilities and open communication. If something isn’t right, there should always be a fair and respectful way to raise it. In return, we ask that members extend the same courtesy to our staff and fellow members, and use the proper channels when concerns arise.

When we support each other, we strengthen the culture that makes the Barbados Yacht Club a place we are all proud to belong to.

HR & Member Services Sub-Committee

PICKLEBALL PICKLEBALL

‘No strings attached’

It would be impossible not to notice that Pickleball has captured the hearts of millions of people around the world, as this game grows in popularity our club is thrilled to embrace the momentum.

This engaging game is so easy to learn regardless of physical ability or athletic background, encouraging interaction among players of all ages and skill levels. The genuine fun and camaraderie, combined with the significant health benefits, add to the growing attraction.

We would like to encourage curious beginners and seasoned competitors of all ages to get better acquainted with this competitive yet friendly game. Together we can create a welcoming social environment, initiate real connections and inspire a multi-generational community on and off the court.

Don’t miss out – stay tuned for fun events and exciting developments!

Pickleball Sub-Committee

SAILINGNEWS SAILINGNEWS

Barbados Sailing Week 2026

Barbados Sailing Week 2026 was held in mid-January. The event kicked off with the Junior Dinghy Regatta on Saturday, 10 and Sunday, 11 January. This year’s Regatta attracted a of twenty-four young sailors, including th th two from St Vincent. Three of our youngest sailors raced around marks close to shore in the Optimist Green Fleet, whilst those who had sailed in this fleet last year ventured much further out into the middle of Carlisle Bay for the first time to race in the Optimist Gold Fleet, sailing around the same course as our more experienced sailors in the O’Pen Skiff, ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 Classes. Sailing a total of ten races over the two day period, competition was tight and exciting in all classes.

The Junior Regatta was followed by the Coastal Racing Series, which was sailed over 3 days; Saturday 17 to Monday, 19 January along the South th th and West Coasts of the island. Instead of starting and finishing all the races in Carlisle Bay, this year saw the introduction of a start/finish line off the South Coast on the Saturday. This brought the racing close to shore so that spectators, particularly on the Boardwalk, were able to witness the excitement close-up. Several local boats were on winner’s row again this year, with A-Salt Weapon, skippered by Jason Tindale, placing first overall in the CSA Racing Class and Rapajam, skippered by Paul Johnson, placing third. In the CSA Club Class, Fadeaway, skippered by James Adam, emerged victorious, with Glory Daze, skippered by Gus Reader placing second and Less Stress, skippered by Peter Hoad, coming in third.

SAILINGNEWS SAILINGNEWS

On Errol Barrow Day, Wednesday, 21 January, a good mix of local and visiting boats crossed the starting line from as early as 7:30 am to compete in the Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race and try to beat the record in their respective classes. Repeating the successes of last year, Rapajam, skippered by Paul Johnson, emerged as the winner on corrected time in the CSA Monohull Class, with Belladonna of the UK coming second and Panacea X of Canada placing third. Kialoa III of the USA came out top of the Non-CSA Class, with Spritzer of Germany in second and local boat, Hydro Therapy, skippered by Gregory Cuke, in third. Unfortunately, with the relatively light winds that prevailed for the day, no records were broken again this year.

SAILINGNEWS SAILINGNEWS

Talk by Laura Dekker

On the evening of Wednesday, 4 February, members of the sailing community were treated to a very special and extremely motivational talk by Laura Dekker who, at the age of 16, became the youngest person to sail solo around the world. th

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Born on 20 September 1995 in New Zealand, Laura grew up on boats and developed a passion for the sea from early childhood. In 2009 she announced her plan to become the youngest person ever to circumnavigate the globe alone, but her departure was initially blocked by Dutch authorities who were concerned for her safety. A family court later allowed her to begin her voyage on 21 August 2010 at the age of 14. After sailing more than 27,000 nautical miles over a total of 518 days aboard her 38 ft ketch ‘Guppy’, she completed her journey and arrived back in Simpson Bay, St Maarten, on 21 January, 2012 at age 16, fulfilling her dream. Since then she has become an author, motivational speaker, professional yacht skipper and founder of the Laura Dekker World Sailing Foundation, through which she organises extended sailing experiences for young people.

Laura was visiting Barbados for a few days at the beginning of February with her husband, Sander, and their two young children on her 72 ft, twomasted schooner, also named Guppy. Also on board were two young crew members and ten teenage students currently participating in her World Sailing Foundation programme, and we were extremely lucky that Laura so willingly gave up some of her time to spend with us. During the evening she shared her experiences whilst sailing solo around the World via a Power Point presentation and talked about her Foundation, the primary aim of which is to help young people to grow through the challenges and adventures of sailing. We were also privileged to be able to listen to some of the experiences of the ten students on board and to chat with Laura, her students and crew at the end of the evening.

SAILINGNEWS SAILINGNEWS

The Avril Parker Dinghy Regatta 2026 – Day 1 Results

The first race day of The Avril Parker Dinghy Regatta 2026, sponsored by the Parker Family, was sailed on Sunday, 1 February. The results are as follows: st

ILCA 6 Class

1 Jason Tindale st

2 Savannah Stuart nd

3 Aaron Stewart rd

ILCA 4 Class

1 Kai Duncan st

2 Alexander McGaw nd

3 Lillian Spiceland rd

Optimist Gold Fleet

1 Oliver Judd st

2 Jozef Dass nd

3 Ayden Parsons rd

Stansfeld Scott Offshore Regatta 2026 – Results

The Stansfeld Scott Offshore Regatta 2026, sponsored by Stansfeld Scott, was sailed on Sunday, 15 February. The results are as follows: th

1 Jason Tindale and crew on A-Salt Weapon st 2 Charlie Gloumeau and crew on Bunga Bunga nd

3 Greg Webster and crew on Phoenix rd

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

As we move into the heart of the year, the Entertainment Sub-Committee remains focused on one clear objective: creating vibrant, well-attended events that bring our members together. We have been encouraged by the engagement and honest feedback from members, and we are listening carefully and planning deliberately to ensure that our events continue to improve in quality, consistency, and overall experience.

Following a review of the December programme, planning is already underway to strengthen both the Christmas and Old Year’s offerings at the Club. Our aim is to deliver celebrations that feel festive, well organised, and truly enjoyable for all age groups.

We have agreed to book a DJ on the second Friday of each month with the goal of creating another evening where members can relax, dine, and enjoy a lively Club atmosphere

Recent events have been very encouraging. Alan Sheppard brought the house down. It was fantastic to see the beach and bar packed with members and guests enjoying the evening. We have taken on board the lessons learned and the feedback received to ensure future events are even better.

The Valentine’s Dinner was well attended, with members enjoying an elegant evening of great food, warm atmosphere, and live music provided by Willie Kerr & Chris Harper Quiz Nights with William continue to remain steady and well supported, attracting a loyal group of teams. An Evening of the Music of Love, although rescheduled to 20 February, was well supported by members. A Murder Mystery Evening is currently being planned for March. The upcoming Last Friday with Jon Ryttersgaard will include a Kids’ Club and Bouncy Tent, making it a true family-friendly evening. We invite members to come early, have a sundowner, enjoy dinner and make a full evening of it at the Club

The Lecture Series has launched strongly with Sir Henry Fraser and Nolan Bauerle. We look forward to welcoming Grenville Phillips on 6 March and Geoff Ward on 27 March

Looking ahead, Sunday Buffets are scheduled for 8 March and 22 March, and preparations are underway for St. Patrick’s Day on 15 March.

We are building strong momentum, and the best way to keep it going is by coming out and enjoying all that the Club has to offer.

See you at the Club!

Entertainment Sub-Committee

HIGHTLIGHTS HIGHTLIGHTS

25 Year Lapel Pin

Celebrating 25 years of loyalty, camaraderie, and dedication to the Barbados Yacht Club. A proud symbol of commitment and Club spirit.

40 Year Service Lapel Pin

Honouring 40 years of steadfast membership and lasting contribution. A distinguished mark of loyalty and tradition.

50 Year Service Lapel Pin

Recognising 50 years of exceptional dedication and legacy A prestigious emblem of lifelong commitment to the Barbados Yacht Club.

Classic Lapel Pin

A timeless emblem of pride and belonging. Featuring the Club’s distinguished crest, this elegant pin lets you proudly represent the Barbados Yacht Club wherever you go.