September Binnacle Article

Did anybody notice the fish? Probably not but should you walk through the entry way at the top of the stairs and above the door to the Commodores room you will see a fish. Not just any fish but a really big one. Okay so my fishing expertise is not what it should be but I am told it’s a Marlin. This would be the same Marlin known to accost staff and patrons at the Tiki Bar. You may recall this sword brandisher having such items on its bill as a ping pong ball in an honest effort to reduce his deadly touch. Yes without the ping pong ball he hangs above the entryway. Frankly it looks good to me. Somehow it just fits the area. Most importantly unless you can fly he won’t cause you any grief by stabbing you or poking your eye out. So there he sits or should I say hangs?

Speaking of hanging, I finally after about a year, have the Commodores clock and associated plaques hanging in the Flag Room. They hang at the South entrance to the room from the outside. Next time you are there take a look. I think you will be impressed. If you recall the clock was given to the club by then Commodore Allen in 1901. After many years it sat unappreciated in the attic of the old club until our move when it was rediscovered by Brian our dock master. The Board decided refinishing the clock was the right thing to do and to display it proudly. The clock after all is part of our history and to hear its bells takes you to a time and a place very far away. If you can’t tell, I am excited to have been a part of the crafting of the display and what I consider the resurrection of one of the clubs crown jewels.

Our first storm, “Fay” has come and as I am writing this I am experiencing winds and ran as a result. Brian our dock master has assured me all is well with the club and docks. It looks like we may have a busy season. Hopefully the storms keep themselves busy far out in the Atlantic. Gas prices are starting to come down. The last thing we need is for a storm to get into the Gulf and shutdown production. Gee then everyone would have to buy a sailboat.

Well I think I would like to keep this month’s article short. I know I am not usually short on words but with all the excitement of the storm I am experiencing writers block.

See you at the club!