Westlake Yacht Club in the News

Conejo Valley Life, Dec 3, 2004 New Officers at Yacht Club Westlake Yacht Club (WYC) held its Installation Dinner-Dance on November 20. 116 members came to thank outgoing officers and welcome new officers. Everyone enjoyed a scrumptious meal of filet mignon and Chilean sea bass, danced to a live jazz band, and had a champagne toast at the annual change of command ceremony. We are all very pleased to have Michael Singer as our new Commodore. As Commodore, Mike has oversight over all Club operations. The new Vice Commodore is Randy DeMaio, now responsible for WYC's extensive social programs. And the new Rear Commodore is yours truly, Robert Piccioni, now responsible for WYC's boating programs. Continuity and leadership development are provided by WYC's system of "moving up the flags". Each officer normally spends a year as Rear Commodore, then a year as Vice Commodore, before becoming Commodore. So becoming a Flag Officer really is a big commitment.  Outgoing Commodore Roger Weisman said he took on this challenge "because I thought I could do something good for the Club. I'm glad I did it, but I'm also glad it's done." Many good things happened under Roger's watch: the fleet was expanded, the membership was expanded, and the finances were strengthened. "I tried hard to build members' enthusiasm and let good people run with their ideas." Roger now becomes Junior Staff Commodore and will sit on the Board. Bob Holloway, who was Commodore in 2003, now becomes a Staff Commodore. Roger and Bob join all former WYC commodores in the Blue Gavel, an international organization whose members pursue charitable activities and assist the current officers. Five new Board Members were elected this year: Ann Nelson, Jerry Adams, Wayne Beal, Alan Jeffery and Larry Lutz. Staff Commodore Franklin Cofod became Fleet Captain, Rose Jeffery became Secretary, Walt Jefford continued as Treasurer, Steve Barwil continued as Judge Advocate, Howard Silver became Port Captain, Court Parkinson became House Captain and Carol Amenta became Membership Chairman. The wives of the Flag Officers often have to do more work than their spouses. Penny Singer, Jan DeMaio and Joan Piccioni were honored with a presentation of their own flags of office, and Penny received the special title "Commodoress". Our new commodore was introduced by WYC's favorite microphone jockey, Ed Yerkey, who did a great job as auctioneer at WYC's charity fundraiser. Ed alternately praised and roasted Michael to everyone's delight. When Michael finally got to talk, he thanked the members for honoring him with their unanimous support. "Penny and I have made lifelong friendships at the Club and enjoy every aspect of club activities. We are a sailing and social club, with a great fleet of boats, with regattas that attract sailors from all over California, with great programs for junior sailors, with wonderful dinner dances, BBQ's and Friday Happy Hours. Our members enjoy true camaraderie and friendship. If you are looking to sail, have fun and make new and lasting friendships, Westlake Yacht Club is the place to do it." For more information about Westlake Yacht Club call 818 700-5257 or visit www.westlakeyc.org. Westlake Yacht Club is located on Westlake Lake at 32123 Lindero Canyon Road in the City of Westlake Village. You don't have to own a boat or live in Westlake Village to belong to Westlake Yacht Club. -- Robert Piccioni, Rear Commodore