Feb 26 started the NYRA New Year. We start our financial year right after the Commodore's Ball. Thus it is time to pay your 2006 NYRA dues. We currently have about 50 members and it would be great to grow this year to at least 60 members. So if you are a crew or skipper that enjoys Neuse River racing or just hanging out with that oh so cool crowd, please fill out a Membership Application and send it in.

A few quick statistics on the year in racing. Based on the 2005 BOTY results, 22 different NYRA boats started at least one BOTY race, there were 291 starts for NYRA boats, and based, on average crew size and thirst, about 2000 times individuals crossed a starting line on a NYRA boat and probably consumed about 10,000 beers. That was a great year, but we should try to top all of those numbers for next year.

On Feb 25 we held the Commodore's Regatta in moderate winds, overcast conditions, and not much water. Several boats ran aground which resulted in an abandonment on the first race and moving the course to deeper water for a second attempt.

After the race, 80 people dressed in their finest attire to attend the Commodore's Ball which was held at the Chelsea in downtown New Bern. After a fine dinner, our annual awards were presented. Congratulations to the winners:

• Dr. Crash Award -- Eric Rosenbaum
• Non-Spinnaker Boat of the Year -- Sayuri skippered by Jerry Fitzgerald
• Spinnaker Boat of the Year -- Boartaint skippered by Tom McKnight
• Crew of the Year -- Lee King
• Sportsman of the Year -- Mike Evans.

Thanks are in order for the many people that helped with Race Committee this year, Janice Peterson, Larry Gupton and Jenny Hamilton-Thomas for help on planning the Commodore's Ball and the Charlie Bratton and company for providing the Audio/Visual equipment. Also to Eric Rosenbaum for providing many of the trophies at cost.

Other items of note, Missy Baskerville is leading the effort to run the NYRA Women's race this year. It is tentatively scheduled for Sept 23. Peter Wedderien and Eve Hanson are the co-chairs for NCYRA over Memorial Day in Beaufort. If you would like to help with either of these events, please let me know or contact Missy, Peter, or Eve.

Lee King
NYRA Commodore
lrk30470@yahoo.com