Another Year in the Books

Our 2024 calendar year ended with the good news! We have at long last signed the license agreement for our property with the Parks Department. It has been under review with the City’s legal department for more than two years.  We still await notice of final registration from the controller, but that should be a formality.  Thank you to the intrepid volunteers who shepherded us through this long process, from first proposal to favorably resolving ever-changing insurance and capital improvement requirements. 

The Grounds

Our expectation as long-term tenants was that we would continue to steward the property, but the lack of a signed agreement delayed what we think will be some welcome improvements. The terms of our license include a commitment for work on the clubhouse, lighting, and some of the fencing, as well as the continuation of native plantings. Detailed documentation of these projects — and the money spent — needs to be submitted to the Parks department for approval at the end of our seven-year term of license. A signed contract enables us to begin work on these projects and avoid paying penalties. 

On the Water

None of these administrative issues prevented us from having a stellar 2024 season. About 50 new members were welcomed in June with three sign-up sessions that offered everyone an orientation both on land and on water. The season officially opened with our All-club Invitational. Paddlers from area clubs joined us for a paddle followed by a barbecue, giving friends old and new the chance to kick off the paddling season. Over the summer months, more than 300 paddlers participated in all-level paddles, intermediate paddles, and away-paddles thanks to the efforts of our squad of trip and assistant trip leaders. 

Kayaking

The kayak committee is thrilled that five additional members qualified to become assistant trip leaders this year, certainly much needed additions to our roster of TLs and ATLs. Many thanks to these members who put in extra hours taking classes and practicing and to those who spent so much time providing extra training support and all-important encouragement.

Two training sessions were offered for newer members to hone their skills. Investments were also made in the fleet with several new high-performance boats purchased and/or donated. We also invested in new radios. 

Sailing

The sail committee also had an active season, beginning with the first Brooklyn Urban Sunfish Challenge, offering regional area clubs the opportunity to race alongside Sebago sailors, a fully subscribed two-day instructional class, and a full season of weekly cruises and races culminating with a final race and post-race celebration.

Canoe

The canoe committee continues to train engineering students from the CCNY and NYU concrete canoe teams.  NYU placed in the top ten at the national concrete canoe race. Impressive for a team of freshmen novice canoeists! On the docket for next year are trips to Bronx River, Passaic River and the Great Swamp.

All-Committees

One of my favorite outings of the year, which I hope we repeat next year, was the evening all-committee event that saw the sailboats, big canoes, and kayaks all heading to Ruffle Bar.  After facing the wind and waves everyone convened in the clubhouse and shared food and drink. All our committees — kayaking, canoeing, rowing, and sailing — once again supported our community outreach with volunteers on land and on water making it a fun day for our visitors. 

THANK YOU!

It was a busy season and none of it would have happened without hundreds of hours of volunteer contributions from so many of you.  As our year closes and the 2025 invoices are prepped, the review of the work log always serves as a good reminder of what it takes to keep the club running smoothly, showing both the extraordinary range of tasks and the number of people involved in our day-to-day operations. Thank you all!

—Beth Eller