October 2, 2001

Dear Members,

The club is still closed and will remain so for the indefinite future.  There are many important issues we are working on such as salvaging our boats from North Cove, the severe economic impact to the club and the future of the club as a whole.

The harbor has been opened by the USCG to boating between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Theoretically, members could sail on club boats from our Jersey City docks.  However, we have decided that now is not the time or place for our club to start sailing. 

First, we want to reopen the club with proper respect and acknowledgement of what has happened.  This includes a remembrance of members, friends and acquaintances who did not survive the attack, a stock-taking of who we are as a club and a people and a vision of the future which will include hope.

Second, we do not want to add any more jobs to our staff which is already overloaded with the difficulties created by the attack and subsequent closure of our club's location.  Trying to establish membership sailing at this time would be another time burden which could be short-sighted.

Third, before allowing members to sail club boats in the harbor, we will have to reevaluate safety protocols and create training so that all members are properly briefed on the new rules and exclusion zones.

For these reasons, we are not opening the club at this time. 

I have learned that in times of great challenge, one of the critical traits is patience.  Today, I am asking all club members to be patient.

I recognize that many club members wish to go sailing in the harbor.   I recognize that sailing could be an important way for many of us to deal with the trauma and unsettling feelings created by the attack.  I too wish to go sailing, to lead us back into the harbor and to come to grips with our new reality.

But there is a correct and proper way to proceed and we must keep our club pointing towards that course.

The club website has been updated with information since the attack.   You can click on at www.myc.org and follow the link from the main page.  We will continue to update this page every other day to keep you informed of how we are moving forward.

We will not remove our boats from North Cove until the very last moment or until we are ordered to do so.  If necessary, we will extend the sailing season.  But it is my hope that we as a club will be able to sail once more this season as a tribute and in memory to those who are not with us now.

Tomorrow (Wednesday), members are encouraged to gather at the Model Boat Basin in Central Park from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Some members have rented model boats and there will be a series of "MYC" races.  This event was envisioned by Adam Goldberg.  Principle Race Officers Stephen Yip and Jean Yves Noblet will be there to run the competitions.  I also hope to be there in Commodore's uniform.  After sailing, members are invited to gather for drinks at Mo' Caribbean at 76th Street & Second Avenue.  I hope you will attend.  This will be a good opportunity members to see each other.

This weekend, we will reopen the sailing school from the Jersey City docks.  We are doing this out of economic necessity.  The school provides a significant amount of revenue for the club and we do not have business interruption insurance.  The cancellation of classes has caused severe economic harm to our club.   We need to recoup any revenue possible from the school this fall in order to help us survive this difficult time.  Information on the school reopening is at www.sailmanhattan.com.

I send all members my best wishes and look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Someone said on the phone earlier today that in times of great storms, sailors need to be resolved.  We are resolved and determined.  And we will navigate this storm safely although it may take longer than we expect.

- Michael W. Fortenbaugh - Commodore - Manhattan Sailing Club
Tel: 212-786-3323
www.myc.org
www.sailmanhattan.com