Greetings! My name is Philip Strause, and I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors this year. This marks my third year as a Board Director and my fourth year on the Board overall, having previously served as Port Captain in 2022. Before joining the club as a member, I was employed as BYC’s General Manager from 2018 to 2021.
This year, I have also taken on a role in the Membership Committee. As part of this initiative, I encourage everyone to be a part of our “Welcoming Committee!”
One of the greatest aspects of the Berkeley Yacht Club is its warm and inviting atmosphere. I have known our club to be the kind of place where you can feel comfortable striking up a conversation with anyone. We are amongst the friendliest clubs on the bay.
I know many of you, but there are many new faces around the club who I have yet to connect with. I’d love to give a little bit of background about myself in hopes of making it easier to strike up conversation around the club!
My passion for sailing ignited shortly after high school. Since then, I have raced aboard a J/105 in the Chesapeake Bay, sailed a 1966 Bristol 27 from Annapolis to Key West, moved out west and met a fellow sailor (whom I later married at BYC), bought and cruised a 1965 Islander 32, and now own and race a 1976 Santa Cruz 27.
Beyond sailing, I enjoy riding motorcycles, working on our 1977 MGB, training for endurance sports, and, along with my wife, am currently building a sliding seat rowboat in our backyard.
My journey with the Berkeley Yacht Club began in 2015 when I moved to the East Bay from Virginia by way of Colorado.
I currently work as a sailing instructor at Modern Sailing and assist clients in the world of residential real estate as an agent with Compass.
In the coming year, I encourage you to take the time to engage with as many club members, and new-to-you club members, as possible. I also urge you to invite your not-yet-member friends to experience our club. Berkeley Yacht Club is a space for us all to use, enjoy, and make our own. The best way to grow and improve our community is by continually welcoming new people. Your participation in this effort is invaluable.
I challenge each of you to encourage at least one new person to join BYC as a member this year. Each new member strengthens our community and contributes to "a rising tide that lifts all ships.”
As another saying goes:
"There are wood ships, and there are good ships. There are ships that sail the seas. But the best ships are the friendships that are made at BYC."
Fair winds, and I look forward to seeing you around the club! Please do not hesitate to say hello!
Commenti