Welcome to BAIR ISLAND NEWS, BIAC's electronic newsletter. The purpose of BIN is to communicate with members about the Center's activities and programs, to promote a greater sense of community within BIAC, and to spread awareness of BIAC's activities beyond the membership list.

Your comments and contributions are always welcome. Please email them to the editor, Craig Canine. Thanks!

On November 9, nearly 100 boats representing 15 different clubs and more than 500 athletes entered and raced in the RedHead Regatta.  The weather looked iffy that morning and rain was predicted, but the sun broke through the clouds and a spectacular rainbow made a great day of rowing seem even better. We even netted a profit for BIAC.

Although the RedHead was a great success, we will be going back to our traditional Fall Regatta on the San Mateo Lagoon next year (on November 14th, to be exact). Plus, plans are in the works for BIAC's newest regatta - the Henley by the Bay. It will be a dual 2k race run in the traditional Henley format. It will be held at Redwood Shores on May 1-2. So 2004 promises to be BIAC's biggest regatta year yet. Mark your new year's calendars now!

A big "Thank You" to all those who made the RedHead a fun, safe, well-organized, and successful event -- especially Regatta Director Kristin Henny (in photo at right), Regatta Committee Chair Kevyn Allard, Committee members Linda Lyddon, Karen Ugurbil, and George Willett (who designed the fabulous RedHead logo), Volunteer Czar Laura Foster, Volunteer Coordinator Erik Pearson, Course Marshall Mike Martinez, and a supporting cast of thousands -- well, dozens, anyway. Rumor has it that Mike also took lots of photos, which we will post on the BIAC website as soon as they're available. See the next issue of BIN for a link.

Of course, although Jef plans to put in significant time to keep Center equipment in good repair, members will need to do their part as well. This includes learning the proper and safe way to use the sweep equipment, informing Jef of problems in a timely manner, and participating in Sweep Rowing Work Days (Jef will be announcing shortly the first Sweep Work Day for 2004 -- it will probably be a Saturday in late January -- so stay tuned!)

In particular, Jef would like to remind all rowers to tie down all boats properly after using them. On one recent weekend, the Blue Heron blew off the rack, and will be out of commission for a while pending fiberglass repairs. In addition, the Maruja wasn't tied down, and one of the SVC boats had shifted almost completely off the rack. So please, TIE DOWN THOSE BOATS!

Also, don't forget to lock private boats to the racks. The only incident of theft or vandalism occurred last year around the holidays, when there weren't many people around the boatyard. This year, we hope the new fence and gate will help deter people who have no business on the property, but it's no substitute for a sturdy lock and cable.

- David Abraham

Happy Holidays! Happy New Year! And GO BAIR!