December 2025 Mainsheet Newsletter
From the Commodore
Greetings, Sailors!
It’s alive! The brand-new Thunderbird Sailing Club website is now up and running: thunderbirdsailingclub.org.
Our goal was a site that’s simple, elegant, and easy to use—and we think we’ve nailed it! The previous site was a true Frankenstein, patched together over many years. Now, with a fresh design and modern integrations, you can join TSC, renew dues, and sign up for classes seamlessly through MembershipWorks and PayPal.
We’re still making a few adjustments, so please share your feedback as you explore.
A special thank-you to Kelly Burchett for her hours of work creating fresh, clear content for the redesign. This new website is more than a facelift—it’s a tool for communication, connection, and community growth.
Passing the Helm
As my term as LTEF President comes to a close, I want to thank the Board for their persistence and support through the past 18 months. The transition of TSC into the LTEF nonprofit has been a major effort, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come.
Together, we’ve strengthened leadership, expanded programs, and prepared for a future full of new sailors and adventures. I’m confident that the new LTEF Board will continue managing the club’s assets and mission with excellence.
Fair winds,
Mary Anne Secrist
Upcoming Events
🎄 Annual Holiday Party – December 13 @ 6 PM
It’s time to celebrate the season with your sailing family!
📍 The BoatHouse
🍽️ Food & Festivities:
The club will provide turkey and ham—please bring a dish to share.
- A–H: Appetizers & sides
- I–M: Mains
- N–S: Desserts
🎁 Gift Exchange: No Dirty Santa this year! If you’d like to join the gift-exchange game, bring a $10–$15 wrapped gift you’d enjoy receiving (nautical gifts encouraged).
✨ Evening Highlights:
- Installation of 2026 LTEF Board members
- Annual award presentations
- Prize for most festive attire
🎀 Deck the Halls: Help decorate the BoatHouse on Friday, Dec 12 from 2–4 PM.
🥶 New Year’s Day at the BoatHouse – January 1 @ Noon
Ring in 2026 TSC-style! Watch the tri-athletes’ annual Polar Plunge into Lake Thunderbird, then warm up with a shared potluck lunch. Weather permitting, we’ll sail into the new year—mitts and hats optional!
Bring your favorite dish to share and join us for laughter, warmth, and (maybe) a quick dip.
Sharing Sailing in the Community
🎃 Halloween Fun at Calypso Cove
Jerry and Linday Lojka brought a bright yellow Zest sailboat to the State Park’s Trick-or-Treat event on October 23. The eye-catching display drew lots of attention from curious kids—and maybe a few future sailors!
🌦️ National WeatherFest 2025
On November 1, Mike Klatt and Jim LaDue represented TSC at the National WeatherFest, where more than 4,000 visitors explored exhibits from helicopters to meteorologists. Rigging a Zest outdoors was a breeze, and the team inspired countless guests to learn more about sailing.
🧹 Winter BoatHouse Cleanup
Thanks to our hardworking volunteers for preparing the BoatHouse and boat yard for winter: Jim LaDue, Jim Eller, Jerry Lojka, Paul Reynolds, Walt Hedrick, Jim Waller, Alva Brockus, and Mary Anne Secrist.
Announcements
⚓ 2026 Leadership Team
President: James LaDue
Vice President: Alva Brockus
Secretary: Kim Heaton
Treasurers: Craig Heaton & Jim Waller
Fleet Captain: Phil Moershel
Fleet Management: Beau Montgomery
BoatHouse Management: Jim Eller
Education Committee / Sailing School: Jerry Lojka
Governance Chair: Jim Eller
Shared Boat Program: Mike Jablonski
Membership: Mary Anne Secrist & Kim Heaton
Monthly Programs: Mike Klatt
Outreach, Website & Mainsheet: Mary Anne Secrist, Alva Brockus, Kelly Burchett
Tri-Athlete Representative: Vanessa Wynn
Tech Tip: Demystifying the Outboard Motor (Part 1)
Ever had your outboard motor refuse to start just when you’re heading in? Here are quick checks before you panic:
- Fuel line connection: Securely attached? Not pinched? Bulb firm?
- Gas tank: Vent open half-turn? Enough fuel? Correct tank selected?
- Kill switch: Properly clipped in?
- Flooded engine? Disconnect fuel line, push choke in, open throttle, pull several times, wait 10 minutes, then restart without choke.
Stay tuned for Part 2: How to Avoid “Flooding the Engine.”
See You on the Water!
From community outreach to cozy winter gatherings, 2025 has been a year of growth, teamwork, and sailing spirit.
Thank you for being part of the Thunderbird Sailing Club community—here’s to calm winds, full sails, and new adventures in 2026!
Would you like me to carry this same layout into January 2026’s post once that newsletter comes out—so the blog has a consistent monthly format?