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<\/a>From left: Eugene Kharlamb, rear commodore; Krissy Madrid, secretary; Pattie Cunningham, past commodore; and Ruth Witzum, past commodore. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman\/Brooklyn Eagle<\/p>\nAfter the meeting, flags were raised in an outside ceremony for each flag officer: commodore, vice commodore, rear commodore and fleet captain.<\/p>\n
Newly minted Commodore Dexter Buell told the Brooklyn Eagle that he sees his biggest challenge this year as providing care and maintenance of club facilities and accessible sailing opportunities for beginners as well as experienced sailors.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFostering the club\u2019s mission of promoting the sport of sailing is the best part of this job,\u201d Buell said. \u201cI get to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with a huge variety of folks from all over Brooklyn, and I really enjoy that part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buell pointed out that each year, commissioning day provides not only a fresh opportunity to celebrate the beginning of the sailing season but also to reflect on where Miramar stands as a club.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m pleased to report that Miramar remains in sound financial health,\u201d Buell said. \u201cIt\u2019s our goal to keep a steady hand on stewardship while ensuring that the club remains financially sustainable and accessible.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Buell also noted that Miramar has made a concerted effort to improve its operations department. \u201cWe have begun work on implementing a software-based club management system that will better support membership records, communications, billing and scheduling,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Buell, who is from the Pacific Northwest, grew up sailing small boats on the rivers and lakes around the region. He learned the ropes of coastal navigation from his father and uncle, who were both lifelong sailors. Before settling down to raise a family in Brooklyn\u2019s Windsor Terrace, he made several offshore passages, stretching from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Bermuda, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and the south coast of Ireland.\u00a0<\/p>\n Growing membership\u00a0<\/p>\n Joseph Martino, who handles marketing and public relations for Miramar, said he is always looking to grow the club\u2019s membership.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a>Members give their undivided attention to speakers. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman\/Brooklyn EagleKeeping a steady hand on stewardship<\/p>\n<\/a>Irving Shapiro, 94, has been a Miramar member for more than 65 years. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman\/Brooklyn Eagle<\/p>\n