For decades, Barefoot Sailing Club has been fortunate to have a pontoon boat — currently Favored End — that serves as the backbone of many of our on-water events. And for just as long, Aqualand Marina (now Safe Harbor Aqualand) generously provided a complimentary slip to house her. That courtesy has saved the club an estimated (now) $2,547 per year, and we are deeply grateful for the many years of that partnership.

Recently, the marina changed ownership, and the new management has unfortunately decided not to continue the complimentary slip arrangement. This means we're facing a decision as a club — and we want you, our members, to be part of making it.

What does Favored End actually do for us?

More than you might think. She sees active duty 6-7 times a year as an on the water support platform, including:

​​​

• Race Committee 

  • Dean Holcomb Poker Run

  • ​JHM Women Skippers Regatta (not needed in 2026)

  • Around Alone Regatta

  • Barefoot Open Regatta
     

• Socials

  • Blessing of the Fleet

  • Steak Out
     

• ​Community & Volunteering

  • LLA Shore Sweep
     

• Ad hoc Events, most recently:

  • ​July 3rd UYC Fireworks (2021 and 2024)

  • Spring Series flat starts (2023)

  • RC Training (2023)
     

She's in good shape, thanks to our volunteers.  As many of you know, Favored End is maintained by our current Bosun Bill Anchors and club volunteers. A couple of years ago, she received some significant love — thanks in large part to Chris, Bill, and Debbie! — including a new engine and a thorough refresh of numerous components such as the deck, storage box, rear access hatch, helm, and more. She's in better condition today than she's been in years, which makes this decision all the more worth thinking carefully about.
 

So what options are we working thru for 2027?
 

• Option 1 — Keep Favored End at the existing slip. We absorb much of the slip rental cost of approximately $2,600/year by increasing annual dues from $75 to $100. That's an increase of $25 per family per year — or about $2 a month.
   

• Option 2 — Keep Favored End, purchase a trailer, and plan on dry storage.  Dues will still need to increase $10 - $15 per year to cover the trailer and dry storage.  Plus we'll need dedicated volunteers to launch and recover Favored End those 6-8 times per year. 
   

• Option 3 — Sell Favored End with no planned dues increase.  With a recently replaced outboard motor, she's valued at something less than $9000. We would need to sell Favored End comfortably before our slip lease expires in March 31, 2027.  Proceeds from the sale along with $3350 from the Favored End Replacement fund would go back to the club, and we would create a fund to pay for pontoon boat rentals for when we need one.
   

• Option 4 — Let us know if you have another recommendation.  Perhaps you know someone on the lake with an available, club-accessible slip long-term?
   

All three options are reasonable paths. Keeping her preserves a club asset that enhances our events and our identity on the water. Selling her frees the club from an ongoing expense and puts money back in our treasury.

We want to hear from you.

​

This is your club, and this is your call. We'll be discussing our situation and choices at upcoming member meetings, and we will have a formal all-member vote in the fall to determine which path the club will follow.  In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the board (particularly Bill A. or David) with your thoughts.

​​