Shelter Island Yacht Club members can get takeout starting Friday from the club restaurant. And, launch service may resume, too, with safety measures in place for social distancing.
But given the restrictions due to the novel coronavirus, many SIYC events will likely have to be cancelled or modified, says the new commodore, Bruce Brewer, a retired doctor and resident of Shelter Island Heights.
The club commissioning, usually celebrated with a dinner dance, was to be held May 23, he said. Instead of a party where members catch up as they resume their summer sailing, the club will host a membership Zoom meeting.
“It’s certainly not a normal year,” Dr. Brewer told the Gazette, noting that as a non-essential business the club cannot open for its usual operations.
“Safety is number one,” Dr. Brewer said. “We are going by the guidelines of the local government and state as to when and what we can provide to members this year.”
Meantime, racing is scheduled to begin Saturday, June 27, subject to change as needed. And the popular Junior Sailing program may yet take place, he said.
“We hope to start the season with a limited program June 20,” he said. “Most likely the groups will be smaller and we’ll possibly staggered drop-offs.”
Typically, the clubhouse offers bar and restaurant services on weekends in the early season, mid-May to mid-June. The club plans to follow that pattern starting May 15. But meals will be for takeout only with dinners on Thursday and Friday and lunch and dinner Saturday and Sunday.
Mariana Koehler, the club food and beverage manager, says the club’s chowder and burger, along with other long-standing menu favorites will be available along with a la carte and family meals.
“The wine list and traditional rum punch and commodore’s margarita will also be available to go,” Koehler said, but not carbonated beverages or cocktails. Ordering is noon to 3PM for pickup between 5 and 8PM.
