“HOW IT ALL STARTED”
From its inception in the early 1970’s, Cape Royale was a place which attracted boaters. As a promontory, jutting into the deepest and widest part of southern Lake Livingston, it was a natural place for a marina. As the population at the “Cape” grew, so did the boating community in the area. But, there were no organized boating activities.
About twelve years ago,1994, Dick Hoffman reasoned that if golfing associations were successful at the Cape, why wouldn't a boating association do as well? The Mitchell Development Staff thought there was merit in this idea, but didn't offer much help. When it became clear that the developer was going to leave the Cape, Mitchell Vice President, Bill Ross, told Dick that he thought the time was right to move forward. He wanted to have a group in place that would have a vested interest in the marina, and would act as a kind of "booster club" for boating activities after the Cape Royale Property Owners Association took over management responsibilities. With administrative help from Mitchell Development, Dick went to work - and CRBA was born!!
Several principles were established before the organizational activities began:
1. CRBA would not try to be a formal yacht club; however, it would be formal enough to have its own burgee, by-laws and activities.
2. It would embrace all types of boaters, including fishermen, sailors, and owners of Personal Water Craft (PWC’s). Membership would be "family" oriented.
3. Membership would also be open to all bona-fide boaters on Lake Livingston, even though CRBA would be headquartered at the Cape Marina, and would operate under the name of Cape Royale.
4. CRBA would have four divisions - Power Boating, Fishing, Sailing, and
Personal Water Craft (PWC). (After a couple of years, lack of interest led to the elimination of the PWC division.)
Hoffman drafted a letter, outlining the concepts of CRBA, and asked for a show of interest. The developer mailed the letter to all Cape Royale property owners. More than 130 favorable responses were received. With that kind of enthusiasm, things began to move fast! Fourth of July was only a couple of weeks away, and some of the new members talked about a patriotic boat parade. Signs went up, a letter was sent out, and what is now a tradition, began with nearly 30 decorated boats.
Still, without a single officer or committee in place, it was really time for some organization. Gray Miller secured a copy of the Houston Yacht Club By-Laws, and Hoffman modified them to meet CRBA's needs. But how could an organization function without officers? Along came the first Annual Street Dance, and still no one had come forward. In desperation, Dick buttonholed leader types at the dance, and "shamed" them into accepting their new jobs. Gray became the first Rear Commodore of the Power Boating Division. Hoping against hope that someone else would do the top job, Dick reluctantly agreed to become the first CRBA Commodore. Communication among the new members was vital, so he quickly became Editor (and sole reporter) of a monthly newsletter which is now the FOGHORN. Sheila Keith took on the job of Publisher, as well as Secretary/Treasurer. In those early years, Sheila did an outstanding job and CRBA will always be in her debt.
Some of the early boaters that attended the first organizational meeting were Dick Hoffman, Paul Hoffman, Gray Miller, Joe & Linda Bury, Kathy & Jim Smaistrla, Carl & Sheila Keith, Rusty & Christa Brewington, Jimmie & Katie Smith, Norman & Lee Matticks, Elgean Shield, Steven & Diane Colburn, and Tom Fisher. Tom was instrumental in getting the flag pole erected at the breakwater. In the beginning, CRBA also had a Safety & Communications Committee, comprised of Linda Bury & Steven Colburn. Steven and Dick Garrett installed the radio and antenna at the marina.
The great thing about the new organization is that it almost had a life of its own. For the first year, the membership was ahead of the Officers. Things really came together in January following startup. The first Commodore’s Ball was a new concept for Cape Royale. But the Commodore was determined that it would have all the trappings of yachting tradition. Invitations called for coats and ties (blazers preferred), with the ladies in equally grand attire. Food was first-rate, and King Neptune made his first visit to be sure that these boating neophytes did things according to time-honored maritime protocol. Before new Officers received their pennants, there was an “initiation” ceremony presided over by the King himself, establishing a tradition for banquets in the future.
By completion of the first year, a pattern was set which has worked well ever since. Membership settled in at around 115 families, and remarkably, has remained near that number ever since. Competent Officers have come forward as needed, and have charted a proper course with a steady hand at the helm. The enthusiastic and dedicated work of CRBA’s founders and charter members bodes well for successful continuation of the organization for years to come.