Incoming Commodore Joe Parris, right, gets a handshake from outgoing Commodore Mike Lee.
One of the most important ceremonies in the marine world is the Change of Watch. Officially, the event formalizes current leadership’s turning over the authority for management of an organization to incoming officers. For University Yacht Club, the event was held on the first Saturday of October.
Outgoing 2025-26 Commodore Mike Lee conducted the club’s October board meeting and presented his annual report of group’s accomplishments.
“During my year as Commodore we continued to put the club on a solid financial footing both by increasing our cash reserves and identifying new revenue-generating opportunities while enhancing club experiences,” Lee said.
Through strategic planning and innovative financial management, UYC completed several major dock improvement projects, increasing covered slip availability and enhancing the club’s waterfront facilities.
“We welcomed 11 new members and one returning member and further expanded member engagement through a robust program of club events that showed increased attendance,” Lee said. “None of this could have been accomplished without the support and work of our Bridge, Board of Governors and many committees that create and manage events for our members.”
Passing the torch
Incoming Commodore Joe Parris has been a club member for almost 24 years and spent the past 10 years in various committee and leadership roles to prepare for his term as Commodore. Following tradition, officers who serve on the Bridge (AKA executive committee) typically move up through Treasurer, Secretary, Rear Commodore, Vice Commode before becoming Commodore. That way they will have a keen understanding of each Bridge position when it’s their turn to lead.
Commodore Parris shared his goals for his 2026-27 term: membership growth, membership engagement, community engagement and responsible stewardship of the club’s facilities.
“And most importantly – having fun,” he said, receiving a huge round of applause from attendees.
Commodore Parris has introduced two new club traditions near to his heart: A Trim a Tree and Toys for Tots Party in December, and a “Burns Night,” to recognize his heritage and the birth, life and works of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns. “Before you ask,” he said with a smile, “there will be the wearin’ of the kilt on Burns Night! Every Commodore is allowed a few ‘personal indulgences’ during their term and these are my two.”
He has pledged to increase the club’s visibility in the community, to increase engagement between club members and various organizations and boating groups. The club currently provides a covered-slip for one of Hall County Sheriff’s marine patrol vessels.
Commodore Parris and his wife Melanie have both traveled around the globe in their careers. He is a former Special Agent, Supervisory Special Agent, & Post Retirement Contractor at FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation; a former Patrolman at City of Atlanta Police Department and studied Criminal Justic at Georgia State University.
Melanie Parris worked for the US Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer. The couple has lived in six foreign countries as a result of various work assignments.
This year’s Bridge is led by Commodore Joe Parris; Vice Commodore Randy Brown; Rear Commodore Judy King; Secretary Eric Ringwall; and Treasurer Brent Wilkinson.
To learn more about University Yacht Club, visit UniversityYachtClub.org.
Photo: by Pamela A. Keene
