MOORING COMMITTEE MEETING & BOARD MEETING Tuesday, December 9th. COMMODORE S CUP SSS XMAS PARTY BOAT PARADE LASER CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday, December 13th

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1 MOORING COMMITTEE MEETING & BOARD MEETING Tuesday, December 9th MOTLEY CREW RACE BOTY Sunday, December 14th MOTLEY CREW RACES Sunday s in 1 pm COMMODORE S CUP SSS XMAS PARTY BOAT PARADE LASER CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday, December 13th NEW YEAR S EVE PARTY Wednesday, December 31st WORK PARTY Saturday, December 20th

2 I hope this finds everyone having a happy holiday season. In these tough economic times, lets all take time out and give a big thanks for all we have. If you would like to submit something for the Burgee, please send electronically by the 20th of each month to sailingemma@hotmail.com. Thanks to all who regularly contribute. Special thanks also to Mike Burwell for submitting the cover shot of his girl, Sea Saw, taken by Jason Roznos. Page Ken Thompson Parkway, PO Box 1927 Sarasota, Florida Manager: Greta Dabringhaus Assistant Manager: Joanne Hawkes Maintenance Technician: Kacy Knope Phone: Fax: sss@sarasotasailingsquad.com Commodore: John MacKay ( ) jamackay@aol.com Vice Commodore: Dave Curry ( ) davidcurr9@gmail.com Rear Commodore: Steve McCormack ( ) smccormack_99@yahoo.com Treasurer: Tom Dieter ( ) tom@actionmgt.biz Secretary: Dave Jennings ( ) David.jennings@skysothebys.com Measurer: Alan Capellin ( ) acapellin@yahoo.com Fleet Captain: Sara Allen ( ) sarataos@newmex.com Race Captain: Rich Muro ( ) rich@testrack.com Social Coordinator: Danny Wiedenhoft ( ) sailpapa@aol.com Education Coordinator: Stuart Gilfillen ( ) stuart_gilfillen@hotmail.com From The Editor Cheers, Lindsay From the Commodore "Sailing Squadron members, I hope you got a chance to see "Morning Light" the Disney film, featuring not only Chris Branning but his charming mother Barbara, as well. It was an inspiring story about the most recent TransPac race. The film ran for several days and I bet it will be back on a regular schedule. The Sailing Squadron helped John MacKay the YSP to turn this into a fund raiser and hopefully gained some good notices for the squadron as well. I want to thank all of you for your help in the past year. We have been doing a lot of things and have been successful in most of them. Hiring a new manager, hiring a new maintenance man, working with the YSP to increase the size of the summer classes and extending our least without added fees for another year. We are in the process of having the City of Sarasota become the lessee for the mooring field, so that we will not have to pay commercial rates for the million or so square feet of submerged bottom land there. If we had chosen to pay the commercial fees, they would have been over $150,000 a year, a steep price to expect moored boat owners to pay for that space. And we could have gone ahead and done so in July, after we were approved by the DEP. Instead, with the city as applicant, there will be some fees but they will amount to around $20,000 per year, or $167 dollars per boat per year, about $14 a month, much more reasonable. We don't know the final figure for this but it should be in that ballpark. We will be performing a valuable service to the city, as the second mooring field with approval, one of a hand-full in all of Florida. As I said earlier, the city has extended our existing lease for one year. I signed the lease extension on November 20 and the Mayor will sign within a few days, making it official. Some details are in order. We will be required to report to the city once a month, on the 10th of each month, the progress we are making on the final DEP approval. We will be allowed and indeed, encouraged to hold special events for fund raisers, of benefit to the city and the squadron. We have some added insurance requirements, and a hold harmless statement to be provided to the city for each event, but no other real restrictions. As you may or may not know, we voted in the September board meeting to limit such events, as the city had proposed having us collect a fee from the organization to forward to the city. I am 100 percent against our being a tax collector for the city, especially from non-profits. We will (Continued page 7) have to revisit our Sep-

3 Here Comes The Judge by Jim Krienen Congratulations to the incoming Board Members and thank you to those who recently served. The Election Committee reports another orderly election capped the 2008 Annual Membership Meeting on November 23, Membership election participation was down this year with a somewhat disappointing 20% voter turnout. Perhaps the membership was suffering from PEFS 'Presidential Election Fatigue Syndrome', a common aliment following a raucous election cycle. As your Election Judge, I would like to thank the Election Committee for their steady hand which includes: Dave Ash, Peter Thompson, Mike Burwell, and Ron Malizio with special thanks to club Manager, Greta Dabringhaus. YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR ARE: COMMODORE: Alan Pressman VICE COMMODORE: John Huber REAR COMMODORE: Steve McCormack TREASURER: Tom Castleman SECRETARY: David Jennings FLEET CAPTAIN: Sara Allen RACE CAPTAIN: Stuart Gilfillen MEASURER: Lawson Mitchell SOCIAL COORDINATOR: Cassandra Roznos EDUCATION COORDINATOR: Michelle Lee Page 3

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6 . Cruising (with) Class Looms Ahead Cruising (with) Class A good lookout is worth their weight in diamonds. Shoals ahead! can save you a lot of time, money and heartache. Shrimpboat converging on the port bow! can save you dismemberment at sea. So you should be hearing Cruising (with) Class dead ahead! and run for all you re worth. Yes, it s that time of year again when Stan Zimmerman discourses on the pleasure and perils of sailing Florida s southwest coast. At great length. And maybe even a little depth of understanding. Cruising (with) Class is an eight-week course for people new to the art of voyaging in a sailboat. Or for experienced cruisers new to our coast. It starts Wednesday, January 7th at 7 pm in the clubhouse. Classes will cover weather, currents, coastal piloting, emergencies, cooking, self-steering and much more. Each class will feature an anchorage for cruisers, and an important sailor s knot. The class is free and open to the public. Students are encouraged to bring paper, pencil and a hank of line to practice the knots. The class is based upon traditional sailor skills. Don t expect GPS instructions, waypoint discussions or microwave tips. The class also assumes you know the fundamentals of sailing, including basic terminology. It starts Wednesday, January 7th at 7 pm sharp. If you re late, don t interrupt. Oh yes, turn off your cell phone. Zimmerman loves to answer cell phones. Commodore (Continued) tember vote to allow this to resume, without fees. Four of the City Commission members voted for our lease extension. Voting against was Mayor Lou Ann Palmer. She called me several days before to explain this. She wanted us to have a long term lease before she retires next year, with some reasonable escalation in fees, but not the jump proposed by the city initially. I know we can call on her to help us negotiate a good long-term lease in the coming months. Commissioner Fredd Atkins visited last Tuesday, the 18th of November and I took him on a tour of the club. He had arrived earlier than expected and I thank Jim Mackey for spending time with his as well. Even though Jim claims to be a crazy man, he is very level headed, in my opinion. Just kidding Jim. Commissioner Atkins wanted us to make more of our community wide efforts in the coming year and also told us we would have to come to terms with what the City Manager, Robert Bartolotta, want to see in terms of rent from non-profits. We'll see. The city gives away a lot of money to organizations and private developers and I would like to see them change their policy of making money from non-profits and not-for-profits to a $1 per year lease for all. Last, but not least, there are two people running for Commodore, as is intended in the bylaws, and I am not sure if I will be your Commodore for the coming years as the November 23 General Meeting is still a couple of day away. If I am your choice, I thank you for your confidence and will try my best to move the club forward in the coming year. And if I am not your choice, thank you again for your help for the past year and I will just hang out. Keep Sailing, John MacKay" Page 6

7 ATTENTION MOORING OWNERS Annual mooring inspections for 2008 have been completed. Many repairs re necessary. If you need the report from your inspection, please contact the office. PLEASE - If you are a mooring owner and you make ANY changes or repairs to your moorings or the type and size of boat on it changes, make a call to the office at or send an to greta@sarasotasailsquad.com, and give all the new information or updates. This includes a renter's name if you rent out your mooring. BOAT OWNERS ON MOORINGS Please check your boats and pennants often!! THANK YOU & Happy Sailing! AN ADVERTISING SPACE LIKE THIS IS AN ECONOMICAL WAY TO REACH ALL 900+ MEMBERS OF THE SSS! FOR DE- TAILS, CONTACT THE SQUADRON OF- FICE AT BUSINESS CARD SIZE ADS ARE ONLY $25 PER MONTH OR $250 A YEAR. ATTENTION BOAT U.S. MEMBERS Current Boat U.S. Members wishing to renew at the reduced rate of $12.50 should write the group name and number on their renewal bills and return them to Boat U.S. If you should have any questions, feel free to call me directly... Co-op Group Liaisons Shonda Ledbetter (800) ext Group Name: Sarasota Sailing Squadron Group #: GA82296S HELP KEEP OUR SQUADRON BEAUTIFUL! If you use the kitchen, it is your responsibility to clean up after yourself. If you see trash on the ground either inside or outside of the clubhouse, please pick it up and dispose of it properly. GROUNDS NOTICE MASTS If you are the owner of a mast that is laying around the grounds of the Squadron, please stop by the office and identify it or it will be discarded. Thank you! *** ALSO...If you live near the transfer station at 8750 Bee Ridge Road, we occasionally have items that need to be disposed of properly. If you would like to volunteer for this job, please contact Joanne at *** Help keep your club beautiful! TO ALL MEMBERS A FRIENDLY REMINDER When there is no room in the parking lot, please park outside the gate. If you absolutely must park in front of someone s boat, please leave your keys in the car, so it can be moved if needed. Blocking someone's boat may lead to your car being towed at your own expense. Thank you. Page 7

8 Charles H. Ball & Associates, P.A First Street Sarasota, FL Phone: Fax: HANG OUT WITH SOME COOL PEOPLE The Sailing Squadron is looking for office help. Whether you re a single-tasker or a multi-tasker, we can use you. Knowledge of QuickBooks helpful. Drop by the office or sss@sarasotasailingsquad.com. Providing services for all real estate needs, issuance of title insurance, probate, condominium, criminal and civil needs. Purchase CD - $10 - to SSS Down Memory Lane - Preserve Forever Musical Tributes to Sarasota Sailing Squadron's Past Esteemed Manager, Pat Murphy Toast to Joanne Hawkes, Assistant Manager Vocal and Arrangements by Charrellis Charlson Words to "Wearin' O' The Green" by Michael Holahan Words to Sailor's Shantey by Harry Phillips Benefit: Youth Sailing Program Contact the office or Harry Phillips at phillihi33@yahoo.com SQUADRON BASEBALL CAPS MANY NEW COLORS! ONLY $14 EACH AQUA, LIGHT PINK, DARK PINK, DENIUM, LIGHT BLUE Report Manatee Sightings! There are Manatee Sighting Forms by the office in the clubhouse. If you see a manatee anywhere around the Squadron, please complete and submit a form. If you get photos of the manatees, it is very helpful to submit them with your form. BAR TAB NOTICE THE LATE FEE FOR BAR TABS IS $10 BAR TABS ARE FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY. THANK YOU! LARGE TOTE BAGS $25 POLO SHIRTS WITH SQUADRON LOGO $25 LADIES COLORS: Pink, mango, tangerine Mens colors: light blue corporate blue, moss green Also Available: (Warm) Beanies Visors & Long Sleeve T-Shirts! Page 8

9 HAPPY & SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON SQUADRON OFFICE HOURS ARE WEDNESDAY MONDAY 9 AM TO 4 PM CLOSED TUESDAYS & MAJOR HOLIDAYS (EXCEPT REGATTAS) SQUADRON CLUB HOURS ARE 8 AM TO 10 PM What a GREAT work party we had in November! Lots of hard working people got lots of jobs done or at least started. Not even the rain stopped this crew! THANK YOU!! A sincere thank you goes out to Ruth and Chuck Nordman, who quietly come out here so very often and do so many wonderful little jobs. We notice and appreciate!! Please don't forget DECORATE THE CLUB FOR CHRISTMAS day on Saturday December 6th. Besides the decorating, there's still some spiffing up to do as well. If you have nice decorations or lights that you would like to donate, we'll appreciate it. We could use some new items. PLEASE GET US YOUR ADDRESSES AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. We have saved almost $1,800 in postage costs in the last 9 months!! If you are receiving the Breezy Blast every week and you are receiving your invoices and statements via , when applicable, then we already have your correct address. Thank you. Our condolences to Maurice Bresnahan for the loss of his wife, Mary ADDRESSES FOR THE OFFICE STAFF: GRETA@SARASOTASAILINGSQUAD.COM JOANNE@SARASOTASAILINGSQUAD.COM SQUADRON MAIN ADDRESS: SSS@SARASOTASAILINGSQUAD.COM Page 9

10 TO VIEW A FULL COLOR EDITION OF THE BURGEE VISIT: The Green Sailing Poker Run held on 11/29/2008 was a success! Sponsored by Sailmonster.com, the event raised a whopping $2,000 and collected over 200+ toys or Toys for Tots This is another great example of the Squadron and it s members and the sport giving back to the community! Thanks to everyone who helped make this event happen. A very special thanks to Joanne Hawkes and Kasey Kope, who s efforts were irreplaceable! Sailmonster is currently planning to sponsor it s next event at the SSS in the March-April 2009 timeframe. If all goes as planned, the 1st Annual Pat Murphy Regatta, a tribute to the fixture Pat is and all he has contributed to the SSS over the years, will take place. Further details will be passed along as they are received. Any sponsors or volunteers are urged to contact Jason or Cassandra Roznos at Page 10

11 ATTENTION ALL BOAT OWNERS The Burgee - December 2008 In order to keep your boat at The Squadron, you must have VALID INSURANCE COVER- AGE. (Standing Rules - Section II. General; Item L) Please make sure the office always has a copy of your current boat insurance coverage. You can: bring in a copy, fax it in to or scan and to joanne@sarasotasailingsquad. com. Each time you renew your insurance, usually on an annual basis, you MUST resubmit it to the office. Please make sure the expiration date is clearly legible. INSURED INSURED INSURED THANK YOU!! Finance Specialist Brian R. Hays LIC. R.E. BROKER LIC. MORTGAGE BROKER Buying or Selling Mortgage Needs Cell: (941) Fax: (941) info@BrianHays.com V essels of Freedom, Harbors of Healing... Boats - Kenny Chesney Page 11

12 The Burgee - December 2008 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 E SCOWS LUFFING 12:00 PM DECORATE LASSIES THE 9:00 AM CLUBHOUSE FOR THE HOLIDAYS 10:00 AM FALL SUNDAY SERIES #4 MOTLEY CREW RACE 1:00 PM LASER DIS- TRICT 13 CHAMPION- SHIPS MOTLEY CREW RACE 1:00 PM BOTY EVENT 7 MOORING CRUISING 8 9 E SCOWS 10 LUFFING LASER DIS- 13 COMMITTEE MEETTING 12:00 PM SWOBS TRICT 13 (WITH) LASSIES CHAMPION- CLASS (Sailors Without 6:00 PM SHIPS 9:00 AM 7:00 PM Boats) CHRISTMAS PARTY BOARD MEETING 7:00 PM -Office Closed E SCOWS 17 LUFFING WORK 20 12:00 PM PARTY LASSIES 9:00 AM 9:00 AM CRUISING (WITH) CLASS 7:00 PM SSS XMAS PARTY 6:00 PM COMMO- DORE S CUP 1:30 PM BOAT PARADE 6:00 PM PRIVATE PARTY JAN-FEB BURGEE -Office Closed- DEADLINE MOTLEY 21 CREW RACE 1:00 PM Christmas Eve CRUISING (WITH) CLASS 7:00 PM -Office Closed- MOTLEY CREW RACE NEW YEAR S 1:00 PM EVE PARTY 9:00 PM CRUISING (WITH) CLASS 7:00 PM FOLK CONCERT -Office Closed- Page 12

13 The Burgee - December 2008 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY LUFFING LASSIES 9:00 AM FLYING SCOT TEAM RACE FALL SUNDAY SERIES #2 MOTLEY CREW RACE 1:00 PM FLYING SCOT REGATTA MOTLEY CREW RACE 1:00 PM BOTY MOTLEY CREW RACE 1:00 PM FALL SUNDAY SERIES #3 MOTLEY CREW RACE 1:00 PM BOTY EVENT LUFFING LASSIES 9:00 AM MOORING WORK 17 COMMITTEE LUFFING PARTY MEETTING LASSIES 9:00 AM 6:00 PM 9:00 AM BOARD MEETING 7:00 PM FEB-MAR BURGEE DEADLINE LUFFING LASSIES 9:00 AM FOLK CONCERT 7:15 PM -Office Closed- -Office Closed- -Office Closed- -Office Closed- HANGOVER REGATTA LUFFING LASSIES 9:00 AM FLYING SCOT REGATTA Page 13

14 Please see the back of your directory for REGATTA DOCK RULES If you have any questions about docking, please stop by the office. Thank you. Feline Election Results Marc Dwiel 2620 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida (941) Ext Fax (941) Commodore Cleat I have been elected as the Commodore for another year, and my catly cabinet includes Stormy as Vice Commodore, due to her seniority, JoJo as Rear Commodore, due to his ability to catch rats, Angelina as secretary, due to her excellent pawmanship, and Sylvester, of course, as Social Coordinator. Our agenda will be a can of cat food in every bowl. We would especially like to thank all of our supporters who have made donations to our campaigns: Mike Smith & Katie, and Angie Fry &Tom Alvord. Also thanks to Greg Kalish, who has volunteered to feed us on Sundays, Chris Mera who has repaired our cat feeding station, and Mike Burke, who has offered to care for any sick cats. A Purry Christmas to all from Santa Claws! COMMODORE CLEAT Don t sell your boat! GIVE IT TO THE KIDS!!! The Sarasota Youth Sailing Program needs donations! Pay NO SALES TAX on boats purchased from the SYSP! Call for updated list new boats come in regularly. Boats can be seen at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, City Island, 1515 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL Phone SYSP is a 501c(3) Non-Profit Corporation P.O. Box 2706 Sarasota, FL REMINDER VOLUNTEER TIME vs. OPT-OUT We really do prefer your volunteer time versus the $80 opt-out payment! There are always several projects to be done or that are in the works. You are welcome to come anytime but the work days are Wednesday and Saturday mornings, usually 9- Noon, with the bigger work party days being the 3rd Saturday of every month. We do understand if you just can't put in your 8 (or more) hours a year, so if you haven't already sent in your 2008 $80 Opt-Out payment, please do so at your earliest convenience. Thank you. Page 14

15 GREAT PUMPKIN REGATTA Stakes were high as USSailing informed the Squadron they would base their final determination for 2008 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year on performances at today's Great Pumpkin Regatta. Big ups to Race Captain Rich Muro for running five bang-bang races for Scots and PHRF fleets. In the time it took to eat breakfast this AM the Bay area went from muggy and drizzle to zero humidity and mod breeze. By noon the big boats and eight Scots had and a light chop with sunshine. In the end Ron and Barry prevailed, though after race 4 Don Stuart the TwinemFam Bob Sara and Jeff Chuck all were looking like Rolex models. At no point was the entire fleet separated by more than a few boatlengths. In the weeks ahead, check out Ron's new, molded one-piece rad racing c b trunk cap. Very nice lust object - ranks with the Trailex trailer. Let's keep in mind team racing next, and 'the big one' in two weeks. Go Rays, Chuck Articles: Chuck Tanner Photos: Rich Muro FLORIDA FLYING SCOT SERIES, at SSS Election week concluded with the annual Florida State Flying Scot Series race held at Sarasota, and as expected, onedesign sailors from Florida to Quebec won by a landslide. Big thanks to Allan and Jocelyn Broadribb (there are no better regatta managers to be found anywhere) and their team of great regatta people, Lainie and Marshall Pardey for setting the whole program up, Bill Brandenburg, Mark Scheffee, and Dave Olson who sprinted the weekend-long marathon, building five perfect courses. Air was cool and dry as Allan hit the seabreeze button late Saturday morning. How great is Sarasota Bay? Four long races were then knocked out on a perfect day one, with a final longer race early Sunday. The fleet was big and tight enough that even with three bullets in the first four races Marshall Pardey couldn t break free. When the dust settled, current Florida State Series Champs Jim Egan and Richard Elsishans had the win, followed closely by Davis Island s Dave and Kim Thinel, SSS s Ron Pletsch / Barry Milbourne, and John / Susan Domagala. The top ten boats were jammed into about ten overall points. Did I mention the racing was close? Many thank yous also to all Squadron members for showing our typical hospitality to Flying Scot families from all over the USA, in what has become an annual tradition at SSS. Chuck Page 15

16 SSS Volunteers November 12, 2008 Another productive day on Wednesday as club members took on a number of projects. Chris and Larry helped our expert carpenters Don and Ron put the backs on the cabinets they re building and worked on the roof as well. Ever wonder why all the trash bins are never full? Dennis and Sid toured the property as done twice every week and cleared out all the trash. Down at the boat launch debris was cleaned up by Dennis, Sid, and Al who trucked out a ton of flotsam and deposited it in the dumpsters. The kitchen was cleaned up by Carl, and I saw Wanda was working in the area as well. My partner Lucky and I sanded down the big SSS sign as you approach the clubhouse and prepared it for staining and painting. Even the cats at the club were taken care of. Chris fixed the floor boards of the cat feeder. Flying Scot District Regatta November 8t & 9th, 2008 Picture perfect weather with highs around 80 and breeze mostly between 8 and 14, can't get much better than that. Twenty three Scot teams enjoyed it to the fullest on beautiful Sarasota Bay Nov. 8 th & 9 th Big thanks to Allan and Jocelyn, Lainie and Marshall, Dave Olson and Mark Scheffee, and a host of other great people who made a great, big one-design event come together. Last year Ron Pletsch taught us that winning half the races is the kiss of death. Marshall didn't get the memo and knocked off three bullets out of four on the first day. The kiss of death thing still applied though, as current Florida champs Jim and Richard put together nice scores for the overall win, and Florida Governors Dave and Kim, and Ron and Barry, and John and Susan followed close behind pushing Marshall s team to 5th. It seemed like the top ten boats were separated by about six points overall. That's tight Scot yacht racing fer ya. See the District website for results and a report at Chuck/Jeff The report wouldn t be complete without mentioning Eddie, mainstay of the club, who makes sure the coolers and other refreshments are fully stocked for our members. We have a great club and the work of the volunteers makes it even better. Thanks to all who came out and donated their time. YOU ARE URGED TO CONTACT CITY OFFICIALS AND STAND BE- HIND THE CLUB S HISTORY, MIS- SION AND ONGOING CONTRIBU- TIONS TO THE COMMUNITY. FOR CITY COMMISSION: Mayor LouAnn.Palmer@Sarasotagov.com Commissioner Kelly.Kirschner@Sarasotagov.com Commissioner Richard.Clapp@Sarasotagov.com Commissioner Ken.Shelin@Sarasotagov.com Commissioner Fred.Atkins@Sarastoagov.com City Manager Robert.Bartolotta@Sarasotagov.com Page 16

17 MOTLEY CREW BOAT OF THE YEAR SERIES #3 RESULTS Page 17

18 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SUBMISSION CRITERIA This column consists of letters received in response to recent articles or to address other issues at large within the SSS. The purpose is to provide a forum for positive and constructive views on articles and matters published in the Burgee. The Editor requires that letters are expressed in a positive way, with avoidance of negative terms, grammar or descriptions. This column is not to be used for negative comments or innuendos about any person, product, device, company, institution, association or profession, whether intentional or not. The Burgee, as a publication, is presented as professional as possible, therefore, an appropriate standard of grammar and expression is expected. The author of the letter is responsible for ensuring the facts are accurate and encouraged to cite references. All letters may be edited for clarity and grammar, and the Editor reserves the right to print or edit all submissions. Letters to the Editor should be sent to sailingemma@hotmail.com and contain the subject line Letter to the Editor. Deadline is the 20th of each month. Submissions must include the author name and telephone number in order to provide means of verification. ALL ARTICLES & PHOTOS FOR SUBMISSION IN THE BURGEE SHOULD BE SENT ELECTRONICALLY TO: SAILINGEMMA@HOTMAIL.COM BY THE DEADLINE OF THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH. FILES THAT TRANSFER BEST ARE WORD, PDF OR PLAIN TEXT FILES. The Life of a Sailor My life as a sailor started 10 years ago at the young age of 55. Since I was born and raised in Kentucky, there wasn t a whole lot of exposure to sailing. All of my boating was in powerboats of various sorts on lakes and rivers. What if I wanted to go a different direction than the wind was blowing? A lifetime was spent growing up, education, job, Air Force, job, marriage, job, kids, kids growing up, getting jobs, etc, etc. Fast forward to 1998, we live in Bradenton, Florida and spend an occasional weekend at a mom & pop resort called the Silver Beach Resort (now a high rise luxury condo) on Longboat Key as a getaway. A friend of mine had said that the Sarasota Sailing Squadron was having their Labor Day Regatta and that I should check it out. So here we are on Longboat Key on Labor Day weekend! We decide to check out the sailing squadron since we are so close. That s the day my life as a sailor started! We were amazed at all of the activity going on. Everyone seemed so friendly and anxious to show us around. There were little kids going out in the small boats. There were women, young and old going out by themselves. There were larger boats getting their crew and stuff together. There were sails flapping in the wind and people and things were everywhere! WOW, I loved it! So much to learn (I learned that you don t have to go the same direction as the wind). How do they do that? After all the excitement died down, and they were all out on the bay, my wife and I hung around and chatted with folks that weren t racing that day. There were moms and dads of some of the kids, members that were there just because they love it, and of course there were the ones that had to make everything happen. As we were heading back to the resort that day, my wife said OK I m hooked! And I wasn t even fishing! Since then, we joined the Sailing Squadron, bought our first sailboat (a 22 O Day sloop), took Red Cross Sailing lessons, and tried to learn as much as possible about the sport. We now own our third and last boat. We plan to take off cruising someday. Since I have been sailing, I have done one Key West Race, two Mexico races, and multiple other smaller races. We have done several small weekend cruises to local spots (our Silver Beach Resort replacement). And then, there are the day sails on Sarasota Bay. This has given my wife and me something to do that we both enjoy. If it weren t for the Sarasota Sailing Squadron and all of the folks there, none of this would have happened. Thanks, Sarasota Sailing Squadron Dave and Carline Ash Page 18

19 The Burgee - December 2008 DECORATE THE CLUBHOUSE FOR THE HOLIDAYS! DECEMBER 6 AT 10:00 A.M. BRING IN 2009 AT THE SSS!! AN ADVERTISING SPACE LIKE THIS IS AN ECONOMICAL WAY TO REACH ALL 900+ MEMBERS OF THE SSS! FOR DETAILS, CONTACT THE SQUADRON OFFICE AT BUSINESS CARD SIZE ADS ARE ONLY $25 PER MONTH OR $250 A YEAR. LIVE MUSIC by SMOKIN BONES WILL ROCK IN 2009! WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31ST 9:00 PM Call Toll Free (866) Page 19

20 Attending: John MacKay, Commodore Sara Allen, Fleet Captain Steve McCormack, Rear Commodore Tom Dieter, Treasurer David Jennings, Secretary Stuart Gilfillen, Education Dave Curry, VC Greta Dabringhaus, Manager Absent: Rich Muro, Alan Capellin Sarasota Sailing Squadron Board of Directors Minutes of the October 14, 2008 Board Meeting Commodore MacKay called the meeting to order at 6:59 pm Minutes: September minutes were approved with changes. Sara Allen motion, Curry s second. All in favor. Treasurers Report: Tom Dieter has transferred $90,000 from a money market account to checking to fund the operating budget. September expenses were $42,746 and the checking account now has enough cash to get through the end of the year. A Board designated Building Fund was created based on the projected long term maintenance projections for our facilities. P & L is in order and the Finance Committee is updating our accounts, merging where possible, organizing, grouping, etc A new chart is forthcoming which will illustrate our budget. Managers Report: In September, average weekly sales were $1,265 and we took in 9 new members. YTD we have 103 new members, 124 cancelled and 887 total giving us a loss of 21 members. A new freezer was purchased and Kasey has started at his new position. Member Access: Lainie Pardey presented 2 Regatta budgets for upcoming events and appreciated the Commodores recent Burgee article regarding the Squadron s continued need for volunteer help managing Regattas. A top notch race committee in necessary and our pool of talent to draw from is growing smaller each year. We need to work on this challenge. Budgets were for a Flying Scot Regatta scheduled for November and a Laser Regatta scheduled for February. Her request to have the Squadron host these events was moved to new business. Ron Pletsch spoke about a Team Race planned for November 1 st and 2 nd. He expects 10 teams which is 20 boats. Their will be clinic Saturday morning explaining the rules of Team Racing. Bill Niblock, speaking on behalf of the Board Nominating Committee wanted to answer a question that has been posed. Why aren t there more people on the slate of new Board candidates? He stated a) there are not many volunteers to be considered and b) his committee was asked to come up with a complete slate that had their support. The candidates chosen were the ones receiving the committees support. He also mentioned the side gate has been left open on more than one occasion. Organization Reports Youth Sailing Program: Stuart would like to request $1500 to finance bringing the Morning Light movie to Sarasota to be shown in the Burns Court theatre (they re willing to give us the rental free). We could hold a premier party at the Squadron. In order for Chris Branning to attend it would have to be late October. It could be used as a Squadron fundraiser and we could also have members of the Boys and Girls Club, as well as Squadron members attend. Moved to new business Stuart would like build a trophy case in the foyer near the bathrooms. Currently there is no place to show off many of the trophies, including the Sears Trophy, and I would like to make a request of fund that would not exceed $ to build a lockable multi-tier case. I base it off this: I would ask that the Squadron pay for the supplies and the YSP volunteers will provide the labor. Moved to new business. Page 20

21 Madison Gates won the USODA South East Championships (Hixon, TN) beating 64 other competitors. Ravi Parent (4 th ), Jason D Agostino (12 th ) and Nicolas Schultz (18 th ) all qualified for the USODA team trials in May, which will decide which sailors represent the US at the Optimist South Americans, Europeans and Worlds. Chris Stocke placed 4 th at the Cressy (High School Single-handed Nationals) Qualifiers and will head to Ithaca, NY the weekend of October for the event finals. The YSP will be hosting the district 13 Laser championships at the SSS on December Allan Broadribb will be PRO. The goal is to make it a very inexpensive event where the focus is on racing. The YSP will be holding its annual fundraiser, the Celebration of Sailing, on January 31, 2009 at Mote Aquarium. Luffing Lassies: Working with Stuart G. and the YSP on adding 420 s in to their program. Board/Committee Reports: Vice Commodore Curry. Nothing to report. Rear Commodore McCormack said erosion at the launch area was still an issue and he had member Gene Bauer looking in to it. Gene has professional experience in environmental permitting and he will come up with a few suggestions. Secretary Jennings reported that the Rules Committee is not recommending and changes at this time. What we need to work on as an organization is enforcing the rules we have. Treasurer Dieter suggested that Greta has been doing a good job managing AR which has been lowered by 11,000 since last month. Notices were sent out to members with past due accounts that voting rights and renewal opportunities will be suspended if the club not was not made current. Fleet Captain: Sara reported the inspection of the mooring field has been completed. Volunteers are needed to call those members not in maintenance compliance, and attendance at the last two work parties has been inadequate. She asked the Board to approve a letter that is to be sent to owners of non compliant boats in the yard. Social Chair Danny Wiedenhoft: Said there will be a costume party and a member jam session after the Pumpkin Regatta. Education Coordinator Gilfillen: YSP board to get Morning Light Project to Sarasota for showing and having cast member (and former YSP sailor) Chris Branning attend. Planning on holding a meeting with current race captain Rich Muro and representatives from all the racers (Fleet reps, YSP, Luffing Lassies, Motleys) within the next three weeks to determine how best offer services to these fleets. The goal is to have people take a Squadron supported, US Sailing taught, race management course (held before February 1 st ) to provide the SSS with a list of qualified Race Officers and volunteers. I will be attending the US Sailing Annual meeting this coming weekend, October in St. Petersburg, FL. Commodore: Comm. MacKay reiterated the Nominating Committee was charged to fill a slate and add additional candidates if their were any. There were not. If someone wants to be added now it requires 20 signatures. He advised people to pay attention the Breezy Blast e mails because some City meetings are coming up which we may need some members to attend. Old Business: : New Website is up and more content will be added by October 16 th. I will be the interim webmaster during transition and until someone else is found. New Business; Dieter motions to approve the 3 Regattas presented to the Board this evening. Stuart G. 2nds. All in favor. Stuart motions to approve $1,500 for the Morning Light project. Curry 2nds. All in favor. Dieter motions to approve funds for a new trophy case not to exceed $1,000. Stuart 2nds. All in favor. Dieter motions to adjourn, Stuart 2nds. All in favor. Meeting Adjourned PM. Page 21

22 Board Members Attending Alan Pressman, Commodore David Curry, Vice Commodore Jim May, Fleet Captain Stan Zimmerman, Secretary Janet Gannon, Social Coordinator Tom Dieter, Acting Treasurer Pat Murphy, Manager Board Members Absent Tom Younkman, Rear Commodore Andy Hodgson, Race Captain Randy St. James, Measurer SARASOTA SAILING SQUADRON GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MINUTES OF THE 18 NOVEMBER 2007 MEETING Commodore Pressman called the meeting to order at 3:00pm. Minutes: Fleet Captain may moved, and Vice Commodore Curry seconded, to approve the minutes of the 19 November 2006 General Membership meeting. The motion passed unanimously Officer Reports: Commodore Pressman said elections would be held for all board positions and a proposed change to the bylaws. He thanked both the Nominating Committee and the Elections Committee for their hard work. He read the names of the candidates and the full text of the proposed bylaws change. Acting Treasurer Dieter said 2007 saw the conversion of our accounting system to the Quickbooks program. All taxes are current, and the club is in a strong financial position. In 2006, we had $206,000 in the bank; currently the alance is $419,997. Member equity in 2004 was $206,000. Today it is $1,347,978. Pressman gave a State of the Squadron announcement. He thanked all the board members for their work and support, and gave special mention to former Treasurer David Emmerling for his great service in the conversion of accounting systems. He also thanked the Squadron employees, especially Manager Pat Murphy for his 28 years as manager, and noted Murphy will retire in June He individually named members of the Ball Busters for their unflagging help in maintaining club facilities. He expressed his thanks to the Luffing Lassies, the Youth Sailing Program, the Motley Crue and the entire Squadron racing community. Vice Commodore Curry noted we are a hugely popular venue for racing, with the Labor Day Regatta and Sailfest both drawing in excess of 200 boats. The hoist was repaired this year, and the depth under it was increased. While interest in PHRF racing is down, the YSP has the largest Laser fleet in its history, as well as the greatest number of youths. Speaking for Rear Commodore Younkman, Pressman said the physical plant at the club was surveyed this year, and some remediation at the docks was performed. The boat work area was expanded as well. Secretary Zimmerman noted the proposed bylaws change would close a loophole which allowed a Nominating Committee member last year to run for a board position. The change would make the prohibition effective, and remove any suggestion of bias in the Nominating Committee. He said 2008 will be critical, because we will be replacing our long-time manager, and renegotiate our lease with the City of Sarasota. Fleet Captain May chairs three committees, and reported on each. The Cruising Committee, he noted, does not require much oversight. They just take off. Page 22

23 He thanked the members who worked on the Dead Boat Committee, and noted a change to the standing rules made by the board this year: owners of dead boats won t be allowed to renew their membership. To date, 23 letters have been sent to dead boat owners, and there have been a few responses. We now have a waiting list to park boats, so removal of dead boats is an important issue. In addition, 14 owners of dead boats in the mooring field have received letters. May noted we started the year with 47 identified dead boats. The Mooring Committee evaluated screw anchors in comparison with the concrete slabs traditionally used at the club. The holding power of the screw was vastly superior. The board now requires any replacement anchor be a screw-in type. Volunteers this summer evaluated the tackle of all 120 moorings, and notified owners of deficiencies. Only 15% of the owners have responded. He thanked Janet Gannon and Bill Niblock for their efforst in pursuing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permit for our mooring field. Social Coordinator Gannon thanked the members of the social committee, and urged the incoming social coordinator to continue producing good parties. She noted after a meeting with the FDEP in October, we withdrew our application and will apply for a Temporary Use Permit to correct deficiencies. We can reapply for the FDEP submerged land lease at the conclusion of the Temporary Use Permit. Pressman concluded with a few remarks. He urged continued monitoring of our insurance for rates and coverage. He said club management should continue monitoring compliance of contractor liability insurance, focusing especially on the renewal of their policies. There was no increase proposed for rates or fees, and the new opt out program (substituting a cash payment for required volunteer time) raised more than $5,000 in its first year. A 5% pay raise was instituted for club employees. On-going efforts include interviews for a new club manager, based upon the Certified Financial Review conducted in Our lease with the City of Sarasota expires in 2008, and we will need to concentrate of our renewal. He said our efforts to create a No Wake Zone along New Pass was totally ineffective, and urged continued efforts. Pressman then opened up the floor for nominations to the board of directors. None was offered. He introduced Election Judge Jim Krienen. Krienen noted there was a quorum for the meeting, and in 2006 a total of 37% of the membership cast ballots. The meeting was paused 30 minutes at 3:45 to allow voting to finish. After the pause, the Election Committee began counting the ballots. The election results were announced: Commodore: John Mackay Vice Commodore: David Curry Rear Commodore: Steve McCormack Treasurer: Tom Dieter Secretary: Stan Zimmerman Race Captain: Rich Muro Fleet Captain: David Jennings Measurer: Alan Capellin Social Coordinator: Danny Wiedenhoft Education Coordinator: Stuart Gilfillen The meeting was adjourned at 7:30pm. Page 23

24 PRSRT STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA FL PERMIT #802 Sarasota Sailing Squadron P.O. Box 1927 Sarasota FL Page 24