Bonnie McLaughlin
261 Fairweather Lane
Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931
April 2006
ELECTIONS
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
Through the efforts of the nominating committee, at a recent meeting, members Carol Burns, Gheorge Nemes, Ann Lieberman and Mary Burch now offer a suggested slate of officers for next year as follows.
COMMODORE: Gheorge Nemes
VICE COMMODORE: Deena Kirkey
SECRETARY: Martha Robinson
TREASURER: Connie Trowbridge
MEMBERSHIP: Evelyn Hoop
CRUISE COMMITTEE
SPOKESMAN: Wyatt Evers
DIRECTORS: Ron Mueller
Ann Lieberman
The election will be run by the committee on Thursday, April 20th at the general meeting. Open nominations will be accepted and ballots with extra spaces for voting will be available at the election.
This committee, after a lengthy discussion concerning the general club cruise program, developed the following proposals for change next year.
“SAILING PROGRAM”
1. All sailing events should be developed, implemented and supervised by the Board of Directors and a newly formed Cruising Committee (consisting of all captains and any interested club members). Working chairmen will be assigned as needed, including a “Spokesman” who would inform the club members of all sail activities.
2. Expand interesting, nautically related programs for monthly meetings.
3. Develop more aggressive strategies for club promotion.
Editorial Note: If you have a candidate you wish to put forth who is not on the ballot, it is your right to propose the candidate of your choice on the night of our elections.
REPORTS BY COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Joan Ketchel and her assistants continue to run the Telephone committee.
Evelyn Hoop, Membership, reported that we now have 81 members. Jack Rinker is our newest member. He is from Ohio, and has a lot of enthusiasm for a place called Put-In Bay. He never explained what it is that they put in it.
Martha Daigler, Photography, and Darlene Kittinger are doing a fine job of keeping our albums.
Ken Schneider of the Communications Committee asks that you tell him if you are unable to get your newsletter electronically. Our website is www.sailing-singles dot net. This newsletter was once more sent electronically in March. A lot of hard work and perseverance went into this project, and we really appreciate it.
Jan Hladik, Social/Entertainment, is looking into finding a place for next year‘s Christmas Dinner. A lot of places are booked already, so this isn’t easy. If you have a suggestion or are willing to help, please give Jan a call. She is working on a nautical flea market, too.
Joy Hansen, Refreshments, seems to be doing her job as we always have snacks and coffee.
George Nemes is in charge of Monthly Programs/Speakers.
Connie Trowbridge, Treasurer, last reported we have $1,455.21 in our treasury.
CRUISE CORNER BY DEENA
March 4 was a day sail. Only Bright Star set sail with 5 crew on board. Winds were moderate at 15 knots. All enjoyed the day and then went out for Mexican food upon return to the slip.
March 18-19 - Bright Star and Sloop de Jour set sail with Ken Schneider, Bob Hammer, Ann Lieberman, George Nemes and Darlene Kittinger as crew. It was a beautiful warm day with good breezes which became very brisk before the day ended. Seas were building and the boats loved it. We sailed around the compass and could have dropped anchor at Marco Island, however, returned to Sanibel for the night. After a cookout of hamburgers aboard Bright Star a game of Skip Bo began. Wow!! Some of these mild mannered sailors were acting very aggressive and cards were flying. Before a fist fight erupted, we ended the game all friends and enjoyed the quiet silence of the slap of waves against the boat, the gentle rocking of the seas, and bright stars filling the sky.
Morning brought sunny skies with everyone slowly awakening to a new day. Following a community breakfast, the boat traffic was increasing on the waterway. And BANG! We were hit with a hard wave that rocked both boats rafted together and left Sloop de Jour’s tricolor masthead light lying on Bright Star’s deck. It was a quick departure to the open seas! The winds and seas soon started building for another great, exciting sailing day.
UPCOMING SAILS
April 8-9 - Half-Fast Race. Boats and crews will leave on Saturday for practice on race tactics. The Race will be held on Sunday.
April 22-23 - sail to Naples. Boats will tie up at City Docks for the night and return on Sunday.
Captains contact Bob Yahn for availability of your boat. Crew contact Mary Burch to reserve space on boats. First come, first served as usual.
Also, the boat committee is planning a 10-14 day sail to Key West this spring. If you are interested, please contact Bob Yahn ASAP, so plans can be made for this cruise.
Telephone numbers: Mary Burch 466-2620
Deena Kirkey 437-8787
Bob Yahn 283-7945 (Please share any ideas you may have about Day sails, cruises, etc. with Bob)
APRIL ACTIVITIES, LAND-BASED
Happy Hour will be at the Matanzas Inn, first Friday of the month.
We will continue to hold monthly business meetings at 7 PM, Bonita Bill’s on Ft. Myers Beach, the third Thursday of every month. We will hold monthly Board of Director’s meetings (same time and place) on the second Thursday of every month. Every member is encouraged to attend.
NEW BUSINESS
A nautical flea market will be held in Cape Coral on April 8. Ken Schneider (458-9573) has all the info.
Captain George Lewis has embarked upon a formal Training Committee Program. He hopes to gain more recruits and an assistant also. This is an excellent way to learn the fundamentals and to get to know your fellow club members better. Our classes have been known to be fun, too! George is working towards a systematic training program for all new members.
Who’s Who
Commodore: Wyatt Evers 218-8065
Vice Commodore: George Nemes (941)623-2838
Treasurer: Connie Trowbridge 573-0248
Secretary: Carole Burns 481-9870
Cruise Director: Bob Yahn 283-7945
Membership: Evelyn Hoop 573-0140
Directors: Martha Daigler 369-7472
Joan Kachel 731-0142
Telephone: Joan Kachel
Newsletter Editor: Bonnie McLaughlin 765-5450
Website: Ken Schneider 458-9573
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Les Emery 4/4 Bonnie Mut 4/4
Wyatt Evers 4/4 Ken Schneider 4/26
Chuck Gallagher 4/29 Charlene Schouten 4/18
Bob Hammer 4/22 Glenn Tomlinson 4/24
Warner Klapprodt 4/21
The March issue of this newsletter was remarkable for its serious, professional, businesslike, no-nonsense tone. This rare effect was brought about by the fact that this editor had the flu at the time, and will not be repeated until the next time the flu comes calling.
If you wish to submit information to this newsletter, call 765-5450 (no calls after 10 PM, please) and leave a message for this editor.
Sincerely yours, Bonnie McLaughlin
Sailing Singles