SCOA 2003 Annual Meeting
Saturday, February 8, 2003
Ramada Inn - Middletown, Rhode Island

Editors Note: The following notes were thankfully taken, edited, and provided by Patricia Lang.
She took excellent notes during the meeting and they summarize the major highlights of the meeting
for the benefit of all SCOA members.
 

[Communication,
Navigation & Entertainment]

 [Life Raft Survival Equipment] [Bullwaga Anchors] [Marine Heads & Water Makers] [Building a Custom SC 31] [Shipping a Boat back to US] [Dinner Speaker] [Awards, Photo Contest, Business Meeting]

Attendees: Peter Androski & Heidi Trilsch, Carol & Steve Bliven, Bob & Judy Boudrot, Nick Caballero, Don Carroll, Ed & Karen Casazza, Michael & Nancy DeSisto, Alice & Frank DiCesare, Bill & Debbie Duggan, Peter & Judy Georg, Peter Meunnich & MaryAnn Little (sp?), Tony Neves, Mame & Steve Odette, Bob Rice, Lisa & Randy Robar, John Rohland & Patricia Lang, George Smith & Janet Murphy, Bob Trottier, Dan VonReisen, Jack Walsh

 

SPEAKER #1 -Bayside Navigation: Communication, Navigation, and Entertainment Systems - Sam Stiness

(Editors Note: The following notes refer to a seminar presented by Sam on Marine Electronics. The notes are a collection of the material that he presented.)
Communication Systems:
- DSC: digital selective calling (interfaces VHS with VFCC to put out distress signal which includes boat's position) it's line of site & needs to be registered with FCC ($150 or free if BOAT U.S member) .
- Single side band -some boats are using it for email also (SaiIMail; Sea Wave); need modem & computer); also weatherfax for windows (need to learn how to use)

Cell Phones: used more often now .
- Analog -being phased out but do work better than digital) .
- Satellite phones: AMSC popular & good on east coast ($1.20/minute; $4500 for equipment). MiniM ($1.65/minute)
- Low level satellites (Global Star, Iridium) - ($0.99/min; $1500 for equipment -Global Star).
- Pocket Mail 1-800 ($50-$100 for equipment) member Mike DeSisto had some comments

Instruments:
- B&G (Brooks & Gatehouse) & Ochim (most expensive); download laptop data.
- NavMan, XPC, RayMarine.
- ST290 (new) (more reasonable).
- HI000 B&G (new) wind, speed, depth -one cable only

Navigation instruments:
Charts: .
- Chart plotters- think about screen size, processor speed, ease of operation & manufacturer support .
- Raster (chart kit) only available on CD (laptop or NorStar 962) .
- Vector charts (NorStar, Raymarine) -chips (SeaMaps, Navionics) -some have additional info like restaurants, marinas, phone numbers .
- Radar overlay -new (ability to superimpose chart over radar image) .
- 3 manufacturers: RayMarine Pathfinder, Furuno Navnet, Norstar 958 .
- NobleTech Visual Navigation Suite -ties GPS into PC (USB to serial converter needed)

Radar:
- Blackbox radar (Furuno, NobleTech, ?) .
- NavaMac, MacSea -compatible with Macintosh .
- 2 Watt 2KW vs. 4 Watt 4KW antenna for radar? discrimination higher with 4KW .
- Can mount on backstay -Questus or RLS from Performance Marine .
- Radar alarms -two types: boat being scanned by other boat or a guard zone to your boat

Autopilot: .
- Rate gyro compensator (new) -combine direction of boat & take out heading (autopilot tracks better & uses less energy) .- Get the most powerful you can afford .
- Best on market -Robertson, RayMarine, B&G .
- Good tiller pilot -also Simmerad besides above .
- RayMarine has rate gyro adapter but not with Simmerad
- RayMarine wiring more complex .
- Gyro & compass near center of boat but away from compass interference .
- Turn down gain to apply less rudder; turn down in following sea, up in flat seas

Entertainment Systems: .
- Satellite radio -pay /month XM ($9.95/mo.) or Serious ($12/month); commercial free, NPR, music, good for 200 miles offshore; considering price of CDs radio is good deal; $100 for satellite radio .
- Remote control nice for turning up or down volume from tiller .
- WAS GPS -Wide Angle GPS (originally for flying) -new (accurate within 6 feet)
- LORAN will stay because fishing fleet uses

 

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SPEAKER #2 - Life Raft Survival Equipment Company, Portsmouth - Chris Pyne

Editors Note: The following notes refer to the next speaker that presented at the SCOA meeting, Chris Pyne from Life Raft Survival Equipment in Portsmouth RI. Chris presented a variety of safety gear and provided demonstrations on inflatable units as well.

PDFs:

- Should be worn; requirement for kids to wear PFDs is state law, not federal .
- Chris likes Mustang & Safeguard
-Type I -most unbearable & uncomfortable but best in water (24 lbs. buoyancy)

-Type II - similar to Type I but less buoyancy & not useful (12Ibs. buoyancy) (Some kids are Type II and are good)
-Type III -kayaking vests, water-ski vests (15-20 lbs. buoyancy) -much more wearable but will not keep face up; float coats (warm also; $100-300) -made full length & bomber style
-Type IV -throw able; life rings, cushions (at least 1 required on boat 16 ft. plus)
-Type V -inflatable (it must be worn to be Coast Guard approved) (35 lbs. buoyancy) Inflating is stressful for PFD; freezing cold when it comes out of cylinder; reach in & unscrew inflation system, then orally inflate to check for leaks OR set off CO2 canister Cylinder is good indefinitely (rearm kit costs $20) unless rusty .
Could ruin PFD if cylinder not removed before manual inflation check .
If you want to change automatic to manual, unscrew bobbin .
Consider carrying spare cylinder if you can .
Good to buy Type V with built in harness to cover all angles .
Mustang (slightly more expensive .
Suspenders (make shorter size also; neck narrower)
Costs -manual $100; automatic $150; automatic with harness $175
Type V -inflatable belt (recently Coast Guard approved) Inflates, becomes vest & then you have to put it on (35 lbs. buoyancy) ($75)

ACR Electronics:
- ACR Rapid Fire Strobe -new device, inflation activated, strobe turned on automatically & lasts 8 hrs. (Has 5 year dated lithium battery, mark yourself when use begins) costs $30; also has a test key to check

Tethers:
-Quick release on harness (if dragging behind boat) .
- 6 ft. ($90) or 3ft/6ft. with stress indicator ($140) .
- New ones include stress indicator .
- Wishard makes best & largest variety Jacklines .
- Wishard 35, 45, 55 ft. total lengths .
- Double jackline .
- Single .
- 12 ft. loop with single .
- jacklines left out in weather are good for 5 years in NE; 2-3 years in high UV areas

Flares:
- Safety of Life at Sea SOLAS regulations -international .
- SOLAS flares are the best .
- Gun shooters -not SOLAS
- Easy to fire; flame about 12 inches; burns at 15,000 candelas .(As opposed to standard Coast Guard approved -500 candela) .
- $7 vs. $13 in cost .
- USCG minimum standard flares will drip lava on your hand if held upright; SOLAS do not drip .
- All flares have about 3 1/2 years expiration but SOLAS is probably good up to 6 years .
- How to get rid of out of date flares -take to life boat repack stations; LRSE will take for free if you buy new from them; LRSE charges $1 each to dispose; some fire stations take .
- SOLAS Rocket flare of parachute flare is best ($40 each) go up to 1000 ft. & burn 30,000 candelas for 40 seconds; at 1000 feet & then parachute comes out & descends slowly; seen up to 30 miles; keep good grip as it gives a good kick; hold up straight; can land still burning .
- Don't use flares unless you can see land or a vessel :- 1.
- Smoke flare ($35-40) SOLAS puts out billowing cloud of non-toxic smoke -good daytime signal; pull pin, then you have 5 seconds to throw as far as you can; smokes for 30 seconds, water will not extinguish) .
- Mini pack of personal flare -pen, bright orange burning ball, man overboard use, waterproof ($65 for 8) .
- LRSE can put kit together & you may save money (spend $250-300 & will last 6 years)

EPIRB:
- Class A & Class B:
Antiquated & almost useless; no longer for sale in U.S.
Many false alarms & Coast Guard cannot respond
Older 121 cannot be registered
Too many dead spots where not heard

406 EPIRBS:
121.5 homing frequency & 406 megahertz also .
Register with NOA & there's worldwide access .
Free registration & re-register every two years (NOA notifies you & asks for info update) .
Some false alarms but very effective .
Category I (packed in enclosure of case which is mounted on outside of boat & when boat is 13 ft. under water the EPIRB (hydrostatic release) is activated to release, float to surface & send -it must be at surface to work) ($850) .
Category II (manual) ($700) -put in abandon ship bag but can be mounted .
Test EPIRB -takes almost no battery power so test IX/mo. when EPIRB is on a strobe also goes pricey battery change ($600) so maybe buy new EPIRB instead .
Mini B 12 NM search area from signal .
406 has 2 NM search radius (12.5 sq. miles)

Global Fix (ACR) or Precision (PavnesWest:
121.5 & 406 plus GPS signal built in (0.008 NM search area) ($1000) notification time 1 hour

Rapid Fix (ACR)
Comes with port on top to hard wire GPS into EPIRB so it will give out last GPS position before disconnecting from your boat's GPS ($800) .
If in emergency situation, turn EPIRB on & do not turn off to save battery .
If stored & at end of battery & if it's 20 below zero, it should still have 48 hours .
If you have two EPIRBs turn on one at a time

What's next generation? .
Personal 406 EPIRB, very small, 24 hour battery, registered to Person & not vessel ($500)
Immersion Suits .Dry suit, neoprene, great, need room to store, extremely effective in cold water for> 24 hour survival ($325-500), you can't do much more than float in them

Life Rafts:
A lot to choose from (20 manufacturers serviced by LRSE; they sell 7, they sell some used) 6 person offshore ($350-550 service cost) .
Also do inflatable boat repair

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SPEAKER #3 - Bullwaga Anchors - Frank DiCesare of Secret Roads, SC31, Hull #98

Editors note: To see photos of Bulwagga Anchors, go to their website at http://www.noteco.com/bulwagga/products.htm Peter Mele of Crown Point, NY invented anchor NoTeco.

Bullwaga Anchors:
Practical Sailor rated #2 in holding power (Max is #1) .
Frank read about them in an article so Frank & Alice went to find company in Crown Point, but none ready for sale (they were being manufactured in Utica, NY) .
17, 27, 44, 68 lb. anchors made (17 is rated for SC31 but Frank bought 27) .
Cost: ($150, $250, $475, $650) .
Peter is a machinist (inventor) & made anchor for weeds at edge of Lake Champlain .
(Bullwaga is the name of a mountain along Lake Champlain) then tested in a Florida marina .
Anchor never dragged on Frank


 

SPEAKER #4 - Oceanlink Inc. - Andy Cortviend

Speaker's History: After college in FL, taught scuba in Bahamas, 1st mate, got captain's license, ran boats, met wife in St. Thomas, always had head problems, moved ashore in Newport, started Oceanlink, many calls for plumbing help, vacuum flush dealership

Why his services are in demand? .
Any toilet OK but waste management is the problem .
All needs to go into a holding tank .
Mates complain .
Uses dip tubes to get to bottom of holding tank; you want bottom & sides of tank to be integral in case you need to remove tank .
You need two different ways to evacuate holding tank
One dip tube to deck fitting & other to overboard discharge pump (6 amp pump; 250 gallons per hour) .
Diaphragm pump to pump solids; place pump above holding tank so that waste not pumped out will drain back down into holding tank (for servicing) .
Uses key to control instead of locked system (seacock change) .
When underway you want holding tank to be empty (overboard or pump out) .
No anti-siphon loop because not needed because tank is vented .
450 tank molds on website .
Bladder tanks don't work with Oceanlink system .
3 gallon is smallest holding tank they've had .
Tank does not have to be below head .
Sometimes impossible to get downhill run but because of short run it still is easy to pump clean .
None of the hoses are great but what's more important with how you plumb it
Shields 101 black reinforced hose .
Uric acid & sea water form calcium inside hose .
Electric pump he likes because you can lock with key .
Manual pumps not so good for plumbing .
Macerator pump has one season life span .
Every time tank goes empty, pump runs dry, case & impeller heat up quickly & death, also loud & they use a lot of power
Sealand T pump .
If you must install pump to side of tank, then install ball valve in line to keep waste clear when servicing .
Pump costs about $300 .
Not a vacuum system

Additives: .
All those that treat odors work pretty well but don't expect too much; they kill bacteria for about 24 hours only but they also break solids down so it's easier to pump; less adhesion on sides, no sludge buildup .
Enzymes work pretty well but they take longer to work (also work longer) but idea is to pump out system as often as possible.

Composting heads -likes but too big for boat

Water Makers:
Zeta rod -all water flows over first, electronic probe gives positive charge to water
Molecules so no adhesion -membrane can then be kept at peak .
Sell & service; NE dealer for Spectra water makers (high pressure pump is energy recovery devise) takes 80 psi in & pumps out 800 psi .
New Zealand clam analysis by crusty Sausalito fisherman; designed pump 1 gallons of water per hour with 1 amps/hour
Cruisers use 40-60 gallons per day with running watermaker twice per day for a couple of hours
Smallest is 150 gallon per day unit .
200 per day -makes 12 gallons per hour with 8.9 amps .
Membranes go 8-10 years if you take care of them; susceptible to growth so if shut down .
You should use solution; also you can use scale remover
Use potable antifreeze
John Rohland mentioned using vodka

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SPEAKER #5 - Building a Custom SC31 (Gillmer) - Anthony Neves, Deliverance, SC31, Hull #G11

Editors Note: Mike DeSisto of Aleron, SC31, Hull #98, introduced Anthony Neves and these are the detailed notes that Patricia Lang took on Anthony's fastinating talk.

In 1988 Clark Ryder laid up hull, Anthony took 10 years to finish. Anthony, lives in Freedom,:ME, raises beans (Freedom Bean Co.), restored classic wooden boats but wanted a lower maintenance retirement boat -glass; Clark Ryder didn't want to do because mold had been lying around for 5 years; bought bare hull only; asked Tom Gillmer about transport of hull to ME (took 2 days to haul); Gillmer suggested airex core; Clark wanted $800 to build frame; left bowsprit thicker instead of cutting away as done in production boats; used water levels to level in shop; built platform up to boat; bought scrap lead at 10 cents a lb.; had forge, used coke for fuel; poured 30 lb. ingots in bread pans; 6 cu.ft. of lead ballast; 4200 lbs. originally plus 700 lbs. lead but. might take 100 lbs. out; draws 4'7"; put an extra 700 lbs. -used lead and also concrete as support for compression post for mast; water can pass through tube (1 1/2 inch PVC) under the lead & cement to drain into bilge; made lead moss & pounded it into cracks between ingots; then glassed into place in case of tumin) turtle. floors of 2 inch hackmatack; Sheer's Elements of Yacht Design (includes Herreshoffs rules of yacht construction) -used 5 rules to determine scantlings (dimensions) of wood, etc.; epoxied & built up sheer clamp 2 1/2 inches thick, then 1/4 inch SS bolts all around; 55 gallon tank, 35 gallon fuel tank; couldn't cleat fuel tank well & so developed mold so put in second inspection hole & pumps out & cleans out every year; "tight as a bull's asshole in fly season" why he didn't buy Ryder's tanks & made his own; set in tanks on top of spacers & cushioned with foam on sides; when installing engine stringers, Ryder said to shape to hull bu Tony built FG ledges into hull and then ash stringers (thought would be more secure); hated drilling holes in boat (has 13); has 1 inch drain plug as base of keel; Volvo engine; chose oval cockpit of SC; used spruce fa: cockpit?; manual pump in cockpit; Vitus muffler; extra gussets to support engine stringers, glassed pan in tc collect any drips; crossed drains to cockpit for draining; hackmatack jig to laminate beams for boat; wanted little more camber 22.6 radius; ash & mahogany beam with West system epoxy; center blocking; white oak sampson post bolted to bulkhead & sets on bob stay fitting -post notched over fitting; finished birch for bulkheads; two layers of 3/8 (7 plys); chart table on end of quarter berth, right; v berth forward; settee on lc table on right; all bulkheads screwed into beams; trial & error to get shape of cabin top right; deck camber about same as production boat; back of cockpit is a bulkhead glassed to hull; seats are suspended from coc: carlton (?) using SS brackets; hatch for lazarette at rear of cockpit; 2-3 layers of mat for cabin top; 2 layer: 3/8 ply for cabin top; 1st layer of glass was monel stapled so it would not work & subsequent layers glassed- leak proof system; comer posts of cabin were the most difficult to make on boat; galley to port; ice chest & storage behind to port; 4 inches of insulation, cover 3 1/2 inch, 1 block of ice -4 days in ME; ceiling of varnished cedar for entire boat; v berth, hanging locker & pine drawers with cherry knobs; cedar battens screwed in & then cedar screwed to battens; delamination around mast step is concern so combined dorade boxes with extra support for mast; Ryder tried to sell him rudder but made one of spruce, SS rod through in some places for strength & epoxied together; mahogany cheek pieces for sides & also SS cheek pieces where tiller head runs through; bushed hole that bolt goes through where tiller is bolted through to rudder; wood/coal stove; cherry trim; teak sole; compression post is directly under mast unlike in production boats; name is Deliverance; teak grate in cockpit in two parts, under grate is large hatch to access engine, etc. rubber gasket to seal; mast from Choy Lee; traveler on bridge deck; does a lot of single handed sailing & sails into November; propane tank attached to stem rail; split backstay; radar mounted on SS clamp attached to backstay; 13,500 pounds total; seems to sit on water lines the same as production boats; the moment of fore & aft trim can be calculated from Schemes Yacht design -move 80 lbs. fore or aft 10 feet = 1 inch change in trim; sampson post; bowsprit of white oak; companionway hatch with drop boards; chart table; cherry trim on beams below; head plumbed into holding tank (overboard, manual pump overboard from holding tank, pumpout); 2 sinks, gimbaled stove, lined stove area with SS for cleaning ease; ice chest immediately below to port, then stove, then double sinks; Volvo 18 hp 2 cylinder; large manual pump and he pumps out sinks; batteries under quarterberth; labor of love, did not count hours; paid $7400 for hull; has in $25,000 boat, not counting labor; rigging -cut SS standing rigging 1 foot extra; staylock fittings put on after boat launched & took 1- 2 hours to rig; run as a sloop, not cutter; could easily modify to cutter if he wanted; knowing what he knows now about lead fumes he would have bought ballast from Ryder; used Ryder's sail plan but added a little extra area on main; bought rails from another boat, cut & rewelded to fit; balances well with one reef & full genny; very little weather helm until wind picks up; extra 700 lbs. stiffened up boat (made cupcake shaped ingots for this extra ballast); named boat Deliverance.
 

SPEAKER #6 - Shipping Apogge home to US - SC31, Hull #148 - George Smith & Janet Murphy of Apogee

Janet and George started continuous cruising in 1986 in NJ to Bermuda to Azores, then to Panama, New Zealand in '87 & back & forth, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, Red Sea, Mediterranean i '97; spent 5 years in Med.; stayed in Lefkas, Greece early winter of 2002-03; George is 72 years old and they decided to ship boat back to U.S., Apogee's 3rd transatlantic voyage, by ship; stayed in Lefkas, Greece for winter; arranged to ship from Palma de Mallorca; arranged for shipping at internet cafe; www.yacht- transport.com; cost $6600 (sail on/sail off is less expensive than deck loaded); insurance $500 for $250,000 (of coverage); ship sinks & you sail boat in; underwater divers prop up boat before rising of ship; after transatlantic, deck was a mess from stack exhaust; using cleaning solution called FSR (fiberglass stain remover); there were also scratches on bottom from steel supports; would have covered boat if they knew about staining; insurance did not cover damage.

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Dinner Speaker - Panama Canal, Nick Caballero of Far Star, SC39, Hull #7

 

Nick traveled from CA to NC through Panama Canal in SC 39 (Gillmer) owner finished boat named Far Star. It was delivered to CA in August 1984; trucked for $5000 across U.S. RI to CA as hull, deck, engine gussets, deck gussets, & plywood interior. Nick is a mechanic, not woodworker, so it was a challenge to finish over next 5 years.

Replaced all plastic port lights .
Scraped off original bottom paint, sanded, then applied epoxy .
Launched Nov. 1989 .
Moved aboard, sold business, Linda quit job, mini retirement for 2 years .
Loved dock life, best people in the world have boats, adopt each other .
Shake down from San Diego to north to San Francisco .T
raveling at night was a challenge; many oil derricks along way and hard to see in fog .
Dec. 1990 to Feb. 1991 back south to San Diego, then Mexico, Gulf of Tehuantepec (worst weather) .
Cabo San Lucas = famous headlands in Baja California Sur, Mexico .
Isla Isabella, off Baja, bird sanctuary about a 100 people live on island in grass huts, fishing Puerta Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Acapulco .
Port captain gives stampy stampy to passport, day's worth of paperwork both in and out of country .
Feb. 1991 to June 991 Central America, offshore of Nicaragua & Guatemala, then to Costa Rica for 6 weeks .
Buddy boating & Far Star had to tow them due to engine problems before leaving for Costa Rica .
Then to Panama Canal .
Yellow bellied poisonous sleeping sea snakes along Panama coast .
Balboa check in, then through canal, Pacific is lower than Atlantic .
Each boat needs four 100 foot lines and four line handlers, captain & Panamanian pilot.
Lowest toll ever was 36 cents for a swimmer .
Went next to Colombian island, then to Yucatan peninsula .
Lived aboard 3 yrs. .6 months 4,770 from San Diego to Tampa; sailed more at night .
Used LORAN for U.S. coastal, used celestial navigation .
Yucatan to Cuba to Tampa .
Use as big of anchor as you can, use chain (had 200 ft. of 1/4 inch to save weight), .Bruce & plow as plow as primary; Danforth as stern .
Had 3 reefs in main, had reef points in staysail .
Bird sanctuary about a 100 people live on island in grass huts, fishing .
Puerta Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico &Acapulco
Port captain gives stampy stampy to passport, day's worth of paperwork both in and out of country .
Feb. 1991 to June 991 Central America, offshore of Nicaragua & Guatemala, then to Costa Rica for 6 weeks

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Awards, Photo Contest, Business Meeting

Pat Henry -2003 SCOA Commodores Award Recipient

The second SCOA Commodores Award was presented to Pat Henry for her outstanding accomplishments in a Southern Cross Yacht. In the words of the award: "In recognition of outstanding accomplishments in a SOUTHERN CROSS sailing craft and/or major contributions to the goals, ideals, and perpetuation of the SCOA organization.

Commodore's Award:
Pat Henry of SC31 (new book By the Grace of the Sea)
To be given in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in a SC sailing craft and/or major contributions to the goals, ideals, and perpetuation of the SCOA organization. Pat Henry -spent 8 years in circumnavigation; first American woman to do so; she's an artist and earns $$ that way. .Comments of George Smith & Janet Murphy: "We met Pat in New Zealand, close to Russell in Opua, when she was running out of money. She began to paint watercolors & she was very good. She is even more worthy of her award than we were last year as she stuck to her goal & she achieved it."

From Pat:
"I am so pleased with your news this morning and greatly honored by being chosen for this award. I wish it were possible to join you to personally thank everyone for his or her ongoing support and encouragement. This is the spirit of the sailing community that kept me going when my voyage presented many of its biggest challenges. Like Southern Cross represents to me the finest characteristics of a long- distance sailing vessel...one that always comes through when conditions are rough, SCOA exemplifies the finest ideals of the sailing community...sharing knowledge, assistance, enthusiasm, and encouragement. I thank you all and wish you Fair Winds, Pat Henry"

Editors Note: Pat was presented with a plaque, a SCOA Burgee and a CD with all the back issues as a token of our esteem and appreciation for keeping us involved with her cruising.

"I am so pleased and proud to receive the beautiful plaque from SCOA. It will have a place of honor on the bulkhead of Southern Cross. I hope that I can also fulfill a promise to put many miles under her keel flying the SCOA burgee. For all of this and more, I send my appreciation to you and the organization. Thank you for the SCOA CD, also. I have been catching up for the past week with post-tour details, so have not had a chance to check out all of the interesting information it holds; I'm sure there are some details and information pertinent to boat projects that I have in mind. My summer plans include several goals: new paintings for my website, a promotional CD with reviews, background, and clips from some of my presentations, and time on board Southern Cross. I am anxious to change the fuel tank plumbing to bronze and to eliminate the deck fill connection at the tank. I have already removed the deck fitting and glassed over that opening. I always used the inspection port to fill the tank i anyway. No chance of sea water in the fuel that way! I have many other projects on my list, but it's sailing 1 that is on my mind at this point...just here on the bay for the moment. I've been glued to a computer desk for far too long. Wishing you a wonderful summer with lots of great sailing, Pat"

Order an autographed copy of the best-selling travel memor 'By the Grace of the Sea: A Woman's Solo Odyseey Around the World' by Pat Henry.
(McGraw Hill/International Marine/Sept 02) at www.pat-henry.com

http://www.asa.com/newsletters/AmSlng2-01-03/page8.html for an online review

The following individuals were provided awards from the Commodore Bill Duggan, for their contribution to SCOA. Thanks you for all of us.

Awards:
Peter Georg -ship's store
Judy Georg -2002 Rendezvous
John Rohland -Vice Commodore
Bob & Judy Boudrot -Web Captains
Steve Bliven -SecretaryfTreasurer
Don Carroll -travel furthest to attend

Photo Contest

Judge Steve Bliven .Many worthy entries .

1st prize -Bob Rice's Sabbatical, SC35, Hull #22 (photo by Bob Rice) .

2nd prize -Gerry Bliss's Pipe Dream, SC39 at its mooring in Tiverton Basin, Sakonnet River, RI (photo by John Rohland)

3rd prize -Sherry Hureska on Angel Rose, SC28, Hull #64 at 2002 SC Rendezvous (photo by John Rohland)

 

Editors Note: The following are notes taken and recorded by Patricia Lang regarding our SCOA business meeting and Learn/Share program

2003 SCOA Annual Business Meeting Minutes

Called to Order & Open Meeting Bill Duggan, Commodore opened the formal meeting of the membership at 0910 hours. The members present are: Carol & Steve Bliven, Bob & Judy Boudrot, Nick Caballero???, Don Carroll, Ed Casazza, Michael & Nancy DeSisto, Bill & Debbie Duggan, Peter &.Judy Georg, Peter Meunnich & MaryAnn Little, Mame & Steve Odette, Bob Rice, Lisa & Randy Robar, John Rohland & Patricia Lang, George Smith & Janet Murphy, Bob Trottier, Dan Yon Reisen, Jack Walsh

Old Business
Approval of the minutes from the 2002 meeting of the membership These minutes were included in the registration material for the 2003 meeting and a motion to waive the reading of the minutes was raised. John Rohland provided the motion which was seconded by Frank \ DeCesare and the motion was carried unanimously.

Report of the Executive Committee -Bill Duggan

Members: Steve Bliven, Bob Boudrot, Bill Duggan, John Rohland met via email and conference call moved ahead with by-laws update and continued to organize the newsletter, track members, and organize events .

Strong team/committee approach to encourage active and new participation and provide opportunities to get people involved in any capacity .

Overview: strong interest, commitment, and participation of members .

Review of newsletter highlights: members continue to do extraordinary things (Mathias Jocham, Beth & Ron, Pat & Coleen, Janet Murphy & George Smith, Fred & Beba Stewart, Bob & Jackie Clark, Roger Scott, Pat Henry; non member Wayne Harden on SC31 Blue Northern sailed to Greenland twice, crossed Atlantic more than once, now doing circumnavigation .

Sea Sprite meeting at Wharf Tavern on March 1st .

Steve Thurston of Thurston Sails provided new SCOA gratis .

Web is one of best of boat owner's associations .

SCOA continues to provide value to SC owners .

A motion by Bob Rice was made to accept the report which was seconded by Michael Desisto and the motion was carried

Report of Secretary/Treasurer -Steve Bliven .

(See chart in SCOA Annual Meeting 2003 handout) .

Annual budget is app. $4500 .

Last yr. spent $300 more than revenue .

Projected income based on 100 members at $25 /member .

Currently 66 paid members for this year .

13 new members joined last year .

Last year Bill Duggan scanned in all past newsletters, etc. to put on CD; financial impact .

Brief discussion of meeting expenses .

Move to approve report which was accepted

Report of Newsletter Editor -Bill Duggan

.Technical Editors: Coops Comer by Chuck Cooper & Tracy would like to have more cruising editors .

10th year as newsletter editor average of 3 newsletters per year; would like to target 4 per year .

Bill has copyrighted newsletter to protect contributors from another group benefiting from others publishing .

All newsletters, boatbuilding manual, plans, marketing/sales info have been scanned onto one CD at a cost to the club of $450, now easier to access information .

Bob Rice requested web address be printed in more prominent place .

Janet suggested larger type than most recent issue .

John Rohland asked about electronic distribution of newsletter &/or password protected section; Judy Boudrot mentioned space limitations & need for upgrading; Peter George spoke in favor of hard copy; Randy Robar suggested choice; Judy suggested an email survey, also that $4.95 per month is needed now for extra space; yahoo has business starter for $11.95/mo. with password; Don Carroll noted that the website is our biggest billboard & it's not the place to nickel & dime; Janet Murphy agreed with Don & gave example; Steve Bliven noted that in budget there is money for extra $4.95 now & discuss password protection more later, he also noted that if we email 1/3 of newsletters the cost savings would pay for web cost increases

Discussed past idea of extra revenue for posting boats for sale; it's been hit or miss; SCOA was charging $50 to advertise boats & charging $30 for new member who can then advertise for free; so proposal is that if people want to advertise their boat that .

SCOA will charge them $30 for membership, which will pass to new boat owner.

Don Carroll said he likes SCOA & that it promotes value in the boat

Steve Bliven noted there may be only 2 boats per year advertised .

Move to accept proposal

Report of the Web Captain. Judy Boudrot .

SCOA decided to pay extra $4.95/mo. for necessary space

17,000 plus hits for 22 months

Home Page most popular, then For Sale, then Gallery of Boats, then Custom Corner, Links, Discussion page

Aug 2002 were most hits; most popular system used was Windows 98; most popular search engine was Google )

Old Business

none

New Business .

Boat History/Directory -Bill Duggan brought up idea of organizing history of individual boat throughout its history; good source is old newsletters; most of the boats will outlive us; include anecdotal info .

Should form committee to discuss, gather info, and choose system to maintain information .

Who is going to follow up?? .

By-laws Committee Report -Steve Bliven, Bob Boudrot, Frank DiCesare, Bill Duggan, Patricia Lang, I J John Ro~land,?an Yon Riesen

Last reviewed In 1984

By-laws will be printed in newsletter to solicit feedback .

Acquisition of line drawings for SC Gillmer -Mike DeSisto proposed that we should approach Tom Gillmer's agent to purchase drawings of boats; price quoted for each one was in the hundreds of dollars, maybe buy one boat and add to each year; Bill Duggan recommended we form a committee (referenced article in Good Old Boat about Gillmer) to research more and make decision): Mike DeSisto (SC31) to chair committee, other volunteers: Nick Caballero (SC39), Bob Rice (SC35) .

Proposal to join the Yachting Club of America (YCA) as a yacht club (see SCOA Annual Meeting 2003 handout) -Mike DeSisto researched idea for Bill Duggan .

Much discussion: Dan Yon Riesen noted that Narragansett Bay clubs do practice reciprocity but you pay $200 per year to the YCA for nothing much; each SCOA member must then buy the book of member clubs for $25 .

motion made by Nancy DeSisto not to join

Motion made by Peter George to table

.Both motions withdrawn to continue discussion .

Discussion continued .

Motion to terminate discussion & not participate in YCA

Annual Meeting Committee .

Chair: John Rohland & members Peter Androski & Heidi Trilsch, Ed Casazza .

Agreeed to return to Ramada Inn in Middletown, RI in February 2004

Commodore's Burgee -Bob Boudrot proposed that all outgoing commodores be allowed to keep commodore's burgee (Do we need to design a past commodore's burgee?) "

SCOA's Name -Judy George asked about spelling of SCOA as "Southern Cross Owners Association" Discussion of grammatical correctness. A motion was made to spell as "Southern Cross Owners' Association" .Motion denied by membership .-Name remains unchanged

Nancy DeSisto encouraged all to look for new members .

Debbie Duggan mentioned SCOA membership cards .

Notice should be sent to organizations about our meetings and rendezvous so that awareness increases .

Ed Casazza will send notification of 2003 rendezvous to Practical Sailor, Soundings, Cruising World,

Election of Officers

Nominating Committee -Bill Duggan, Steve Bliven presented slate of officers: .

Commodore -John Rohland .
Vice Commodore -Ed Casazza .
Secretary/Treasurer -Nancy DeSisto .
Newsletter Editor- Bill Duggan .
Web Captains -Judy & Bob Boudrot

Special thanks to Steve Bliven for Secretary/Treasurer duties during past year ..

Bill Duggan asked for motion to adjourn Annual Business Meeting SCOA

Annual Meeting 2003 adjourned: lunch and Tour of SSV Westward at Bannister's Wharf, NewPort

Bill Duggan, a former student and present member of the Board of Directors, gave an excellent, though chilly, tour of Westward. She was used for Sail Training Education (www.SEA.Edu) for 25 years as a scientific and training vessel for SEA, based out of Woods Hole, MA.

 


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