As commodore for the 1998-99 season, I was determined to organize one of the best meetings in SCOA history.  I knew this would be hard to do since the last several commodores had all produced resoundingly successful events.  Determined to do as well, I started calling prospective speakers in November.  To my dismay everyone I called said it was to early to make a commitment for February - please call back later.   After about 10 calls each producing a similar response, I resigned myselt to the fact that I would have to plan the program in January.  I decided to call the Marriott to plan the banquet and arrange for the suite for the reception and cocktail party.  The marriott calmly informed me that all the suites were being remodeled and so was the meeting room we had used for the last dozen years.  They told me, "the new meeting rooms might be ready by February" and volunteered to remove the bed from a room next to mine to create a suite for the Commodores Locker.  An e-mail message to Bill Duggan explaining my problems resulted in the response,  "don't worry, it will all come together".  I groaned and took several aspirin.

In January I again approached the phone with renewed enthusiasm, and a long list of potential speakers.  I quickly made three dozen calls.  This time the responses came back with - "I would love to give a talk, but I wish that you had called earlier, i have already made a commitment to be at--".  I was however able to find a dinner speaker.  My elation was dashed the next day when the speaker called back and canceled.  With only two weeks to go I had no suite for the cocktail party, no banquet speaker, and only two speakers with no room for them to speak in.  I called last years commodore - John Rholand and asked for his advise.  He responded with, "things usually fall into place at the last minute.  Just keep plugging".

I was now at the end of my rope.  i had called everyone I knew in the sailing community.  I had used up all the favors anyone owed me.  I was ready to resign in disgrace, when the phone started to ring.  People I had contacted before called back saying I can make it after all, do you still want me to give a presentatioin".   Within two days I had 8 speakers lined up as well as a banquet speaker.  The marriott called back saying they had found a suite that we could use and remodeling of the new meeting rooms would be completed on time.  The whole thing fell together at the last minute just like Bill and John predicted.  Everything that is except the commodore who was suffering severe emotional trauma.

The program itself went off without a hitch.  The first speaker was Ron Ackman from Oldport marine who brought in 4 or 5 bags full of broken engine parts and explained why each of the parts failed, and what you should do to avoid similar problems.  His talk was so well received and met with so many audience questions that it lasted for almost two hours instead of the scheduled time of one hour.

Ron was followed by Jacque Swart from Hall Spars/Hall Rigging who talked about rigging retrofits and how to tune your rig.  His talk so impressed me that I took my upper shrouds in for replacement right after the meeting.

Smidgie Reid a veteran cruiser and liveaboard talked on prop alignment and prop specifications and demonstrated her computer program which helps select the best pitch and size for each model of Southern Cross.

Roger Scott, the first SCOA member presenter of the day, talked about his trip to Newfoundland. Roger enjoyed Newfoundland so much that he decided to stay.  Roger gave a great pitch for newfoundland.  Describing the beauty of it's coves and islands.   Roger also picked up the award for the member who traveled the furthest to attend the meeting this year.

While SCOA Members had lunch, Scott Manchester of Cay Electronics moved a van full of refrigeration units into the meeting room.  When the program reconvened, he explained the pros and cons of each units, and offered advise on installation.

Next Andy Thibeault showed how he converted his SC 31 Curlew to propane and gave details on the tank holder he built.  Andy was followed by Vice Coomodore Bob Boudrot, who showed slides of the Edson wheel on his SC31 Second Wind.

By now the program was way behind schedule.  I had scheduled to many speakers!!   John Rohland (SC 31 Trigness) graciously volunteered to delete his talk so that we could use the remaining time to devote to a round table discussion with questions and answers by members.  This portion of the program could have gone on for hours, but was cut short by the need to adjourn for dinner.

Following a great meal, after dinner speaker, Mike Martel, presented a delightful talk and slide presentation on the 1889 Voyage of Joshua Slocum.  Following the banquet, everyone retired to the Commodore's Locker for cocktails and conversation.

In retrospect the meeting went quite well.  Everything did indeed come together at the last minute, thanks to all the SCOA members who pitched in to help.  It has definitely been the SCOA membership who made my year as Commodore such a good experience.