There were 21 members attending: Bruce Collemer, Bill David, Pat Donovan, Rich Field, Jim Fuller, Ed Haddad, Kim Hanna, Rob Hill, Jim Kelly, Dick Mahoney, Wilkie Marvel, Derek Melven, Paul Mercer, Albert Meyer, Sam Morgan, Nick Bailey, Bill Northup, Shelley Northup, Bill Raposa, Al Sampson, and David Vigeant. 

Our guests were Judy David and Connie Sampson.

Apologies for absence were received from Henty DeWolf, Henry DiPietro, John Perkins, and Charlotte Stone.

After lunch we opened the meeting by thanking Bill Raposa for arranging the room and helping bring the lunch goodies there, Kathy Melven for ordering and collecting the sandwiches, and donating the brownies, Marge Fuller for donating the cookies, Judy David for her super-scorekeeping and Connie Sampson for assisting in any way she can.

Kim gave the Treasurer’s report and said we had 20 paid-up members and funds of $3282. 23 before paying for the lunch.

No one seemed interested in replacing the existing officers who agreed to continue in their roles for another year. Rob agreed to resume the role of DF95 Fleet Captain with Paul willing to deputise in Rob’s absence. Paul has in fact done this very well this season. Thanks, Paul.

Bill Raposa appealed to Soling owners to turn up on race days, otherwise, the Soling fleet would just die out. He also suggested buying a depth finder at $60 to aid in setting marks

We discussed the various ideas that had been submitted for improving the club and spending some of our money. As we’d started discussing marks, Paul suggested we look at other ideas such as the swimming noodle rings used by the club in Carver. There was a general exchange of views on marker buoys so Wilkie was persuaded to co-ordinate all these ideas and come up with a proposal. Thank you, Wilkie. Paul raised the point that we should have more marks in the water so that we can vary the course depending on the conditions. We all agreed.

All ideas on the mark construction and deployment to Wilkie, please.

Paul also recommended that we investigate the use of a radio-controlled Buoybot so that we can easily adjust the start line from the shore. He undertook to make that investigation.

We discussed Regattas and suggested holding a DF95 regatta on a Thursday towards the end of the season with a Soling regatta the following Tuesday. It was left to me to pick dates.

Former member, Frank Calore of the Old Colony MYC, had proposed a joint event at his club for Solings, but they could only race on Thursdays. We can try to arrange a visit towards the end of the season. Paul said that other clubs such as Minuteman and Carver also race Solings.

Any other business.

Henry DeWolf had raised the question of more appropriate venues with better parking as our sailors age. We have conducted many searches in the past but we should be aware in our travels in the area to look out for other sites.

Nick Bailey had proposed tech sessions concerning maintenance and set-up before or after some races rather like Rob has held in the past. Rob said he would willingly run some more and Paul reminded everybody that there are some excellent videos on these subjects on YouTube.

Bill David proposed getting an electric outboard motor for the dinghy. That was thought a good idea and Bill offered to investigate and make a proposal.

On the subject of rescues, Rob suggested we bring in a requirement that every boat has a “failsafe”. easy enough if you have a SkyFly transmitter which most of us have. We agreed.

There was a question about AMYA insurance regarding coverage and cost. I will investigate.

There was a question about the date for the annual Awards Banquet. The answer is on our website, Sunday, September 17th in the Great Room at the Village clubhouse at 6 pm.

If I’ve forgotten anything, I apologize. Please let me know

The meeting was declared over.

These are the agreed assignments:

Wilkie:  Recommend buoys, type, construction, and deployment

Kim/Bill R.; Purchase depth finder.

Paul: Investigate the “Buoybot” and make a recommendation.

Bill David: investigate types of electric outboard motor and recommend one for purchase

Derek: Select Regatta dates, Contact Frank Calore regarding a possible visit, and investigate AMYA insurance.

Have a great weekend,

Derek