Burgee Dec 2008 - Sarasota Sailing Squadron

MOORING COMMITTEE MEETING &
BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, December 9th
MOTLEY CREW RACE—BOTY
Sunday, December 14th
MOTLEY CREW RACES
Sunday’s in December @ 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
The Burgee - December 2008
From the Commodore
1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, PO Box 1927
Sarasota, Florida 34230
Manager: Greta Dabringhaus
Assistant Manager: Joanne Hawkes
Maintenance Technician: Kacy Knope
Phone: 941-388-2355 Fax: 941-388-5524
sss@sarasotasailingsquad.com  www.sarasotasailingsquad.com
Commodore:
John MacKay (941-587-8306)
jamackay@aol.com
Vice Commodore:
Dave Curry (941-704-3766)
davidcurr9@gmail.com
Rear Commodore:
Steve McCormack (941-346-0055)
smccormack_99@yahoo.com
Treasurer:
Tom Dieter (941-374-0008)
tom@actionmgt.biz
Secretary:
Dave Jennings (941-650-7354)
David.jennings@skysothebys.com
Measurer:
Alan Capellin (941-526-6058)
acapellin@yahoo.com
Fleet Captain:
Sara Allen (941-224-9025)
sarataos@newmex.com
Race Captain:
Rich Muro (941-798-6913)
rich@testrack.com
Social Coordinator:
Danny Wiedenhoft (941-345-6971)
sailpapa@aol.com
Education Coordinator:
Stuart Gilfillen (941-504-4236)
stuart_gilfillen@hotmail.com
From The Editor
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.
Cheers, Lindsay
Page 2
"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 schedJohn MacKay
ule. The Sailing Squadron helped
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-
The Burgee - December 2008
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, 2008. 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
The Burgee - December 2008
Page 4
The Burgee - December 2008
Page 5
The Burgee - December 2008
Cruising (with) Class
.
Cruising (with) Class Looms Ahead
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.
Page 6
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"
The Burgee - December 2008
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 3882355 or send an email 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!
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!
***
AN ADVERTISING SPACE LIKE THIS IS
AN ECONOMICAL WAY TO REACH ALL
900+ MEMBERS OF THE SSS! FOR DETAILS, CONTACT THE SQUADRON OFFICE AT 941-388-2355. 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) 395-2628 ext. 3568
Group Name: Sarasota Sailing Squadron
Group #: GA82296S
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 388-2355.
***
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
The Burgee - December 2008
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 email sss@sarasotasailingsquad.com.
Charles H. Ball & Associates, P.A.
1444 First Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941-952-1500
Fax: 941-953-5736
Providing services for all real estate needs,
issuance of title insurance, probate,
condominium, criminal and civil needs.
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!
Page 8
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
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!
The Burgee - December 2008
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 E-MAIL 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 e-mail, when applicable, then
we already have your correct e-mail address. Thank you.
Our condolences to Maurice Bresnahan for the loss of his wife, Mary
E-MAIL ADDRESSES FOR THE OFFICE STAFF:
GRETA@SARASOTASAILINGSQUAD.COM
JOANNE@SARASOTASAILINGSQUAD.COM
SQUADRON MAIN E-MAIL ADDRESS:
SSS@SARASOTASAILINGSQUAD.COM
Page 9
The Burgee - December 2008
TO
VIEW A FULL COLOR EDITION OF
THE BURGEE VISIT:
www.sarasotasailingsquad.com
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
941.907.2620. www.sailmonster.com
Page 10
The Burgee - December 2008
ATTENTION ALL BOAT
OWNERS
In order to keep your boat at
The Squadron, you must have
VALID INSURANCE COVERAGE. (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 941-388-5524 or scan
and e-mail 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.
ED
R
SU
IN
THANK YOU!!
Finance Specialist
Brian R. Hays
LIC. R.E. BROKER
LIC. MORTGAGE BROKER
Buying or Selling
Mortgage Needs
Cell: (941) 321-7772
Fax: (941) 358-0328 Email:info@BrianHays.com
“ V essels of Freedom,
Harbors of Healing ... Boats ”
- Kenny Chesney
Page 11
The Burgee - December 2008
MONDAY
TUESDAY
1
7
FALL SUNDAY
SERIES #4
CRUISING
(WITH)
CLASS
7:00 PM
14
MOTLEY
CREW RACE
1:00 PM
BOTY
EVENT
COMMITTEE
MEETTING
6:00 PM
E SCOWS
12:00 PM
CRUISING
(WITH)
CLASS
7:00 PM
15
16
E SCOWS
12:00 PM
23
10 LUFFING 11 
LASSIES
9:00 AM
CHRISTMAS
PARTY
17 LUFFING 18
24
30
FOLK
CONCERT
-Office Closed-
31
NEW YEAR’S
EVE PARTY
9:00 PM
25
6
DECORATE
THE
CLUBHOUSE
FOR THE
HOLIDAYS
10:00 AM
12
SSS XMAS
PARTY
6:00 PM
JAN-FEB
BURGEE
DEADLINE
-Office Closed-
29
5
SWOBS
(Sailors Without
Boats)
LASSIES
9:00 AM
Christmas Eve
MOTLEY 28
CREW RACE
1:00 PM
SATURDAY
LASSIES
9:00 AM
-Office Closed-
22
FRIDAY
3 LUFFING 4 
E SCOWS
12:00 PM
BOARD
MEETING
7:00 PM
CRUISING
(WITH)
CLASS
7:00 PM
Page 12
9
THURSDAY
-Office Closed-
MOTLEY 21
CREW RACE
1:00 PM
CRUISING
(WITH)
CLASS
7:00 PM
2
8 MOORING
MOTLEY
CREW RACE
1:00 PM
LASER DISTRICT 13
CHAMPIONSHIPS
WEDNESDAY

SUNDAY
LASER DISTRICT 13
CHAMPIONSHIPS
13
COMMODORE’S CUP
1:30 PM
BOAT PARADE
6:00 PM
19
WORK
PARTY
9:00 AM
20
PRIVATE
PARTY
26 
27
The Burgee - December 2008
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
1
LUFFING
LASSIES
9:00 AM
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2
3
FLYING
SCOT TEAM
RACE
HANGOVER
REGATTA
4
5
6 
7
FALL SUNDAY
SERIES #2
MOTLEY
CREW RACE
1:00 PM
11
14 
12 MOORING 13
COMMITTEE
MEETTING
6:00 PM
MOTLEY
CREW RACE
1:00 PM
BOTY
18
9
10
FLYING
SCOT
REGATTA
-Office Closed-
15
16
22
23
24
29
30
31
LUFFING
LASSIES
9:00 AM
BOARD
MEETING
7:00 PM
WORK
PARTY
9:00 AM
17
-Office Closed-
19
20
21
LUFFING
LASSIES
9:00 AM
FEB-MAR
BURGEE
DEADLINE
MOTLEY
CREW RACE
1:00 PM

FLYING
SCOT
REGATTA
8
LUFFING
LASSIES
9:00 AM
-Office Closed-
25
26
27
FALL SUNDAY
SERIES #3
MOTLEY
CREW RACE
1:00 PM
BOTY EVENT
FOLK
CONCERT
7:15 PM
28 
LUFFING
LASSIES
9:00 AM
-Office Closed-
Page 13
The Burgee - December 2008
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
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
Marc Dwiel
2620 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34239
(941) 955-2133 Ext. 525
Fax (941) 957-4153
www.ibcinsurance.com
E-Mail: mdwiel@ibcinsurance.com
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,
REMINDER...
2008 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 9Noon, with the bigger work party days being the
3rd Saturday of every month.
1515 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL
Phone 941-504-4236
SYSP is a 501c(3) Non-Profit Corporation
P.O. Box 2706
Sarasota, FL 34230
Page 14
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.
The Burgee - December 2008
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 12-15 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
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
Articles: Chuck Tanner
Photos: Rich Muro
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
The Burgee - December 2008
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. 8th &
9th 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
www.fssa.com. 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 BEHIND THE CLUB’S HISTORY, MISSION AND ONGOING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY.
EMAIL 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
The Burgee - December 2008
MOTLEY CREW BOAT OF THE YEAR
SERIES #3 RESULTS
Page 17
The Burgee - December 2008
The Life of a Sailor
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
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FOR SUBMISSION
IN
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SHOULD BE SENT
ELECTRONICALLY TO:
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Page 18
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
The Burgee - December 2008
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Page 19
The Burgee - December 2008
Sarasota Sailing Squadron Board of Directors
Minutes of the October 14, 2008 Board Meeting
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
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 1st and 2nd. 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
$1000.00 to build a lockable multi-tier case. I base it off this: http://www.trophycentral.com/comsooncas5.html. I
would ask that the Squadron pay for the supplies and the YSP volunteers will provide the labor. Moved to new business.
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The Burgee - December 2008
Madison Gates won the USODA South East Championships (Hixon, TN) beating 64 other competitors. Ravi Parent
(4th), Jason D’Agostino (12th) and Nicolas Schultz (18th) 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 4th at the Cressy (High School Single-handed Nationals) Qualifiers and will head to Ithaca, NY
the weekend of October 18-19 for the event finals.
The YSP will be hosting the district 13 Laser championships at the SSS on December 13-14. 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 10-15 people take a Squadron supported, US Sailing taught, race management course (held before February 1st) 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
15-19 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 16th. 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 at @8:10 PM.
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The Burgee - December 2008
SARASOTA SAILING SQUADRON GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
MINUTES OF THE 18 NOVEMBER 2007 MEETING
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
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 2008. 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.”
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The Burgee - December 2008
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
2006. 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.
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The Burgee - December 2008
PRSRT STD
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
MANASOTA FL
PERMIT #802
Sarasota Sailing Squadron
P.O. Box 1927
Sarasota FL 34230
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