NSHSA Fall Business Meeting
October 4th, 2014

The crews of Annalee, Aquila, Champagne, Contigo, Elsie's Phantasie, Narsilion, Schatzi, Silent Running, Windsprint and Xtasea gathered at Cutter Marina to hold the annual business meeting for the club.

The Commodore called the meeting to order and the Secretary conducted the roll call. Minutes from the spring  meeting were not available.
The officers reported on the season and their respective areas. The common theme of the reports was that it was a successful season and by the consensus of the attendees, it was one of the best in recent history.

Frederique Lienard, our Fleet Captian presented the trophies for this years Clean Your Clock race, which was held during the Memorial Day picnic. This year the awards went to: Annalee - 1st Place, Silent Running – 2nd Place and Champagne - 3rd Place.

The Commodore then asked for Committee reports:

• Frank Tedeschi reported for the Membership Committee. His efforts included Spinsheet articles, contacts with the Hunter Dealers, NSHSA Coozie purchase and the upcoming Annapolis boat show. Discussed how to solicit new members, interviewing inactive and past members and the reasons why boats find it difficult to join and participate. He is looking for additional members to join the committee and develop a plan for increasing the membership in 2015.
• Joe and Sue Cameron agreed to take on the role of Maryland Resident Agent.
• There was discussion about the long vacant role of Historian – The plan for the future is to digitize the records before they deteriorate and then make a decision whether to abolish the position of Historian going forward. The website would essentially become the historical repository.
• Dave Knauer has taken on the role of Portlight Editor. His efforts are very much appreciated.

The 2015 slate of officers was approved

• Commodore - Bill Ubelacker
• Vice Commodore - Elsie Grady-McDonough
• Fleet Captain - Frederique Lienard
• Secretary - Steve Coppage
• Purser - Marie Frankle

The Commodore reviewed the proposed bylaw changes which were the outcome of a Committee effort.  In short there were four proposed changes – addition of a Social Membership class. Timing of the Fall meeting and new Officers, Timing & electronic publication of the Portlight and electronic on-line voting option. There was significant discussion concerning the proposed amendment to add the Social Membership, including the need, purpose, advantages and disadvantages. Membership growth versus risking the loss of the Hunter identity were the central themes. Unfortunately, the number of crews in attendance plus the registered proxies did not meet the two-thirds membership minimum for a bylaw ammendment. The changes will be presented once again at the Spring meeting.

The Commodores Ball is the next and final club even t for the year. So far, only nine  boats have registered to attend.

The meeting was adjourned and we moved on to happy hour and dinner.

I hope that the remaining part of season is great for everyone!

Bill