Commodore's Corner
Spring 2008

Welcome to the 2008 sailing season. I have to admit I am getting very excited about this coming sailing season. Some mild days, working on the boat, taking a USCG Captains course, and seeing you all at our annual Spring Planning meeting has really helped me through this winter. We had a great time sailing and playing together last year and from the energy and excitement I saw at our planning meeting a few weeks ago I am happy to report that 2008 sailing season promises to be a good one.

Bill and Linda Ubelacker are hosting the season opener with a “Splashdown” raft in Worton Creek the first weekend in April. Last year we had snow during their raft! Memorial Day weekend is scheduled to be held at the Maryland Yacht Club. Paul is planning on having the club race that weekend so bring your racing gloves. We will also set up cameras and take fleet photos from the point as you sail into Rock Creek.

I am planning on an early summer trip to Hampton Roads for the Blackbeard Pirate Festival. I hope you can plan on joining me in this cruise. The Shipley’s are developing a “Survivor Raft”, the Schmidt’s are going to host a “Safety Raft”, the Schultz’s and Ubelacker’s are going to host a “Wine Tasting raft”. I am guessing that means no reds! Several others have contacted me with ideas for rafts and we will be scheduling these in the near future. Please check our web site ( www.nshsa.org) often to see changes or additions to our schedule. As you can see the season has not even started yet and we are filling our calendar with fun events.

I would like to thank everyone, especially those who are willing to put in the time and energy to host a raft for their continued support. There is still plenty of opportunity to host or help out with an event this year. Feel free to contact any Officer or listed raft Captain and ask to host or co-host a raft this year. It is a great way to get involved in your club.

As you remember last year we lost three of our Captains (Don Nissley, Bert and Ernie; Steve Hilnbrand, Mast Confusion; Gordon Palmer, Windependent). I would like to thank Past Commodores Tom Schmidt, Narsilion and John Molnar, penury's prize for organizing work crews get these three boat ready for the coming season. Please contact either Tom or John if you have some free time and can come to the aid of your fellow sailors.

See you on the Water. Don’t forget to monitor channel 78.

Earl