Annual Meeting, Spring Fitting out and more

Vol. II Issue # 2

Spring 2010

IN THIS ISSUE

Membership Renewal
Annual Meeting
Spring Boat Maintenance
Building & Grounds
Members Access to Shop
Knot Tying Workshop
A Very Special Request
Classic Boat Fair
2010 Calendar

Greetings!

Spring is in the air and that signals to boating enthusiasts that it's fitting out time. Remove the winter covers, clean the bilges and get out the sandpaper. That's just about where we are at the boat shop. The Susan Constant, our 19 foot Buzzards Bay sloop, has been rolled outdoors and has had its bilges power-washed. There is much to do in order to get our fleet ready for launching. If you love to sail I urge to to get to the boat shop and help out with the preparation.

It is also membership renewal time and annual meeting time. Plan to come early on Saturday, April 24th in your work clothes and pitch in on the fitting out process.

Your Skipper,

Ray Hartjen

It's Membership Renewal Time!

It is so impressive to me to have the large number of members that support our efforts at reviving traditional boat building skills. At this point in time 40% of our operating budget comes from membership dues. It is also psychologically reassuring that we have such a broad base of support. Our annual membership renewal letter went out in early April and already checks are filling my mailbox. My hearty thanks to all of you who have responded to our request to pay dues. If you have not responded, I encourage you to join the group that has at your earliest convenience.

Annual Meeting Saturday, April 24th 2PM

The annual meeting will take place Saturday, April 24th at 2PM in the Community Boat Shop at 301 Bluff Road in Amagansett, NY. In addition to having an opportunity to view the progress on the Catspaw Dinghy, this year's raffle boat, we will review our activities for the year and you will be privileged to hear a report on our efforts to increase membership and our financial base. Further, we will be announcing the availability of additional watercraft this year for member use.

Spring Boat Maintenance

As you can see, we are beginning to prepare our flagship, the Susan Constant, for early launching in Accabonac Harbor. It is our hope to have her available to you even before Memorial Day this year, which will be our earliest launching.
We have secured a mooring in Three Mile Harbor for the Beetle Catboat. But before she can be launched, serious work has to be done to prevent the leaking we experienced at the end of last year's boating season. If you love to sail her, you will enjoy that experience more if you lend a hand in preparing her for launching this spring. We need a dedicated team to get this job done. So come by Wednesdays and Saturdays and pitch in.

Building & Grounds

The Andersen Window people have agreed to replace at no charge our large picture window that was found to sweat in between its double panes in the cold of winter. Tom Rosko, our member in charge of building and grounds, is overseeing the replacement operation. But Tom doesn't stop at that. Since both doors on the south side of the building were improperly installed, he is preparing for their removal and re-installation. While doing that, he is re-shingling part of the south face of the building that hadn't been done properly. It doesn't end there. I asked him about the needs of our grass in front of the building and the next thing I know he arrives with more grass seed and fertilizer that he laid down within an hour one afternoon. We are very grateful to Tom.

Members Access to Shop for Small Boat Repair Projects

For some time now we occasionally receive requests for the use of the shop for personal boat repair projects. The Board's policy has been to disallow this unless the project had an educational value for members. We have now reconsidered this policy and have decided to make the tools and space available for projects that are relatively small and do not require too much shop time.

To this end, we are creating an application form that enables the applicant to outline the project, its need for tools, space and time. It will be allowed on days other than Wednesdays and Saturdays and will require that one of the key-holding members be present to provide access to the building and assistance if necessary.

Knot Tying, Splicing, Whipping Workshop Saturday, May 15th

Just in time for spring fitting out, our skipper Ray will head up a class on these important rope techniques as you get ready for a summer of fun on the water. The class will take place at the Community Boat Shop Saturday, May 15th from 10AM to 3PM. The Society will provide the lines for each of the exercises. If you have painters or mooring lines that you need to have properly prepared for the upcoming season, bring them along. If you are diligent, you will return with each properly prepared for summer usage.

Please call ahead to make reservations for this workshop at 631-324-2490. If too many apply we will plan for a repeat so that all who have a need will be accommodated.

A Very Special Request

Our kayak builder, good friend and member Kelly King of the C.E. King & Sons awnings and canvas company, who cares for our boat cover needs and suffers from Parkinson's Disease, has asked that we pass on a request to our members for contributions to an upcoming April 24th Parkinson's Unity Walk. Anyone willing to make contributions should do so in support of Kayaker's for a CURE, the name of Kelly King's group. If you wish to join Kelly and his group on the walk on April 24th at Central Park in New York City, call him at 631-324-4711. Check out the web site for details http://www.unitywalk.org/

Checks should be made out and sent to Parkinson's Unity Walk, P.O. Box 275, Kingston, NJ 08528. For more information call 866-789-9255 or e-mail info@unitywalk.org Your support will be very much appreciated.

Classic Boat Fair Saturday, July 17th

The Classic Boat Fair will take place Saturday, July 17th from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Community Boat Shop. You will have a rare opportunity to ogle many classic boats on the grounds of the Community Boat Shop and Marine Museum. Those arriving early will be treated to the first choices at our Nautical Flea Market as well as coffee and pastries. In addition, there will be opportunities to buy raffle tickets for this year's raffle boat, the Catspaw Dinghy, and a kayak that another boat shop will have on display. Light food and beverages will be provided during the day. This is a free event.

Display or Sell Your Classic Boat If you have a classic boat that you would like to display or sell at the Classic Boat Fair, contact member Pierce Hance at sagmb2@strategicadvisorygroup.com

2010 Calendar

Your Skipper,

Ray Hartjen
The East End Classic Boat Society
rhartjen@hamptons.com
631-324-2490

P.S., You can forward a copy of this e-newsletter to a relative or friend by clicking the Forward email link below. You will have the option of including a short message. You are welcome to invite them to see the boat shop in action any Wednesday or Saturday year-round. Admission is always free. The Community Boat Shop is at 301 Bluff Road in Amagansett, NY.