As we close the 2025 sailing season, work on the 2026 sailing has begun. The first order of business is to establish a budget and plan the events and projects for the coming year. The board has gone through its first review of the budget and should have a final budget for 2026 at our December meeting. Once the budget is established we will publish the list of events and projects that are supported by the budget. With the financial plan in place the next step will be to find the volunteers to execute the plan. The club has a long history of volunteerism and it is that volunteerism that we will be looking for in 2026. We expect that every membership will come forward to work on a project or event. The opportunities will range from the planning and execution of social events to physical labor on projects. Participation in these functions also opens the opportunity to learn more about your fellow sailors and to learn new skills.
The success of the club relies on everyone making a contribution.
A couple of years ago we received a Snipe sailboat as a donation. After starting to rig the boat we found some problems with the standing rigging and had to make a few modifications. With the modifications finally completed we will be working on the running rigging and working and cosmetic issues. our goal is to launch this boat in the spring. We are in need of help to work on the cosmetic issues which include some work on the fiberglass, sanding the hull in preparation of paint and painting trim detail. The work is not difficult but will require some time to complete. If you have experience and would like to work on this boat or if you have no experience and would like to learn please contact me.
Just prior to Dock Days our newest club boat (a second Snipe) sustained serious storm damage. While the boat was secured to the trailer at the bow the stern was not properly secured. and the wind lifted the boat off the trailer. As a result the fore deck isi separated from the hull and has several cracks. The repair will require the construction of a support frame, the creation of a fiberglass deck and gelcoating the fore deck. This will be a good learning experience for those wanting to learn how repairs are done. The repair has several steps and will take about 6 to 10 days to complete. If you have specific skills in doing repairs your help in training others would be appreciated. Please let me know if you are willing to help with the instruction process.so that we can put a plan together and be able to launch the boat in the spring.
Our club boats have not received the care and continued maintenance that they should have over the years. In an effort to correct that situation we are looking to create the position of boat manager for each boat. In this position the manager would be responsible for getting the boat set up in the spring and ready for storage in the fall During the sailing season the manager will conduct periodic inspections of the rigging, hardware and function of the boat. Each boat will have a checklist as a guide for the inspection. The manager will determine if assistance is required to correct an issue. It will be the manager’s discretion to take a boat out of service. If you are interested in taking on one of these positions please contact me. There are 4 positions to fill. Training will be provided so no special skills are required.
In the late April timeframe we will begin to conduct our basic skills training for those who have never sailed before or would like additional training. The April sessions will be 4 sessions of classroom type training to cover everything from terminology to safety equipment. Once classroom work is complete on the water training will start. For those who have completed the classroom work but have not completed on the water training will receive preference for the on the water training. Watch for updates on training.
Currently we are taking inventory of all new and used inventory of EZ Dock accessories. Once the inventory is complete it will be posted and available on a first come first served basis. If there is something that you are interested in but is not in inventory we can get current pricing. When purchasing through the club we are able to get items at dealer pricing rather than retail. Accessories are considered to be personal property and as such falls under the club’s EZ Dock Personal Pro[erty Policy. The policy is posted on the club’s website in the “Library” tab.
There are still some questions about the city fee structure for the upcoming season. At this time it does look like we will be assessed $560 for an in water slip with other fees staying about the same. As soon as the fee structure is resolved I will post the results.
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving! 🦃
Joe Kucharski
MSC Commodore