I would first like to thank the membership for allowing me, and the entire incoming watch, the privilege of serving as Officer's of the PGSC. I would also like to thank immediate Past Commodore John Welsh and the 2016 Board for their efforts keeping our Club on course. The fine tuning of the Club's By-Laws and Officer's Manual has provided the 2017 watch with a clear framework of our duties.
The month of December entertained a fun well attended change of watch and the concluding race of the Fall series. With Holiday schedules packed, cruising was limited to Christmas light canal trips and participating in the Punta Gorda lighted boat parade. It's great to see members "dress ship" with lights and decorations in this annual Punta Gorda nautical tradition.
V/C Tom Delaney has arranged for the local Power Squadron to speak at the January meeting. Our guest speakers will be Ron Jones, Administrative Officer and Galen Price, Chair of the Vessel Examiners Committee. Come learn more about the Power Squadron's mission, their educational programs,and sign up for a free vessel safety check. All the items routinely inspected will be discussed at the meeting, this gives skippers a chance to be in compliance prior to the inspection.
Looking ahead, the February meeting will host the annual "Lasagna" dinner. Complete event information and tickets will be available at the January meeting. If you won't be at the January meeting check the PGSC website for how to purchase tickets.
New in '17 - Starting at 5:30, before the January 11th meeting at the PGICA, a "special" program will be introduced starting with how to get the most out of your boat using "Proper Sail Trim". No sign ups are needed, just come early to the meeting. If there's interest, the monthly programs will continue and get more technical. Additionally, there will be several members available to answer any questions on the racing programs at the PGSC. Again, if there's interest, we have the volunteers in place to assist you in the classroom and on the water.
As Chair of this year's Conquistador Cup Regatta, the intent of the planned activities are to be attractive to both our racing and cruising members. Webmaster, George Adamczyk, has posted all the CCR details in great style, check it out online. Cruising co-Chairs, Frank Cushing and Curt Morrison, have planned anchor outs and additional Saturday day time events that complement the evening events. Racing co-Chairs Bob Knowles and Garrett Geiger are getting the on the water race management volunteers together. If you would like to volunteer as signal or mark boat for a race or two contact Bob or Garrett.
Early in the watch, as the cruising schedule is developed, "Cruise Leaders" are sought. Leading a cruise is something some members have done and many members have not. The "how to" is available, just bring the "want to". I think you'll find the reward much bigger than the challenge.
The ship's store will be open for business at the January meeting. Co-Rear Commodore John Martin can help you find a hat, shirt or order a name badge. Co-Rear Commodore John Welsh will concentrate on external communications with the media, good luck John, we all like seeing our boat's in the newspaper, and maybe TV, under sail.
Reminder, if you haven't paid your 2017 dues yet their is a penalty for renewing after January 31st.Co-Secretaries Dotty Vaivoda and Susan Stoddard will be at the January meeting to facilitate renewing.
Also attending the January meeting will be representatives from the three youth sailing organizations on the upper harbor. I'm happy to report the PGSC will be able to continue financial support of these organizations. Supporting the many PGSC events and the financial jurisprudence of Treasurer Katrina McIntosh made this happen, nice job PGSC ! To those members volunteering at the youth programs, I salute you and your efforts passing on the passion we all share, sailing.
I am also pleased to report Mike McIntosh will be representing the PGSC on the Marine Advisory Council (MAC) and Carol Geiger will be working with TEAM Punta Gorda while collecting information during the early planning stages of a new "Gilchrist Park Waterfront Activity Center".
Wishing you all a safe, fun packed "Sailing Seventeen" !
Hope to see you Wednesday January 11th, 2017
Jim Nuzzo, Commodore
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