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2010 Commodore's Message
Before joining NETS we made one six week trip each year with the boat to Florida during the winter and it was never used during the summer; we were busy with other things and didn’t feel it was worth the bother to set up the boat for a short trip alone. After we attended the first rendezvous with NETS we enjoyed it so much that we have gone to almost every NETS rendezvous since then. The companionship and help that members give each other without being asked made what might have been a chore into a pleasure. I have learned something on every rendezvous that I would not have learned if sailing alone. My wife, who was dragged into sailing by me, now will not let me miss a rendezvous; not because of the sailing, although she likes that more every time we go out, but because of the club members who give of themselves without expecting anything in return. A quote from the previous Commodore: “Our club culture is infectious; I see it over and over again, members help each other, embrace new members and do their best to encourage safety, learning and independence.” I couldn’t say it better myself. I know I was infected on the first rendezvous we attended by Barbara Garland (Mother Hen). She went out of her way helping with everything and making us feel at home. Since then I have been infected many more times but the first time stands out. I know I have passed this infection on to more than one person and I have seen them infect other people. This is the biggest hazard (or one of the best things) of being a NETS member; if you are active in the group you will be very likely to catch this, it is VERY contagious. Unlike H1N1 this is one infection I don’t mind spreading. The main method of communicating for our group is the website. If you are reading this you are probably aware of the many features available on the website. Paul Seeberg is doing an excellent job as Webmaster, continuing the work started by Rich Dieffenbach. New this year on the website is a contest to encourage members to send in articles and pictures. There are two categories for stories and a category for pictures with three prizes in each category ranging from $50 to a free NE-TS membership, see website for details. The website alone is worth the modest membership fee. Although North East Trailer Sailors is the name of our group we have gradually expanded and have members from Florida to Canada, some members whose boats are not trailerable, and some members without a boat but having the desire to sail and increase their knowledge of sailing. The one thing we all have in common and brings us together is an interest in sailing. This common bond seems to completely erase any other differences we may have. This common bond combined with the club spirit of helping and caring about each other may be the reason our club is growing larger every year. If you have a boat that is not trailerable consider running a rendezvous in your area. They are easy to run and are a good way to bring the group to you. If you are considering doing this contact Cruise Captain Karen Hill for information on what would be required. I’d like to finish by saying get involved, attend meetings, attend or run rendezvous, send in stories or pictures. It is easy to sit on the sideline and observe, but it’s a lot more fun to jump in and participate. The choice is yours. I’ll be out sailing, hope to see you on the water! Enjoy the upcoming sailing season. Al
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I am honored to have been elected Commodore of NE-TS for 2010 and I will do my best to continue and expand on
the great job that was done by the outgoing Commodore Jack Chadowitz and the Commodores preceding him. With
their guidance the club has grown into what it is today. I also look forward to working with the other members
of the board who were also elected to help run our outstanding club this year.
I would like to encourage any new or inactive members to attend meetings and rendezvous.
The meetings carry us over through the winter months keeping the pleasant thoughts of sailing alive and
continuing the camaraderie and friendships that seem to develop on their own during the summer sailing season. I
have found the informal discussions before and after the meetings a great way to exchange ideas and am amazed at how
much is learned during those discussions. At many meetings we have a formal seminar about sailing related topics
which usually are a good learning experience no matter what your skill level. These seminars are announced with
the meeting notice; if you see a seminar listed that interests you please attend and take advantage of one of the
benefits of being a member. On the same note if you want to run a seminar or have an idea for one that you would
like us to run please let