We look forward to the 2013 season for the Rockport Boat Club with great anticipation.

Our sailing fleet has never been in better condition. A two-year program of revitalizing the fleet will be completed this spring. Our efforts to upgrade our sailing instructors started last season, and will continue this season. The clubhouse continues to improve each year (new BBQ area, new fence etc.) Our docks will be improved this spring. Our Adult Sailing program continues to grow helping introduce our members to the joys of sailing our harbor. Our Board has done a remarkable job of improving the overall quality of the Club and its programs.

As many of you will recall, in 2007 the Board elected to reduce the Club dues during those economically-stressed times. From 2008 through 2012, we held the dues at the reduced rate. For the 2013 season, we are reactivating the dues to the 2007 level. That is: Family Membership $220.00 and Single Membership $160.00. During the period 2008-2012, we have not only introduced many new programs but have also experienced increased expenses in taxes and insurance costs. We feel
it is appropriate to increase our dues to the 2007 level. The Board will continue to work hard at expense control in all areas.
But we also want to continue to invest in the future of our club by offering excellent programs, activities and facilities. I hope you will agree with me and the Board that we are taking the proper course in insuring the future of the Rockport Boat Club.

Club Treasurer, Larry Novotney, will be mailing invoices for 2013 dues and associated fees (dinghy tie-offs and kayak racks) by 15 January. Included with your invoice will be a Membership Information Form and a Volunteer Form. Please fill these out and return them with your remittance. The information you provide will ensure that our membership database and directory are up-to-date, and that your interest in volunteering are directed to the appropriate committee chairperson. Should the mail be delayed or should you need replacement forms, these are available on the Member Info page of the Club website.

Laurence Lehmann
Commodore

2012 was a wonderful year for the Rockport Boat Club. We improved many of our programs, facilities and activities. And while the RBC board directed many of these improvements, it was the engaged and involved membership that made it happen. Each year we encourage our members to take an active roll in our many programs and I am delighted to report that the membership has respond with enthusiasm. What makes The Rockport Boat Club different than many organizations are the efforts of our volunteer members. Our success has, largely, been the result of many hours of work by our members. Without it, RBC could not survive as we know it. We appreciate it and hope all of you will continue to support our club with your dedication and enthusiasm.

On behalf of the board , I want to extend a hearty thank you to all our members who have helped make The Rockport Boat Club, the special place it is.

Here’s wishing all of you a happy and peaceful New Year

Larry Lehmann
Commodore

by
Bob Kennedy

Over 60 Club members gathered on a cold but bright New Year’s Day to celebrate the start of 2013. A crackling fire, steaming cauldrons of chowder and soup, and champagne added to the festive feel of the day. Commodore Larry Lehmann recounted highlights of last season and shared plans for the coming season. He noted that the Board had worked diligently to keep the Club in sound fiscal condition. Planned modifications will improve safety and access to the Club floats. Ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the sailing fleet (JC-9s and 420s) and recent additions to the instructional staff ensure that the Club continues to offer the premier youth sailing program in the Mid-Coast Region.

The Fleet Committee and the Youth Sailing Program removed sails and hauled the 420s and JC-9s. As part of the Club’s ongoing efforts to upgrade the instructional fleet, some of these boats, as well as the motor launches, are scheduled for refurbishment over the winter.

The Adult Sailing Committee conducted a post-season inspection before removing sails and rigging, un-stepping the mast, and hauling Rocky, the Club’s 19-ft Typhoon. As a welcome change from last year, Rocky has been stored near the Club in the Town’s boat storage area. This will make it more convenient for those involved in pre-season preparations. Based on results of the inspection, several changes are planned for the winter that will make sailing Rocky easier and even more enjoyable next season.

As occurred last season, the Harbor Committee had to contend with less than ideal weather conditions when hauling and storing the Club’s floats. This is no easy task and requires equal measures of brain and brawn. As many will have observed, the current structure and configuration of the clubhouse float make using some of the tie-off spaces difficult. While there are limits on how much the Club can do given the tight space along the sea wall, discussions are under way concerning engineering changes that will make using these tie-offs less difficult.

Thanks to all who volunteered to assist with these important tasks! So, Mother Nature, we’re ready…Let it Snow!

Two Club boats competed in this year’s Paper Cup Regatta, a three-club race involving sailboats from Camden Yacht Club, Rockland Yacht Club and Rockport Boat Club. Club Commodore Larry Lehmann sailed Reprise with crew members Jim Chalfant, Beth Winter, Arlene Gaudet and Phil Gaudet; Bob Kennedy sailed Anjo with crew members Sharon Kennedy and Art Zur Muhlen. Sixteen boats in all participated. The two-legged race starts just off Indian Island and ends off Curtis Island. The first leg ends at Pulpit Harbor on North Haven Island, where boats raft for lunch, giving crews a chance to relax and visit. The event ended with a dinner hosted by Camden Yacht Club, which was attended by 14 members from the Rockport Boat Club. Kemo Sabe, an Alberg 37 sailed by John and Helen Kuhl from the Rockland Yacht Club, won the overall racing honors.

Club members attending last Friday’s BBQ were treated to an informative presentation by Stephanie Martin on seabirds and conservation efforts along Maine’s coast. Stephanie, a Rockport resident, is Programs Coordinator for Friends of Maine’s Seabird Islands, a non-profit affiliate of the Maine Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge contains more than 50 offshore islands and four coastal parcels, totaling more than 8,100 acres and spanning more than 250 miles of Maine coastline. Friends works closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff scientists on efforts to conserve and protect critical habitat and nesting sites for several species of seabirds, including Atlantic puffins, Leach’s storm-petrels, common eiders, terns and gulls. You can learn more about Friends of Maine Seabird Islands on their website (www.maineseabirds.org), or by visiting the new Refuge headquarters at 9 Water Street in Rockland.

Participants now have the option to take on-the-water lessons with Club Head Sailing Instructor Chrissy Shyne or take a checkout sail as a means to be qualified as a ‘Rocky Captain.’ By qualifying as Rocky Captains, Club members are able to use Rocky, the Club’s 19′ Cape Dory.

The Club’s First Annual Summer Solstice Party was a great success with over one hundred members and guests enjoying the longest day of the year overlooking Rockport Harbor. It was a festive night with music provided by David Dodson and the Lowdown. David and his group played for the members a combination of popular, folk and blues well into the warm summer night.

Sunday, May 20, was a beautiful warm day for our Annual Pancake Breakfast. It was great to see so many people in attendance…nearly 75! The food was fabulous and the company was even better. Pancakes, bacon and sausage, juice, fruit and coffee were in abundance. Being outside for breakfast in May was the best!

Many thanks to all who helped put the event in order. I know I won’t remember all of you but know that your help was greatly appreciated. The old saying…It takes a village is so true.

I would especially like to thank Lila Vultee who coordinated with me, the pancake team, the bacon & sausage cookers, fruit salad assemblers, set-up and, clean-up crews, any and all who made sure the event was fun and memorable.

We can always use help with our events and appreciate all who volunteer. I look forward to seeing all of you this season.

On a cold and damp, but not rainy, day, an intrepid team brought about the start of the Rockport Boat Club boating season by launching the two 420 floats and the four floats in front of the club house. While the crane did most of the heavy lifting, it could not have been accomplished without Bruce Malone, Phil Gaudet, Joe Cox, Mark Masterson, George Forrestall, and Larry Lehmann with the professional assistance of Bruce Bouldry and Rob Iserbyt. Thanks to all and looking for even more good men and women next time.