AT THE MEMBERSHIP MEETING

January 18, 2005

By Jim Smith

Commodore, Paul Olsen called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
Commodore asked new members and guests to introduce themselves. Dan Lewandowski did so. He found out about the club at Hub Hobby and is working on a Billing kit.
Dale Johnson inquired as to the club's participation in the February event in Wauconia. There appears to be a new person in charge and we have had no contact from her.
Commodore noted that there was a meeting of the board at his home in January. A discussion was held about club events for '05. In addition to the Parade of Boats in June, an early spring sailboat tune-up on a Saturday morning after ice-out, a "Poker Run," and a scale boat obstacle course of some type were discussed. A "judging" competition of some type was talked over by the general membership. It was suggested that members think this one over and be ready to discuss it in more detail at a later club meeting.

Dick Walker mentioned that he had attended a couple of such events in England. A select group of judges evaluated the boats and awarded prizes in categories such as "most attractive," "best scratch built," "best kit built," etc.
Most members felt that the Parade of Boats was too busy an event for a judging competition, however a "people's choice" award might be an alternative. It was suggested that an early season time for a "best looking" competition might be best. . . . before the boats begin to show wear due to use.
Fred Ferris again volunteered to run the frequency control board at the Parade. He suggested that members call him immediately to "reserve" a frequency and time period(s) for operation. Fred feels that some early organization and planning could result in considerably more boats operating throughout the day.
Don Sektnan showed a pair of old computer power supplies that can be easily converted to clean, 12 volt DC power sources for commercial, DC only battery chargers such as the Triton. Don generously donated one of the modified supplies to the club. It will be raffled off at the February club meeting.

Tony Johnson and Alex Raupp gave a 50 minute talk on scale ice-boating. Tony and Alex manufacture and operate quarter scale "DN," "Knight," and "Renegade" boats. They can be operated as land yachts as well, thus extending their season beyond winter-only. Tony suggested a look-see at the IRCSSA. org web site for anyone interested in additional information.
Jim Smith asked what was happening on the EMYC web site? Other than an occasional item added to the "forum" nothing has been up dated in months. Meeting dates, calendar of events, etc. are all last year's information. Dan Proulx said that Andy Valentine has been busy but that he'd check and see if the site could be improved. Commodore also said that he'd contact Andy.
Tony Johnson asked for a show of hands of those willing to participate in the Wauconia indoor sailing event. . . if we are invited. Turnout was poor last year and Tony didn't want to pursue it if folks were not going to participate. Six or eight members expressed interest so Tony will make some calls. The date is believed to be Saturday, February 12th. If we are invited, Tim Smalley will get an email message out before hand.

Show-'n'-tell: Dan Lewandowski showed his Billing "Calipso. " He's been working on it since November and has installed a multitude of automatic functions.
Joe Steele showed his "Helen," under construction. Joe had a large selection of sub assemblies in a brown paper bag. By the time he pulled them out and laid them in place on the hull, he had virtually assembled the boat before our very eyes. Both boats are expected to be Parade ready!
Meeting adjourned 8:45 PM

Show-'n'-tell: Dan Lewandowski showed his Billing "Calypso. " He's been working on it since November and has installed a multitude of automatic functions.
Joe Steele showed his "Helen," under construction. Joe had a large selection of sub assemblies in a brown paper bag. By the time he pulled them out and laid them in place on the hull, he had virtually assembled the boat before our very eyes. Both boats are expected to be Parade ready!

Meeting adjourned 8:45 PM