The May 8th meeting of the South Shore Outboard Association was called to order by Commodore Alan Akerstrom at 1:25PM. The Meeting was held at The Trailer Place of New England in Kingston, New Hampshire, and there were FIFTEEN members present.

Secretary’s Report - The Secretary’s report was presented as printed in the Newsletter. Shawn C. questioned the article in the Newsletter relating to the method of distribution of the J Propellers at race events. He explained that he did not recall that discussion at the April Meeting. The Secretary then explained that the Secretary’s report within the Newsletter only consists of the Meeting Minutes. All of the remaining material within the Newsletter is contributed or editorial content. Although the J Propeller issue was not part of the Meeting Minutes, a lengthy discussion ensued. The Secretary explained that the information printed in the May Newsletter was the collective position of the SSOA Referee’s and that of the J Class Commissioner that resides in Region One. Shawn then made a motion to amend the Referee’s position of the J Props. There was no second.

Treasurer’s Report – Dick Currier presented the Treasurers report for the period ending May 8, 2010. It was voted to reimburse Shawn C. for invoices relating to the new patrol boat. Paul Luippold was also reimbursed for expenses relating to the Clock & Camera mechanisms. Alan A. was reimbursed $216.00 for the purchase of new PA Systems and Steve N. was reimbursed $2,623 for the Hubbardton, Vermont sanction and insurance fees. The Treasurer’s report was accepted as presented. Copies of the report and summaries of the Race income and expenses are available at the Meetings.

Membership – Membership Chairman Mike Akerstrom presented the membership numbers as follows: We currently have 82 members comprised of: 60 – Racing; 12 – non racing; and 10 Life members. The membership list is now posted on the website. Any member that does not want any of their information on the site, contact Paul @ paul.luippold@comcast.net and he will edit your information.

Equipment –

  1. The inspection scales have been certified.

  2. Alex has rigged the Blue Patrol boat for the engine and steering and the boat is 99% complete.

  3. White Rescue is all set.

  4. All rescue engines are now equipped with the same fuel fittings.

  5. There are now adequate life jackets for all the rescue boats and the pontoon boat.

  6. Two new Public address systems have been purchased.

  7. There was a general orientation of the operation of the clock and camera at the meeting.

Website – Paul L. is has given the website a new facelift. southshoreoutboard.com.

Races

Entry Fees & Awards – The Club will keep the entry fees at $30, $25, and $20. (1st class, 2ndclass, 3 or more classes). When awards are presented, the Drag Category will be included.

Standish, Maine – The beach has been cleaned and is ready. The sanction is posted on the APBA website. The food concession will be available on Friday. The Club authorized Shawn C. to purchase mugs and key chains for awards. Testing will be permitted on Friday. The fee for testing is $15.00 and this amount goes to the Kiwanis Club. It is uninsured testing. Program book ads are available and if a Driver purchases a business card size ad, testing will be free for that driver. The North American Championships (NAC) for DSH will be run on Saturday. The sanction cost for the NAC is $150. Richmond Aero Marine is the generous sponsor for this event. The Drag boats will run at 11:00AM on Saturday and at the end of the day on Sunday. Channel 6 will be at the site filming on Friday.

Hubbardton, Vermont – The Green Mountain Boys have received the Permit from the State of Vermont. The Sanction and Insurance applications have been filed with APBA. Slate plaques will once again be presented for awards. The Modified Outboard Commission awarded the North American Championship to Hubbardton for the 500ccMH Class (CMH) and this will be run on Saturday. The pit area will be expanded.

Haverhill, Mass - The Crescent Yacht Club and SSOA participated in the Annual Kids Fest Event in the Down town area on May 2nd. The Club had a 25SSH set up along with three other boats on display. It was estimated in the local papers that over 10,000 people attended the event throughout the day. Attached to this Newsletter are copies of the race date information that was distributed. We have received approval from the SORC to hold the Northeast Marathon Divisionals at Haverhill and it will kick off at 4:00PM on Saturday August 28th.

Taunton, Mass – No Report

Kingston, NH – This will be an APBA – CBF joint sanction scheduled for September 25 & 26th. There is no updated news to report since the last meeting.

Other Races – Connecticut Outboard will be hosting a RACE SCHOOL on Friday July 9th as part of the Thompson, Connecticut event.

Banquet – Harriet Thompson will look continue to look into alternative sites for the fall banquet. The tentative date for the banquet is November 20, 2010. The Lafayette Club has been a good location, but we may need a larger venue if we incorporate the 60th Anniversary celebration.

SSOA 60th Anniversary – There were preliminary discussions on the date of the Anniversary event. There have been suggestions of having the event in the evening after a race or incorporating it in with the Annual Awards Banquet. The general consensus was to have the event at the time of the Banquet. Let us know your thoughts.

Meeting was adjourned at 2:40PM. Next Meeting will be June 9th at the Thompson’s Barn.