January Meeting Minutes

The January 15th meeting of the South Shore Outboard Association was called to order by Commodore Alan Akerstrom at 1:55 PM. The Meeting was held at The Trailer Place of New England in Kingston, New Hampshire. There were SIXTEEN members present and the Region One Chairman David Jones also attended the meeting.

Secretary’s Report – The last Club meeting was held October 13^th and the minutes of that meeting were accepted as printed in the November Newsletter.

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Dick Currier presented the Treasurer’s report as of January 15, 2011. A motion was made and seconded to accept the report as presented and to pay all of the outstanding bills. Motion passed. Copies of the Treasurer’s Reports are available at the meetings.

Membership – Membership Chairman Bob Cronin reported that the membership numbers are as follows: We currently have 54 members comprised of: 29 – Racing; 15 – non racing; and 10 Life members. The updated membership list will be posted on the website. February Newsletters will be sent to all 2010 members. If you have not sent in your 2011 membership by February 28^th, you will no longer receive the Newsletter. Note – if your Newsletter was marked “Complimentary Copy”, you do not have to join for 2011.

Equipment –

Radios – Alan Akerstrom will pursue the purchase of Marine Radios as discussed at previous meetings. Once it is determined which brand will best suit our needs, Shawn & Alex will contact their wholesale suppliers to compare pricing.

All of the Club trailers have been serviced and are ready for the season.

Shawn C. has put together a short list of the items that should be purchased during the course of the winter to ready the boats for next season. The items are: Mushroom anchor, propellers for each rescue boat, spare starter for Blue Rescue engine, 6 gallons of oil. A motion was made, seconded and passed to purchase these items.

There was discussion relating to purchasing a set of Intercomp or comparable electronic scales. Several members indicated that they would keep an eye open for used scales.

The Club Equipment Trailer will be brought inside at the next Club Meeting

Website – The Host fee in the annual amount of $120.00 has been paid. The Domain Registration is good until 2011. Paul has updated the Home page of the Web site to include the photos of all of the 2010 SSOA Hi Point Champions. Bob Cronin will forward to Paul an updated membership list to be posted on the site.

2011 Northeast Divisionals – Dave Jones reported that COA will be submitting a bid to the Stock Outboard Commission to host the Divisionals in July. It was previously reported that DVORA may also submit a bid for Lock Haven in June. The COA event would not include the Modified Divisionals. Dave proposed that the Stock classes would run Divisionals on Saturday and a second race on Sunday. The Stocks would run prior to the Pros and Mods both days. Insured testing with an ambulance on site will be held on Friday.

Standish, Maine – Shawn C. reported that the permit application to the State of Maine has been filed. There will be testing on Friday from Noon to 5:30PM and the cost is $15.00. In lieu of a program book Paul Luippold will provide photo’s to be used in a book that the Kiwanis will be marketing. There will be a beach cleanup detail on the Saturday before the race (May 14^th). Shawn estimates that it takes approximately 24 man hours to clean the beach and that is part of the agreement with the Kiwanis. Those participating in the cleanup will be entitled to free testing on May 20^th.

Hubbardton, Vermont – The Green Mountain boys have contacted the Club Secretary and have confirmed that they will give it a go again this year. Same race course, same pit location.

Haverhill, Mass – Crescent Yacht Club Race Chairman Dave Goodwin is recovering from a knee replacement. He has filed the Coast Guard permit application for the weekend of August 27-28, 2011. Steve N. will meet with Dave to discuss the format for this year. High tide is at approximately 11:30AM on Saturday, so we will run off the Marathon first.

Taunton, Mass – No Report. There was some discussion as to whether the Club should submit a bid to the Modified Outboard Commission for the Northeast Modified Divisionals

Kingston, NH – 5th Annual Kingston Fall Classic is scheduled for September 24-25, 2011. At this point will are planning on three days in two, 10 – 12 class schedule and the 2^nd Annual SSOA All Star Clash to complete racing for the season as the last event on Sunday.

Hartford, Ct – The USTS Series event will be Labor Day weekend again this year.

Banquet – By all accounts the banquet was a huge success and the positive feedback from the Alumni members in attendance was overwhelming. The last of the expenses were just submitted to the Club for payment. The Treasurer will have an income and expense summary at the next meeting.

National Meeting – Alex Poliakoff will be attending the National Meeting in Detroit as the Region One Stock Outboard Commissioner. Alex discussed several issues that he will have on the agenda at the meeting and will provide a full report in February. Mike Schmidt indicated that he had seen various proposals relating to safety requirements and equipment. Mike will also be attending the meeting as will Region Chairman David Jones.

US A-Team – 2^nd Annual Mid winter Rock & Blues Jam – February 19^th, Quincy Elks, Quincy, MA. Help support the US A-Team’s return to the Podium. Fast Boats Rock!!!

The meeting was adjourned at 3:55PM. Next meeting will be February 12^th at the Trailer Place of New England, Kingston, New Hampshire.