The meeting was called to order by Commodore Mary Anne Fewkes. An open discussion followed.

First on the agenda was brief discussion on the race courses and race procedures.  The rules have not changed , but more emphasis should be made towards all racing boats identifying themselves with the Committee Boat prior to the race. 

Ron Shepard, Vice Commodore, updated the membership on the Wednesday sailing program started last year.  All sailors are invited to be out on Lake Auman each Wedneday afternoon to expand their sailing experience. A new start time of 3:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM was suggested. All further information will be posted on our website.

Bill Mamel spoke about the Sailing School, June 16th - 20th at the Gustafson's cove. Ten members are signed up for the course. There was a concern about new sailors failing to sail after taking the course and how to stimulate more commitment to sailing. A suggestion was made to ask the students if they would prefer sailing with an experienced sailor for a few more times before going on their own.

Ed Silberhorn, Treasurer reported a balance of $2,523.00 in the checking account and $1,100.00 in a roll-over CD.  Seventy (70) members have signed up for the 2008 season while 22 members from last year have yet to rejoin.  Mary Anne will e-mail the list to Barb McElroy who will call as a reminder.  It was decided they would have to pay the late fee of $25.00.

Bob Fewkes commented on possible proposals for 2008. A separate start for larger boats (keel boats) will be considered when 3 or more are racing .  The committee boat would have to make the decision but it was determined further discussion was needed on this matter. Follow-the-Leader style sailing on Wednesday might bring more sailors to join in.  Portmouth handicap changes in regard to the wind speed at the start of the race.  The Committee Boat determines the wind speed and correct handicap. Racing Right-of-Way rules are the same as in the past.  A new set of racing rules will be published by the end of 2008 for years 2009-2012.

Bruce Keyser asked for any new suggestions on socials for the 2008 season. Some suggestions were: Fishing off sailboats (would need a fishing lic.), Visiting Wineries, Visiting sailing boat manufacturers, A road race, Pontoon raft-up only...no scavenger hunt, Another model boat race, Boating gear sale at one of the BYOB's and another water carnival at Johnston Point (must be reserved in advance or during annual picnic)  No decision were made final.  Check the website for more info.

Chuck Ridenour, Race Committee Chairman, asked if Committee Boats and Safety Boats could be reimbursed this year for gas, due to the rise in gas prices.  It was decided reimbursements would be:

    $10.00 per race for safety boats

    $  5.00 per race for committee boats  

The Northside Landowners Assoc. pays for the safety boat,so they would require reimbursement for the committee boat only.  North side and West side would determine payments, preferably minimal checks per season.  Ed Silberhorn will be the contact person for arrangements.

A safety boat sign-up sheet was passed around for the West side.

Barb McElroy reported on the new racing schedule for Lake Sequoia adding two (2) more Sequoia Cup races for a total of 12 races this season.  The committee boat will be run by two different people as in the past and the volunteers will be the same as last year.  The safety boat is operated by the Northside Landowers Assoc.and will be again.

A discussion on the proper execution of the flags at the start of each race was explained as follows:

Exactly 5 minutes before a race......

        White flag is displayed for 1 minute and the horn is blown 5 times. After 1 minute...

        Blue flag is raised and white flag lowered simultaneously, no horn.  At the end of 4 minutes, exactly...

        Red flag is raised, horn blown once.  

        Official start of race.