Some regret

[Bob Ohler]

Politics and by-laws B/S will be the death of the CDSOA. It's the boats, not the level of membership thing.

I've been here since 1997. The only problems the CDSOA has EVER had revolved around politics and by laws crap. What a waste when we could be talking about the latest Cape Dory project.

I find it amazed that this stuff keeps cropping-up.

Have fun and good luck everyone!

[SurryMark]

because I try to keep my sailing cost-effective, . . . .

Apologies for defocusing this conversation, but the line quoted above struck me more than any other in the discussion. You can always count on capedory.org for new concepts.

[Sea Hunt]

Today I mailed my dues ($40) to Bly Hartley to renew my membership for 2011. Unfortunately, for me, I am currently between Cape Dory sailboat but I still want to support the CDSOA and this board.

I know some (hopefully not many) on this board will disagree with the following but I offer it respectfully and with good intentions.

I can understand those who do not own (and may never really want to own) a Cape Dory sailboat and who do not want to join the CDSOA and pay $40 a year. While this board and forum are perhaps interesting and possibly educational to them they have no ties or connections to Cape Dory sailboats.

Respectfully, I do not understand the reluctance of those who currently own Cape Dory sailboats who do not want to support the CDSOA. From what I understand from other threads on this forum the dues paid go towards maintaining this website and hosting CDSOA functions at various venues.

I know that I can state with certainty that this board was invaluable to me in helping to purchase and care for S/V Tadpole (my 1977 Cape Dory Typhoon Weekender). It continues to be of great assistance to me in my search for a Cape Dory 25D. When I find her, I know that this board will be of great help to me in caring for my CD 25D. Without this board I would not have purchased S/V Tadpole and I certainly would not be aggressively searching for a CD 25D.

As an unemployed person (I prefer to think of myself as "voluntarily retired") I have the time and luxury of visiting several different sailboat websites and discussion forums. While I am by no means an expert on discussion forums, I have yet to find a website as user friendly and as helpful as this site.

In these economic times I well know the need to reduce discretionary spending and costs. However, $40 a year is almost a de minimis amount. I was never good at math but I think that comes out to about 11 cents a day Respectfully, it is a little difficult to understand those who have the funds to own a Cape Dory sailboat, regardless of size, sail or power, and yet cannot afford to invest $40 in the CDSOA.

As an added benefit, dues paying members get the CDSOA directory. Many of us use a moniker on this board and do not provide personal information. The CDSOA directory provides names, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, etc. The 2010 directory is the best yet

This post is not intended to offend or be disrespectful to anyone. It is solely offered to encourage ALL to invest in this great organization.

I again wish everyone a Safe, Happy, Prosperous and Humorous New Year

[mike ritenour]

The motion was brought up at the annual meeting this fall.
Currently it is in "committee".

For those members who can vote, I'd suggest emailing the board members with your thoughts on the subject.

As for the actual cost of the membership....our combined membership supports many things, one of them being this board and if you enjoy it or have benefitted from it, then perhaps a "donation" of membership wouldn't be out of line.
JMHO,
Rit

[Carl Thunberg]

Robert,

Welcome to the fraternity of Associate Members! You'll find we're a merry band of rogues, ready at a moments notice to plunder ships and send their crews to Davie Jones locker. Arrrggh! We still be waitin' for Cap'n Pucebeard to come join our merry band. Aye, tha' woul' be worth all the rum in the islands!

[Oswego John]

Hi Carl,

Cap'n Pucebeard here. It's always good to hear from you and dwell on your words of wisdom.

In a reminicent mood, I am thinking of the first day I met and chatted with you. It was two years ago at the general meeting in Harve de Grace, Md.

I always wished that I would have the nerve to wear that wonderful jazzbo, four-in-hand tie that you sported at the cocktail (D&S) happy hour and dinner. It made a positive impression on me, I loved it.

I will probably never wear a tie, any kind of tie. We pirates have an averse feeling about placing anything around a persons neck. We are fully aware of the possible consequences.

Well, time for me to sharpen my sabre.

All the best, aaarrgh
Cap'n Puceberd

[Carl Thunberg]

OJ - You mean like this one? I'll raise a glass to that.

<img width="540"src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/C ... 214045.jpg">