First off, this web site may be sponsored by the CCDO but it is intended for use by anyone interested in supporting Cape Dory boats, regardless of geography. We're just the host of the party, but who hosts it doesn't matter - it's the community as a whole that makes it work. If you feel less enfranchised on this Web page because you're not in California - that's not our intention, and because we have no rules (see below) you're invited and totally welcome to consider yourself a member, fly the <a href="ccdostore.htm">burgee</a>, and wear the <a href="ccdostore.htm">cap</a>.
So, taking the Web site off the table, what's the function of the California Cape Dory Owners Association? We hold two float-in/drive-in events a year, which is of little use to anyone outside California. (Or, for that matter, outside the S.F. Bay area. I keep hoping someone in Southern California will put on an event, but the spread-out geography of the coastline there works against it.) We also put out a newsletter, but it's really not much more than a notification of our events these days.
We're informal by design and temperament - no dues, no rules - and we like it that way. So annointing ourselves the national Cape Dory Owners Association is against our nature. I know it would make you folks in the "other 49" feel a bit more at home if we didn't tack "California" onto our name, but consider it a brand name if you like - and consider yourself just as welcome as if you were out here with us on the "shaky side".
Anyway, there already is a declared "national" Cape Dory organization - the <a href="http://www.toolworks.com/cdsoa">Cape Dory Sailboat Owners Association</a> - and we have no interest in creating a competition. As far as I know their activities thus far have all been in the Chesapeake Bay area, but they are as structured and organized as CCDO is not, and their bylaws provide for creation of fleets in other geographic areas. So one alternative if you want a Cape Dory group closer to home is to contact the CDSOA and start a fleet under their auspices. (I believe CDSOA is sail-only, so if you want the likes of me in your fleet you'll have to figure something out.)
Another alternative is to just declare a time and place for a regional get-together, and see if among those who show up you can find a Commodore, a newsletter editor, and perhaps a treasurer. (Actually the only person you really need is someone to organize the next get-together! At CCDO we rotate this office.)
'Scuse me if some of this sounds familiar - I've been singing the same song on this board for two and a half years now. Hopefully someone will notice the incredible response to the two New England gatherings this summer - each of which, as far as I know, has been basically the work of one or two people - and do something similar in your area. Take my word for it - if you announce it (enough in advance), they will come. And you don't have to do it all yourself - once you get people together, many of them will help keep things going.
Just my 36 lira.*
- Walt
* - 36 lira sounds more impressive, but still only worth 2 cents.
bilofsky@toolworks.com