2009 WBORA Kickoff Party
McKenzie, Cowen, Tarheels & WBORA WIN!

March 21st Racing Notes
As reported on the home page, although the Series Race was cancelled, Bob Cowen's Nugget raced Banks Channel unopposed and won. And Warren McKenzie's Myrmidon raced offshore unopposed and won. Congratulations to both winners!!

March 21 Kickoff Meeting Minutes & Observations:

Meeting and Party held at Seapath Clubhouse. Approx 30 sailors and friends attended. Special guest was Jon Berry from Bald Head Island Sailing Club who came with great Club information and even better, a case of Budweiser (compliments of Kent and Rona, thanks!)

Newest Crew Member all the way from Minnesota is Tom Shilson! Tom is used to a more rigorous racing scheudle and fleet... but he seemed to like the weather and is a super addition to our WBORA outfit. Welcome Tom.

Frank Lindsay, Skipper of Hunter 29.5 and Wrightsville Beach resident joined and will be putting crew together with help from WBORA. He wa sdecked out in serious sailing garb so I have a feeling he's a contender. Note to unattached crew: If called upon, I'd jump all over an offer to sail with Frank.

Neal Briggi, past crew for Sundance joined us. He lives part time in Raleigh but has a place here as well. Neal is stoked to sail this year. He has great experience and would be ideal addition on any vessel.

Dennis Decker, Crew on Sundance also came by. What I liked is that he was on time, 5pm on the button! Dennis has been with WBORA for years and is a great guy. Look forward to seeing him this year.

Warren's son Tim McKenzie graced us with his personality, wit and whopper racing stories. Not to mention some very solid and entertaining Tim /Chip Till banter. His college pals were very cool as well. Thanks guys for coming out.

We sorely missed Dr. Seidel, Derek Seidell and Mike H. who couldn't make it due to serious family/medical issues. We were thinking of you guys, threw some drinks back in your honor and look forward to seeing you next race.

Next Race up is Seidel Wrightsville Beach to Beaufort Race (SWBBR) which is May 21. Let's get a count soon. Next Series Race is scheduled for June 20th unless the 2009 Commadore adds another race before.

Finally.... Election of 2009 Officers Held.

• Warren McKenzie
  2009 Commodore
  
  
• Mike Hession
  Rear Commodore, Fleet Captain
  
  
• Murray Seidel
  Vice Commodore, Race Committee and Treasurer
  
  
• Kelly Holsten
  Chief Technical Officer (yep, loon doing site-hoping to hit water via abstrait in 09)
  
  
• Bob Cowen
  Inter-Club Coordinator
  
  
• Derek Seidel
  Social Chair
  
  
• Mary Harrison
  Executive Assistant to the Commodore

Thanks for all who came out and this should be the best WBORA season ever.

- Mary

Mary Harrison
2707 Columbia Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910)233-3450

WBORA Mooring Buoy

On a note closer to home, our own Murray Seidel went to considerable effort to obtain and install the new WBORA mooring buoy. He has specific instructions for its use.

• On top of the buoy there is pennant line with an eye in it. There is a S.S. hook where the eye is placed. This keeps the end of the line from getting fouled with marine life.
  
  
• Remove the pennant from the buoy and run your line thru the eye. Cleat both ends of your line to your boat. When casting off reverse the procedure making sure the eye of the pennant is on the hook of buoy.
  
  
• Never ever put a line around the chain attached to the bottom of the buoy. This will put all the strain into the plastic and is likely to destroy the buoy. They only safe way to transmit loads thru the buoy is thru the metal rod which goes thru the buoy. The load goes from the moored boat, to the pennant, thru the shaft and then to the anchor chain attached to the bottom of the buoy. If you do not understand these instructions call Murray.
  
  

Failure to comply will result in your boat being accidentally T boned by Sundance under full diesel power. That's Sundance above. That's not a good thing.

Calling all current/potential
WBORA MEMBERS!

Here is the current membership application for those of you interested in becoming a full-time WBORA member, whether as crew or skipper.

2009 WBORA Membership Application (PDF File)

Participation is the key to a great future for WBORA. Winning is not everything, lots boats out there improving their skills followed by good fellowship at socials and raft ups makes sailing fun. We have a lot of experienced crew out here looking for rides. Skippers, that can be great way to learn more about sailing. Also, the old hands around the club are full of advice and help for the less experienced.

Mary Harrison
Commodore