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 Welcome to our new
Commander for 2008 - 2009
Welcome to the new year at Port Moody Squadron. It's possibly a little early at this point as our COW hasn't happened yet. (I hope to see many of you there when it does.) But our squadron AGM has been completed and I'm gradually getting up to speed with things. By this time next year I should finally know what I'm doing most of the time.
As an introduction, I joined the squadron about 6 years ago when some Lawrence type person invited me to come back and proctor after my boating course exam. I said OK and look where it landed me. Can't say I'm sorry though, as it's a great squadron and I'm proud to be a member. It's been a fun six years so far. I've taught in about five different courses, been to the COW and many other events over the years, and now I'm here.
A little over a year ago I agreed to be exec. for Doug because he's done a lot for the squadron and I have a lot of respect for him. When he asked me to help out I had to think about it, but it didn't take much effort to say yes. My goals for the year at this point are pretty simple. I'd like to see us maintain and build on what we have, and it's quite a lot. We're growing steadily and have pretty good member retention. Francine Moore has had a lot to do with that in the past year and will be active again this year I'm sure. We have a number of new events planned for the year to take into account the interests (hopefully) of members who haven't
participated so far, like the Spring Tune-Up, the Small Boat Cruises, and perhaps one or two others. Les Palmer is our Cruise Master this year, and this small boat cruise is a brand new event, so we're all pulling for him. We're also planning to host the whole District AGM and Conference in the spring of 2009. My watch will do much of the work over the coming year, and Chris Gordon will take the credit for that next year. That's his payback for my beating him in a sailing race. Racing at 1 ½ knots can be so important to our sailor's egos.
I would like to encourage our new members to join the regulars in attending our events. We're normally a pretty good party crowd, so if you're worried about fitting in, you probably couldn't be in a better place to give it a try. We'd like to get you all involved because that gives you more reason to stay with us and make us a bigger and better squadron.
We're on a sound financial footing and I'm proud of that, and of the job Eric Lusk is doing as Treasurer. Our financial position has enabled us to add to our inventory of teaching equipment again this year, making the courses we offer even better. That should have a decent return on investment.
Lynn Meisl's training department is offering a big range of courses again this year in addition to the basic boating course, and I'm particularly interested in the Extended/Offshore Cruising course that is being talked about.
To date this year, we have completed the On the Water Practical from the spring course, and the course itself was a success. We've had our first ever Spring Tune-Up; much of the thanks for organizing that to our Exec, Chris Gordon. Our AGM was a success in our new favourite location The Old Mill Boathouse at Rocky Point. Yvonne McCoach did a great job organizing that and she's still at work with Sukru and Lorraine in the Socials scene. Sukru has some interesting ideas for the coming year by the way. And our Small Boat cruise up Indian Arm is about 2 weeks away. I'm not sure if Lynn and Jack's place up there can handle 150 people but the turnout is expected to be pretty good at this point. We have approved the hosting of the District AGM formally, so that's under way as well. More on that later, but if anyone has an ability to help out in a large or small way, we have a committee struck for it, and Sukru or Lynn can head you in the right direction for that.
Lillian Lusk is in charge of squadron regalia and our branded cruise wear collection, so if you want squadron items or regalia send her an email and she'll get what you need.
I'd advise you to keep a weather eye out for emails from Rosario Passos, our Secretary and Communications officer. She's doing a great job. Nadine Van Gaalen has updated our website recently, so that will help to keep you informed. And Jack Meisl is planning to get the newsletter running again this year too. So one way or another you should be able to stay informed about what's going on in the squadron.
At the recent District AGM, I was approached by someone from a Vancouver Island squadron and told that she had heard great things about Port Moody and complemented the squadron for being innovative and inclusive with new members. That's the winning ticket I think. Get as many people involved as possible. Many people make light labour. Two heads are better than one. And bigger parties are more fun at least in Port Moody. So I wish you all a great year and hope to see you out and about in your boats and at the dry land events as well.
My thanks to all of you, you make a great squadron,
Greg Archibald
Commander
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