Thanks to everyone who showed up to fleet launch and the Fleet 43 Meeting.  We launched 12 boats on Saturday, 10 boats have agreed to join the fleet this year, and 6 have paid their dues.  Welcome back to Dan Holt and the crew of Insecurity!

At noon we held our fleet meeting, here is a summary of points discussed:

Dues were discussed and agreed to at $ 375. Which includes Fleet 43 Membership for skipper and crew, Alternate skipper, Wednesday Night Registration, and food for crew every Wednesday.  It is understood that this is an increase from last year but due to an operating deficit last year we need to break even this year.  (In 2007 the above items totaled $325)

The survey results helped to determine our food direction.  64% chose the chowder/salad option, 44% chose the Appetizer Option, 34% chose the same food as last year, and 30% chose the no food option.  This information led to the decision of having chili/chowder, salad, and bread on Wednesdays.

Thanks to Rich Ketchum, we will also be sponsored by Sailor Jerry Rum, which was on hand for folks to try and will be on the bar every Wednesday.

The Race Committee schedule is posted on the fleet calendar, if you can’t make your night please try to trade.  There will be a mandatory Race Committee Refresher for a member of each crew.  Due to the fact that the Lindsay Lord is not in the water, those dates have been changed to June 3rd and June 10th starting at 4:30.

It was decided that the Tonini Series races would include Pilot, PHRF, Downeast, MS and the Doublehanded when 5 or more boats are registered.

Lastly, if you or your crew are not signed on to the blog please do so to get fleet news.

Don’t forget that Wednesday May 28th is out first Wednesday Series Race. The start is set for 6:00 pm. Flying Circus will be doing Race Committee. To find out when you have Race Committee Duty please check the fleet calender.

Also, due to the fact that the Lindsay Lord has not hit the water, we will be moving the RC Refresher to June 3rd and June 10th starting at 4:30 pm.

The Fleet 43 Calender has been updated on the website.

If you would like to request a certain night for Race Committee please respond to this entry.  Otherwise your boat will be assigned a night(s).

Remember that there is a Race Committee Refresher requirement for all boats.  Please send a representative down to PYC May 27th or June 3rd between 4:30 and 5:00 pm.

Hey Fleet 43,

Just a reminder that the fleet launch is this Saturday, May 23rd, starting at 8:00 am and the cost is $50.  Molly White will be down there, please pay her for your launch.

We will also be holding a quick fleet meeting at noon on the PYC deck to go over the schedule, Race Committee work, Wednesday Nights Food and Racing, and Downeast planning. Swing by for a beer and fleet news.

Fleet dues have been set at $375, this amount includes fleet membership for skipper and crew, alternate skipper, registration for the Wednesday Night Series, and food for all sailors on Wednesday Nights.  Thanks to everyone who filled out the survey. The most popular choice was chili/chowder, salad and bread-so we are going to try that out for this season.

Please pay your fleet dues before the first Wednesday Night Race, you can pay Shelly Paules by mail or Molly White in person with a check (made out to J24 Fleet 43) or cash. If you would like to send a check to Shelly please send it to Shelly Paules, 81 Carlyle Road, Portland, 04103.

Our first Wednesday Race will be May 27th. Steph Helms and Molly White will be at the club by 4:30 pm on the first two Wednesdays ( the 27th and the 3rd) to go over the Lindsay Lord and Race Committee Responsibilities. We require a representative from each boat come by and brush up on Race Committee Operations.

See you all Saturday!

Want to get a taste of Weekend Sailing in Portland Harbor? Want to scrape off some rust? Want to maybe find some new crew? Come on down to SailMaine Saturday, June 6^th for the first annual SailMaine Regatta. There will be a full day of racing, and a pig roast and party afterwards. For more information, NOR, Sis and so on, visit www.sailmaineregatta.com.

Saturday May 23rd is our fleet launch-so come on summer!

We will also hold a quick meeting/social gathering at noon on the PYC deck. So join us for a beer while we go over the schedule, fleet dues, Race Committee plans, recap our winters, etc.

What: Fleet Launch & Meeting

Where: Handy Boat & PYC deck

When: Saturday May 23, 2009

Time: Beginning at 8:00 am & Meeting at noon

Cost: $50 per boat

Why: To get your boat in the water after Districts to race in the fleet series and get caught up on fleet news.