SWSC Minutes 1/9/25

SOUTH WINDS SAILING CLUB

Minutes from meeting:  January 9, 2025

Commodore Chris Behnke

Vice Commodore Steve Trofemuk

Fleet Captain Bruce Lane

Purser Brian Kuhnel

Yoeman: Becky Combs

The meeting was called to order at 7:09 p.m.

A motion was made to waive the reading of the minutes by Amy Kuhnel.  The motion was seconded and passed.

Chris Behnke advised the club that according to the by-laws of the club, all SWSC dues are to be paid by the 2nd meeting of the new year which this year is February 13, 2025.

New and/or prospective members were introduced.  John Dukes was a prior member of the club but due to Covid, has not participated in the past four years.  He now plans on becoming more active in the club.  Brian introduced himself, has sailing experience and has crewed on several members’ boats.  Tom and Cathy who reside in Ellijay are also considering joining the club.

Chris reached out to the Western Carolina Sailing Club (WCSC-sailing.org) on Lake Hartwell about hosting a SWSC in a sailing event.  We agreed tentatively on June 6 – 8th, 2025 as a weekend date to sail.  Chris will contact the WCSC and see if this date works for them. If WCSC does not extend the use of their facilities, there is Green Pond Landing.

Chris mentioned that the club has three burgees with the SWSC logo for sale at $17.80.  If a member wants a burgee they can see Chris.

Knot Talk

The time allotted for this was moved to after the meeting as Mike McKay was going to talk about his November sail from Annapolis to Abacos.

Vice Commodore Steve Trofemuk

Steve spoke about upcoming events.  Sunset sails will resume in March.  There is a “Moonshine Cruise” overnight planned on April 12th as there will be a full moon.  The Florida 120 is May 14 -18, 2025 in Pensacola, Florida.

A discussion was held about trying a one time, “Beach Raft Up” where we will beach our boats on the north shore of the lake (north of Harbor Town Island).  This will allow members to anchor their boats, go ashore and join the fun of swimming and talking to everyone.  The plan for this raft up is to start it around 3:00 p.m. to allow trailer sailors time to pull their boats from the water before dark.   The tentative date for this is June 21, 2025. The other raft-ups on the calendar will be like previous raft ups.

Fleet Captain Bruce Lane

The first race, Frostbite Race #1, had two boats participate.  Tonia Burke in her Precision 23 and Bruce Lane in a Compact 19 Both boats had a crew of three.  The wind was good, about 10 knotts. At one point, due to low water in the lake, Tonia’s boat ran aground but she was able to back it off. The next Frostbite race is January 18.  Anyone wanting to race or crew on a boat are to meet at 12:00 p.m. at the bathhouse.  When the evite goes out about an upcoming sail, please respond in the “Notes” section of the evite if you would like to crew on someone’s boat.

Purser Brian Kuhnel

Brian gave a financial report that we currently have a balance of $2,823.66. Again, dues for the club are due by February 13, 2025.

Commodore Chris

New business. Chris opened the meeting up for any new ideas for club activities. As to old business, the Commodore’s ball will be held November 8, 2025. Renae Gunter volunteered to plan the ball and handle decorations. This year there will be a committee to assist Renae, as well as a small group of people to set up for the ball and a small group of people to take down and clean after the ball.  Chris asked for suggestions for catering companies so that we can get bids from each one. This includes Fire Fly, the company who catered last year.

Sea Scouts.  Gary Holcomb was unable to attend the meeting.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m.

Mike McKay then shared about his sailing trip and that there are many opportunities for people to gain more experience in offshore passages by contacting or viewing Salty Dawg Sailing Association’s website.