Newsletter of the Friendship Sloop Society Volume 3 Spring / Summer 1991 Commodore’s Message Some sailors feel that the greatest boating fun of all is racing around the buoys every weekend or trying to beat the fleet to Bermuda. Great joy comes from the boat’s speed or the set of a sleek mylar jib trimmed perfectly by a guest crewmember from the sail loft. Then there are the other sailors whose true love is comfortable cruising along the Coast with family or friends, seeking quiet harbors, visiting ashore, and savoring the cool, sequestered way of life. Each to his own taste, but I like a blend of the two. What’s more fun and exciting than jockeying for position at the starting line with thirty other Friendship sloops; praying the gun will go off before you do; yelling “Starboard!” at your friend who hopes you don’t know the rule; and occasionally dodging water balloons. Then after the last finish gun and the awards ceremony at Boothbay, heading off to the east, running stress-free before fresh breezes under clear skies, discovering deserted small coves and sandy beaches on the offshore islands…and being greeted over and again by …”she sure looks beautiful”. So here we go into one more wonderful summer of slooping. Join Jack Vibber in New London July 13 for his popular Friendship regatta there. Then on July 20 stop by in the Kennebec for a chicken barbeque at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath; and move on for three days of racing and festivities at Boothbay starting July 23, creatively planned by Vice-Commodore Jim Wilson. On Friendship Day, Saturday July 27, many of us will be at Friendship for the impressive early morning Sail-By recalling the major role this beautiful Town and region have played in the history of our boats. On August 17 Dave Graham will welcome us at Marblehead for some more friendly combat, and over on Labor Day we’ll be at the Gloucester Schooner Festival, a sparkling event last year. Come join in the fun! The Computer Age By Bennett A. Noble They’ve given guns to the Indians. Even hard liquor. The Friendship Sloop Society Race Committee is getting a computer. That is to say, the Society’s executive board, with rare largess, has voted a modest sum to equip the Race Committee chairman with an electronic abacus with which to compound his felonies, his mutterings, his scorings, to the delight of some, the denigration of others. It is the way of things. After all, it is 1991… Back in the days when only pepper flecked Jack Cronin’s beard, and Ralph Stanley didn’t need glasses, Cyrus Hamlin devised a handicap system by which boats of unequal length, sail area and ownership could race squarely against one another by sailing a handicap alley, a feudal exercise in which boats sailed longer distances to overcome their deficiencies. Their captains’ deficiencies were also somewhat eroded in the process. No matter. What does matter is that we have reduced all of that hyperbole to computer data today. Or at least Dick Salter says it is reduced to computer data. And Polonius does not argue with that Manchester Hamlet. It remained, then, for the Race Committee to enter the wooly world of computers and to be able to drag from Sailer’s mechanism to its own, the better, and more equitably and more swiftly to divine race results. The Society’s executive board has at last agreed, and popped (so to speak) the necessary bread to make the meal. (The Manchester Hamlet: “Do you see yonder cloud that’s almost in the shape of a camel?” And R.C. Polonius replies: “By the mass, it is like a camel, indeed.” Hamlet: “Me thinks it is like a weasel.” Polonius: “It is backed like a weasel.” Hamlet: “Or like a whale.” Polonius: “Very like a whale.”) What some of that means is that our Boothbay Regatta, and our subsequent Marblehead Regatta will be scored expeditiously and accurately as soon as we can break Marcia to the new harness that Jim Wilson has fashioned for her. If Marcia (or Wilson) fails, there is always Bob Brooks. If Bob Brooks fails, there is no hope. (Continued to Page 2)

The Computer Age (Continued From Page 1) And so it is we are delighted to report that the Race Committee has been led kicking and screaming into the computer age. The Race Committee chairman looks like nothing so much as a man in a silly wheeled chair heading in lor a hernia repair. He looks neither happy nor confident. Only confused. But, we are assured, he will prevail. The Manchester Hamlet says he will. The Portsmouth Hamlet is convinced he will. And the Raymond (Maine) Hamlet is praying he will. We must trust Polonius will come through and make a camel of the whale. But suppose he cannot. “Shall we now,” asked Caesar, “contaminate our fingers with base bribes?” Of course it was Hamlet who also lamented: Confess yourself to heaven! Repent what’s past; avoid what is to come.” In that spirit (he says) the Race Committee embarks on the 1991 season. New Members Mary Cronin has sent along a list of members who have joined the Society since the Fall. – Barry & Marlene Botman, Bethel, Conn. – Devin & Joanne Parker, Portsmouth, New Hampshire (Crew aboard Old Baldy) – Howard Haskins, Chester, Conn. (Owner of #254 – Chaos) – For Christmas stocking stuffers, Bruce & Marcia Morang gave their children coop memberships: Penny & David Richards, North Reading, Mass Ted & Cynthia Morang, Wilmington, Mass Kelley Morang & Bill Quinn, Maiden, Mass – Paul & Susan Nergaard, Boothbay, Maine (Owners of Down East Embroidery) – Ed Childs, East Longmeadow, Mass (Builder of the model racing sloop Rita which he raced at Boothbay last year.) – D.E. & Marlene Gunther, McLean Virginia – Leonard J. Polak, Bucyrus, Ohio – Capt George & Leslie Sloane, Camden, Maine (Schooner Roseway) – David R. Branch, Boca Raton, Florida (Owner #244 East Indiaman formerly Maui) – Alice Ogalin Guckel, Dover, Mass – Link & Jimmy Lee Lindquist, Columbus Falls, Maine (Owner #248 Timber) New London Regatta Jack Vibber sent along the following information to the newsletter. July 13-14 are the days for the New London “Friendships” windezvous. I think the words regatta and race are keeping people away. Some people would just like to come to gam and gather, which we can do at the yacht club Sunday or the picnic Saturday night when we eat and watch the fireworks. As mentioned before, the New York Central Park Model Yacht Club have expressed interest and Kent Mockler said they would race Saturday the 13th on the Thames River. The fleet captain for the eastern group is: Richard Willis P.O. Box 29 Ipswich, MA 01938 The fleet captain for the sloops sailing from the western ports is: Alexander Moir 116 Silver Lake Road Staten Island, NY 10301 If anyone is interested in joining the fleet, contact Dick or Alex for more details. Corinthian Yacht Club Hosts Marblehead Regatta The 28th annual gathering of Friendship Sloops at Marblehead, Mass, will occur this year during August 17th and 18th. As in the past, the Corinthian Yacht Club will host the event, which is always intended to support the races in Maine of the following year. Race Committee Chairman Dave Graham anticipates that as many as twenty sloops may show up for the two-day regatta that is split into two divisions, each competing for the Ridgway Trophy, given in memory of the late Lincoln Ridgway who was extremely supportive of the Friendship Sloop Society, before passing away in 1982. Dave has organized the Marblehead races ever since, though he worked closely with Line for numerous years before. The races are almost always started just off the lighthouse at Marblehead regardless of wind conditions, so that lovers of the beautiful sloops can be afforded a grandstand view of the beginning of the races. A regatta notice will be sent to the membership in early July. The Corinthian gathering is always a fun time. Boston Harborfest ’91 Plans Underway Final plans for the Boston Harborfest ’91 were not complete at press time. The date of the festivities are August 9th 10th & 11th. Preliminary plans are that berthing may be available at the Charlestown Navy Yard. If interested in more details, call Dick Salter at (508)-526-1004. -2-

March Executive Board Meeting Held at Maine Maritime Museum The meeting was opened by Commodore Bill Rand who introduced Andy Holmes of the Museum’s Education Department. Andy welcomed the board; told how he was hired by the Museum; reviewed current and future plans for the Museum and discussed the Apprentice Shop’s maintenance of the Museum’s Friendship Sloop Chance. He also informed the board that because of a shortage of funds, the Museum is looking for someone who will either give the sloop locaste a lot of T.L.C., or who would provide the funds that would enable the Apprentice Shop to complete her restoration. Andy concluded with a discussion of a major Friendship Sloop exhibit that the Museum hopes to put in place. The Treasurer’s report showed a balance of $4,696.51; receipts of $1,555.00 and expenses of $1,968.13 in 1991. The Pendteton Memorial Scholarship Fund has a balance of $46,401.05. Treasurer David Bell was given a vote of approval to pay the outstanding bills and to transfer the accounts to the Damariscotta Savings and Trust. David further stated that he had invested, short term, the monies received from memberships since November. Bill Rand stated that he had checked with the Maine Secretary of State and the IRS and was pleased to report that all of our paperwork continues to be up-to-date. Yearbook Status: The number of yearbooks to be published was discussed, 5000 was decided upon. Individuals wanting to run “comments to a friend, etc.” should be sent to Mary Duncan. All other advertising should be forwarded to Coastal Publications. Suggestions were made that a Calendar of Events be included, that a page describing the trophies be inserted, and to print information on how/where to become a member of the Society. Roger reviewed for the board the space limitations that he is working with for our material and the arrangement that has been made with Coastal Publications. John Wojcik stated that he had mailed out 286 copies of the Newsletter February 15th. An insert for the Boston Tall Ships ’92 was sent to 106 member/sloop owners who live/sail in New England. The cost to mail the insert was $.49. This was a 12 page newsletter and with all the material submitted, there was no room for pictures in that edition. The next edition will be mailed mid-June. John also reported that the sale of Society coffee mugs was going well. So far 103 of the 148 mugs have been sold, and expenses have been covered. John further suggested that lapel pins of the Society burgee be obtained for members to purchase. John volunteered to look into the cost of the pins. Bruce Morang, Race Committee Chairman, reported that because of the fog in 1990, he will pull out his plans for 1990 and use them for the 1991 gathering in Boothbay. Bruce will make all the arrangements required for the three days of racing starting on Tuesday, July 23rd. Two courses, one for each class on corrected time lapse basis – all start together and hopefully finish in the same week. Vice Commodore Jim Wilson will handle the shoreside activities at Boothbay. In addition to the cookout on Monday evening behind the clubhouse, a seminar on “rules” was suggested following the cookout. It is hoped that Bob Rex, crew member on Liberty, a Society member for many years, and an expert on racing rules, will be able to conduct the seminar. It was also suggested that a water-proof copy of the basic rules be obtained and made available to each skipper. Jim Wilson of the Computer Committee reported that they have accepted Dick Sailer’s gracious offer of a computer and are now in the process of acquiring a printer to attach to it. A computerized adding machine was requested by the Race Committee to assist them in calculating race results. It was suggested that a hand-held calculator will perform the necessary functions that are required. Bill Rand discussed the work at the Maine Maritime Museum which Al Zink and Bill Cronin are completing. This includes sorting of files, plans and other information that the Museum has accumulated on Friendship Sloops. Activities for the upcoming summer were reviewed. August 9-11 will be the first of what is planned to be an annual event in Boston Harbor: a parade of sail. This is also a prelude to the Tall Ships ’92 scheduled for July of next year. Arrangements will be made to have the use of the Armstrong dock in Friendship when the sloops rendezvous there after the Boothbay event. The Society has been invited to visit the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath before gathering in Boothbay. The dates for Bath are July 20 & 21. John Wojcik mentioned that the New York model group from Central Park are planning on returning to Boothbay again this summer, and that there are Society members who are building model for the races in Boothbay. Jack Vibber is planning on hosting model races at the New London Sail Festival. (Continued to Page 6) -3-

Maine Rendezvous Our Vice-Commodore, Jim Wilson, has provided the newsletter with this schedule of events that have been arranged during our rendezvous in Maine. Bath and the Maine Maritime Museum Saturday, July 20th 9:03 AM High Tide/Slack at Bath The currents will be with us all weekend. Such luck. 11:00 AM Museum Launch Available The museum will provide launch service from the moorings to the wharf. No more rowing the inflatable dinghies in the swift currents. 1:30 PM Rendezvous – Fort Popham This site was chosen to avoid sitting in the middle of whatever tide rip might be kicked up by a SW breeze at the Kennebec. 2:30 PM Start Toward Bath Bruce Morang promises that the Dragon Lady will escort us up the river. A tow line will be aboard for the benefit of the William Rand. 6:30 PM Informal Cookout at Museum Wharf. The Society will provide the charcoal, you bring your hotdogs, hamburgers, and freshly caught mackerel. We’ll have the Museum grounds to ourselves for a nice get-together. Sunday, July 21 st 9:30 AM Museum Guests Aboard Please invite the Museum staff and Apprentices aboard your Sloop for the Parade of Sail. It’s so pretty from the water side. 10:00 AM Parade of Sail & High/Slack at Bath To Bath and Back. We’ll show the BIW what REAL BOATS look like. 11:30 AM Class A to Wharf / Reception Room at the wharf will be made for the real Friendships amongst us. Will provide a great opportunity for the Museum’s visitors to see a living part of the history that they’ve travelled to see. A gam session on the wharf so you can answer all those questions about how difficult Friendships are to sail. 5:30 PM Chicken Banquet / $15 per Bring your checkbook and your best sea stories. 6:30 PM Sasanoa River Briefing For the benefit of the Vice-Commodore who has never been down the Sasanoa. Other interested parties are also invited to attend. Monday, July 22nd 10:30 AM Leave Toward Sasanoa Roger Duncan assures the Vice-Commodore that the Sasanoa’s reputation for waterfall-like currents are completely unfounded. Dick Salter says the Sasanoa is the reason that he goes to Bath…we all know how difficult Dick is to please. Bring your cameras. 11:03 AM High Water / Slack at Bath Boothbay 5:00 PM Start the Grill The Vice-Commodore’s first responsibility. He’s looking forward to it. The Society will provide the charcoal. 7:00 PM Wine / Cheese Reception The Yacht Club will open a cash bar, the Society will provide the nibbles. 7:10 PM Welcome to Boothbay The Commodore’s first major speech. NBC, ABC, CNN and the new Society members will be covering this event. 8:00 PM Duffer’s Guide to Racing Bruce Morang and Bob Rex will tell us on which side of the boat the buoy is supposed to be on when rounding. For the advanced racers, they’ll tell us which side of the boat the boom is supposed to be on when on a “Starboard Tack”. Tuesday, July 23rd 8:00 AM Coffee / Donuts 8:10 AM Announcements Early morning drivel from the Commodore 8:30 AM Skipper’s Meeting Your chance to review the rules with the racing committee. Maybe even find out if there’ll be a race that day. 11:00 AM Race / Common Start Hopefully no fog this year. 4:30 PM Model Races A substantial fleet is promised by John Wojcik. I hear he’s fielding six boats all by himself. -4-

Schedule of Events 5:00 PM Cash Bar The bar will be opening an hour early for us. 5:30 PM Start Grill The Vice Commodore’s second major opportunity to exercise his influence. 6:00 PM Open Night / Boothbay No planned activities at the Club. You’re on your own. See the Vice-Commodore for the name of the best bail-bondsman in the area. Wednesday, July 24th 8:00 AM Coffee / Donuts 8:10AM Announcements New drivel from the Commodore 8:30 AM BHYC Officers Aboard The officers of the Society are inviting the officers of the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club aboard for the Parade of Sail. We need the local knowledge. 9:00 AM Parade of Sail Where the Friendship Sloops sail up through the middle of the harbor and fire their cannons at the citizenry. 11:00 AM Race / Common Start Another Race 4:30 PM Model Races The day the New Englanders try to regain their honor from the New York Central Park Model Yacht Club. 5:00 PM Cash Bar 6:00 PM if business was slow the previous day. 7:00 PM Friendship / Fellowship Supper The Lions Club is a 0.4 statute mile walk from the Yacht Club. It will seat 90 people and will be available for us for the entire evening. We get to party ’til we drop. Plans are in the making for a catered meal. Bringing your own liquor to the Lion’s Club is fine as the event is BYOB. Background music and conversation starters (as though we need them) will be the organized entertainment. 7:00 PM Photo Show We’re looking to have some well done pictures of some pretty boats available for your review. Thursday, July 25th 8:00 AM Coffee / Donuts 8:10AM Announcements More drivel from the Commodore 9:00 AM Lobster Orders In The BHYC will take your Lobster Dinner order for the evening’s meal if you’d really rather not grill out again. Order in the morning before the race. Priced at the market. 11:00 AM Race / Common Start The last race 5:00 PM Cash Bar A necessity for some. Will be on the deck, weather permitting. 5:15 PM Awards Ceremony More like a roast than an honor 6:00 PM Lobsters / Grill Available Friday, July 26th 10:00 AM Sail to Friendship 4:30 PM Cookout – Armstrong’s The Armstrong property on Friendship Long Island is for sale. The Friendship Committee will remove the new owners’ “No Trespassing” signs prior to the cookout on the wharf. Saturday, July 27th 7:00 AM Breakfast at Wallace’s On the wharf at Friendship 9:00 AM Memorial Service At the flagpole. Service conducted by Rev. David Bell 10:00 AM Parade of Sail Where the citizens of Friendship find out what a lobster boat with sails looks like. All Day – Friendship Day Lots of activities in the village. -5-

March Executive Board Meeting (Continued from Page 3) A discussion was held about the possibility of a sit-down dinner being held at Boothbay, probably away from the Yacht Club in order to accommodate everyone. It was suggested to keep the price as reasonable as possible, and to contact local churches, civic groups or restaurants as a possible site. The Society flagpole in Friendship requires immediate maintenance. It must be painted and the gaff should be checked. It was suggested that the Society find out what our liability is with regard to the flagpole. Bill Rand will check into this with the Friendship Day Committee. A decision was made to alternate Executive Board meetings between the Maine Maritime Museum and the New England Center in Durham, New Hampshire. The 1992 Annual Meeting will be held at the New England Center. Bill Rand will reserve the date with the Center. Meeting adjourned at 2:30. Stamp Proposal Gains Momentum Jack Vibber sent along the following note to the newsletter: The response for the stamps has been very good. Enclosed is a centerleaf from the Hartford U.S. Power Squadron bulletin “Bilge Pump”. The New London Power Squadron did likewise in the “Yardarm”, so we gained much exposure. I’m lead to believe that the Catboat Association will do something similar. Editor’s Note: We have included as an insert in this edition, a copy of the letter referenced in Jack’s correspondence. Please take a few minutes to sign the letter, fold and staple it, and drop it in the mail. With enough of public support, a Friendship Sloop postage stamp will become a reality. 1991 Friendship Sloop Officers and Committees Commodore Vice Commodore Secretary Treasurer Chairman, Race Comm. Chairman, Friendship Day Committee Chairman, Membership Committee EXECUTIVE BOARD William Rand, Jr. James Wilson Mary Cronin David Bell Bruce Morang William Zuber Measurer Historian Al Zink OTHER OFFICERS & Handicapper Dick Salter Betty Roberts STANDING COMMITTEES Bruce Morang, Chairman 3 members appointed by Chairman Richard Salter, Chairman 2 members appointed by Chairman Richard Salter, Chairman Judy Oneal-Brooks John Wojcik Board of Directors Committee – Past Commodores Race Committee Authentication Committee Nominating Committee Richard Swanson Robert Lash Dr. Henry White Donald Huston Barbara Hadlock William Zuber Membership Committee Yearbook Editor Newsletter Editor Maine Maritime Museum Committee Publicity Committee Computer Committee Bancroft Award Committee Piper Cannoneer Marblehead Race Comm. New London Race Comm Gloucester Schooner Festival Honorary President Secretary Emerita Treasurer Emeritus Bernard MacKenzie Roger Duncan Frederick Brown John Cronin Al Beck Richard Salter John Wojcik Alvin Zink, Chairman Robert Brooks Roger Duncan John Wojcik William Rand, Jr., Chairman Roger Duncan Barbara Hadlock Al Zink Douglas Amsbary James Wilson, Chairman James Besse John Cronin, Chairman Douglas Amsbary Maria Burnham Kevin Rose Donald Duncan Elbert Pratt David Graham Jack Vibber Gloucester Chamber of Commerce Attn: Mike Costello HONORARY OFFICERS Bernard MacKenzie Betty Roberts Ernst wiegleb -6-

Duncan Authors New Book The following article appeared in a recent issue of “Soundings” and was written by Mary Drake. Roger F. Duncan of East Boothbay, Maine, co-author of “A Cruising Guide to the New England Coast,” likes to see wind in the sails, feel a wooden boat beneath his feet, and sail into the harbors of coastal Maine. He’s done it all his life, first as a child crewing with his father and sailing in New Harbor, Maine, in his own little boat built by Capt. Ed McFarland. Then for 20 years he took campers on voyages aboard his father’s 28-foot J. Arthur Stevens’ sloop. Since 1956, he has taken family, friends and charterers around the Boothbay Harbor region aboard Eastward, the 32-foot wooden Friendship Sloop he had built. An active Friendship Sloop Society member and a well-known maritime historian and lecturer, Duncan has just completed a new book, “Coastal Maine: A Maritime History,” which will be published this winter by W.W. Norton. With photographs, drawings by Kathy Bray and paintings by Earle Barlow and Consuela Hanks, it updates and expands William Hutchinson Rowe’s coastal history written in the 1930’s. “I’m a writer, not a professional historian, so my book is packed with things like how to use a Davis quadrant. It exposes some misinformation and is entertaining, with bits of fiction clearly labelled,” he said. His familiarity with Maine coastal waters led early on to his involvement with “A Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast,” which his father (Roger F.) began in 1937. Roger Duncan had always contributed to the research, and in 1961 he assumed his father’s position as co-author. John P. Ware, son-in-law of the other original author, Fessenden A. Blanchard, is responsible for writing about the waters west of Cape Cod. “John and I know the coast so well that the book is a personal tour of our coast. We’ve been to the harbors many times, know the people, and have the feel of the places and their backgrounds. Readers don’t need to know my thoughts about the eagle down at The Mud Hole on Great Wass Island or the results of too many visitors to Maple Juice Cove, but they make the book more interesting.” Loran, two-way radios and production fiberglass boats that don’t sail very well have put a new breed of sailor – inexperienced in sailing and unaware of maritime traditions – on the water, Duncan says. His concern for many modern sailors’ reliance on electronic gear is tempered by his admiration for most people’s respect for the environment. “Many organizations and private individuals have preserved islands and shorelands, and though there are many more boats these days, you don’t see as much trash and litter as you used to.” The changes in harbors over 50 years – from working fishing communities to marina/yacht centers to condos and second homes – seemed inevitable to Duncan. “Though we whooped up some ports in the guide and they became popular, people would have come anyway without a guidebook, depending on their lorans. But use doesn’t spoil the islands. Abuse does. It’s a shame to see a kid on an ATV racing up and down the Roque Island beach. That gives the place a different atmosphere.” He became the first editor (part-time) of “The Practical Sailor,” and during his tenure, 1975-79, the magazine tried to show people how to have a good time on the water safely and inexpensively. The time and effort to research and write a new edition of the guide forced him to leave “The Practical Sailor.” Until 1981 Duncan juggled summer sailing and guide book revisions with his career as English professor, crew coach and headmaster at Belmont Hill School in Belmont, Mass. After retirement, the Duncans moved permanently to their oceanside home in East Boothbay. There he wrote “Eastward”, an account of a Down East cruise enlivened with Qr»hr»lfll’«hin FnnH “excursions into all sorts of personal thoughts, feelings and ” reactions to the trip.” Duncan figures he’s good for several revisions and one The Pendleton ScholarshiP Fund- established by the Sloop more edrtion of his cruising guide. Then he hopes other family Society a number °f years ag°’ has continued to Provide members will take over, leaving him free to enjoy sailing. scholarships to graduating seniors from the town of Duncan, one of a dwindling number of traditional sailors, FriendshiP wn° wil1 be continuing their education. As we all enjoys his shapely Murray Peterson-designed Friendship know’ the cost of education continues to rise. If you’re Sloop. Charterers, who have to seek him out, are generally interested in donatin9 to the scholarship fund, donations can sailors who appreciate the qualities of a traditional wooden be sent to’ boat. Elbert Pra« p /-Y 1 29 “They like to steer, help with the sails and tell sea stories,” Duncan said. Friendship, Maine 04547 -7-

Mass Bay Friends of Friendships The Massachusetts Bay Friends of Friendships completed its 7th (or so) successful winter season with their final meeting onboard the USS Constitution. The meeting was hosted by her skipper and Society member, Commander David Cashman. Commander Cashman also served as the tour guide for the group providing interesting facts and stories, and pointing out various details of the Constitution. At the conclusion of the tour, Dick Salter presented the Commander with a Society burgee which was hoisted on a signal halyard of the ship. The assembled members then returned to the crews quarters ashore for the traditional pizza and story telling. The Mass Bay group meets monthly during the non-sailing season. Dick Salter has served as the scribe and organizer, with individual members taking responsibility for coordinating a monthly meeting. Dick has taken on the duties of mailing out the meeting notices and passing the collection hat to keep the postage kitty solvent. This year’s meetings were a little different than those of past years. The traditional kick-off meeting of October, hosted by Dick in his barn around the pot belly stove, was replaced this year by a Saturday meeting at the Cronin barn in Charlton to assess the progress (or lack of) on the Malabar schooner which Jack and the family are building. This was actually an excuse for everyone to attend a surprise xxth birthday party for our Society secretary, Mary Cronin. After touring the schooner, which had progressed quite a bit since last seen, the group, along with members of the Salem Willows Yacht Club where Mary is also secretary, travelled to the Cronin home where the real party took place. The traditional Christmas gathering for an evening dinner was held again at al restaurant in Manchester. This has proved to be a popular event with both the wives and the husbands. ____^___^___-11___^________^____ For the January meeting, the group travelled to the Cressey Sail Loft in Marblehead. Norm Cressey described his sailing background, how he got into the sail making business, various aspects of sail making from one design sails to the now popular full batten main (none were ordered that night). He then demonstrated various aspects of his trade, including the laying of a panel for a main that was in the process of being put together, and answered many questions from the members present. The Omni Theater at the Boston Museum of Science was the site for the February meeting. Members watched a showing of the movie “The Blue Planet”, a film which had spectacular footage taken from the Shuttle spacecraft as it passed over various parts of earth and focused in on environmental concerns of the planet. The Coast Guard station in Portsmouth, New Hampshire hosted us for the March meeting. The station commander provided guided tours of the facilities and presented a slide show which described the station’s responsibilities in providing security at President Bush’s summer home in Kennebunkport. Andrea Wilson served up a delicious dinner of seafood bouillabaisse in the station’s galley to conclude the evening. In April the Mass Bay group again travelled to Larry Plummer’s shop in Newburyport to check on the progress of his building of his 31′ Friendship Desiree. We’ve been doing this for a few years now, and every year Larry has made some progress. Looks like he’s getting close. Our meetings are always full of interesting discussions, good stories, trading of ideas, answering of how-to questions, and opportunities to meet old friends and make new ones as well. If you’re interested in becoming a member and attending our meetings, call our scribe Dick Salter at (508)-526-1004 and ask to be put on the mailing list. Class A Sloop Still Available Will Collyer of Mattapoisett has informed the Society that the Class A sloop Gannett, which he has partly rebuilt, is still available to anyone who wishes to take it away and complete the job. To date Will has rebuilt the stem and keel, and the next item on the to-do list is to install new frames. The Gannett, Sloop registry #97, is one of the oldest Class A sloops still in existence having been built in 1903. She measures 27′ long. If interested in rebuilding and preserving this Class A sloop, call or write Will at: RFD#2, 10 Holly Lane Mattapoisett, MA 02739 (508)-758-2573 Friendship Plates Available Pewter-like Friendship plates are still available for $20 from the Friendship Sloop Society’s Pendleton Scholarship Fund. To order write to: Albert Pratt P.O. Box 129 Friendship, ME 04547 Coffee Mugs Available The Society still has a few coffee mugs available for sale. The mugs are sold in quantities of 2 or 4, and are $9 each which includes shipping. Send a check to : John Wojcik 347 Lincoln Street Norwell, Mass 02061 -8-

Ms Jo Elaine Anderson Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee Room 5800 475 L’Enfant Plaza Washington, D.C. 20260-6753 Dear Ms Anderson: There is considerable interest among various maritime organizations nationally to ask for a series of stamps commemorating American vessels. It is to this end that it is requested that the United States Postal Service publish a booklet pane of five stamps to commemorate American working sail craft of the past. Such stamps would honor and pay tribute to the designers, builders and people that sailed them. It is suggested that the vessels featured on the stamps include: – a clipper ship or other square rigged craft – a Grand Banks schooner – a four-masted cargo schooner – a Friendship Sloop – and a Catboat The above craft are truly American and exemplify the versatility of the boatwright’s skills for building such large ocean going craft as well as coastal piloting craft. We hope that you will endorse our efforts. Cordially, Name: Address: City: State: Zip: