Commodore’s Message Phoenix may be high, dry and frozen for the winter but the Friendship Sloop Society is not. We have a few exciting new projects in the works. I think we are entering our 40th year with our eyes set on the future. Harold Burnham (owner of Chrissy and renowned Essex builder) really enlivened the annual meeting by conducting our most successful auction to date. But that’s not all, he has decided to start on the task of taking the lines off of all the origi- nal Friendships and continuing the research of their origins. We have been in the business of tracking down our Class A sloops’ origins for a number of years, but this job has never included pulling the lines off the boats. I think we will begin to really see how the design developed and also see some of the more subtle decisions each builder made. The executive board voted with great enthusiasm to create the position of Original Sloop Histo- rian and Harold was also voted into the position. I’m also thrilled with the progress we have made on the web page. Jim Wilson was voted into the new position of Web Site chair and has a number of exciting new ideas that we should see in the future. But for the immediate time, John Wojcik has created a site at http://pages.prodigy.net/johnwoj/ that really gets us some notice on the Internet. There are the upcoming schedule of events, complete sloops listings, the recent newslet- ters, a history of the Friendship Sloop, race results, a member- ship form and even some pictures. I have been contacted through email from New Zealand and the UK. The website can really help us stay in touch with the fleet as it slowly disperses throughout the globe. (Thank you John!) The website is the perfect project for the Sloop Society going into the 21st century. So with one project originating in 19th century Friendship, Maine and one originating in cyber space, we head into our 40th year festivities. I hope that we can make the Rockland Homecoming a huge success this year. The dates are slated for July 24-27th. Add this to your vacation plans for this summer. No matter what your interests are with your Friendship sloop, I think you will find the homecoming a moving and beautiful sight. Every now and then I am able to stop and see the majesty of the fleet together; it’s beyond words. And it’s an awful lot of fun too. I hope to see you all this summer, either at Rockland or one of our other wonderful events. The warm weather is coming (or (Continued to Page 2) The Races at Marblehead By David W. Graham One of my winter projects this season has been the refurbish- ment of the Ridgway Trophy that hangs on the wall at Corinthian during the summer months. Initially presented in 1976, the trophy was beginning to look a little tired. But the real reason for undertaking the project was simply that Erica Beck’s captur- ing of the trophy in 1999, filled up the 24th and remaining brass plate that the trophy had originally contained. The upshot of it all is that I am delighted to report that with an additional 20 plates and the rearranging of the originals, the Ridgway Trophy is now an even more handsome, eye-appealing presentation than when brand new out of the box! While doing the project, I became engrossed once more on who had won the trophy over the years it has been presented and for those who won it more than once – – – how many times that may have happened. As you might have guessed, the results were not startling; that is, Phoenix came out on top with 9 victo- ries, while Tannis ran close behind with a total of 8. It has been the usually light airs of mid-August that have looked kindly on these two contenders over the years; still they have by no means captured every race. Voyager has twice taken home first prize and there were even two back-to-back years of ’87 and ’88, when little Philia did the good deed. Single regatta wins have gone to Old Baldy in 1989 and Liberty back in 1984. And who among us that were there in 1983 will ever forget the heavy air weekend when more bare-bottom paint was exposed at the finish line than were topsides? That was when Schoodic won it all. While the Ridgway winners are a matter of record, the “rest of the story” can only be told by looking at just how closely the margins were for some of the victors, against their first runner-up. Here is where some of the old behind-the-scene records paint a story – – – a few extra seconds here and a few there, and an entirely different outcome might have been the result. All this is to say that while Phoenix and Tannis have been the Ridgway Trophy giants over the years, there are simply no hard and fast advance guarantees that any specific entry will be in for a happy time at the winning line of a FSS Marblehead gathering. Given the probabilities of good equipment, seamanship and experience, Lady Luck and Dame Fortune, may very well be awaiting your arrival for the gun finish. Come and participate. Enjoy the camaraderie with your fellow FSS members. If you do, you may present yourself with the (Continued to Page 2) Volume 12 Winter 2000 Issue 1 Friendships Newsletter of the Friendship Sloop Society

New London Friendship Sloop Rendezvous & Regatta OpSail2000CT Jack Vibber has sent along this update on the happenings in New London in July. Friendships – Tall Ships Parade – Entertainment – All at New London, Connecticut July 12 – 16. The Parade of Sail will begin at about 10:30 AM on Wednesday the 12th with a fleet of 30 sizable ships and 300 recreational vessels. On Friday the 14th there will be an antique and classic boat parade, and all Friend- ships are invited to participate in that event. In between the above events there will be a battle enactment and visitation times for the Tall Ships. Late Saturday afternoon we will have our usual good picnic at the Thames Yacht Club, followed by a gigantic display of fireworks. Sunday breakfast will be at the TYC followed by a Friendship regatta in the afternoon. Please send or phone for a booklet with more information to: Gregory Roth 510 Montauk Avenue New London, CT 06320 Phone (860)-442-2747 E-Mail: SCUPPERS-@WORLDNET.ATT.NET or Jack Vibber 5 Soljer Drive Waterford, CT 06385 Phone (860)-442-7376 Commodore’s Message (Continued from Page 1) so they keep on saying). Phoenix needs some rudder work, Tannis has some new wood in her stem, Richard Stanley has his own sloop under way; we’re all getting down to work to continue the living history of Friendship sloops. Good luck with yours. Email List Tad is putting together an email list for the Sloop Society. There are times when we need to spread the word quickly and this is the best way to do that. You will still get all the regular mailings. To get onto the email list…just send Tad an email to TADBE@AOL.COM saying that you would like to be added to the list. Dues Reminder If you haven’t mailed your annual dues in for 2000, please send them to: Caroline Phillips, Society Secretary 164 Sturbridge Road Charlton, MA 01507 Home to Friendship 1999 written by Caroline Zuber After three sunny, but not-enough-wind days of racing in Rockland, the Friendship sloopers woke on Friday, July 30, to a pea-soup fog enveloping Rockland Harbor. We had signed up 11 other sloops and Messing About to make the trip to Friend- ship Harbor for the Friday night lobster cookout on the wharf of Alice and Tom Loomis’ lovely island home across the harbor from the mainland. We thought we had figured everything out – even to the point of passing out directions by land or sea. Gladiator and Depar- ture left promptly at 8:00 a.m., promising to shuck the corn and toss the husks overboard for the other sloops to follow down the Muscle Ridge channel. We had signed up the crews of Content, Tern, Sorceress, Omaha, William Rand, Salatia, Eagle, Tannis, Flying Jib, and Gannet to make the journey. In addition, we had Glenda Armandi, Sidney Leonard, Bob and Betty Monk, Greg and Daneen Roth, and the Plumer crew coming by land. Marcia Morang and her daughters came over from Nobleboro, Jane Lash, Holly and Tom and the twins, Betty Roberts and Dick Lozier and his daughter and husband were going to meet the Gladiator ferry in Friendship. All told, 70 folks were going to get to Friendship for the cocktail party and lobster cookout. Despite the fog and various other reasons, only Gladiator, Departure, Content, William M. Rand and Messing About made it to Friendship. However, the rest of the crews drove down the peninsula and made it to the traditional event! Every- body brought snacks and appetizers to share, and all lobsters and other goodies disappeared. We were able to give David Bell $350 for the Scholarship Fund on Saturday morning at the Memorial Service. Thank you all for your support and effort in getting to Friend- ship – one way or the other! The Races at Marblehead (Continued from Page 1) opportunity to get your name onto the Ridgway Trophy. Without your participation, there is but one guarantee – – – that your name will not appear on the Ridgway Trophy for that given year. But try entering – – – we think you’ll like coming to Marblehead. Save the dates – – this year they will be August 12th and 13th. For more detail on the Marblehead gathering, see the next issue. Racing Numbers The Race Committee is asking skippers to use sloop numbers for racing. Numbers do not have to be permanently attached to sails, they can be attached to shrouds. Numbers should be large enough to be read from a reasonable distance. -2-

Sloop Society Financial Statement October 1, 1998 to September 30, 1999 Treasurer David Bell has submitted the following unaudited treasurer’s report: Receipts: Dues: Boat Owners $2,910.00 Assoc. Members 1,500.00 CO-OP Members 440.00 $4,850.00 Rendezvous: Entry Fees 810.00 810.00 Annual Meeting: Meeting Dinner 1,337.50 Auction 235.00 50/50 Raffle 108.50 Soda Offerings 29.50 1,710.50 Miscellaneous: Trophy CD Interest 177.79 Donations 105.00 Chandlery Sales 5,353.00 Bulletin Board 540.00 Bank Interest 170.98 6,346.77 Total Receipts 13,717.27 Disbursements: Administration: Copies 147.88 Membership 253.31 Newsletter Mastheads 342.50 Newsletter – Other 975.68 Yearbook Bulletin Brd 460.00 Postage & UPS 580.21 Phone 14.63 Secretary’s Comp. 1,000.00 Other Administration 20.00 3,794.21 Race Committee Expenses: Other Regatta 50.00 Trophies 366.62 Race Insurance 321.30 Brass Plates 245.00 US Sailing Membership 75.00 Other Expenses 357.60 1,415.52 Rendezvous Expenses: Tip-Rockland Stewards 80.00 Posters 227.50 PA System 100.00 BBQ’s 27.91 435.41 Donations and Gifts: Friendship Museum 300.00 Pendleton Scholarship 400.00 Maine Maritime Museum 300.00 1,000.00 Meetings: Annual Banquet 1,657.97 Cheese & Crackers 55.20 1,713.17 Miscellaneous: Chandlery 3,798.93 Scholarship 60.00 Supplies 42.98 3,901.91 Total Expenses 12,260.22 Total Receipts 13,717.27 Receipts over Expenses 1,457.05 Pendleton Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Friendship Sloop Society The Friendship Sloop Society through its Pendleton Memorial Scholarship Fund continues to offer scholarships to the young people of Friendship who are graduating from high school in June. Additional funds are also granted to those who are currently continuing their programs in college or technical school. In 1983 Elbert Pratt and other folks from the Sloop Society founded this fund specifically for the students from Friendship as a thanks for sharing the town and its heritage of beautiful boats and hard working people. Since that time, more than one hundred young people have been helped with funds raised from the efforts of many involved over the years; selling peanuts, having sales of homemade goods on the wharf, auctions at sloop meetings, collections of bottles and cans at the sloop races, and many donations from townspeople sloop owners and crews, and friends. It all adds up to a lot more than money! In 1999, a total of $4,850 was awarded to 12 students. The seven first- year recipients of $600 each were: Nathen Barrett University of Maine Megan Benner Univ. of Southern Maine Jennifer Campbell University of Maine David Dean Univ. North Carolina Audra Emerson University of Maine Allison Love University of Maine Keith Simmons St. Joseph’s College Five students were awarded $250 each for their continuing studies. They were William Bramhall, Lori Burns, Alexis Hooydonk, Seth Neal, and Ellen Simmons. Applications for scholarships for those graduating in June of 2000 may be obtained from the guidance office or from Betty Roberts in Friendship. Completed applications must be returned to Betty Roberts by June 1, 2000. Income received during 1999 totaled $5,928.74. The value of the principal of the Scholarship Fund as of November 30, 1999 was $ 72,377.92. Donations to the Pendleton Memorial Scholarship Fund are always gratefully received. Please send your contribution to: Rev. David Bell, Treasurer 35 Pumpkin Cove Road New Harbor, ME. 04554-4912 Bill Zuber Chair Pendleton Memorial Scholarship Fund Computer Donation Sought The computer that our Secretary uses for the mailings and creating / maintaining the Society records has become woefully obsolete. We are looking for a donation of a computer that is capable of running at least Windows 95 and can access the Inter- net. If you have a system that you’d like to donate, please contact Tad. The donation is tax-deductible. -3-

Yearbook Deadline Approaches Roger Duncan has sent us this update on the yearbook: It is time to set the mainsail, drop the mooring and get the new yearbook under way for a long beat to the weather mark. Half the book will be advertising and half will be copy and pictures. The more advertising, the more copy. So take an ad if you can, and urge your boatyard, hardware store and rich uncle to join you. A rate sheet is enclosed. We need good articles as much as we need good advertising. Accounts of cruises, exploits and adventures -from which we learn sometimes more than we want to learn- if merely told over the fried chicken at the barbecue, are soon forgotten and lost forever. Published in the yearbook, they are preserved as part of our history and tradition. If you want to make a modest contribution to the yearbook and salute our readers with a cheery message, take a spot in the Bulletin Board for $20. Stories, poems, pictures, and Bulletin Board contributions should reach me before April 15 at: P.O. Box 66 East Boothbay, Maine 04544. Clear Skies, Roger F. Duncan 2000 Schedule of Events New London Rendezvous & Regatta July 12th – 16th Tall Ships Parade – July 12th Regatta – July 16th Southwest Harbor Rendezvous July 15th Homecoming Rendezvous & Races at Rockland July 24th – 27th Friendship Day July 29th Marblehead Regatta August 12th – 13th Gloucester Schooner Festival September 2nd Annual Meeting November 11th New England Center, Durham, NH Membership News Doug Amsbary has sent the following news about our members: We spoke with David Holmes at the Rockland Homecoming and he mentioned that he has added a topmast to his sloop #261 Bluenose. He also added a new suit of sails by Nat Wilson constructed in the new “oceanus” fabric. We would like to welcome Keith & Christyne Roberts of Rockport, MA as new members. He noted on the membership application that “we will be sloop owners soon!” We received a completed membership application from Adrian Edmondson of Surrey, England informing us that he owns a newly constructed sloop built by renowned Friendship sloop builder Ralph W. Stanley and his son Richard. He has named his sloop Acadia and will be keeping it in Dartmouth, England. We have issued it our newest sail number which is #268. #229 Cap’n George has been sold to Robb Darula of Richmond, RI. He will be homeporting the sloop in Mystic CT. A remarkable number of 31’ ‘”Dictator” sloops have changed hands of late and below is the list of changes that we have heard about: Jeff Cohen of Mamaroneck, NY has bought #145 Edna (ex Yankee Lady). It is reported that he will be changing the name of the sloop. You might all remember that this was the sloop that was purchased by a German fellow and the last that we heard he had started his trek across the Atlantic. A couple of years went by before it was again seen in a photograph partici- pating in Antigua Race Week. #206 Mary Eliza was purchased by Craig Collemer & Gary LaParl of Salem, MA and will be changing the name of their sloop to Legacy in honor of ancestor Elmer Collemer, who built a number of Friendships and schooners. They will be keeping the sloop at Salem Willows Y.C. along with Rights of Man, Tannis, and Flying Jib. Craig sailed with the crew of #156 Departure during the Rockland Homecoming and got the Friendship “bug”. #171 Golden Anchor has had her name changed to Resolute and purchased by Allen Waldman of Marblehead, MA and is now for sale. Barry Abrams of New York, NY has purchased # 147 Solace (ex. Anna B.) from Roland Shaw of Peaks Island, ME. The sloop is now in the shop of Ed Gray/Jarvis Newman on Cranberry Island undergoing extensive cabin modifications. Mr. Jeffrey Richards of Rockland ME, owner of #240 Raven has joined the Society. Hopefully we will see Raven at the next Homecoming in Rockland. Sloop #144 Josie has been sold to John Burke of Gloucester. The Cronin family is performing some major surgery to #7 Tannis. The entire stem has been removed with strong hopes of getting the repair completed before the summer sailing season. We have learned that #39 Downeaster has been sold by Forrester Valle to Dr. Brad Wilkinson. It is reported that the sloop is in the shop of Eric Dow in the Brooklin, ME area under- going repairs. -4-

Memorial Book Our new book, “Friendship (sloops)” is under way. The price of printing has gone way up since the 60’s. The cost of printing is around $7000 through Book Master’s in Ohio. In order for the Sloop Society to handle the printing, we must make a number of presales. Each book will be coffee table size, 120 pages long with a color photograph section and b&w photographs through- out. The presale price is $40. After printing the price will go up $50. Buy a few as gifts. Your in-laws need one! So please fill out the attached pledge form. Send it to: Tad Beck, 380 Broadway, New York, NY 10013. DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY. But please send photographs of your boat (if you have not already done so) and you will be guaranteed to see her in the book. We will collect funds when we reach a prudent pledge level to begin production. Cruising Division Proposed for Homecoming Gathering The following is a proposal to the membership in general. Namely, the creation of a cruising division at the Homecoming Regatta in Rockland. The proposal is twofold: First, to offer sloop owners who do not enjoy racing another venue to participate in. Second, to encourage a larger attendance at the regatta. This division III would operate as follows: ! Division III participants would pay the same nominal fee to enter. ! Participation in all other activities is welcome, but strictly voluntary. ! Division III skippers would attend the morning briefing. After the racing division business is over, the cruising division would decide what to do or where to go. Some of the activities suggested include: ” A leisurely sail to Isleboro for a picnic on the beach. ” A short cruise to High Island Harbor for a rafting party or a hike to the quarry. All this is weather permitting. If Mother Nature does not cooperate, there is always the ever increasing number of galleries and shops to visit, and of course, the Farnsworth Museum should not be missed. July 2000 will be the 40th anniversary of the Homecoming Regatta. The efforts and impetus of the founders as well as the contagious enthusiasm of regatta participants make it one of the most worthwhile activities in the summer. So whether you want to test your mettle and compete in the races, leisurely cruise or just hang around and enjoy the camaraderie, come and join us this summer in Rockland. For questions or comments, please contact: Dr. Ruy Gutierrez 57 Heritage Drive Auburn, W 04210 Telephone: (207) 782-8199 Class A Birthdays There are a number of member Class A sloops that are celebrating significant “birthdays” in 2000. Our congratulations to the owners and crews of the following “Senior” members of the fleet: 100 Years: #9 Amity Ted & Patricia O’Meara, So. Portland, ME #19 Blackjack Wilson Fletcher, Bar Harbor, ME #24 Tern Paul Haley & Elizabeth Stubbs, Marblehead, MA 85 Years: #53 Eagle Capt. Donald Huston, Nahant, MA -5- I____________________________ agree to buy ______ copies of “Friendship (sloops)” at $40 each. Street:_______________________ City: ________________________ State:_______________Zip:______ Phone: _______________________ Email: _______________________

Memorial Service Friendship Harbor – July 31, 1999 written by Caroline Zuber A beautiful sunny, breezy morning followed the foggy Friday. The official piper of the Society, Donald Duncan, was on hand to start and end the simple service. Retired minister David Bell led the larger than usual group in remembrances of those who had gone before. The service brought together the families of three of our members who have “crossed the bar” in recent months: Bill Rand, Bob Lash,, and Al Beck. As Priscilla Rand wrote in a note to me: “That was a wonderful event in Friendship last weekend. I hadn’t been back for several years and was really touched to be in those waters and in the village again … The Service at “The Rock” meant a great deal. David always finds just the right words. ..(he) very thoughtfully sent me the poem he read. He keeps a remarkable collection. With all the delightful new babies in our midst, it did seem that “the bridge” is already well traveled.” The poem to which she referred was “The Bridge Builder” by Will Allen Dromgoole. I include it here. An old man going a lone highway Came in the evening cold and gray To a chasm vast and deep and wide, The old man crossed in the twilight dim, The sullen stream had no fears for him, But he stopped when safe on the other side And built a bridge to span the tide. “Old man, ” said a fellow pilgrim near, “You are wasting your strength with building here; Your journey will end with the ending day, You never again will pass this way. You’ve crossed the chasm deep and wide Why build you this bridge at evening tide?” The builder lifted his old gray head, “Good friend, in the path that I have come,” he said, “There follows after me today A youth whose feet must pass this way, This chasm which has been as naught to me To that fair-haired youth might a pitfall be, He, too, must cross in the twilight dim, Good friend, I am building the bridge for him.” Reflect on this and if you can, come to Friendship, to the “Rock” overlooking the harbor and remember those who have crossed and prepared the bridge for us. Elbert Pratt Elbert Pratt passed away in January. He was a charter member of the Society, our cannoneer, and past president of the Pendle- ton Scholarship Fund. The following dedication appears in the Town of Friendship town report: Elbert Sewell Pratt was born in Farmington, Maine on July 31,1917. He was the son of Dr. Harold and Cora Chase Pratt. Elbert and Constance Logan were married in 1943, and shortly thereafter he was sent overseas to New Guinea to serve with the U.S. Army Medical Corps. Elbert was a graduate of the Univer- sity of Maine and taught Geology at Upsala College in NJ for 28 years. During the summers, he and Connie came to the “summer cottage” on Davis Point overlooking the Friendship Harbor entrance. Retirement in 1977 brought the Pratts home perma- nently to Friendship. Elbert was a charter member of the Friend- ship Sloop Society, the Official Cannoneer, and a founding trustee of the Pendleton Memorial Scholarship fund. This fund was created to benefit students from Friendship in their quest for higher education or training after high school. As President of the Scholarship fund for many years, Elbert gave many of our young folks the help needed to become productive citizens. Always helpful and forever the gentleman, Elbert will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Bob Stein Robert M. Stein of Newbury, Mass. passed away on Novem- ber 19, 1999. Bob was the father of Irene Amsbary. He was the former owner of the Pemaquid Sloop Essential (#178) and frequently crewed at the homecoming races onboard Dictator, Phoenix and Departure. Bob joined the FSS in 1973, and continued to be an avid support for 25 plus years. He will be missed. Boston Tall Ships 2000 The Commodore has sent this note regarding the July event: I received a call from Ed McCabe of the Hull Life Saving Museum. He was telling me about the Tall Ships in Boston and was hoping that the Friendship Sloop Society would be able to join in the festivities. The parade is July 11. It appears that we already have an invite from the Hull Yacht Club. Basically we’re invited to participate if anyone would like to organize the event. Phoenix and I will not be able to make the trip down as I see it right now. SW Harbor is that next weekend ya know. If you would like to see us participate in the Boston Tall Ships Parade, please give me a call: 212-966-4690. It sounds pretty easy to organize … all the ground work is already done from 1992. The Hull Life Saving Museum is planning events all weekend before the parade. Please also pass on the word to anyone who might want to make this happen also. Fair Winds, Tad -6-

Commodore Tad Beck opened the meeting at 4:00 p.m. In his opening remarks he stated that the Society was heading into it’s 40th year, and that he was amazed that everyone is still enjoying the Society and the Society is growing stronger with the years. Tad then introduced the members of the executive board in attendance and new members. . Tad then stated that he had a questionnaire about the annual meeting and the other events within the Society. He asked that everyone fill one out so that it would give the executive board some direction as far as what people would or would not like to see as the Society moves ahead in the future. SECRETARY’S REPORT: Caroline Phillips Membership for 1999 was as follows: Boat owner: 94 Full/associate: 53 Cooperative: 21 Honorary: 7 TOTAL Membership: 175 Caroline reported that although these numbers were considera- bly lower than previous years, she seemed to think that the numbers would return to the 200’s in year 2000. She already had 16 members who did not join in 1999, join in 2000 – 6 of them paid for 1999 as well. Six members have asked to be dropped from the mailing list in 1999 due to illness or they have sold their boat. TREASURER’S REPORT: David Bell (See Page 3) David stated that all the figures were listed in his financial reports. He said that the Society is floating well!! He then stated that if anyone had any questions about the reports were welcome to ask him. PENDLETON SCHOLARSHIP FUND: Bill Zuber Bill stated that the scholarship fund was doing fine. The fund has a principal balance of $73,000. The scholarship fund awarded $5,000 in scholarships last June — 5 new students and 3 ongoing students. FRIENDSHIP DAYS: Bill Zuber Bill began by saying that there was a lot of FOG!! He stated that 11 sloops and Messing About had signed up to sail to Friendship. Because of the FOG, only 4 Friendships and Messing About were able to sail to Friendship. All the other sloopers and crew drove over land. The event raised $350 for the Scholarship Fund. Bill then stated that David Bell led the Memorial Service which honored all the deceased members with the newest to the list – Bill Rand, Bob Lash and Al Beck. Caroline Zuber then read a poem to the membership that was read at the memorial service. NEW LONDON: Jack Vibber Jack stated that they had good weather, but only 5 Friendships participated this year. Jack then talked about OP Sail 2000 in New London CT. He invited and encouraged everyone to come down for the event. SOUTHWEST HARBOR: Tad Beck Tad stated that the weather was great and winds were 10-15 knots. There were 8 boats that participated which either ties or beats the record for attendance. A great time was had by all. ROCKLAND: Bob Rex Bob began by thanking his race committee (Dick Salter, Jerry Ross, Gene Costanza). He then thanked Bill Zuber for getting another stake boat, Marcia, Penny, and PJ Morang for organiz- ing the trophies, and Dick and Alice Salter for use of Messing About as the committee boat. He stated that Rockland had a good turnout. He wants everyone to make a gigantic effort to make it to Rockland in 2000 for a huge showing. MARBLEHEAD: David Graham David began by stating that the Society needs to get more boats to participate in Marblehead or the Society will lose its date slot for racing. David no longer has the authority to set the dates, but instead has to approach the race committee for the date. In order for the race committee to give us our racing slot, we need more boats to attend because Marblehead has become very crowded with all the different races that take place during the year. David stated that only 8 boats were registered to race. David then said that people should call him at (781) 631-6680 and give some suggestions or ideas for increasing attendance at Marblehead. GLOUCESTER: Jack Cronin Jack began by saying that it was a larger than usual turnout of Friendships. He stated that Gloucester put on a fantastic two day event and the event was a great closure to the sailing season. Results were Tannis, Rights of Man and Resolute. The second day the large schooners raced and it was spectacular watching them race. The Pride of Baltimore was there and was beautiful to watch. Everyone just had a wonderful time and he encouraged others to try to attend. Jack summarized by saying that Gloucester is a first class event. YEARBOOK: Roger Duncan Roger started out by saying “I have two things on my mind – money and materials.” Roger stated that we get 1/2 of the yearbook for articles, pictures, etc. and the other 1/2 is for the advertisements. The more advertisements we get, the more pages for articles. As usual, we have a bulletin board for individuals to write messages (cost is $20.00 / box). Roger encouraged everyone to sign up for the bulletin board. As always, articles, pictures, etc. must by submitted by April 15th. Roger stated that if you get a business to advertise, be sure to state that you are with the Friendship Sloop Society so that the ad comes off our commitment. Roger then encouraged everyone to submit an article or photos for the 2000 yearbook. NEWSLETTER: John Wojcik John stated that another newsletter was about to be printed, and as usual, it is easy to get the newsletter out because of all the nice articles from the membership. WEB SITE: Changes are coming, but it needs more effort to keep up to date and accurate. -7- FRIENDSHIP SLOOP SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING

OLD BUSINESS: The Whitney’s award the Friendship Award to Jack and Virginia Vibber. NEW BUSINESS: DONATIONS: Scholarship Fund $500.00 Friendship Museum $400.00 Maine Maritime Museum $400.00 BANCROFT AWARD: Jack Cronin Jack stated that his committee consists of Maria Burnham, Jim Wilson, and Doug Amsbary. This year the award was presented to Betty Roberts. WILLIAM HADLOCK AWARD: Doug Amsbary Awarded to Adrian and Pamela Hooydonk BRUCE MORANG TROPHY: Morang family Awarded to Richard Dudman for his article “Freedom” in the yearbook. OMAHA AWARD: Charlie and Maria Bumham Awarded to Bill and Cathy Whitney for their assistance provided to a number of sloop owners who had encountered technical problems (engines, radios, etc.) at Rockland. David Graham then discussed the presentation to Ralph Stanley by Hillary Clinton for the National Heritage Fellowship. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Dick Salter Commodore Tad Beck Vice Commodore Paul Haley Secretary Caroline Phillips Treasurer David Bell Inspector of Mast Wedges Bruce Lanning The officers were voted in unanimously with the Secretary casting one ballot for the slate. Dick Salter stated that the Society needs a new cannoneer for Rockland. Bill Zuber has the cannon and felt that everyone should get a cannon blast when arriving at the homecoming. 50/50 RAFFLE – $135.00 was won by Marcia Morang AUCTION – raised $931.20 for the Society. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. Sloop Society Chandlery Our store keepers, Tom & Peg Miller, have the following close-out sale items available: Sweatshirts Long Sleeve, Crew Neck, 80/20 Blend, Society Logo, Green. M,L,XL,XXL $20.00 Post It Pads 3X4, Light Gray, Logo, 50 Sheets $1.50 Plastic Cups 12Oz., Logo, Red, Green 4 / $1.00 Wallet Sports Wallet, Velcro Closure $6.00 These and other items can be purchased by contacting Tom & Peg at 77 Bedford Road, New Boston, NH 03070 Phone: (603)-487-3883. The Nickerson Trophy by Caroline Zuber A magnificent silver two handled trophy mounted on a wood base, this trophy was donated by Leon Nickerson, who served as race committee chairman of the first regatta in 1961. The first recipient in 1971 was Bruce White aboard his dad’s sloop #59, Sarah Meade, named for his sister. The Race Committee origi- nally awarded the trophy to the “youngest skipper” aboard a “winning” sloop. The recipient had to actually be in command during at least one race in which the sloop finished “in the money”. This tradition continued for most of 20 years. Because Friendship Sloops seem to stay in the same family for many years, and the birth rate of sloop owners with eligible family members was in a decline, the rules were changed in the early 1990’s to the “youngest crew member aboard a racing sloop”, with a year’s warning given to those present at the regatta to plan any family expansion accordingly. In creating the list of winners and sloops, the “family” aspect of membership in the Friendship Sloop Society becomes apparent. Tannis holds the record for the number of times either a youngest skipper or youngest crew member was aboard. In 1999, the first “next generation” winner was Ben Zuber, at the winning age of 6 weeks. His uncle, Bob Zuber, was a two-time winner as the youngest skipper in 1980 and 1982, while he was still a teenager. Ben was not awarded the trophy at the awards banquet in Rockland, as the previous year’s winner had forgotten to bring it back. Thatcher Carter’s dad personally delivered the trophy to Ben’s dad, Andy Zuber, the next week. He caused quite a stir when he strode into Andy’s office bearing the trophy. Handicap Reminder The Society Measurer and Handicapper, Dick Salter, would like to remind all sloop owners that if you are planning to race in a Sloop Society sponsored event, you must have a current handi- cap sheet on file. Please submit your handicap form to Dick as soon as possible so that he can provide a handicap rating to the race committee in advance of the event. If you have any questions, need a form, or would like a set of instructions on how to measure your sloop, call or write Dick at: 151 Bridge Street Manchester, MA 01944 Tel: (978)-526-1004 Wanted: A Cannoneer With the passing of Elbert Pratt, the Sloop Society is in need of a Cannoneer. It had been a tradition of the Society that a sloop receive a cannon salute upon entering Friendship Harbor to attend the races. The Society is looking to revive the tradition in Rockland. Applicants need not be capable of accurate firing, loading using a rammer, keeping a slow-match burning in a match-tub, or providing their own cannon. The Society will provide the cannon and (if necessary) grape-shot, should a sloop return fire. The applicant need only be able to attend the Homecoming starting on Monday to greet the homecoming sloops. Contact Tad if interested. -8-