FERRY SLOOPS, INC. – MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 1 DECEMBER 2007

 

Attendance:

Alan & Heidi Boucher George Mouzakitis Bob Readon

Pauli Dangerousli       Tom Keck               Elise Sasso

Lionel Galibert            John Liammari        Hugo Strubbe

Eva Harper                 Duke Maggiola        Ken Vought

Noah Harper              Terri Nagai               Lolly & Alan Yacker-Winderbaum

 

Following a pot-luck lunch, Duke welcomed all  present members to this year’s final get-together, marking the end of the Wimbrel’s sailing season for 2007 and to chart a course for the future of Ferry Sloops.

 

Duke began by stating that the organization is going through a ‘serious phase’’ that COMMITMENT has been the driving force for him, as well as for many other members of Ferry Sloops for a number of years, but in light of the time and energy required, he would like to step back and take less of a leadership position.  “We have reached a ‘rounding mark’ and must make a decision concerning the future course of our organization.” 

 

Ferry Sloops does not have the manpower required to sustain its status: while we are responsible for our own money, have a boat on the river, and offers to stay at the current (Half Moon Bay) location, we lack the ACTIVE membership required to hold sailing instruction classes, engage in fundraising and public relations work, attend festivals, and offer weekend and evening sails as we have in the past.

 

John Liammari distributed the 2006/2007 Profit & Loss Statement, showing a negative income of -$4,945.41.  He also demonstrated by way of statistics charts that Ferry Sloops has reached its lowest status in years, with continuing downward trend.  There was no fund raising activity during 2007. There was also very few activities related to our mission. The question was posed, whether to continue using up the remaining funds, allowing for perhaps ONE year of operation, and then dissolve the organization IF NO BETTER RESULTS HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED, or take a positive attitude and embark on a new tack that would allow us to achieve our goals

 

What would be required?

 

Lionel emphasized that members must be energized to take more active roles in FERRY SLOOPS MISSION AND SUPPORT OF ITS GOALS .

 

 

The boat is an asset to the home harbor; however, if this is not sufficiently recognized / appreciated by the Village of Croton, then other venues might have to be investigated, especially at the annual $3500 docking fee.

Broaden community interest in Wimbrel.  Participation in festivals and increasing the number of sailing activities is a must.  Raising the public’s awareness of the boat’s availability through advertising of our activities.  Target  specific groups with invitations to “Come Sail with us!”  (Half Moon Bay residents, the town administration, members of SCORE).  Ken Vought knows, and offered to contact some members of the latter organization, who might be helpful in pointing Ferry Sloops into a new direction.

Motion was introduced by Terry (seconded and approved) to review membership rates---increasing from $30. Might have SEVERAL rates with accompanying benefits. 2) Allow "donations" for sails.   

This suggestion was met with some apprehension, i.e., would a higher fee (say $100 per year) scare off potential members, or would it create a more valuable membership base who, based on their greater share in the organization, would also be more actively involved?

Collaboration with other groups, such as historical associations, the Nature Center at Croton Point, sailing or canoe groups.

Outreach efforts to surrounding communities in the Hudson Valley  through giving talks at local libraries and schools, reviving sailing classes to increase membership to attract younger people to the fun of sailing the river.

And finally, increase sailing days to maximize usage of the boat to justify  our capital outlay; be specific and consistent as to sailing dates, times and purpose (Topics to include maintenance, safety, history, mooring & docking, etc.; set a regular schedule and commit to being there.

 

Duke’s Summary:  We must establish a financial goal to not just sustain us, but become more solvent and stable.  Elise made a motion, seconded and approved, to stay at the Half Moon Bay dock for one more year; also to establish a business plan to stay solvent, and to explore and evaluate other venues for Wimbrel in 2008.

 

Other points discussed: 

• Better follow-up on invitations for sailing
• More frequent meetings – not just once a month, but as needed.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 4 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Heidi H. Boucher