Commodore's Column - August 2009

by Tom Sokoloski
Catalina 36 International Assocation

A couple of days ago I received an email from Chic Lasser, C36IA Vice Commodore. He mentioned that he had just taken a walk down his dock, and had noticed a C36 that was “new” to the dock. He introduced himself as a fellow C36 owner, and an instant connection was made. It turns out the couple had just bought the boat a few weeks prior, were delighted with the boat, and had never heard of C36IA. Chic told them about our Association, and they were very interested. A couple of emails later and they are now very happy new members. Why do I tell this story? Because a personal introduction to the Association is best for everyone involved. Chic met some nice people, and the new owners are delighted to be members of an organization created to serve their interests as C36 owners. Have you introduced any new owners to C36IA lately? If not, you should! I’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Take a moment and go to our website, www.c36ia.com. On the site is an easily printable, one page pdf sheet (http://www.c36ia.com/node/974). It describes some of the benefits of membership in C36IA, and was put together just for this reason. Print out a couple, and keep them on board. When you see another C36 on the water, on your dock, or anchored nearby, stop by and give them one. I guarantee they will thank you for it.

If your C36IA membership is coming up for renewal soon, you might want to give serious consideration to renewing for three years. Why? By the time you read this, the 2009 version of the Tech Notes CD will be out. It contains all of the tech notes going back to 1983, over 30 owners manuals, plus a whole bunch more. It is definitely bigger and better. The only way you can get a Tech Notes CD is to join or renew for three years, and it’s FREE!

By now this is old news, but our webmaster, Alex Lynch, was hard at work in the spring moving our e-mail list server to a new site. After a couple of very frustrating months where subscribers were being ‘bounced’ from the list for no apparent reason, the new site seems to be running smoothly. Thank you Alex!

Speaking of the list server and website, we are always looking for new pictures and articles. You don’t have to be an award winning photographer or a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist. A picture or two and a few words of explanation would be fine. Send them to any of the officers. They would be happy to help you if needed, and also help you get them posted.

That’s all for now. Time to go sailing! Smooth seas and fair winds.