Welcome everyone to the 2020 HSC season. Unfortunately the Harmful Algae Bloom forced the closure of the reservoir and cancellation of most of the 2019 on the water activities. Fortunately we were able to continue some of our social events and had a wonderful annual dinner at the Fox Hollow Country Club hosted by the Flying Scot Fleet. Thank you for everyone who participated in the Christmas Parade this past year. We seem to be growing our dancing dingy fleet complements of the Ladies Fleet in addition to improving our starting position.
For those who do not know me, my name is Andrew Gilmartin and it is my pleasure to be your new Commodore. My family have been HSC members for the past 6 years and I have been the Vice Commodore for the past 3 years. You will usually find me sailing with the Force 5 Fleet.
I would like to say thank you to our outgoing executive members including Angelo Lovisa as Commodore, Scott Eigner as Secretary, Albert Boeckh as Treasurer, and Rainer Dehe as Assistant Rear Commodore. HSC is purely a volunteer run organization and we are grateful for the continued efforts of our members as we continue the tradition of community based sailing into our 56th year.
I would also like to welcome the newly elected members to our executive team starting with Ted Janulis as Vice Commodore, Chet Ensign as Secretary, Rich Bauman with Bruce Moritz as Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, and Marilyn Salvetti as the Assistant Rear Commodore. We are also grateful to have Gordon Sell continue on as Rear Commodore.
The HSC execute committee has been meeting over the last month to discuss the 2020 calendar, Rear Commodore projects, and the budget. Unfortunately the HAB warnings are still in place at the reservoir. The NJ HAB notices warn against direct contact with the water when HAB levels exceed a certain threshold. However, it is important to note that the State has no restriction on boating, as evidenced by the operation of the boat rental on Spruce Run Reservoir. But, we have to take the HAB warnings seriously as it represents a potential liability concern for the club and possible health impacts to club members under certain conditions. The executive team is trying to navigate the fine line between our membership’s desire to sail vs. sponsoring a club activity that requires our members to have contact with the water. Sail training, for example, requires contact with the water during capsize & recovery drills and throughout the training process. Therefore we will not offer Learn To Sail instruction until the State gets the HAB condition under control or provides further definition on safe vs. cautionary HAB levels.
The 2020 HSC calendar will offer a normal schedule of regatta and series racing, along with picnics and social events. In addition we will be adding on-shore training events to help our members develop their skills with boat maintenance. Please watch for HSC announcements about “Boat Shop” sessions that will focus on skills like fiberglass repairs, rigging and wood working.
On behalf of the HSC executives, staff, and Fleet Captains we look forward to seeing everyone at our General Membership Meeting on Sunday March 8th at Riley and Jakes Restaurant. The meeting will start around 1:00 pm. This will be the only pre-season meeting for the year. The agenda will be different as we will not be doing the usual Sail Training slide show for the general public. The purpose of the meeting will be to approve the budget/dues and to answer your questions regarding the 2020 calendar. So come out and join us for lunch and a little conversation. It will be nice to catch up with everyone.
Best Wishes,
Andrew Gilmartin