Thank you to the 27+ or so people who showed up for AGM - Part 2. We maintained quorum through each of the votes despite what was a pretty long - and perhaps even tedious at times - session.

Here a few highlights for you while formal minutes are being prepared:

1. Westwood will be enhancing its safety rules aimed at those sailors (of all classes) who like to venture out of the Outer Harbour in higher winds. Watch for more detailed information, and read the new safety rules plaque in the clubhouse (which will be next to the sign-out board).

2. There will be two amendments to the By-laws. The first essentially provides for a two-year limit on the term of office for the Commodore, and the second requires that the executive set aside money for future purchases whenever it does not purchase an Albacore. While this probably does not go far enough towards ensuring sufficient funding for the perpetual replacement of all classes of boats, I think it is a step in the right direction.

3. We will be working towards getting another Ovington Albacore - this will depend largely on working together with the other clubs to arrange an 8-boat container shipment. More to follow.

Thanks to Kass and Sarah for putting together the Christmas Party and a new twist on the gift exchange. Good times had by all - and with my new "Boat Whisperer" DVD, I should be a force to be reckoned with next season (at least, on the downwind legs ...).

Also, thanks to those who stayed late and left the clubhouse looking pristine.

A small but enthusiastic group was at the Toronto Hydroplane & Sailing Club for the Commodore's Ball on Saturday night - and some stayed well into the morning. More than just a party, this annual dinner is an opportunity to reflect on the past season and to acknowledge the efforts of all members/volunteers by highlighting the achievements of a few. Each year, Westwood recognizes:

• Al Ostachoff Mariner of the Year – someone unselfishly dedicated to the sailing community in general; demonstrates initiative and leadership to make things happen and build a strong sailing community
• Spirit of Westwood – demonstrates a positive and enthusiastic spirit; a member who supports a variety of club activities; takes initiative to do what needs doing
• Skipper of the Year – a skipper who participates in a range of club activities, and is particularly helpful with White Sail classes and taking new members out sailing new members
• New Member of the Year – someone who despite being new to club is enthusiastic and participates in a wide range of club activities (e.g. sailing, racing, social, boat and property maintenance), and generally helps out when needed
• Racing Skipper of the Year - by participation and results (five best Fridays, three best Harbour Masters, two best regattas (one must be Westwood))
• Racing Crew of the Year - by participation and results (as above)

This year, Westwood honours:

• Al Ostachoff Mariner of the Year- Mary Free
• Spirit of Westwood - Julie Postil and Fred Koke
• Skipper of the Year - Stavros Stavropolous
• New Member of the Year - Josianne Ruffa and Val Jamouille
• Racing Skipper of the Year - Kevin Smith
• Racing Crew of the Year - Kerry Munro

Congratulations to all!

At Saturday's AGM, the club elected its Board of Directors for the 2012 season:

Commodore – Gregg Horne
Vice-Commodore – Kevin Smith
Treasurer – Margaret Cyrzan
Secretary – Gemma Kerr
Membership – Terry Aldebert
Social – Kass Gibson & Sarah Ashley
Clubhouse – Laurie Siegel
Property – James Gewurtz
Race – Bill Shore
Communications – Jen Kowalski
Director – Norah Murphy
Fleet – vacant

On behalf of all members, I'd like to thank everyone for volunteering their time and effort for the next year. I'd also like to thank those who are finishing their service: Leon Belov, Allison Conliffe, Charlie Macchia, Gord Sparrey, Bill Walden, and Jen Yap.

NEW DATES (when the weather is expected to be more co-operative):

Sun Down will be on Saturday, October 22. While this is a key date for Boat Captains - who have to take apart boats and prepare them for winter storage - there will be plenty to do around the property for everyone. Please drop down to help! 1000hrs would be great, but there'll be people there earlier.

Our Annual General Meeting is held in two parts. Part I addresses summary reports on the current year and election of your Executive Board for the next season. Part II addresses the formal financial report and general business. Part I will be held in conjunction with Sun Down on Saturday, October 22. The meeting will begin at 1400hrs. The date and time for Part II will be announced once we know when our financial reports will be ready (year-end is September 30, and reports are prepared by an accounting firm).

You drag your gear to the club. Get into the change room, hunt for a spot, and dress warmly. You have to adjust your life jacket due to all the new layers. You debate bringing your windbreaker on board, and nix it. You try to find a boat that has all its parts. You borrow a jib from the locker next door. You get inside the boat and scoop up all those nasty wet leaves that have fallen inside. You rig it, attach the whisker pole for hopes of a quiet run, and you're off!

The regatta is no where to be seen, except-voila- there's a laser regatta taking place and you are now in the middle of it! So you find a place to sail, tighten the lines for the hiking straps, and you're off. No gusts to contend with, only steady winds. And what's a little choppy water when you're sailing in full sunshine? You hike out as much as you can and the boat is still not straight in the water. What fun! The hiking straps and the line you are holding are the only things keeping you inside that boat! Where are the cameras? You can almost hear your teacher saying- trim that mainsail, don't dump that wind (shut up Alex!)

You stay out a couple of hours and don't ever notice the time. You know your shoulders will hurt tomorrow, as will your thighs. You come in, make your approach to the docks, start to jump onto the dock and notice that your painter is all knotted with the job sheet and this approach won't do. You gibe, turn around, and the second approach is a charm. You de-rig the boat, return the other jib to its own locker, and notice the time. Where did the afternoon go?

Some of us know that every time we get in a boat in September, it might be our last time for the season. Which is one of the reasons September sailing is so charming. The winds are steady, the sky is so blue, the leaves still green, and all is right with your world. Maybe I'll get one last sail in next weekend...