2008
Marblehead Boating Center
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There are some significant changes at the Boating Center for 2008.
Please read about them before filling out the attached 2008 application as they will effect how your M.B.C. membership works.
1: Ralph Carlton stands down: After founding the Boating Center and running it single-handedly for nearly 2 decades, Ralph Carlton has decided to turn over the reins to some younger blood. The new management team is headed by two Marblehead residents, Jerry Blouin, President, and Paul Zimmerman, Vice President. The other 4 members of the initial Executive Board are Doug Trees, Secretary/Treasurer, Jeff Earl, Erik Goethert, and Shan McAdoo.
Our gratitude for Ralph Carlton's contributions cannot be fully expressed. His energy and support for the Boating Center as a facility for one-design sailing in Marblehead has made everything we have possible. We thank Ralph and look forward to his continued guidance as we move forward.
2: Improvements at the Boating Center: Doug Trees has spent this winter working with the Marblehead Harbors and Waters Board, Harbormaster, and Town Engineer processing an application for an Order of Conditions from the Marblehead Conservation Commission and Mass. DEP. The permit was issued on March 27th, allowing the construction of new wood protection racks on the seawall (both on the south side, where it has always been, and on the east wall facing the float, which will hopefully allow use at lower tides as there is deeper water there) and paving repairs. We will also be making upgrades to the hoist. The motor has been rebuilt and the electrical system is being reconstructed to get the controller connected to the post rather than hanging from the motor, eliminating the stretch wire and angle iron that catches masts, and installing the wire cascade in the bottom of the beam. Hopefully, the electrical work will eliminate the ability of the kids to disrupt the electrical connections as they did several times last year. We are also going to attempt to install a manual handle to assist in rotating the boom. All of this work should be done by mid May. Ralph Carlton has, over the years, accrued a capital account of over 30K; we are going to spend approximately 20K of this capital on improvements for 2008.
3. New Lower Yard Assignment and Rate: For 2008 the basic membership rate for the Summer season, June 15-September 15, will remain $625.00. For the 12 spaces to be marked out and assigned by lottery in the Lower Yard the fee will be $100.00 higher or $725.00
After much discussion by the Executive Committee, it was decided that the summer spots in the Lower Yard will be awarded by lottery. All members sending in their application, signed waiver, and payment of $625.00 by May 15th and indicating a desire to be inthe lottery will be included in the drawing. Those winning a space will be assigned a marked and numbered space and billed the additional $100.00, which must be paid before moving into the space on June 15.
4. MRA Racing Access June 1-15 and September 15-October 1:
In 2004 Ralph Carlton arranged with the Marblehead Harbors and Waters Board to have the Boating Center take over the lease of the Lower Yard from September 15 to June 15. The lease payment for winter storage has been at the same rate that Marblehead Trading collects for the rest of the property utilized for winter storage. Fourteen members of the Boating Center paid for winter-storage service this year, which allows them use of the Lower Yard after September 15 and before June 15. We recognize there are summer-only Boating Center members who wish to race before June 15 and after September 15 but are not allowed in any part of the Upper Yard. Reasonable efforts have been made by the paid Winter members to accommodate these additional boats in the center of the Lower Yard. But this is not a right, it is a privilege extended by those who have paid for the space, and we all need to work together to make it work. No boat is to be placed in the Boating Center until the $625.00 fee is paid, the Liability waiver signed, and a 2008 boat sticker awarded. No member should park a boat or a car in the Upper Yard before June 15 or after September 15.
The problem with blocking Marblehead Trading access to their boats in the Spring and Fall causes the Boating Center great management difficulties; please adhere to the rules in the lease arrangement that the Town of Marblehead has with Marblehead Trading Co.
5. Upper Yard Organization: We are going to attempt to also assign spaces in the upper yard by working with the fleets to get an acceptable arrangement and then fixing it for the summer.
This will require working with Marblehead Trading to organize the remaining summer-storage boats and with our members and guest to restrict parking from blocking access to boats. We also need to respect the neighborhood when we park on the street and not block drives and reasonable access to neighbors' properties.
6. Boating Center Website: The Marblehead Boating Center has a website www.marbleheadboatingcenter.info . On this website are Rules, Protocols, and General Ideas. They will be updated by mid- May to include the items above. Please print and read these as they are the principles that Ralph Carlton has used for years to manage the Boating Center. We are adding a few more suggestions to his list this year.
a: don't stand or sit under boats hanging from the crane.
b: closely inspect, repair, or replace all lifting bridles and straps; breakage could cause a major accident.
c: all members should have marine insurance coverage.
The Boating Center is a great asset to one-design dry sailing, and we hope that the planned physical improvements and new operating rules will make it safer and more efficient for all members.
The initial Executive Committee is spread across the one-design fleets so that we can communicate will all members and get feedback to guide continuing improvements to the Boating Center.
Jerry Blouin, President (R 19 Fleet)
Paul Zimmerman, Vice President (Viper Fleet)
Doug Trees, Secretary/Treasurer )R 19 Fleet)
Erik Goethert (Sonar Fleet)
Jeff Earl (J 24 Fleet)
Shan McAdoo (R 19 Fleet)
updated: May 14, 2008