Club Beneteau Chesapeake Bay recently shared the minutes from its first meeting March 21, 2000.
(CB2) Kickoff Meeting at Pusser's Landing Restaurant, Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Annapolis City Dock
The first members of Club Beneteau Chesapeake Bay in March 2000.
In the midst of an early Annapolis spring rain, the first meeting of the Annapolis area Beneteau owners was kicked off by a "get-acquainted" half-hour open bar cocktail party. The open bar was hosted by Garth Hichens, Beneteau representative and new (since last year) owner of Annapolis Yacht Sales. As members arrived, they were given name tags and Beneteau 2000 lapel pins. By 7:30, participants were seated for dinner.
At 8:45, Dave Gibson (Oceanis 35 "Paloma") welcomed everyone and opened with a recap of the goals for the evening. Having received surveys from 18 boat owners, he requested the group affirm the purpose of the meeting was to form a club which would be social, focusing on raft-ups, meeting quarterly and planning to have industry specialists address the club in the future. Dave introduced his wife, Myrna, who explained the genesis for the interest in a loosely organized "club" of Beneteau owners.
Myrna introduced Scott Nichols (Oceanis 311 "Scott Free II") and Jeff Taylor (First 45f5 "Vixen"). Originally, both had answered the Gibson's internet proposal for a club and each took part in setting up the initial kickoff. Scott had taken responsibility for posting invitations to this first meeting on the Beneteau Owners Web Site (BOWS) and other sailing bulletin boards. Scott agreed to continue posting our news in the BOWS Newsletters. Scott is also seeking help in developing a CBCB club web site of our own.
Scott then introduced Jeff Taylor. Jeff had contacted the marketing coordinator, Rachel Sweeney, Beneteau, SC. He worked his magic and Rachel sent the club a box load of door prizes from hats and tee shirts to cozy fleece Beneteau pullovers. Jeff has agreed to continue to work on public relations for the club. He then called on each of the participants to introduce themselves and share their ideas about the club.
The following "plank-owners" attended; Paul & Michele Ashby (Oceanis 321 "Sai'La Vie"), David & Bette Bauereis (Oceanis 390 "Tarheel"), John & Gayle Bremer (First 285 "Eclipse"), Dave & Myrna Gibson (Paloma), Laurence & Iris Littig (First 38 "Sea Cat"), Ralph & Helen Montfort (Oceanis 350 "Liberty"), Scott & Nan Nichols (Scott Free II), Bob & Phyllis Parker (First 35s5 "Camille"), Cynthia Pyron (First 26 "Wind Flirt"), Larry & Jill Tarnoff (Oceanis 321 "The Wooden Eye"), Jeff Taylor (Vixen), Jim Troutman (First 35s5 "Anser"), and Eric Welch (Oceanis 411 "Shenandoah"). Interestingly enough, the initial gathering represents 13 boats. Now let's see, wasn't there something else that started with 13 original members...?
Once introductions were concluded, the floor was turned over to Garth Hichens, AYS. Garth has been in the sailing industry and commissioning Beneteaus for more than 20 years and his expertise is well known. Garth welcomed the initiation of the club and offered his services if there are any Beneteau related concerns or needs. He also announced that AYS will be sponsoring next year's Chesapeake Bay Beneteau Rendezvous 2001 and extended an invitation to the group, expressing his hope that we would all participate.
At this time, discussion centered on the official club moniker. It was agreed that "Club Beneteau Chesapeake Bay" (CBCB or CB Squared) would be officially launched. This name also parallels the "Club Beneteau Lake Erie" already in existence. The members then decided on a raft-up schedule as follows:
May 20 Bremers Eclipse Sillery Bay - Magothy R
June 10 Gibsons Paloma Round Bay - Severn River
July 22 Taylors Vixen Cacaway Island, Langford Creek – Chester River
Aug 19 Pyron Wind Flirt To Be Announced
Sept 16 Nichols Scott Free II To Be Announced
Oct 14 Parkers Camille TBA - Eastern Shore
The group agreed that the duties of the host will be to make directions available to the club members. As raft captain, the host boat will be at the rendezvous point before 5 p.m. on the Saturday of the given weekend, flying a flag provided by Beneteau. As boats arrive to join the host, they will raft together with one of the larger boats in the group as the anchor boat. Participants will bring hors d'oeuvres to share as well as their own beverages and additional provisions. Dinners are individual and staying in the raft-up overnight is discretionary. The intent is to make the events fun, stress-free, and social. If weather is inclement that day, members can all meet at Pussers instead.
At this point, with the decision that club dues were not needed, and with the postponement of discussion of "organizational structure" until the group comes to know one another better, Jeff and Garth conducted a drawing to award the door prizes. Everyone received a "goodie" and the meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. The group posed for a photo opportunity and the members of the new "Club Beneteau Chesapeake Bay" headed out into the applauding thunder of Spring's first thunderstorm.
Other Annapolis area Beneteau owners are cordially invited to join us as members or to simply show up at our raft-ups. To join CB Squared, contact Dave or Myrna either at 410-266-6993 or e-mail them at [email protected].
Wishing fairwinds to all, Scott Nichols
