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About Us
Our Origin, Objectives and History
Note - Our Leadership History is listed after this discussion ... please scroll down!
In early Spring 2002 an idea was taking shape in Southport. A small group of ten conceived to bring “new and old” together in Southport’s growing community; with a focus on social and water activities. Stated more formally in the Club by-laws: “This Club is formed to provide cruising, sailing and racing activities, to foster friendships, and encourage boating knowledge and skills.”
In 2002, the first year, there were a number of events with friends who invited friends. And what began with 10 quickly became 20 and then 30 and more continued to come. The enthusiasm was overwhelming, the season moved swiftly and left questions of “How do we top this?” for the founders. The off season provided the answer.
In 2003, the second year, the “Founding Ten” formalized the Club to “Southport Sailing & Boat Club”; initiating charter membership invitations based on those that participated in the prior season successes. The Club grew adding structure, By-Laws and incorporation, non-profit status and insurance coverage’s. Today our Club has a cap of 100 members (numbering well over 200 in family count). “Feature Events” frequently host over 100 members and guests; our winter signature event, the “Valentine’s Ball”, limited to 160 members only, sells out every year. Our summer signature event, the “Clam Bake on Pelican Island”, continues to grow with over 120 members and guests partaking in our “Sandbar Party 2003”. By supporting community events and providing leadership the Club and members have become a positive influence in Southport
2004, the third year, offered up new challenges as the Club grew, and with this growth we have gained talent, enthusiasm, and new friends. Cruises to Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and New Bern successfully scheduled around the hurricanes of ’04. The Wooden Boat race was expanded to include viewing for members and an after race gala for all; this is sure to be seen as a featured event for the future. Weather continued to smile on Southport Sailing Events, and members rewarded us with enthusiastic turnouts. The leadership and Team’s did an outstanding job coordinating and planning a successful 2004 season.
2005, the fourth year, new members continued to enhance our Club creativity. Expansion of the ‘Round Oak Island event with some very creative twists added another winner to the growing list of event hits. Although the cruising suffered due to the weather for the first time, it was a very good season on the water. Almost 75% of the membership own boats, adding more depth to the Friday Night Sailing Events. The Club demographics balance nicely between Southport, St. James and Oak Island…a good mix of friends and talents. Early in the year the loss of our Board Chairman Bruce McKimens saddened all of us; our thanks to Susan McKimens for lending her experience in Bruce’s absence to make this a successful year. Again this year our roster was full.
2006, the fifth year of the Southport Sailing & Boat Club. New members were received throughout the year bringing the club membership to near capacity. The Clam Bake on Pelican Island remains a popular event with a record attendance in 2006 of 160 clam bakers. The Club Sails (formerly Friday Night Sails) were well attended as they took on a new look with a raft up at Wildlife and a picnic on Pelican Island. The Wooden Boat Race and 'Round Oak Island Sunfish Race are featured events among the membership with increased boat entries and spectators to view the races. The Club cruises continue to be a popular event with many new boats, captains and crews participating this year. Cruises were held to Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach Yacht Club, and Wilmington. The leadership and participation by all Club members contributed to a successful year.
2007, the sixth year of the Southport Sailing & Boat Club, was characterized by exceptional participation in all events and a strong resurgence in membership. New members were received throughout the year bringing the club membership from a renewal low of 70 to the limit of 100 with a waiting list. The Aloha Party and Clam Bake on Pelican Island continue as very popular events. The Club Sail and picnic out of St James was well attended. The Wooden Boat Race and Round Oak Island Sunfish Race are our signature events. 2007 brought the highest number of boat entries and spectators ever! The Club cruises continue to be a popular event with many new boats, captains, and crews participating this year. Cruises were held to Georgetown and Coquina Harbor as well as Wilmington. Our signature parties, “The Valentine’s Ball” and “End of Season Party” were sold out. Both were held at the Southport Community Center and were catered by ART Catering from The Purple Onion in Shallotte. The leadership of the board and all committees plus participation by all Club members contributed to a very successful year.
Our Leadership History
FOUNDERS 2002:
Jamie Deale Brian Hennessey Jerry Miller Bill Deale Adrian Iapalucci Paul Sazani Jeannette Deale Mary Ann McCarthy Jim Stephens Ricky Evans Joe McCarthy Gwen Tanner
With valuable contributions from: Bobbie Hennessey, Tricia Miller, Catherine Sazani, Marty Stephens Debbie Evans, Fitz and Eileen Hennessey
2003 Governing Board Members:
Jerry Miller – Chairman Mary Ann McCarthy – Secretary Brian Hennessey – Treasurer
Ricky Evans Gwen Tanner Paul Sazani Jim Stephens David Pryor Adrian Iapalucci
2004 Governing Board Members:
Mary Ann McCarthy – Chairman Joe Duquette – Secretary Brian Hennessey – Treasurer
Bruce McKimens David Pryor David Kelly Gwen Tanner Paul Sazani Joe Duquette
Advisory Committee Members: Jerry Miller
2005 Governing Board Members:
Bruce McKimens/Susan McKimens – Chairmen Bob Ludwig – Vice Chairman Jim Carey - Secretary David Kelly - Treasurer
Judy Studer Phyllis Coffee Jerry Hrabica Harry Thranhardt Ricky Evans Joe Duquette
Advisory Committee Members: Jerry Miller, Mary Ann McCarthy, David Pryor
2006 Governing Board Members: Jerry
Hrabica - Chairman Joan Madsen Carolyn Stringer Paxton Watkins Phyllis Coffee Harry Thranhardt
Advisory Committee Members: David Pryor, Brian Hennessey, David Kelly, Susan McKimens
2007 Governing Board Members
Joan Madsen - Chairman Flick Guerrina - Vice Chairman Mike Foote - Treasurer Taylor Ryan - Secretary
Carol Thranhardt Paxton Watkins Mary Ann Donahoe Shelly Keenan Bob Salemme
Advisory Committee Members: Phyllis Coffee, Bob Ludwig, and Harry Thranhardt
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