Suncoast Sailing Meetup was formed to "Just Do It!"--whether you're a seasoned salt, a landlubber, or even a recovering motorboater--Suncoast Sailing is where you want to be! Everyone wants a friendly, knowledgeable Captain and crew, so whether you're just looking for a place to meet crew before inviting them aboard your vessel, or seeking your own sailing venue--this is the place to DO it! If you
want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery
THE MEMBERSHIP RULES HAVE CHANGED YET AGAIN, SO PLEASE TAKE NOTE:
•THE FIRST OF THE YEAR 2012 ALL CLOCKS RESET AND DUES WILL BE DUE FOR ANYONE who has not paid in the previous 6 months! If you did join during the past 6 months, please pay 1/2 or a WHOPPING TEN BUCKS: Anyone who has not paid their annual dues by January 31, 2012 will Walk the Plank!
•Any current members who have not participated in the past 6 months, or any who have not posted a picture will be removed from the group, and you will have to re-apply. We want ACTIVE members!
•Speaking of ACTIVE--All Active Duty Military get FREE membership! (and: thank you!)
•It costs both Time and Money to keep this group going, therefore due to past experiences, this group is now a mandatory dues and initiation fee environment (for new members), so that we can continue to schedule outings without hardship for anyone
•If you choose to offer TIME, particularly if you do not own a boat--please do so--offer your services in any of the areas I've posted requests for help! This does NOT, however, exempt anyone from membership dues!
•ONLY paid members who have regular attendance at our monthly meetings are permitted on boating outings--this is for the protection of the Captains, Crew, and Club!
•We need more active involvement by boat owners--please contact one of the Directors if you have a boat to share!
•Only paid and active members are invited as "Bored Directors"--but the benefits are HUGE, so ask about it! (You don't need a boat to be a "Bored" member, either!)
The Suncoast Sailing Meetup is a group of like minded sailors, both Captains and potential crew, who get together one evening a month, in a relaxed informal public place. Anyone with an interest in sailing is welcome to attend regardless of experience. We just ask that you share your enthusiasm. Bring a friend or show up on your own. There are crew sailors of all levels, from eager beginners right up to seasoned skippers 'between yachts', willing for either racing or cruising. Please do not expect to be invited on a sail if you are not a full member, but you are welcome to attend any meeting as a guest and participate in meeting activities! The organizers of the group, LolO and her erstwhile compatriots rarely miss an opportunity to join in the events and are happy to help with introductions. We don't do reserved seating, secret handshakes or anything, but we're usually the largest group in the place - just ask the barman or manager if you have trouble finding us. Attending these "Meetups" (once-a month) and get-togethers are by far, the best way to meet skippers, secure opportunities to go sailing, hone expertise, and make lifelong friends. The location of the monthly meetings is currently the Lake Tarpon Resort, the Dockside Bar & Grille. To see what's happening, just go along to http://sailing.meetup.... to find out the date and location of the next meeting. Sign up as a member and you'll get emails detailing future events, pertinent postings and news about sailing events that might be of interest to you. MEMBER DESIGNATION KEY:
•*GOLD CLUB* Members have lifetime membership privileges and "first-come" RSVP for all sail events
•Bored Directors are the Wind Beneath Our Wings--these are our volunteer officers who keep this club running!
•~name of boat~ "Mom's and Dad's" are our Captains, as are "Captain___" (have boat, will share sail)
•Skippers have boats/sail knowledge to share, but currently shipless (sometimes shiftless...)
•Squabs and Wenches are our Erstwhile Crewe members, here to learn (or here for the beer)
•Scurvy Dogs have behaved in a manner unfittin' for our club and welfare of the Crewe, and are in danger of Walking the Plank, subject to Bored Director Vote! The group also organizes private charters, lessons, sail outings, and informal land-based training for crew - sail trim, knots, navigation etc, so even beginners know their way around a boat. No Rules, Just Wind
Please note: This group is geared towards sailboats, not motorboats. This is not a dating service, and there are no rules as to 'single' or not for membership, but there are also no rules governing connections made. You can plan on making friends since there is likely no other group of people that will make you feel as warm and welcome as sailors, who share the belief that being "on the water" is a not only a physical goal but a state of mind. So join us as we celebrate the the art of sailing. We look forward to meeting and hearing from you! "Believe me, my young friend, there is NOTHING--absolute nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."
