For those of you who missed the "Betsy Ann" cruise, you have our sympathy. Pictures were taken of the trip by several different people attending, and soon you will be able to see some of those taken by my son-in-law, Ray Cockrell, on our this website. We had such a good time that many present expressed an interest in having our Christmas Party or Change of Watch on the "Betsy Ann" which we will be discussing at future meetings.

Meanwhile, another fun raft up was held off Redfish Point to watch the Panama City 4th of July Fire Works Celebration performed on a barge off Panama City Marina. There we 35 attendees (members and guests) on 4 boats rafted together. Everyone had a great time and if you would like to see a few photos of this event, click here.

Wishing you fair tides and a following wind.

Captain "Ric" Corley, P

The July rendezvous will be at Irv and Sunny Cirks' on Saturday, July 22, starting at noon. Each year, Irv and Sunny graciously host a rendezvous. Their home is beautiful with a great location on the water. This rendezvous is always a highlight of the year. I look forward to seeing you there.

July 22 - The Cirks Home
August 19 - Econfina Canoe Trip
September 9 - Uncle Ernie's
October 21 - Pirate Ship
November 11 - Wakulla Springs
December 16 - Christmas Party

St Andrew Bay Power Squadron Membership Meeting June 8, 2006

Since there were only nine members present, Cdr Corley dispensed with conducting a formal business meeting. He did present Mary Anne Durgan, editor of The Stuffing Box, with the Distinction in Journalism award for 2004-2005 given by the National Publications Committee. Ric talked to the members about hurricane preparations for boats. A marine surveyor, he has seen first-hand the damages caused to boats improperly prepared. He said the best thing a boat owner can do to prepare his boat is to have it hauled out of the water and blocked up. Some boat insurance policies pay a portion of the haul out fee because experience has shown them that statistically, a boat has a much better chance of escaping damage or being repairable if it is out of the water during a hurricane. Ric said a boat's engine(s) is about 40% of the cost of the boat-and if the boat is swamped and engines submerged, the boat will likely be a constructive total loss! If you choose to leave your boat in the water, anchoring it correctly will help prevent loss. Some guidelines to follow are to double the size of your anchor, and use at least ½ the length of the boat in triple B chain. Also add the projected storm surge to the depth of the water, and use a scope of 10:1 instead of the usual 7:1. So much to do, so little time (possibly) so, GET READY NOW!! Members discussed the rendezvous scheduled for Saturday, June 10th. Since some of us wanted to get in the water, we decided to change the location from Shell Point to Spanish Shanty. Ric's boat can carry 18, and the Smitherman's boat can carry 6. Contact Ric or Anji if you'd like a ride! With no other essential business to conduct, the meeting adjourned at 8:15. Respectfully submitted, Anji Smitherman, Squadron Secretary