March 2026
A Short and True History of The Wind Ceremony
Once upon a time long, long ago (1978), there was a dude who lived in Tallahassee (but who now lives at Shell Point). His name was Jim and one day he decided to take a vacation to a little island called Ibeza. They had windsurfers there and he caught on fast. He liked this new sport called windsurfing and he came back, bought one and brought it to Shell Point. Jim was good; he could free style and go fast and he sailed his windsurfer for years at Shell Point. He even taught many others how to windsurf, including this writer.
One after noon Jim . . . read more.
Club Meeting - March 10 Agenda
Don't miss this one . . . Liquor Raffle and a new Lug Nut Award presentation. Raffle tickets will be handed out, and the first number called gets to pick first, the second number second, etc. And in the meantime, see the meeting agenda.
SPSC Club Meeting Minutes – Tuesday, February 10, 2026
By 6:20 pm several members were seated in our back room at District 850. Random discussions over salads and Mahi sandwiches within earshot of the Scribe included lamentations about HOA’s and Tennis Club constitutions.
Commodore Rick Upson called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm.
The minutes of the last Club meeting were unanimously approved. Mr. Fidgety said he didn’t want to be referred to as Mr. Fidgety.
Commodore Rick advised he plans to discuss some navigation rules and other things later at tonight’s presentation.
Vice-Commodore Vaughan Williams announced that Purser Bob placed QR code stickers on a number of Club “Learn to Windsurf” pamphlets which directs people to the Lessons section of the Club’s website. He also stated that pursuant to the Club Constitution we needed a minimum of 25% of members to sign a petition to enact constitutional amendments, and that we can probably get this accomplished at the Smith Regatta, and that any such changes must first be published in the June, July, and August Newsletters so the members can review and consider them. Mr. Fidgety Jack May, who was visibly and audibly suffering from some kind of contagious fulminating sinusoidal respiratory malady, suggested that we could maybe put the petitions in the race package.
The Scribe/Past Commodore advised that he ain’t got nothin’; later commented that maybe we could consider having giant QR codes for the lessons printed on the back of some Club T-shirts.
It was observed that Purser Bob was not in attendance; in his stead VC Vaughan read off some financials from an e-mail Purser Bob had sent. Baab suggested we invest in gold or Bitcoin. Vaughan also mentioned that people who ordered & paid for the Club Burgees would likely just be refunded since no one could determine if they had ever been ordered.
At-large board member Pia Lehtonen announced she ain’t got nothin.’ It was generally observed that there was no shame in not having nothing.
Commodore Rick discussed the Atlanta Fall Classic. Much discussion about dates, tides, football schedules, beer truck availability and campsites ensued. After lively debate and consideration of these things a vote was held and a non-binding recommendation was made that it would take place the second weekend in October (October 9 – 11, 2026). A final decision would be forthcoming. It was observed that camping was good at the site, lots of RV spaces, tents OK too, but launching was from the RV side. A comment was made to use the “Ways” traffic app in getting there to avoid “rush hour hell.” Jack May made a comment regarding “Port-O-Lets.”
Pia observed that the Lessons section of the Club website referenced “2025” and needed to be updated to “2026.” She will send a screenshot to Purser Bob who will forward it to Deb.
Rick Knerr made a presentation regarding the Club’s need to acquire a new “snake” for the Festoons’ mixing board, as the old snake was now flaccid and worn out, having given yeoman’s service for many years and having undergone numerous repairs. The request included an e-mail from 2015 which basically showed that the Club really got its money’s worth with the old one and that it was time to replace it. After some discussion, answers to questions, and clarifications, Baab made a motion for Club approval to purchase a new snake, which passed unanimously. Rick Knerr said he’ll buy one on Amazon within the approved amount and that he would ask Purser Bob to reimburse him.
Commodore Rick stated that we were looking forward to the upcoming Festoons’ Wind Ceremony performance on March 21st, and that activities would generally begin around 3:00 pm, with the Pot Luck meal starting at about 5:30 pm; it was observed that this information as to the times needed to be put on the website, to which Commodore Rick said that would be done. An observation was made that Daylight Savings Time would be in effect then so it wasn’t really starting that late as far as daylight is concerned. A sniffling, coughing and sneezing Festoons member made a comment about a certain unnamed other member of the Festoons being a “primadonna,” to which another present Festoons member nodded and said “yeah,” causing his long flowing white hair to undulate.
A discussion was had about Chairs for the Wind Ceremony. One member initially thought we were literally talking about chairs, the objects one sits upon. Confusion was dispelled when Pia and Bailey were identified as the Co-Chairs for the event. Commodore Rick and Digger Dave stated they would bring firewood. A discussion was had regarding what size fire would be too big and what would be too small. It was observed that there was no need for a fire permit as it came with the rental of the pavilion.
Commodore Rick stated that Chris Graves would be presenting something at the Smith Regatta regarding race strategy and rules, and Rick encouraged a big turnout as being a good way to honor Wright Finney’s memory.
Commodore Rick announced that he would now give a short presentation regarding some sailing/nautical rules. A motion to formally adjourn the meeting was made, which passed at 7:43 pm.
Commodore Rick proceeded to give an interesting and informative presentation which included going over U.S. Coast Guard COLREGS, Right-of-Way rules, various signals, how far you can see based on the height of one’s eyes above water, Mercator maps, and knots vs. mph.
The presentation concluded at 8:15 pm.