It’s seven o’clock at night. The office is beginning to quiet down. There’s nothing more than the hum of a couple of hundred file servers. Fandango, my Weekender in progress, sits patiently neglected in my shop thirty miles south of here. I haven’t had the time to work on her much, lately, as disaster follows disaster at work. But the nice weather has been teasing us in Massachusetts. One day it’s sixty degrees, the next it’s sunny and ninety-one. A long lunch later it’s raining and fifty. Summer is coming and time is running out. I want to go sailing!

     And I’m not alone. A sizable chunk of our membership is now approaching completion. There have been a few reported launchings here and there, with many more expected in the next few weeks. Rapidly, our organization is going to change from being primarily composed of active builders, to being primarily composed of active sailors! No matter how much we’ve each enjoyed building our boats, I’m willing to bet my entire BYYB salary (that’s right, every last penny) that every one of us has dreamed of the moment when we can finally role our projects down the launching ramp.

     And with this change in membership demographics, we are now able to take the next step. The promotion of an active sailing fleet of Stevenson boats. Regional fleets are already beginning to form. We currently have a Texas Fleet and South Dakota Fleet.

     The regional fleets present a wonderful opportunity to fulfill our charter and have a great time in the progress. They provide an opportunity to socialize with other sufferers of this rare disease called boatbuilderitis. Regional fleets are a great excuse to get with other BYYB members and act like children, as we chase each other around the bay. Regional fleets are a good place for new builders and sailors to get advice from those who have been there and done that. Regional fleets are a fantastic place for neglected wives to meet and complain about obsessed husbands. Regional fleets are a way to enjoy our creations with others who have experienced everything we have.

     The vast majority of the world is not yet represented by any fleets, and we are recruiting! If you live in a region which is not already represented, and if you can scare up a couple of other skipper/builders within a reasonable distance, you probably qualify for Fleet status. This is what we need for application:

• Three or more BYYB members in good standing .
• A nomination for Fleet Commodore (technically, the Executive Committee appoints the Fleet Commodores; but the nominee is pretty much a shoe in).
• A defined geographic area.
• A fleet name, if you wish. Try to keep the name simple. Each fleet will also be given a number (we’re already up to two!).

     The Regional Fleet Commodore will be responsible for spearheading any Fleet activities. Activities may include (but, as the lawyers say, are not limited to) sail-ins, cruises, and regattas. Also picnics, parties and lectures. And don’t forget building assistance, boat roll-over parties, and launching ceremonies. Another organization I’m aware of has several casual messabouts every summer. I’ve personally been interested in trying the Broadside sailing game. I’m sure there are many possibilities I haven’t even thought of.

     The obligations are simple enough. Keep the BYYB informed of your activities. And Have Fun!

     Summers coming! Form a fleet today!

     Please send any questions and applications for fleet status to adamplourde@yahoo.com.

     To contact the Lone Star Fleet, send an email to Ron Huff at R.E.Huff@att.net.