Sailors,

A few days ago in preparation for the predicted snow storm slated to bring a white Christmas to Northwest Arkansas,  Robin and I stripped Sea Change of her canvas.   She now looks as denuded as do the trees dotted along the lake and surrounding the sailing Club.    While we are looking forward to next year’s sailing season this time of the year affords a chance to be retrospective; it allows us recount our many blessings as well as our friends new and old.  The Club continues to be a close-knit group of wonderful people who pursue that common goal of catching the perfect day to sail our cares away aboard our boats.

This year is bittersweet for me,  as the last few days of 2012 wane,  so does my tenure as Commodore.   For the past 5 years,  I’ve been at the helm and with the help of dedicated club members, we have initiated and completed many projects for the benefit of the Club.   Working together with this common goal in mind we have moved the club into the 21st century.   As of this writing,  the leach field in the upper lot is almost complete and ready for final inspection.    The dock 3 portion of the boat pump out system will be finished as weather permits and should be online for the 2013 season.

Joe Benson’s watch begins January 1st,  I’m certain that he will provide the dedicated leadership with an innovative approach to begin new projects and continue some of the unfinished projects that we have undertaken this past year.   Joe has my full support and I have pledged to help make this leadership transition smooth and seamless. In 2013, Joe will call upon you: to take initiative and lead a project,  cook dinner on a work day, or organize an event.  I urge you to use your expertise and help him be successful.

I could write countless pages individually thanking the many folks who have worked tirelessly over the past few years for the Club.   In doing so,  I would inevitably miss thanking a Club member who was instrumental.   Instead,  I would just like to thank each and every club member who went the extra mile, or trimmed the sail for that tenth of knot, and got the job done!  Whether large or small, your input, help, and dedication is appreciated.   Thank you!

Michael P. Mangione