October 1, 2026

Hello Fellow members,

As we bid a (fond?) farewell to summer, we can all look forward to cooler temps and a host of fall festivals, boat shows, sailing, tailgating and football games and enjoying the outdoors a little more.

At our last chapter board of directors meeting, we voted on and passed the by-laws amendment that you were notified of. Essentially, this amendment allows us more flexibility regarding the date of our annual meeting and chapter officer and director elections. All of our incumbent directors up for re-election have agreed to continue, save for the office of Vice President. If you would like to be considered for VP, please contact Judy or myself.

The Bill Baker Memorial Scholarship fund has funded two $2000 scholarships to Carteret Community College and Beaufort Community College for their boatbuilding and marine service training programs. These funds will be awarded by the foundations to students who apply for them and meet our chapter’s eligibility requirements.

Our chapter will be holding a workshop on October 10th featuring Steve Weaver and his steam launch “Iona”. Steve will unravel all the mysteries of this bygone propulsion method at the Cape Fear Community College marine technology building. See details in the newsletter. One week later, the Georgetown (SC) Wooden Boat Show will be held. This is a fun event set in a small Southern downtown that features many wooden boats, large and small. Looking ahead to November, there are two noteworthy events, both falling on the 7th. First there is the Southport Wooden Boat Show. Here you can see anything from local indigenous craft, runabouts, work boats and large vintage wooden yachts. There are also many restaurants and food trucks on the show site. The other event you may want to consider is Robert and Patsy Blanchard’s “Homecoming Days” celebration. No matter if you have never been to their home or have ben before, this is always a fun trip back in time. I highly recommend getting over there, and wear any western apparel you might have! The address is 677 Poole Rd East, New Hill, NC. Come any time after 10 and food will be available for purchase.

Lastly, I’d like to give a HUGE shout out to secondary chapter member Alan Frederick of Smith Mountain Lake. Alan is the recipient of this year’s ACBS Founder’s Award, which he accepted at the ACBS International Show in Port Huron last month. Any of you who have met Alan can understand why he has earned this most prestigious of ACBS honors. Congratulations, Alan!!

Yours in classic boating, 

Alan Hills, President