General/ Starboard Tack

The following prospective members were introduced at the 2023 September board meeting:

Richard and Nirvana Williams- Family Membership

Sponsors- Johnny Poole, Dan Bagnoni, Sue Putnam

Introduced 9/11/2023

"I learned how to sail in Boy Scouts during summer camp when I was 16. My son, Nicholas, took a sail boating class a little more than 1 year ago and loved it. He has done 3 classes this year. I have completed the adult sailing class as a refresher course. My next objective is to have my wife take the adult sailing course and see how much fun it is. I have 30 years of power boating experience in the San Juan Islands of the Pacific NW and 3 years of sailing a small 15 ft sloop. My wife, Nirvana, has 10 years of power boating experience with me in the Pacific NW. During that 10 year period, Nirvana and I enjoyed cruising, fishing, crabbing, and visiting the San Juan Islands. I would like to enjoy cruising in a sailboat as a family. Since we have been visiting ASC, we have met some wonderful people. We are looking to expand our social network in the community through ASC membership. I understand the importance of contributing time, effort and money into an organization to help it grow and prosper. Most of my involvement has been in youth development supporting organizations that my children have been a part of: ice hockey coach (I had to learn how to ice skate to keep up with the kids) soccer coach both outdoor and indoor from club to state premier league. AAU basketball coach baseball coach den leader cub scouts 2 times cub Pack committee chair assistant scoutmaster and scout master Boy Scout of America Also, board member Mount Baker Theatre Bellingham WA As far as my contribution to ASC, I do not know what the needs of ASC are at this time and how my skills and talents will fit those needs, but I am ready, willing, and able to participate and help, even if it is setting up tables and chairs for an event or assisting with youth development." - Richard

Ellen and Duane Smalley- applying for Family Membership

Sponsors- Jaclyn Braun, Dan Bagnoni, Ed Durant

Introduced 9/11/2023

"Having recently relocated from New Mexico, a place with limited water experiences, our family was elated to discover the Augusta Sailing Club. During an open house, we witnessed firsthand the club's family- friendly environment that promises not just the thrill of sailing but also invaluable life skills and novel experiences. The club culture especially struck us as we appreciate being around other people who love the outdoors, are engaged and accomplished as well as enjoy being relaxed and having a sense of humor. Our daughter Millie's initial classes during the summer ignited a passion, and she reveled in the diverse techniques and the empowering independence sailing offered. Her zeal was so contagious that after witnessing her growth, my husband and I dived in—signing up for adult sailing classes, attending Wednesday Night Races, and engaging with the spirited club members. As newcomers, we bring a blend of fresh enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to be proactive members. We are inspired to learn about the profound impact of sailing on history, intrigued by the underlying physics, and eager to delve into its multifaceted world. Millie can't wait for her first regatta experience, and our son, Erik, is proud to have just turned eight - so he is soon to enjoy camp as well (he enjoys kayaking at the moment). Our intent in joining is clear: to immerse ourselves in this community, forge lasting friendships, and create indelible family memories by the lake. In reciprocation, we pledge our active participation in club events, volunteering efforts, and any required upkeep, ensuring that the club remains a beloved haven for all sailing aficionados." - Ellen

Lawson and Jessica Bost- Family Membership

Sponsors- Maria Henry, Dan Bagnoni, Ed Durant

Introduced 9/11/2023

"I have always had a strong interest in anything outdoor related, be it rock climbing, backpacking, and mountaineering. I was introduced to sailing years ago through a leadership and team building exercise and since then have always desired to learn more. What has attracted me to ASC is couple of different things: strong sense of family and community, centered around a shared interest like sailing, team development, a genuine passion for the craft of sailing and not just talk, and a willingness to share information and give back to others. That in and of itself is attractive to me and our qualities that I want my family to rub shoulders with and be around. As far as what I can contribute, I intend to Invest in the community by showing up and not being some distance member, volunteering, and when appropriate give back in any way that I am able to; be it sailing, or simply being a part of a team." - Lawson

Jim and Jessica Stanton- applying for Family Membership

Sponsors- Mike Pryor, Tony Coy, Joe McMullen

Introduced 9/11/2023

I began sailing with my brother in the lakes of North, Central California. I have handled mostly vessels that are within the 18' to 30'. My personal sailboat was a MacGregor 22' with a swing-keel. I sailed that around many parts of Clark's Hill Lake. Because of the swing-keel, I could take it just about any depth and trailer it when finished for the weekend. After more than 20 years, I am excited to get back into sailing. Taking the adult sailing class offered by ASC refreshed my sailing vocabulary and got me into the wind once again. ASC is a clear choice for me as there is a strong sense of community, camaraderie, and a wealth of knowledge among the seasoned sailors of the club. I am willing to help out other sailors with some of their projects and am looking forward to more great conversations and sailing experiences with ASC members!" - Jim

The following prospective members were introduce at the 2023 July board meeting:

Nicholas and Amber Jackson- Family Membership

Sponsors-Jeff Hart, Daniel Fodera, Dan Bagnoni

Introduced 7/10/2023

"My family and I are interested in the sailing club because it seems like a great family environment and a fantastic place to gather and meet people whom share our love of the water. I would like for my children to have the opportunity to sail and to grow up on the water. My wife is a competitor and she is interested in learning about racing boats and all that entails. Overall the club just seems like a great place with great

people and we would love to be a part of that community." - Nick

Kricket and Lindsey Davis- applying for Family Membership

Sponsors- Elizabeth Carrol, Janice Carrol, Emma Slater

Introduced 7/10/2023

We got into sailing during the pandemic. Lindsey grew up in Savannah and was around boats her whole life, but never sailed. We read and watched videos about sailing and decided to take some ASA classes. We were hooked! We've completed ASA 101, 103, and 104 sailing in the Tampa area. We view sailing as a sport and hobby that we plan to continue for as long as we are physically able to. It seems far-fetched now, but we'd like to eventually be able to cross oceans using a sailboat. We want to get a small cruising boat to sail at the lake, but since we currently don't have a boat, we try to incorporate sailing into our

vacations. Most recently, we went sailing for a few days in Puerto Rico. Through our friends at ASC, we've been on the lake in a small cat and we've been introduced to racing by volunteering on the committee boat for Castleberry. While we've never raced, we're open to the possibility of participating in dinghy races. Racing seems to be a good way to make a more proficient sailor. We are interested in being a part of a community that is focused on sailing because we enjoy sailing and we know we still have a lot to learn. We value the cumulative experience of the ASC members and we are looking forward to becoming a part of the community. As mentioned previously, Kricket has experience and knowledge to share in wilderness and dive medicine that is applicable to sailors. Lindsey is interested in learning more about racing and helping with regattas. Both of us want to meet other ASC members that would be interested in charters and flotillas abroad, perhaps even organizing them for interested members." - Lindsey_.

The following prospective members were introduced at the 2023 February board meeting:

S.D. and Amanda Huntley- family membership

(Sponsors- Greta Neuman, Tim Sparks, Bob Damen)

"We were introduced to ASC when our children attended summer sailing camps and

the community of people we met there are a group we know we will enjoy becoming a part

of. We are actively searching for a sailboat now, but our real intent is to get involved in the community for an enjoyable pastime in our lives. My wife and I have been power boat

owners in the past versus sailing. However, since our children have taken lessons for

multiple summers at your location as well as other places we lived, we feel that sailing is what we want to be involved in now. This as well as we have been sailing at ASC with a

couple from our neighborhood.

As a military family, the past few years have made an activity like ASC difficult with

frequent moves. However, I am at a point in my career of seniority with retirement

approaching and my wife categorically is enjoying her employment in the area. We intend

to remain in the area permanently as our children age out of the house and move on to

college, et al. I can bring an extensive background in maintenance since we have owned so

many houses in the past, some at the same time. My wife and has been active in social

committees in our previous homeowners' associations when we lived elsewhere.

Lastly, we appreciate your consideration to become members and look forward to the

process." - S.D. Huntley

December 2022

The following prospective members were introduced at the 2022 December board meeting:

Kyle Erland- Active US Navy, applying for Temporary Membership

Sponsors- Jim Holder, Allison and Joe McMullen, Dan West

"I want to join the ASC because I have spent most of my life on or around the water and want

to further my knowledge, experience, and interests in all types of aquatic activities. Sailing is

something I have been interested in, but besides a few times when I was younger and a basic

course I took in 2018, I lacked the time and opportunity do it regularly. So when I was

introduced to some club members and was invited to the Sailing School, I was ecstatic.

Since crewing for the Halloween Regatta and a Fall Series race, I’ve learned so much already

and look forward to providing an energetic attitude to any boat that would have me.

For the future, should the Navy station me away from Augusta, I will undoubtedly continue

sailing and support the ASC anyway possible." - Kyle Erland

Chad and Taylor Reynolds- Applying for Family Membership

Sponsors- Allison and Joe McMullen, Jim Holder, Dan West

"My wife Taylor and I, after spending some time at ASC and participating in events

have really enjoyed the people and how active the ASC is in the community. I have

always wanted to get into sailing and loved history behind it and the idea of working

with the elements. We both attended the sailing class offered by Jim Holder and Dan

West and I also took the ASA101 course while in Norfolk, VA with the Navy Reserves.

We also crewed RB1 at the Halloween Regatta. These experiences left us wanting to

continue to improve our skills and eventually get our own boat. We also feel ASC

would be a good environment for our daughter Quinn to get familiar with the water,

build confidence, and maybe learn a new skill. Taylor and I are always actively

engaged in any community we are a part of and would bring that same mindset to

ASC. We would fully plan to participate and volunteer in future ASC functions and

programs." - Chad Reynolds

Dr. Bonamico Jacobs- Active US Army, applying for Temporary Membership

Sponsors- Johnny Poole, Daniel Fodera, Doug Reiman

"I have been sailing my whole life, and cannot think of a better way to spend my free time. My experience sailing in the Halloween Regatta with Mr. Fodera and Justin, as well as in my conversations with Mr. Poole, have shown me that ASC is comprised of a likeminded group of sailing-forward individuals who want to sail as much as possible, and have fun doing it. That is why I would like to join the ASC with my wife Grace, so that I can teach her to sail and help contribute to the tremendously positive and welcoming community that is ASC.

My father is one of thirteen children, all of them grew up sailing and crewing for one another on Lake Geneva, in Wisconsin. Similarly, every summer I sailed every day on Lake Geneva, first as crew for my older brothers on our X-boat in the morning and my opti in the afternoon, before skippering the X-boat myself with my cousin Aiden as my crew. As a family my brothers, father, and I also sailed on my father's E-boat, and attended numerous inland regattas for X-boats and Es. That said, some of the best times I have had sailing have been piling my cousins onto our lasers and sailing around the lake, enjoying sailing for the camaraderie as well as fun of sailing quickly.

I hope to gain a sailing home, where I know I can sail frequently and easily, teach my wife Grace to sail, and meet other sailors with whom I can race and enjoy sailing. I hope to contribute in helping to run the fantastic events that make ASC's yacht club a blast to be around, and providing help to anyone who might want it." - Bonamico Jacobs

September/October/November 2022

No new applications

August 2022

Darrell Lindsay

Jessica Anderson

Helen Hamilton

David Grant

July 2022

Stephen Higgs

Robert Caison

Mike Anderson

Michael Wells

Ina Norsworthy

Dawn Howard

Dave May

Chloe Wawerek

June 2022

Virella

Tigges

Casteel

April 2022 Aaron Armstrong

My first sailing experience was on an old Columbia 25' on Barnegat Bay on a very windy day...and

I was hooked. I ended up buying that boat and learned more than i wanted too about fiberglass repair!

Years later my wife and I bought a 39' ketch and cruised a good part of the Chesapeake. After moving

to Augusta I was excited to find an active sailing community and have thoroughly enjoyed my introduction

to racing at ASC. I am interested in joining ASC to 1) get back on the wate, and 2) to continue building

my sailing skill amongst an experienced community of sailors. I am not yet sure what I can contribute to

ASC, as I still have much to learn myself. I am farely handy and hope I can help out wherever is needed,

be it someones boat project of grounds upkeep.

February 2022

Charles Ellesworth has applied for membership. He is sponsored by Tim Tyler. Charles has purchased a boat and is looking forward to learning more about sailing. He hopes to spend time cruising and racing. Charles grew up around aviation and has a love for the outdoors. He spent time with us at "Light the Lake" and served on race committee during the Fall Series. Please send any feedback.  

January 2022

Doug and Debbie Sides have applied for membership. Their primary sponsor is Johnnie Poole. Please see their information below. Please email me with any feedback. As a reminder, primary sponsors need to turn applications at least one week before the board meeting.

Why ASC – Would like to have Aurena in the water and avoid stepping the mast every time we

want to go sailing. We are self-taught and want to learn from others better ways to sail and cruise. Be part of a community that love sailing and want to share their experiences and love of the sport. Help others through our experiences and skills to repair and maintain boats. This membership will make it easier for us to take young and old with us as we go sailing. The facilities at ASC are very good and fits our needs to involve family and friends in sailing and water sports.

What can we bring to the Organization - We truly love to help others, whether we can share

our skills or just help and in turn learn for ourselves or learn to help in the future. My management skills that apply to everyday circumstances, mentoring, teaching and encouraging others. I have restored 3 boats, built a house and am mechanically inclined. I have helped coach multiple youth sports and helped with Boy Scouts for Troop 421 in Aiken. Our youngest son achieved Eagle Scout during this time.

How did I get started sailing – When I was about 10 yrs. old my Uncle Chuck had a sunfish

and he took my out on it at my grandparents house at Lake Murray, I was hooked. My parents

owned a place at Lake Murray since I was 3 yrs. old (and still in the family) and I’ve always been around the water and love being out on it. I found that my uncle had let the sunfish just sit in his yard and it had deteriorated, I asked if I could use it provided I repaired etc. I stripped it down and repaired and repainted it. I’ve been sailing ever since. I still have it, refurbished and new sail in 2020.

What I hope to gain and contribute_- We hope to find a community that we can share and

learn from. We have done a lot of sailing on our own and are looking for others to share and experience this sport with. We may not do much racing but want to cruise and help others experience sailing. We hope to contribute to the club through our work at the club and being good and loyal friends.

Eli Putnam

Past Commodore/Membership Chair

December 2021

We have two perspective members who were introduced at our December board meeting.

Chris and Donna Norman- Sponsors: Lacy Sproul, Kim Bagnoni, Bob Damen-We have grown up sailing. Donna spent most of her youth cruising Long Island Sound, while Chris came through the Jr. Sailing ranks. Chris went on to compete in many different classes and ran several “big boat” programs. Together we have raced our E Scow for almost 20 years, as well as several other larger boats. We chaired the major Jr. Regatta at Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club for 8 years and served as Jr. Sailing Directors for 3 years. During that time we revamped both the Regatta and the Jr. Sailing Program. In addition we have each been awarded the Eastern Class E Scow Association Samuel Merrick Award for Sportsmanship, Spirit, and Service. We are also certified Race Committee and have worked on several committees both as Mark Boats and PRO (most recently Donna served as PRO for the ASC Halloween Regatta and we have both worked as Race Committee for the Jr. Fall Regatta and the Fall PHRF series). Chris continues to actively race his MC Scow and Donna is interested in the Sunfish. As members of ASC we look to participate in racing these classes and serving on the Race Committee. We look forward to meeting the membership and enjoying both the sailing and social events this club offer

John-Michael and Christina Brady-Sponsors: Jim Holder, Dan Bagnoni, Aubrey Rhodes-Taking lessons with Him Holder and volunteering at the club for the Halloween Party and Regatta allowed me to observe and experience the camaraderie and friendship the club has to offer. Everyone I met and interacted with was friendly and welcoming and it would be great to be part of a club that exudes those qualities. If selected as a member of the club I would bring a desire to expand my knowledge and skill of sailing and to promote the sport and club with people outside of the organization. I also appreciate an environment of like minded people and the social aspect of the club. From a young age I have always had a desire to learn to sail. It wasn't until recently that I had an opportunity to sail on vacation in Mexico. The captain allowed me to take the wheel for a bit and the feeling of cruising across the clear blue water with full sails was amazing! I was immediately hooked and looked up sailing lessons as soon as we got home.

These applicants will be voted on at the January board meeting. Please provide any feedback to me. Sponsors turning in applications for membership should do so one week prior to the meeting. Applications and sponsor forms should be complete before submission.

Thank you,

Eli Putnam

Past Commodore/Membership Chair

September 2021

Phillip and Marcia Christman are sponsored by Kim Bagnoni, Emma Slater, and Karen Lord. They have three children. Marcia is a consultant. They are in the market for a Laser. She says, “After leaving Augusta 25 years ago, we have returned to enjoy the benefits of raising a family in a smaller community. My grandfather William D Eve was a charter member of the club and he shared many stories of their time together that I hope to enjoy with my children. Our two oldest have enjoyed three summers of sail camp and are eager to join the youth sailing program and compete. We look forward to being active members who continue the legacy of sailing in Augusta.”

Tammy and Erich Frazier are sponsored by Michael Carstensen, Phillip Peavler, and Tim Buss. They own a MacGregor 26. They have three children. Eric works for Electrolux and Tammy is an EMT with gold cross. She says, “In 2020 I join Phillip Peavler’s team. It has been such a great experience. I love sailing so much I bought a sailboat. I love photography and a thoroughly enjoy documenting a racing days. I would love to volunteer on days I’m not racing to take pictures of all of the teams. I also love coordinating events when needed. Of course I would help out anyway I can with race management.”

Thomas and Catherine Zickgraf are sponsored by Michael Carstensen, Phillip Peavler, and Tim Buss. They have two children. Thomas is an emergency physician at Doctors hospital. He says, “I’m a late comer to the sport of sailing. One of my friends in a colleague invited me to participate in an ASC event this past February. It’s been a rare thing for me to experience such a great time enjoying the fun of teamwork, the beauty of being on the lake, and the chance to escape the toils of work in life.”

Hannah Moultrie and her husband Joshua are sponsored by Elizabeth Moultrie, Marge Brosseau, and Rene Hopkins. They have one child. Joshua is in the Air Force and Hannah is a homemaker. Hannah is Elizabeth Moultrie’s daughter. They have applied as Legacy members. She says, “I have been a member of ASC all my wife through my family’s membership, gifted to us by my grandpa Bennie Moultrie. I want to bring the love of sailing to my children, and a new generation of members to the club. To carry on our legacy of sailing and of community. My husband is a member of United States Air Force and brings to ASC strength, commitment, and outstanding organization skills. Our daughter Olivia eight months, is the fourth generation of Moultrie members at ASC. She already has attended several events and has developed a love of swimming.”

Leslie and Kerry Wyatt are sponsored by Jeff Annis, Emma Slater, and Jim Claffey. Kerry is a pilot with Spirit Airlines, Leslie is a homemaker. They have three children. Leslie is Jeff Annis’ daughter – they have applied as Legacy members. She says, “I grew up at ASC I love this club. I attended sailing camp as a kid and helped teach when I was older. I raced with my dad and several other members. I love the competitive nature but also love the spirit of sportsmanship in the sailing community. I’ll bring with me a husband, Kerry, who wants to learn how to sail. Also three kids who will hopefully enjoy it like how I did. They are 7, 4, and one years old. My seven-year-old has attended sailing camp on Lake Lanier at University yacht club and loved his experience. We live 2 1/2 hours from ASC and look forward to coming down to spend a few days at a time at the club. I think my husband would find race committee very interesting and since I have all of these kids I’m sure I would be useful where the kids are involved.”

August 2021

Maggie Centers is sponsored by her parents Bob and Margaret Centers, with Jeff Hart and Emma Slater as secondary. Maggie works for Delta airlines. She says “I have loved sailing since I was seven years old and have grown up on the lake. Since then I have sailed along the east coast, Caribbean and Brazil. My parents purchased their first sailboat, a MacGregor 26 and some of my best childhood memories are sailing to an anchorage and spending the night on the boat. Since my parents Bob and Margaret Centers have been members I have really enjoyed the community of sailors at ASC especially on full moon cruises. I would love to be able to bring my experience working with kids to be part of the youth program to pass on the fun and adventure of sailing as well as the self-confidence it brings to harness the power of the wind. I would forever be grateful to be part of the ASC.”

Nicolas and Marie Pierson are sponsored by Kim Bagnoni, Sue Putnam, and Michael Gaines. They have three children aged 9, 12, and 16. Nicolas works for the French Department of Defense and is a liaison officer on Fort Gordon. He says, “I have loved sailing since I was about 13. I sailed every summer on the other side of the Atlantic on 420 and 470. Then I continued to sail sometimes until my age of 30. (Too busy with my work, my missions abroad, and my family between 20 and 30.) Then I passed my French motor boat license and almost every year since that we have rented boats in the Atlantic Ocean with friends or family in some fantastic places (Ile de Re, Lorient, Belle-ile, Port Louis, Les Glenans, Locmiquelic…)

In 2014-2015 I have also been a member of a Navy sailing club and participated in regattas on J80. The most famous was the << Grand Prix >> of the French Navy Academy in the area of Brest (Crozon, another fantastic place). During that period, I got my Brevet of coxswain from the French Navy sailing club. I mention also that in France, our son is a Sailing Scout and I was involved in the sailing activities of his troop.

So we can say that I am a flexible sailor. I am mostly a salt water sailor but I will learn how to sail on a Lake and I can help and sail on almost every kind of sailing boat and every position and a few pieces of advice and training. Can also help with website, information systems, and computers.

With my experience from France, I think that I can bring some new skills and culture.

My wife, Marie, and our Children have made many cruises with me and sailing camps. They are fully involved in this demarche.”

Kyle Kirk and Paige Webb are sponsored by Jim Holder, Jeff Annis, and Tim Sparks. Kyle is an EMT with Gold Cross and Paige is an Operations Manager at Alison South Marketing. They own a 1981 Spirit 23. Kyle says “I grew up day sailing friends’ sailboats in the San Francisco Bay Area, spent summers taking small Lido 14 dinghies out on the water in the San Juan Islands, along with a few (more formal) sailing trips with the Boy Scouts. However, my only formal sailing training was the American Sailing Assoc. 101 “Basic Keel boating” course taken at the Charleston Marina. I strongly want to learn more from those who know more than me, which is what initially prompted me to sign myself, and girlfriend Paige, up for ASC’s adult sailing class taught by Mr. Holder. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend course and getting out on the water, both he and Tim allowed me to get my feet wet-both literally and figuratively-during the sailing introduction. It was also a wonderful way to introduce my girlfriend to exactly why I liked sailing so much during my limited times out on the water. Though she was initially hesitant, she found herself loving the time on the water as she mastered some basic sailing concepts. Following the course, Mr. Holder reached out to me and discussed how Augusta Sailing Club would be a great way of helping me improve as a novice sailor and allow me to ask questions about my boat to more knowledgeable people, so I followed his recommendation to attend some Wednesday night dinners at ASC!

Recently, I had reached out to a person on Craigslist who was offering a 1981 Spirit 23. After explaining my interest in sailing and in becoming a better sailor, he was kind enough to offer me the boat despite receiving significantly better offers from others! It is in excellent condition, has room below for approximately a queen-sized bed, and also includes a porta potty and small kitchenette. He also included a dual axle trailer, 6hp 4 stroke outboard motor, autopilot, lithium battery, solar power, etc. etc. The boat is overall in excellent condition and well-loved, and this summer I had the pleasure of sanding down the hull and applying a new coat of paint to it. Frustratingly, I’ve been unable to singlehandedly raise the mast by myself and therefore cannot put it in the water. It’s therefore remained dry docked at Clarks Hill Marina, tantalizingly close to the lake.

Again, I can’t express how appreciative I am at how welcoming everybody has been so far during the events I have attended. Very much so looking forward to attending as many upcoming events as I can-including the wine tasting and winches in the wind-if I’m able to take the time off of work. My only limitations currently are working quite a few hours at Gold Cross EMS.”

July 2021

Tiffany Evitts has applied for membership. Tiffany is a professional photographer and a kennel manager at Belle Meade Hounds in Thomson. She is sponsored by Jim Holder, Dan West, and Ed Durant. Tiffany says, "I’ve always had an interest in sailing but haven’t really been in a position to do anything about it. I discovered a sailing club where I used to live and was planning on joining that, but then I moved up here. My grandfather was an avid sailor, but unfortunately he passed away when I was very little so I didn’t get to do that with him. But my mom always talked about it and says he would be so proud of me for finally getting to learn. I’ve been on a friend's boat a few times and just absolutely loved it. I loved playing with and utilizing nature in that way. It’s so cool that you can pull up some cloth and zip around without an engine. And of course both boats and the water are beautiful. I’m also very interested in racing since it was brought up at the open house and then I got to join in on E Scow. I didn’t really know that was an option so I’m really excited to keep doing that! Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful so it seems like a really great community to be a part of. I’m fairly capable person so I’d be happy to plug-in wherever needed, be it helping with events, making coffee, taking pictures for the website or social media, or manning boats for a race."

June 2021

Nancy Bolander Hudson is sponsored by Eli and Jaime Putnam, Dale and Rene Suggs, and Kevin Kilchenstein. Nancy is retired and says "I love sailing. I learned to sail as a kid in Barrington Rhode Island with my Beetle Cat Boat. Learned to race and even won many of the Yacht Club races during that time. My family moved to Augusta in the 60’s and we joined the Augusta Sailing Club with a new sailboat. In the years between then and now, I have owned 2 more boats which I kept at a marina but realized it is more fun to sail when you are amongst other sailors. Recently I have acquired a Bolger Bobcat which is a southern version of the Beetle Cat. I also retired after 43 years of nursing and raising my 2 sons and daughter. It is a good time in my life to be a member of a sailing club again . I have enjoyed my recent experiences at ASC events, met very nice people, and would love to bring my boat to the lake where I would have a pretty and friendly place to sail. I think it’s important to do as many things as possible that make you smile and that sailing while a member of the Augusta Sailing Club would help with that."

Chuck and Tracey Kelleher are sponsored by Bob Damen, Johnnie Poole and Tim Buss. They have two children aged 19 and 16. Chuck is a manager with KBR and Tracey is a teacher's aide at Wesley UMC. Chuck says "I first got into sailing while stationed in Hawaii. I went through sailing program at Ford Island and then was able to rent a Rhodes 19 sailboat. Soon after I mentioned at work I was renting a sailboat a friend invited me to join the crew on his boat named “No Broker.” We raced most Fridays after work and I did this for about two years. Since that time I’ve wanted a boat of my own. The Augusta Sailing Club is the perfect place for me to expand my sailing knowledge and for my wife and I to make new friends."

Rhea Obermeyer is sponsored by Tim Buss, Mike Carstensen, Bill Collins. Rhea is a manager with Augusta University. Rhea says, "My interest was piqued when I attended a race in 2020. I was also able to attend the 4th of July Family Day and thought this would be a great organization to get involved with. The family atmosphere appeals to me as a positive environment for raising children that I hope to have one day soon. Last winter. I got a C-Scow and am interested in learning to sail for leisure. In my free time, I volunteer as the Finance Advisor with Alpha Delta Pi, a sorority at Augusta University. and spend a lot of my time helping college women learn how to plan social and philanthropic events. organize an organization budget, manage policies, and everything that goes along with running a student organization. As someone who wants to be active in the Augusta Sailing club. I'm interested in volunteering with the race committee and planning events. My background in accounting and organizational infrastructure pair nicely with the volunteer opportunities within the club."

Regards,

Daniel Fodera

Membership Chair

May 2021

The applicants below attended the last board meeting and presented their applications to the Board of Governors. The Board will consider any comments received from members prior to voting on final approval. The board will vote on final approval at the June 14th Board meeting. If you have comments on the applicants, please contact a Governor, a Club Officer, or attend the meeting. Membership is always the first item on the agenda.

Tom and Sandi Meesseman have applied for associate membership. They are sponsored by Larry Lynn, Don Brigdon, and Jessica Christian. They are retired and own a Hunter 27. Tom and Sandi “...would like to join ASC because I love sailing. I was introduced to sailing while in the US Navy. While stationed in Rota Spain a fellow sailor took me out in a 14 foot sailboat in some pretty good waves. I loved it. In 1981 my wife Sandra and I purchased a Flying Scot after learning to sail with the Detroit Edison boat club. We sailed it and also a 21 foot a day on Lake Erie for 13 years. After moving to Aiken in 1992 we sailed a Hunter 21 on Lake Murray for about seven years and then a smaller 20 foot Hunter on Lake Thurmond out of Plum Branch. Now retired we are fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning a larger boat with a cabin. We just found a Hunter 27 in Sumter South Carolina a few months ago. We have only sailed it for a few days on Lake Thurmond and a few days on Lake Greenwood. As I imagine many trailer sailors already know, setting up the mast and securing it again for the road is a significant effort. Naturally we are looking forward to having our boat at a location mast up. Sandi and I look forward to meeting new people and making new friends and especially in a nice place where we can hang out near the boat. After working with so many friendly people we are already feeling pretty comfortable. What do we bring to the club? We are happy to volunteer whenever needed. We both have good managerial and technical skills. Tom is handy in maintenance and Sandy is a wizard in the kitchen.

Kim and Mary Hunter have applied for associate membership. They are sponsored by Tim Buss, Greg Hatcher, and Mark Yarbrough. Kim is a commercial pilot. He plans to buy Zoe from Tim. He has previously owned a Cal 22 and sailed out of Hawaii Yacht Club. Kim says “I started sailing at the age of 13 and have been sailing ever since. The sailing club was the perfect choice since I live in Aiken and find the sailing on the lake is probably the best in the area. By joining the club I hope to be able to get actively involved in racing and social functions.

Richard and Amber Hancock have applied for associate membership. They have three kids, Brett Piper and Parker. They are sponsored by Johnnie Poole, Pat Tornow, and Greg and Rhonda Hatcher. Richard is active duty Army and Amber teaches school in Columbia County. “I am looking to get back into sailing and plan to purchase Pat’s 1986 28 foot O’day. I would like to join the club to surround myself with like-minded people that also enjoy the sport. My father originally taught me to sail when I was in middle school but as an Army family we were unable to keep a boat with us as we moved around the world. I feel the club would benefit from my membership as I tend to be a pretty helpful person and fairly easy to get along with. I’m social and enjoy helping others when I can. Amber and I have been married for 19 years, she has been an educator for 13 and I in the army for 25. We’re going to be retiring here and we’re planning to gain from the club the friendship of others and making memories for us and our children.” (Ask Johnnie how Richard has already demonstrated his volunteer spirit by helping remove a macerator pump on the new Hunter!)

April 2021

The applicants below attended a recent board meeting and presented their application to the Board of Governors. The application is approved for publication for member review and comment.

Sean and Jessica Sternkopf have applied for membership.They have two teenagers who sail their own Laser and O'pen Skiff. They are sponsored by Kim Bagnoni, Jay Hopkins, and Scott McCarthy. Sean grew up in Wisconsin and is a prior member of Pewaukee Yacht Club. He has raced X-boats and scows. His father was a sail maker for North Sails and Jessica's family sailed. Sean says "I was fortunate enough to compete at a high level on Lake Michigan and inland. I am now wishing to get back into sailing and pass my knowledge on to my children. I interested in purchasing a J24 or S2 7.9 to race PHRF." Sean is a senior systems engineer with Advanced Technology Leaders on Ft Gordon, Jessia is hygenist with Goldberg Dental.

The Board will consider any comments received from members prior to voting on final approval. The board will vote on final approval at the next available Board meeting.

If you have comments on the applicants, please contact a Governor, a Club Officer, or attend the next board meeting. Membership is always the first item on the agenda.

February 2021

Welcome to new members David and Lisa Varn. David grew up sailing in Augusta, racing a Capri 25 and C-15 with his father, David Varn Sr. David and Lisa have been sailing the Frostbite series races as crew with Jim Farmer on the J-24 Party Reptile. They were accepted as legacy members at the February board meeting.

The applicants below and their sponsor attended a board meeting and presented their applications to the Board of Governors.The Board will consider any comments received from members prior to voting on final approval. The board will vote on final approval at the next Board meeting.If you have comments on the applicants, please contact a Governor, a Club Officer, or attend the next board meeting. Membership is always the first item on the agenda.

David and Yara Beltran have applied for membership. David grew up near the ocean in Puerto Rico becoming a scuba diver at 13 years old. His uncle had a Hunter 240 and they sailed on that around the islands until it was destroyed by a hurricane in Saint Thomas. David said, “After moving to the CSRA, a coworker invited my family to join his at the ASC for Labor Day regatta. We enjoyed being in the sailboat. I got interested to learn more about sailing. We kept coming to the club with him for the international food event and other activities and we loved the facility and sense of community. A few years later I wanted to get back to learn more about sailing and I recently bought a Catalina 22 as a few ASC members suggested that would be a good learning sailboat.” David and Lisa are sponsored by Dick Dermody, Brenda Renick, and Harry Garcia.

January 2021