Wanted.. scoop from members

[S.V. Airlie]

Anyone here a member of either the Am. Schooner Assoc. or the Nova Scotia Schooner Assoc.?
Is it worth it to join either one?

pss. I am not normally big on joining associations.. but.. after the e-mail from the NS Schooner Assoc. ( It took the time to find me ), I'm just wondering.

[rbgarr]

I think the advantage is for those boats engaged in the charter or schooling trade?

[S.V. Airlie]

Dave T.. kinda my thinking.. hence the post. Hopefully, someone who is a member of either one can chime in.....

When I joined Classic boats.. 35.00 national membership and 15.00 regional membership, I discuvered that the major emphasis was on CHris Crafts.. Nothing against Chris Craft but I felt that I, as a wooden boat owner, was not even on the radar...
Every meeting, every guest speaker everything evolved around.. well, power boats.

[mmd]

Jamie, when you return to NS next month I can introduce you to a couple of members of the NSSA if you'd like. Might as well get the info from the horse's mouth.

I don't know about the ASA, but the NSSA is definitely NOT in the business of chartering schooners for dude sails or sea schools. Cameraderie, shared knowledge & skills, and racing seems (from an outsider's POV) to be their main reason for existance.

[S.V. Airlie]

Michael..
That would be good. I was impressed that the Sec. NS Schooner Assoc. tracked me down and e-mailed me.. Said a great deal.

ps.. even down to the fact Wendy found my e-mail...

[reddog]

Jamie;
A buddy of mine, Bruce Halliday, is the Commodore of the NSSA. They are a pretty down to earth bunch and have more collective knowledge about sailing small schooners, (under 70 ft.), than you will find anywhere. They have an annual race week and other get togethers throughout the season. If you join up you can get a berth in the middle of the tall ships in Halifax this summer.

Earl

[S.V. Airlie]

Earl.. I know... Wendy.. the Sec. sent me some info.. The Halifax deal is the 13th of July.. Kinda hard to get there from Mystic in time.
I guess what amazes me is that she.. or someone else made the effort to find me... and then, e-mailed me.. That to me is exceptional.
The races, at least this year, don't fit well into any schedule either.
It ain't the cost.. cheap really.. perhaps it is not knowing..but she made an impression.

[reddog]

Jamie;
Mayby you could make the September Classic. I believe Howard and Michael have posted pics from last fall's classic. Of course you would then have to stay the winter:D .
It's not your hoity toity yachty group. Get togethers usually involve sailing, beer, rum, food and music. Quite a few David Stevens schooners belong. Like I said, a great body of collective boat knowledge. Actually, Jamie, I think you would fit right in ;) .

Earl

[S.V. Airlie]

I got a blazer Earl but I think it's wrinkled.. Lordy Lordy.. horror of horrors...
I just might.. now there is this thing about Schooner races in MA. in Sept. :eek:

[reddog]

Jamie;
The blazer is fine as long as it's wrinkled. Now as far as the racing goes the water off MA is too warm for proper racing.

Earl

[CarlZog]

The ASA is not in the business of chartering either. Like the NSSA, it's goal is camraderie, shared knowledge and gatherings of the boats. It doesn't specifically host any races, but does make a significant presence at the northeast races (Gloucester, Chesapeake).

They always have a manned booth at the Woodenboat Show too, if you want to meet some of the members.

Carl

[S.V. Airlie]

Carl.. I seemed to have missed their booth at several shows.. As I will be there and they are in Noank.. right?, I'll try to catch up with them.

[reddog]

Jamie;
Both associations interact and I believe even have one or two common members. They cooperate when cruising in each others local waters and even get together for some racing. I'm sure you would do well with either group as the love and ownership of schooners is a driving force. Join both, have twice the fun.:)

Earl