The smell of varnish fills the air as we turn our attention to our beloved wooden boats. The flurry of activity has begun as our Chapters prepare for the many boat shows and gatherings planned for the summer season.

Our various committees continue to do an outstanding job keeping ACBS running smoothly. I appreciate the dedication and the many long hours spent not only by our committee members but also by the Chapter officers and volunteers to insure the future of antique boating.

Our Spring Quarterly Meeting was held in Napa, CA, at the end of April. Thanks to Bette Shutt for organizing a very effective and enjoyable weekend. In addition to two days of productive and sometimes boisterous meetings, social activities included a member-hosted cocktail party at their beautiful home on a mountain overlooking the Napa Valley. Les and Marilyn Demaline arranged an informative tour of the 100 year old, magnificently refurbished, Far Niente Winery. I then had the opportunity to travel to Seattle, WA, for Opening Day with the Pacific Northwest Chapter. It was wonderful to see old West Coast friends and make new acquaintances; special thanks to Ron Stevenson, Chapter President, and Chris and Trish Eden for their generous hospitality.

Hats off to the hard working Rudder Advertising Committee; Bob Bush, Ken MacStephen, and Herb Anthony have secured many new display ads. These ads make it possible to continue to bring you our outstanding and informative magazine, Rudder.

Our long awaited 2002 ACBS calendar in now ready to be shipped to Chapters for inclusion in the Ships Stores. Dunc Hawkins and the Fundraising Committee have done a wonderful job planning and overseeing its production. Sale of these calendars – which are destined to become collector's items – is a great way to add to your Chapter's treasury.

Another new benefit of your membership will soon be coming to you. Jeff Stebbins, along with Greg Benson and the Marketing and PR Committee, has secured a contract with Hertz for a 15% discount and a one-time upgrade for ACBS members. You will receive a membership card in the mail in the next few weeks. The Committee is working on additional discounts for other very useful items and services.

Stan Petersen put together the perfectly orchestrated 7th Antique Motorboating Symposium, which was held in Clayton on May 18th through 20th. We were treated to expert guest speakers, hands-on demonstrations, and the company of lots of friends.

Safety has always been a focus of the ACBS. Goody Thomas of the Safety Committee, is striving to institute the placement of a Safety Chairman on all boat show committees across the 46 Chapters and is outlining criteria for safety awards. He and his committee have also been responsible for the many informative safety related articles which appear in the Rudder.

Don't forget Chattanooga! Our Annual Meeting is being held in Tennessee
Sept. 20-23 and Susan Wilson and her committee are busy planning what promises to be a very enjoyable weekend. These meetings are open to all members of ACBS and I encourage you to take this opportunity to spend time with new friends and enjoy the many social activities we have planned.

Summer is Tiller season,too. Remember to pack the crayons when you're on the water so the kids can save their memories of the time spent together with family. We always enjoy showing what little Leonardos we have among our members when we do the annual "Kids and Boats" edition of Rudder.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Summer Quarterly Meeting. This meeting, originally scheduled for Durango, CO, has been moved to Lake Chautauqua in Celoron, NY, on July 13. Thanks to Gil Maringer and the North Coast Ohio Chapter for all their work in coordinating this meeting.

Happy Boating!