July 1, 2026

Hello Fellow members,

Well, all of you who have been pining for summer, you (we) got it. I don’t know how hot it’s been where y’all live, but it has been sweltering here in the eastern part of the state, with minimal rain. I’ve heard that a lot of the lakes are down right now, some to the point where they’re unnavigable. If your favorite lake is low, please use caution when boating. We’re hoping Jordan Lake will be okay for us when we have our outing there next month.

Speaking of outings, we had a few boats show up for our Trent River Raft Race and luncheon in June. Pics and article in the newsletter. Coming up, we have our meeting and lake cruise scheduled for July 22^nd. See newsletter for details. Looking ahead to September, and hopefully cooler weather, Cindy Jordan has made her family’s home in Bath available to the chapter members from the 25^th through the 28^th. Those who have spent any time there know what a good time awaits them. Space is limited so let me know if you are interested. Click here to email me.  You don’t have to stay the entire time; a day or 2 stay is fine.

A constant theme in the chapter lately has been “thinning the herd”. Many of us are stewards of multiple boats that are getting used less and less and we’ve reached the point of considering finding new folks to take over our roles. In that vein, after 10 years of happy ownership, the Hills family said goodbye to our 22’ Chris Craft dory, “Hunky Dory”. I’m sure her new stewards will have great memories aboard her as we did. Next up for me is the 15’ Cavalier. I got it for the project of bringing her back and she has served her purpose. After that all my energy (what’s left of it!) will go into getting the Jersey Speed Skiff operational.

I hope you are all finding some good times this summer and remember to stay hydrated and protected from the sun when you’re outside. I wish you all a happy and safe 4^th of July as we celebrate our great nation’s 250^th anniversary.

Yours in classic boating, 

Alan Hills, President