Below are transcripts of the Windham Sailing Club’s early history. Written by longtime club member Bob Strebi some time ago, who sadly has recently passed. This Historical document will be an installment feature throughout the summer. Once all portions are published I will create a new page with all of them in one document.
1969
With serious race activity about to begin the membership decided to purchase insurance. The insurance agent suggested a corporation be formed to whom he could issue a policy. So it came that on June 29 a meeting was held at Ward’s Cove to elect officers, adopt by-laws and to do whatever else was necessary to start a corporation. The Meeting started at 2:10 PM and was attended by Peter and Cassandra Ash, Carol Doen (?), Nino de Prado, Richard Joyce, Roald Magussen, John Plausteiner, Olin Stephens, Lee Sheridan, Richard Engel.
The officers elected were:
- Commodore: Olin Stephens the III
- Vice Commodore: Peter Ash
- Secretary: Cassandra Ash
- Treasurer: Richard Joyce
- Directors: Lee Sheridan, Fred Cummblad, George Schneeberger
- Race Commitee: Olin Stephens, peter Ash, Nino de Prado
With a proper slate of officers elected the club started life as the Windham Sailing Club Inc. The entire mem;bership served as officers.
Other business of note:
From the firm “sails & centerboards” the club received a 14 ft. Boston Whaler as a gift. The club owned one Blue Jay (Sora) Which was loaned to “boatless” members for racing. Olin and Carol Stephens finished first in most of the races. Repeatedly the Commodore exhorted, begged the membership to please pay the club dues. Well, life was hard in the days before “mooring fees”.
Up next, the year 1972. Stay tuned.
