A Significantly Shortened Volunteer Day, Due to the Cooper Bridge Run Reprioritizing things.

 I'm sure that some among our volunteer crew participated in the Bridge Run. Hat's Off!  A commendable accomplishment in  finishing it, and also in the discipline of conditioning for events like this on deck. Wayne Burdick, Ken Fonville, Dallas Spencer, Alicia Cameron, and Dave Brennan, started the first part  of the afternoon getting an update from Bryan on events and progress.  

Weekend Update

We were still waiting on our Recruiting  brochures. Ben Walker had found away to 'break the glass" and regain control of our Facebook page. so that's starting to look hopeful.  We've had three leads for charters or docksides, all revenue generating, over the next four months. Now chasing them.  A Captain is apparently identified, but not confirmed yet.

Dallas brought with him a handcrafted double stropped block of Ash and Sapele he had created. complete with a strop served and slushed. This promptly inspired a series of proposed projects thrown at him.

Bryan introduced  an idea for better managing and executing on small tasks, easily accomplished by just one or a few, at any time on deck, meaning any day of the week. It's called, The Daily Punchlist (not necessarily daily, since some may always be left over for the next volunteer the next day. Unlike the Ship's Maintenance Punchlist, with thirty entries on a page ranging from single person work to complicated multi-day tasks, this is a handwritten list complete with instructions as needed, for volunteers less than familiar with the ship, self-managed, you complete the task, you check it off, leave your last name so you can get the credit.. . So, if you've got a couple hours time, come on board find the clipboard hanging over the saloon table, and choose a job that suits your skills and time available. Also, send a text that you're on board, to Bryan Oliver at 314.409.0433, so I'll know you're aboard if the Dockmaster become suspicious. Don't forget to log your hours. 

The Saturday crew taking a break
after successfully recovering
 the small boat and securing it on deck, 

For the rest of the afternoon we concentrated on an essential drill, unknown to probably all the volunteers, since it has not been practiced since 2019.  "Recovering and securing the Small Boat" on deck, and Launching it."  It's a normal component of the  Man-Overboard drill, since generally, the small boat will  be secured on deck when underway.  The exception will be with a private charter where deck space is a premium, and the small boat will likely be towed. 

We only had time for one tray and barely sufficient hands to operate. Our crew standard, from a standing start with the shout "Man Overboard", is just under two minutes.  We gave ourselves a generous time to walk ourselves thru the evolutions.  It's a quintessential team-building experience.

Look for it next time you come aboard.