Next message: Robert Hepler: "Re: SSCA"
> I just miss the "old" SSCA, (Seems I read those words in the bulletin =
> back in'77 or so? <G>) and the loose group of REAL friends we bonded =
> with "in the good ol' days".. (There i go - waxing nostalgic, again! =
> <G>) C'est La Vie.. :-)
>
[...]
Funny, I have the same feeling when I read the bulletins. I'm just an
associate (and I admit to wondering if I should put in a mock-humble
"lowly" adjective) and what do I know? But after having heard about
SSCA and how swell it is, I find it to be a cold and not at all
welcoming organization. There's a veneer of welcome but that's
quickly dissipated by the strong feel of "if you're not a commodore,
you don't rate." The best example of this elitism is the requirement
that people who've reached commodore status must become
rear-commodores if they move ashore..
Rest assured, Rick, it is NOT limited to "associates"!! - As Rick K. said, the "I'm more Cruisey than you" philosophy appears to be rife in the SSCA clan, whether you ARE a "Commodore" or NOT!.. AND, You should have HEARD (read) the elitist (getting to like that word! <G>) cr*p we Commodores who were voluntarily taking rear Commodore status because we would be shore-bound for a while, got about how we could fly the Burgee, and how we could not! - (Mostly about how we could not! <G>)
For the record, i have NO vendetta against SSCA, nor am I against it's basic philosophies.. I am just one of the number of saddened ex-Commodores who remember when it WAS a Family.. :-( . . . ...
Carpe' diem, Rick, Carpe' diem! - Don't ever rely on the graciousness and affections of those who have gone before in hopes of achieving the inner peace that Cruising can bring! (actually, it's the ANCHORING, and SECLUSIONS more than the "Cruising", per se, that I sometimes think is the lair of the "Joy of Cruising"!! <G> At least IMHO.. <G>) - So, make your OWN day, your OWN friends (As you have here!), and your OWN Association(s)!!.. I sometimes think the folks we met who were NOT associated with ANY group are those we NOW remember with the most love and affection.. The very young; with the dreams very evident in their eyes and their mild impatience at staying in one place too long evident in their manner; the "weathered" couples who remember the GOOD days of cruising, and have a ton of memories, sea shells, and unidentifiable, but precious nick-knacks stored away below, and within themselves; and even those who never leave safe harbors anymore (except to careen or haul to paint that scarred bottom, or to re-provision on canned Venezuelan hams, Dutch cheese, and ol' devil Rum!) These were our friends, and "dis-Organization" was their venue.. :-) But then, perhaps, THAT too is but just another series of those pseudo-random coincidences, 'eh??.. :-))
Take care.. Fair Winds.. Clean Wake.. ;-)
Tom
