Welcome to another year of adventure, challenge, fun and camaraderie with the South Sound Sailing Society. For many years I’ve been a Member and enjoyed the myriad of SSSS activities and shared the experiences and the friendship of our wide variety of sailors. Now it is my pleasure to serve as Commodore and introduce this year’s Handbook.

For those of you who are new to SSSS, peruse this Handbook to get a feel for who we are and what we do. We race, we cruise, we socialize; but we are more than just racers and/or cruisers. We are promoters of fun on the water. We are advocates of anything and everything that has to do with making South Sound sailing a friendly, safe and rewarding experience for sailors and would-be sailors. The Handbook Table of Contents provides a quick list of the many resources, events and programs, awards and recognitions, and people that make our Society go. We are happy to add your name to our Membership.

Included again in this year’s handbook are the Rules and Bylaws of the Budd Inlet Star Fleet. The Star fleet, which began with a mere four boats in 1999, has grown to over 30 Star boats in the past year thanks to the efforts of Member Bill Brosius. It is another example of our Society’s efforts to promote sailing. It affords additional opportunity for new sailors to participate in the fun and competition of one-design sailing. If you haven’t watched a Star fleet race, plan on doing so soon! Better yet, join us as a crewmember.

For returning Members, long time Members, and new Members alike, take a look at this year’s Schedule of Events and make your plans to participate in another great year for sailors and sailing.

Alex Bromen, Nightwind