Two weeks ago, there was a phenomenal gathering of minds and energy in Bellevue, WA at the 2010 Annual Meeting. Those of us who came together will surely all describe it in different words, with different emphasis being placed by all of us upon the many strengths of this multi-faceted event. As I look back on the experience, it gives me satisfaction for what occurred, and excitement for the years to come.
As a student, the most significant opportunity at the AM is in networking. For those who are able to break away from the comfort zones of our acquaintances and friends, the movers and shakers of the marine world are close at hand and interested in both sharing their experiences and learning about ours. Perhaps even more important to the continuing strength of our industry (assuming we are all eventually able to find jobs) are the connections we can make with our peers, with whom we shall share the responsibility of leading this industry through impending waves of retirement. The strength of a professional society relies on the cooperation and good-will of its members. These relationships are forged in the friendly competition of somewhat unusual sailboats, over beers in loud, moustache-adorned Irish bars (with standing ovations for all SNAME members to enter!), and in the debates over how the society aught and does support our needs. They are solidified in the tense discussions of tactics between skipper and crew, and galvanized as we strive to attain leadership positions. These relationships gain strength over time, and are able to mature through continuing participation in our society's events and programs.
For many members, the best part of the meeting is the confluence of strong technical presentations. As a whole, they were interesting, well-given, and relevant to the needs and forward-progress of our industry. As an undergraduate now quickly approaching real-life in industry, it is very exciting to learn about the current challenges that face our brightest minds. I was blessed with the chance to act as an Assistant Presiding Officer at the presentation by Rubin Sheinberg and Frank DeBord on stern-ramp deployment of small boats on a coast-guard cutter. The presentation was very good, and the material was engaging for the audience and readers of the paper alike. The small role I played in this presentation motivates me write and present papers, for the gratification of challenging and teaching interested minds. Over dinner one night, I spoke at length with one of the society's leading minds and publishers (whom I won't name, for the sake of his privacy). He told me of his love for the society, and his self-acknowledged idealistic view of the society as a reflection of the Royal Society, as a group of bright and motivated individuals who continually share ideas for the general advancement of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Through the eyes of some members such as he, it seems that SNAME is moving away from the presentation and support of seminal technical papers and engaging too much in the business side of industry. As a student, being constantly confounded by innumerable technical topics in my studies, I don't yet share my friend's worries. It is very interesting and important, however, to learn about the needs of people at the other end of the SNAME spectrum. I will remember the discussion often as I move forward through my career.
The student program was phenomenal this year, with great participation from all around the world. I was particularly excited to see such a large contingent of eight Greek students, led by my friend Lampros. The young excitement that was brought to boil in Bellevue is a reflection of many minds and programs working towards the same goals. The design competition was a smashing success. It consisted of designing a sailboat which had to carry 20 pounds of chain down a straight course at minimum cost. I was amazed by the varied designs, and am glad to report that while some craft were much sounder than other, and maintaining a straight course was a consistent problem, none of the boats sank or failed to deliver their cargo. Above all, it was very entertaining, with moments verging on hilarity. Congratulations to Vanna and her crew for organizing it! The job fair was likewise a great success, and a particularly great opportunity for west-coast employers to meet students from around the world. I was able to speak with representatives from eight different companies, and all expressed that the industry is ready to hire. Well, I think the students responded appropriately with a chorus of "We're ready to work!" Although I wasn't able to attend the Saturday event (being rather engaged to defend a sailing championship), the students from our UBC section who attended spoke very highly of the shipyard tour and events put together by Alan Orthman. Finally, the SSC elections were another success of the AM, if not for my personal goals. I ran for vice-chair, but was stymied by the brilliance of Mr. Mark Groden of Michigan. Every race was well contested, and the speeches showed a high level of competency all around. Students, rest assured: our SSC is a strong, smart, and motivated body, and we can all share great confidence in them.
Finally, I'd like to touch on the 2010 regatta. I had a great time this year, as I did last year, and as I am sure that I will again have in the coming years. I am a member of Dan McGreer's STX-Canada dynasty, as it was so generously called by Hendrik Van Hemmen in his blog on the regatta, and was very proud to hold aloft the renowned SNAME Cup again. The wind blew somewhat feebly, but did so throughout the day to allow some very interesting racing. The final race of the day, with a beautiful downwind, spinnaker-laden start, called for particularly sharp tactics to win the day. All of the races were hotly contested, but the final result came down to one fundamental necessity. Zoe (STX's T-bird) was able to slip ahead of the pack by staying in the wind, well outside of the direct line to the finish. It was a "classic," in every sense of the word. Many many thanks go out to the T-bird fleet of Seattle, who really rose to the occasion, and provided a superb fleet for our regatta. I'm eager to see what the organizers of the third annual regatta in Houston come up with for next year, where we will attempt the first hat-trick in SNAME regatta history.
As a good friend of mine and yours would say, this Annual Meeting really was FABULOUS. Thanks to everyone who helped to plan and run the event, especially to the fantastic duo Alana and Nancy! SNAME, I look forward to seeing you next year in Houston.