Page 4 - ECA Yearbook 2023

Commodore’s Report

State of the Ensign Class 2023

As the ECA passes sixty years, the overall outlook is
positive, but there is certainly room for growth and
improvement. While I am aware of eight boats that
are presently being completely restored, most
Ensigns are in need of more than a little TLC, and no
new boats have been built since 2019. There are a number of fleets that
are alive, well and thriving, but we also have fleets that have faded to a
“name only” status. The total number of members remains strong at 528,
but the membership declines by a handful every year. Regional and
National Championship Regattas continue to be successfully hosted and
numerous boats regularly travel to South Carolina for the Midwinter
Championship. Over the past few years, however, overall participation at
regattas has declined. One of the Class’s most impressive strengths is
its financial status. With over $100,000 in the bank, the ECA has the
flexibility to address most strategic needs it deems worthy. Another
undeniable strength is the people that comprise the class. The Ensign
Class is full of wonderful and talented individuals who share friendship
and a common love for one of the world’s best day sailors.

In the past two years, much attention has been given to a rebuild effort of
boats, fleets and membership. There is a mild epidemic of deck and
rudder replacements underway in the Ensign Class, and our builder and
parts supplier, Ensign Spars, has supplied new decks and rudders to
several boats. Still emerging from Covid supply chain issues, Ensign
Spars continues to build the inventory of Ensign specific parts. The ECA
website forum is the best place to chat about maintenance and projects.
Off-the-water activities are present in almost every active fleet and
several articles on fleet building have been written and posted on the
ECA website. The membership outreach effort produced a noticeable
increase in membership, but a sustained communication effort would
make members feel more connected.

Where can we do better?

Rebuild efforts need to remain a focus, but more frequent publicity,
visibility and communications will create closer relationships and greater
possibilities for growth. A more consistent presence on social media, and
media in general, would keep Ensigns in the eyes of potential owners.
The camaraderie of the Ensign Class would attract new members and
owners, but outsiders need to be aware of it. Your friends should know
how much fun we have, so it’d be great if every fleet posted a brief
pictorial on the ECA Facebook and Instagram pages after every social,

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