CUSTOMS OF THE DICKERSON OWNERS' ASSOCIATION
MEMBERSHIP
All owners of boats built by Dickerson Boat Builders are eligible to be members of the Dickerson Owners' Association. Former owners are encouraged to maintain contact with the Association by joining the Association as Associate Members.
PUBLICATIONS
Newsletters - The Association publishes a newsletter approximately three or four times during the year.
Directory - The Association publishes a listing of all boats built by Dickerson.
DUES
Dues are established by the members and are used to pay for the owners, directory, the newsletters, trophies, and general expenses of the Association. Membership is $35 per year for Dickerson Owners and Associate Membership of $25 per year for former owners and other interested parties. You may download a current application here.
OFFICERS
Commodore - The owner of the yacht winning the Dickerson Trophy is the Commodore of the organization for the year following the race.
Secretary - The Commodore or his/her designee serves as Secretary and is responsible for the Association's newsletter and directory.
Treasurer - Officer is elected by the Association and is responsible for providing an annual accounting of the Association funds.
EVENTS
Annual Rendezvous - The rendezvous is traditionally held in June and is the responsibility of the Commodore. While events at the rendezvous are the discretion of the Commodore, the rendezvous must include a race for the Dickerson Trophy followed by a socialaffair at which time the new Commodore is installed and trophies for the annual race are awarded. A cocktail party is traditionally held the evening before the race.
The Race - The conduct of the annual race and the selection of the race course are the responsibilities of the Commodore. CBYRU racing rules apply and only working sails and genoa are permitted. Specific written instructions are distributed to those participating in the race at the cocktail party on the eve of the race.
The Dickerson Trophy - The Dickerson Trophy is awarded to the overall winner of the Race. Corrected times are based on a handicapping system designed to provide any size boat built by Dickerson an equal opportunity to win the race. The current system was devised by George Hazen, the designer of the Dickerson 37. The owner yacht awarded the trophy is not eligible to compete officially for the Dickerson or Class Trophy while holding the position of Commodore.
Class Trophies - Boats that have been raced for the Dickerson Trophy have traditionally been placed in four classes: hard chine; 35, 36 and 37 ketches; 36 and 37 sloops and cutters; and 40/41 ketches.
The number of trophies awarded in each class traditionally is as follows: 1 to 3 entries: lst place only; 4 to 7 entries: lst and 2nd places; 8 or more entries: lst, 2nd and 3rd places. A last to finish trophy is also awarded.
Entering the race implies the willingness to accept the position of Commodore should that honor be awarded. Dues must be paid prior to entering the race.
The Cruise - Following the annual rendezvous, members and friends traditionally gather for a cruise.
Labor Day Cruise - The Commodore or his/her designee traditionally organizes a labor day cruise and announces the starting point and/or other information in the summer newsletter.
Other Events - The Commodore may organize other events during the year.
BURGEE
The Dickerson burgee, a blue pennant with a white A circumscribed by D, is available from the Association for a minimal charge.