Membership Information

Thank you for your interest in membership in the Friendship Sloop Society. We are a group of sloop owners and family members, trades people, and other interested parties who share a love of these historic and seaworthy vessels. We presently have 281 registered sloops, and count as good friends many members who don't own a Sloop of their own (even some who prefer just to look at boats and keep their feet on dry land).

The Society was founded in the early 1960s. Through the years our activities have grown in number. We hold several rendezvous / regattas along the New England coast each year, In Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine (see the "2008 Schedule of Events" page off the home page for a complete list of events and dates). We hold our annual meeting in the Portland, Maine, area a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving.  This is always a great time—we take care of the business end of things pertaining to the Society, trade stories, renew acquaintances, and start new friendships.

As an active member you are most welcome to participate in every one of our events and functions. During the races along the coast there are always skippers looking for additional crew, and no member is ever left on the dock.

July, 2008 was the fourteenth year we held our annual Homecoming Rendezvous (our major event) at the Rockland, ME, waterfront. We had three great days of gamming, racing, and weather (no fog!), and everyone headed home with many fond memories. Seventeen boats participated in 2008, including a few that had never come to the Homecoming event. We encourage everyone to sail to Rockland, even if they don't want to actively participate in the races. It is always a wonderful sight to see the Friendships rafted together at the dock in Rockland!

You'll find a copy of our membership application on the Web site. You can download and complete it, and mail it to me at the address below. If you have questions about the Society and its functions I will be happy to answer them for you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Penny Richards, Membership Chairman
15 Leland Road
North Reading, MA 01864