The Recreational Boating Committee held a well-attended meeting on October 18, 2001. Frank De Giulio produced his usual excellent newsletter, Boating Briefs, which we distributed at the committee and general meetings.

We noted that a working group is now in existence to recommend whether the MLA should take a position on amending the Inland Rules of the Road to ameliorate potential conflicts with the Sail Racing Rules, and, if so, what the position should be. Todd Lochner of Annapolis is heading the group and we hope to have a report by the Spring 2002 meeting.

The principal subject of our October meeting was a presentation by Lyn Kagey, an MLA member of BOAT/U.S., concerning the organization's activities. In addition to giving us general material about the organization, Lyn handed out a very interesting table of BOAT/U.S. salvage arbitrations, showing, inter alia, the vessel and value involved, type of service, award, and date for each case. She also gave us the BOAT/U.S. recommended Salvage Agreement and the Salvage Arbitration Plan booklet. In addition, G. Robert Toney of National Liquidators in Ft. Lauderdale prepared and sent us a description of four current salvage cases of which he was aware. We had a lively and interesting discussion of boat salvage, and should carry over the topic to the meeting next Spring.

Between meetings we are following the activities of the National Recreational Boating Safety Coalition. We have been distributing information from the Coalition, and from others, from time to time to members of the Committee via the wonders of e-mail.

Respectfully submitted,

Donald C. Greenman, Chair