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BCA Governance & Leadership 2026

Call for Nominations

National Committee Officer Elections

"The BCA is powered entirely by passionate member volunteers. Step forward to help guide our beloved class, support our regional fleets, and steer the Buccaneer 18 into its next great chapter."

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Official BCA Notice

To All Buccaneer 18 Class Members

2026 Election Cycle

The BCA is guided by a team of dedicated volunteer leaders elected directly by our membership. Please consider stepping up to serve and ensure the continued growth, regatta quality, and camaraderie of our class!

The Association's affairs are directed by the National Committee, which consists of 7 positions. In 2026, the two-year terms for three elected positions are concluding. Full BCA members will elect three national officers through an online secret ballot this fall.

Positions Open for Election

Two-year terms beginning upon election (Fall 2026). Per the BCA Constitution, these officers steer national operations.

Position 01

Secretary / Treasurer

Constitutional Role: Section 3.G.1.c

  • Maintains accurate minutes of Committee and General Meetings.
  • Responsible for official member communications of Committee decisions.
  • Manages Association funds, dispatches authorized disbursements, and submits the annual financial statement.
Estimated commitment: 2–4 hours monthly.
Position 02

Publicity Chair

Constitutional Role: Section 3.G.1.d

  • Leads Class promotion, builder partnerships, sponsors, and vendors.
  • Distributes press releases and coordinates BCA-sanctioned event coverage.
  • Assists public digital and social communities (Facebook, YouTube, web) to attract and engage sailors.
Ideal for communicators, writers, or digital storytellers.
Position 03

Membership Chair

Constitutional Role: Section 3.G.1.e

  • Oversees membership records, status verification, and renewals.
  • Coordinates directly with regional fleet captains and representatives.
  • Maintains and preserves the historic BCA Boat and Owner Registry.
Critical connector for our fleets across North America.

Constitutional Election Schedule

In full compliance with BCA Constitution Section 3.D & 3.E, the 2026 nomination and election timeline unfolds as follows:

Nomination Window Opens

Commences two weeks prior to the first day of the North American Championship (BNAC). Member declarations open.

September 17, 2026

Nominations from the Floor at BNAC

Nominations and seconds may be made in person during the BCA Annual General Meeting held at BNAC.

October 1, 2026

Nomination Period Closes

Nominations formally close after five (5) weeks. Candidate statements, biographies, and required seconds are published on the BCA forum and member channels.

October 22, 2026

Two-Week Electronic Voting Window

Balloting opens one week after nominations close. All full voting members receive private electronic ballots. Newly elected officers begin their tenure immediately upon certification.

October 29 to November 12, 2026

Eligibility & Seconding

  • Self-Nominations: You are fully welcome and encouraged to nominate yourself!
  • Second Required: For a candidate to be placed on the official electronic ballot, the nomination must be seconded by a Full Member.
  • Good Standing: Per the Constitution, nominees and seconders must be current Full Members of the BCA.

Voting & Election Standards

  • Electronic Balloting: Conducted via authenticated, secret electronic ballot distributed directly to members.
  • Quorum & Decision: A minimum of 7 full member ballots validates the election. The candidate receiving the highest vote total for each seat is elected.
  • Campaign Statements: Candidates may provide a brief platform statement to be shared with all voting members.
Ready to Help Lead?

Have Questions or Want to Nominate?

"If you are curious or have an interest in volunteering to serve in one of these roles, please contact me. I am happy to answer any questions you have about what it takes to fill one of these positions. I can assure you it is not a huge time commitment, but we need volunteers to keep our class going! Help support the Buccaneer and get involved!"

Direct Email: jmnsailor@yahoo.com • Jeff Neurauter, BCA Commodore
Buccaneer 18 Class Association "Come for the boat, stay for the people." © 2026 Buccaneer Class Association
SMSA Small Boat Fall Invitational - Buccaneer 18 Class Association
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REGATTA ANNOUNCEMENT

SMSA Small Boat Fall Invitational

September 26th & 27th • Solomons, Maryland

"Tune up on BNAC championship waters the weekend prior to the big event! Get five Buccaneers on the line for our own dedicated One-Design start."

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Pre-BNAC Tune-Up Opportunity

Southern Maryland Sailing Association (SMSA) is hosting a Small Boat Fall Invitational on September 26th and 27th—the weekend immediately preceding the Buccaneer North American Championship (BNAC) in Solomons, MD.

This regatta provides an unbeatable opportunity to practice starting, gauge local wind shifts, and refine your boat tuning on the exact racecourse waters of the Patuxent River prior to BNAC.

5+

Dedicated B18 Class Start

If at least 5 Buccaneers register, SMSA will grant us our very own dedicated One-Design class start on the course!

One-Design Racing
⚓

On-Site Yard Storage

SMSA will do their best to make space for boats that sail in the Fall Invitational to remain in the yard through BNAC week—eliminating trailer haul hassle!

Hassle-Free Logistics
🏠

Housing & Host Help

Traveling in from out of town? If you need housing for the Invitational, BNAC, or the week in between, SMSA organizers are happy to help find a local host.

Sailing Community Hospitality
Buccaneer 18 Class Association • Official Web Page Content
"Come for the boat, stay for the people."
Sailboat Watermark
Regatta Announcement

2026 Macalpine-Downie Gibbs Regatta

Sunday, August 30, 2026 • Kenosha Yacht Club

"Join us on Lake Michigan for a premier single-day event with 3 to 4 races, great competition, and the traditional Buccaneer after-race party!"

Location
Kenosha Yacht Club

Lake Michigan (1/2 mi NE of Port of Kenosha)

Entry Fee
$20 / Boat

Includes Launching, Race Fees & After-Race Party

Race Committee
Jerry Ruffolo

PRO / Race Management Volunteer

Event Schedule (Sunday, Aug 30)

  • 08:30 - 09:30 Registration & Launching
  • 09:30 Skippers Meeting
  • 10:25 Race 1 Warning Gun
  • 15:00 No Race Starts After This Time
  • After Racing Hosted Party & Awards Presentation

Regatta Highlights

The 2026 MDG Regatta features a single-day format aimed at completing 3 to 4 races on Lake Michigan. The regatta is open to all Buccaneer 18 dinghies and governed by US Sailing RRS.

Perpetual Trophy: The top-finishing Buccaneer boat will be awarded the prestigious MacAlpine-Downie/Gibbs Cup.

🏴‍☠️ Plunder the Chesapeake: BNAC 2026 Registration is Now Open! 🏴‍☠️


BNAC 2026: Solomons Island, Maryland

Join the 55th Buccaneer 18 North American Championship in Solomons, MD. Early interest is surging—don't miss your chance to be part of the flee

Event Details

Where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay, Solomons blends coastal beauty with rich maritime history and a warm, welcoming community. Its riverwalk, waterfront views, and classic Chesapeake charm make it one of the Bucc Class's favorite venues.

Dates: October 1–4, 2026
Racing: Three days of racing on the Patuxent River, hosted by SMSA, between the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge and the river's mouth.


Don't wait—sign up today and take advantage of the early registration discount that ends at midnight on July 31st!!



REGISTER NOW!


More updates will be posted as they become available.

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Why I prefer the Buccaneer

Of all the boats I’ve sailed, the Buccaneer represents the best and most sensible design which is suitable for both day sailing and racing. While not a beginner’s boat, it is forgiving enough so that one quickly becomes comfortable with it. At the same time, it is a good enough performer so one doesn’t tire of it. 
Harry Sindle

The Buccaneer is fun and fast. This simple sloop is a blast to sail and easy to maintain. The Buccaneer Class is friendly and family oriented.

KEY FEATURES

  • Great Class for daysailing or competitive racing
  • Fast planing hull design
  • Sloop rig, roller furling jib
  • Integral spinnaker launch tube

Designed in 1966 by Rod Macalpine-Downie and Dick Gibbs, the Buccaneer incorporates classic elements that have made this racing dinghy a consistent performer for more than 50 years.

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US Sailing
The information available on this website, including text, part suppliers, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this website, is general in nature; it is not intended as naval engineering advice or a substitute for obtaining advice from a naval engineer. Buccaneer Class Association makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on, or available through, this website, or its suitability for any purpose, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this website with other sources, and review all information regarding any upgrade or repair with a certified shipwright or naval engineer.