Dear Fellow Chaserman,

I am proud to tell you we raised over $130,000 to re-power the Chaser. We replaced both main engines and generators. The bulk of the work was provided by the crew and officers. The estimated value of the completed project was over $1M.

This has been a great achievement. It provided hands-on work experience requiring a strong work ethic from our youth. The job was completed on time and on budget. It provided a 7:1 return on the money invested. We now have a sea worthy vessel ready to support our heavy cruise schedule including the annual summer cruise.

We are very proud of the job done by all. This would not have been possible without your support - thank you! Be sure to visit www.ssschaser.com to view photographs from the project.

Ship 90 is unique in our dedication to offshore cruising. However, this cruising is limited by our ability to obtain fuel. The usual sources that we had in the past are gone (the Navy), so all of our fuel has to be bought. Over the last two years the increased cost of fuel in California has exceeded our ability to raise funds.

You have been very generous in responding to the Chaser’s needs. Again we thank you. However, additional fuel money is needed for cruising this summer and fall. We have set a second fund raising goal of $30,000 for this year. This will purchase approximately 10,000 gallons of fuel. This will last us an active cruise year.

To help carry this load we are also asking for your help in locating other Chaser alumni. With our last fund raiser, over 50% of alumni we could reach donated money. Please help us find others. We can use even a small amount of information and the internet to locate long misplaced shipmates. If you know someone not on our list please help by sending information to lostcrew@ssschaser.com

All contributions are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. We have included a tax form with this letter. Please also don’t forget the information on lost crew sightings. Thank you in advance for your continued support. We look forward to taking Chaser off shore under reliable power including the planned summer cruise.

Fair Winds and Following Seas.

Carl F. Shelhorn, Skipper

Encl.