The success and usefulness of a space such as the Hatteras Owners Forum depends directly on the civility of the people posting on it.

This is a very difficult time for all of us. In particular, for boaters, it's the time of the year when we look forward to getting our boats back in the water, getting to work on them (virtually all the people on this forum work a lot on their own boats, many with considerable expertise), and getting out for trips on their boats. For most if not all of us, the current pandemic and the changes it forces on our lives are particularly unwelcome as it keeps us off the water. In some cases and places it keeps us off our boats altogether.

Some of us make our livings on the water, or in activities related to boating. Those folks are also hit hard; in addition to being deprived of the use of their own boats, their livelihood is imperiled, or reduced, or both. This is not at all welcome, needless to say.

It's a stressful and hard time for all of us. All of us suffer the impact of the current medical crisis. And many of us are older, or have chronic medical conditions which put us at risk of becoming very ill or dying if we become infected with the coronavirus. In my emergency medicine work, we are already seeing cases of it, and the frequency of them is rising quickly.

It's particularly important that at this time, this virtual meeting place and space for boaters of all kinds, not just the owners of Hatteras yachts, is welcoming, civil, and helpful. Keep in mind that some of us will be doing our own work on our boats because marine service companies may not be permitted to operate during a general shutdown. It's likely that people will be asking forum members for help. It's up to us to provide help to them, if we choose to, in a constructive and civil way. I do not want to see any member or guest ridiculed or flamed for asking questions or asking for help. That kind of behavior will not be tolerated here.

There is a huge amount of accumulated experience and knowledge here on the forum. That is evident from the fact that the owners of other kinds of vessels come here for help, for fellowship, and for companionship. I'm asking all of you to make everyone feel welcome here, and to make this forum as positive as you can. Everyone here has a part to play in this. Make the lives of our members and guests better for visiting here, please.