Minutes of the Weekly Convocation of The Order of the Great Fifth Sea

Date: 14 August, 2025
Location: Rawley Chapter House, Map Room
Presiding: Alistar Corvus, Presiding Concordant and First Keeper of the Hollow Compass
Recorder: K.N. (Acting Clerk in the Absence of the Regular Clerk, Who is in the Field Studying Drift Patterns)

1. Call to Order

The Presiding Concordant struck the ceremonial brass ship’s bell at precisely 19:04 hours. Members were reminded to sign the attendance ledger in waterproof ink.

2. New Business

2.1. Attendance at the Algoma "Soar on the Shore" Kite Festival

• The Chair opened discussion on the invitation (informal) for the Order to attend the upcoming Algoma kite festival.

• Arguments For:

  • Public outreach opportunity.

  • Potential to showcase the recently restored Rokkaku ceremonial kite.

  • Chance to observe non-affiliated kite operators and assess wind harnessing techniques.

• Arguments Against:

  • Concern that festival atmosphere is “too whimsical” and would undermine the Order’s gravitas.

  • Fear that the general public would mistake ceremonial kites for recreational implements.

  • Several members objected to “sharing the sky” with inflatable cartoon animals.

  • B.M. recalled the “Kite Entanglement Incident” of 2019 and cautioned against repeating history.

• After prolonged debate (58 minutes), a motion to decline the invitation was tabled by S.P., seconded by M.H. Vote passed 8–4.

3. Old Business

3.1. Maintenance of Sea Kayaks

• K.N. reminded the assembly that the fleet of vintage sea kayaks requires quarterly inspection of hull integrity and brass fittings.

• Members were urged to remove sand from bilges after each use to prevent galvanic corrosion.

• Motion carried to allocate funds for replacement of two damaged canvas spray skirts.

3.2. Restoration of Mini Sub Little Concord

• A.C. reported on the current condition of Little Concord: hull sound, but periscope fogging persists.

• Proposal submitted by T.R. to commission a full restoration to ceremonial and operational readiness in time for the Autumnal Seiche Observance.

• Heated discussion ensued over the authenticity of replacing the original manual ballast controls with electric assist.

• Vote taken: Restoration approved 10–2, with the stipulation that “no modern polymers be visible from the exterior.”

4. Announcements

• Next week’s field exercise will be conducted at Neshota Beach; members to assemble at dawn in appropriate wading attire.

• The archives committee is soliciting volunteers to re-label the “Miscellaneous” drawer, as it now contains three unrelated sextants.

5. Adjournment

The meeting concluded at 21:12 hours with the traditional toast (non-alcoholic) to “Custodes Litoris. Memoria Maris.”

Attached Comments (As Entered in the Clerk’s Supplemental Notes)

• R.L.: “Declining the kite festival is a missed opportunity. Public engagement is how societies remain relevant beyond their own echo chamber.”

• S.P.: “Our mandate is observation and study, not competing for best-in-show with a giant airborne octopus.”

• B.M.: “My objection remains practical. The wind vectors at Algoma are erratic. Also, inflatable cartoon animals.”

• M.H.: “If the festival served smoked whitefish at the event tent, my vote would have been different. It did not.”

• T.R.: “I continue to maintain that the Rokkaku ceremonial kite could have won over the public. The missed chance is regrettable.”

• C.D.: “Frankly, our internal debates on wind etiquette are exhausting. We have the technology; we should fly it.”

• K.N.: “Suggest moving forward we avoid discussions involving festivals, carnivals, or parades, as these inevitably devolve into debates on propriety and textile modesty.”