Business as usual

IT was a testimony to the efforts made by members and foreign guests in uncertain times that over three-hundred delegates attended the USMLA biennial fall conference at Coronado, California, just over one month after the events of September 11, 2001. While some would say it was not an easy decision to proceed, Bill Dorsey, USMLA president, used a theme from Charles Dickens in his opening speech entitled "the worst of times, the best of times." His belief, supported by those present, was, "Whilst we are shaken by this tragedy, our best response to terrorists is not to be cowed by their actions."

While no USMLA member was killed on September 11, many non-shipping colleagues, friends and family, including three members of the Association of Average Adjusters, died that day. One of Haight Gardner's litigation partners, Glenn Winuk, immediately volunteered to help with the rescue operation at the WTC and lost his life. He was a volunteer fireman, trained and experienced in rescue operations, and participated in rescue efforts after the 1993 bombing of the WTC.

It was against this sobering backdrop that delegates came together for the USMLA fall meeting. Bonds of friendship, respect and support were the norm, despite the fact that many members are competitors in a difficult market. The ability to rise above this is one of the hallmarks, and strengths, of the USMLA.

The Hotel del Coronado was the magnificent setting for the conference. Delegates, their spouses and families gathered at the historic hotel, reputedly the oldest in America and famous as the location for the movie Some Like it Hot.

While September 11 was never far beneath the surface of the conversation, it was business as usual at the conference. Delegates had flown in - some had also driven long distances - from all parts of the US, as well as from Canada, Mexico, Tokyo, China, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, France and the UK. The official proceedings began after a short Service of Commemoration and Remembrance, led by president Bill Dorsey and assisted by Winston Rice, for the Attack on America. To close, all members were led by Bette Marks Cohen, wife of Michael, in singing God Bless America.

USMLA is always a great cocktail of social and business events, and this one was no different. The week began on Tuesday October 16 with the usual tournaments: fishing (won by Winston Rice), golf (John Courden took the Donald O' May cup), and sailing (Dwight Le Blanc and Kirsten Webber swept ahead of everyone else). The winner of the fun run was Josh Force, but at least three past-presidents walked across the finish line.

October 17 and 18 saw the full range of committees meeting, plus a panel discussion on marine insurance, led by David Taylor, Jean Knudsen, Derek Luxford and Stephen Martin.

Cocktails were enjoyed outside on Tuesday and Thursday evening, albeit in the dark. Ever- at-the-ready Bill Dorsey carried his own torch in case he was not recognised amid the canapes and conversation. The highlight was the big plunge on Wednesday evening to see Shamu the killer whale at SeaWorld in San Diego. Delegates boarded buses, leaving the island of Coronado for a spectacular show followed by fireworks and the need to get dry if "splash" seats had been chosen. Neither was it just the children who headed for the big splash (see photo of Peter McLauchlan and Bertrand Courtois).

USMLA 2001 officially ended with the general meeting on Friday morning. The business over with, the black-tie gala dinner in the magnificent ballroom at the Del was an appropriate end to what had been a meaningful and memorable meeting for us all.