THE ORDER OF THE GREAT FIFTH SEA

ANNUAL OPERATING PLAN – 2026

OFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES

(Prepared in accordance with Established Recording Practices)

Date: Winter Session, 2026
Time: 09:00 – 11:17 (extended due to discussion that “should have been brief”)
Location: Rawley Point Chapter House – Main Hall
Presiding Officer: Presiding Keeper
Recording Secretary: Appointed
Quorum: Confirmed¹

1. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 09:00.
Agenda reviewed and approved without amendment, despite visible hesitation.²

2. STRATEGIC RESEARCH & PUBLIC PRESENTATION

2.1 The Order confirmed its intent to present the Results of the Silent Circle Survey during the Spring Conference Circuit.

2.2 The Council acknowledged that a third-party production agency is currently preparing a documentary associated with said research, with anticipated release in Summer 2026.

2.3 Concerns were formally recorded regarding:

• Editorial framing
  
  

• Narrative compression
  
  

• Contextual accuracy
  
  

• The possibility of selective emphasis³
  
  

2.4 Specific concern was raised that the documentary could present the GLRC in a more favorable light than warranted by the data.

2.5 Action Item:
The Order will:

• Maintain parallel documentation
  
  

• Prepare corrective contextual materials
  
  

• Refrain from public comment until release, unless necessary⁴
  
  

3. FIELD OPERATIONS – GREAT LAKES SURVEYS

3.1 The Order approved the continuation of multiple Great Lakes shipwreck surveys during the 2026 operating year.

3.2 Surveys will support:

• Archival records
  
  

• Academic publication
  
  

• Internal verification processes
  
  

3.3 Scheduling will account for:

• Seasonal conditions
  
  

• Vessel readiness
  
  

• Personnel availability
  
  

• The lake’s temperament⁵
  
  

4. ACADEMIC OUTPUT

4.1 The Order anticipates publishing several peer-reviewed academic papers during the year.

4.2 Emphasis will remain on:

• Methodological rigor
  
  

• Regional accuracy
  
  

• Clear language without dilution
  
  

4.3 Members were reminded that accessibility does not require spectacle.⁶

5. MEMBERSHIP CONSIDERATIONS

5.1 The Council will consider the admission of one (1) new member, formerly affiliated with the GLRC.

5.2 No vote was taken.

5.3 The Council agreed that:

• Alignment must be demonstrated
  
  

• Discretion is mandatory
  
  

• Time is a tool, not a delay tactic⁷
  
  

6. FINANCIAL MATTERS & BUDGET OVERSIGHT

6.1 The Treasurer reported an increase in operating funds due to recent donations.

6.2 The Council reaffirmed its commitment to:

• Documented fund usage
  
  

• Process compliance
  
  

• Audit readiness
  
  

6.3 A preliminary proposal for an aircraft to support aerial survey operations was introduced.

6.4 The proposal was:

• Acknowledged
  
  

• Neither approved nor rejected
  
  

• Assigned for future structured review⁸
  
  

7. COMMUNITY & CONTINUITY EVENTS

7.1 The Order will host various potlucks and community gatherings throughout the year.

7.2 These events were classified as:

• Continuity functions
  
  

• Non-strategic
  
  

• Morale-adjacent
  
  

7.3 No budget overruns are anticipated, assuming compliance with established contribution norms.⁹

8. VESSEL OPERATIONS

8.1 The Concord will return to major service status following scheduled maintenance.

8.2 Multiple coastal study missions are planned, subject to:

• Weather
  
  

• Staffing
  
  

• Mechanical compliance
  
  

9. GOVERNANCE & ADMINISTRATION

9.1 Routine inspections, audits, and standing meetings will continue throughout the year.

9.2 The Council reaffirmed that:

• Consistency ensures credibility
  
  

• Documentation prevents reinterpretation
  
  

• Meetings will continue regardless¹⁰
  
  

10. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 11:17.

No motions remained unresolved.
Several tensions did.
All were duly recorded.

FOOTNOTES

¹ Quorum confirmed after recounting, recounting again, and confirming no one had “stepped out briefly.”
² Silence was interpreted as assent, per longstanding tradition.
³ “Selective emphasis” was not defined, but everyone understood exactly what was meant.
⁴ The phrase “unless necessary” generated nods and no follow-up questions.
⁵ This language was objected to, then allowed to stand.
⁶ This reminder was directed at no one in particular and everyone at once.
⁷ Several members stared at the table during this discussion.
⁸ Multiple members wrote “AIRCRAFT???” in their notes.
⁹ Side dishes remain exempt from reimbursement.
¹⁰ This statement passed unanimously and without joy.