Two events took place on 29.04.2022: The regular general meeting of The Bay Areas e.V. and the Lighthouse Swim Reception. This year, we were lucky that both events could be integrated into the CINEMARE Marine Film Festival and that we were able to (co-)use a great location - the Business Lounge of the Wunderino Arena. We were also very lucky that we were finally able to hold another members' meeting in person. We were delighted to meet around 40 members in person at the event.

The general meeting began with a brief review of the past year. The subsequent outlook on the planned projects and the direction for 2022 was combined with an appeal to the association members to become more actively involved. Anyone who has ideas for their own projects is always welcome to share them with us. Last but not least, the board elections were on the agenda: The board Axel Schulz (1st chairperson), Frank Bösenkötter (2nd chairperson) and Gerrit Mueller-Ruester (treasurer) were unanimously re-elected. We congratulate those elected and look forward to a great and productive time!

The general meeting was immediately followed by the Lighthouse Swim reception, to which sponsors of the event as well as partners and friends of The Bay Areas were invited. Accompanied by impressions of the trip, the organizing team of the Lighthouse Swim gave all guests a first-hand report of the Lighthouse Swim in San Francisco. Fortunately, all participants survived the "Escape from Alcatraz" in good shape. Finally, there was a preview of the next Lighthouse Swim Open Water Kiel, which will take place in July 2022.

The event concluded with snacks and drinks and the opportunity for extensive networking. Many members and guests stayed beyond this and did not miss the CINEMARE program "Heroes of the Seas" by and with York Hovest, which took place afterwards in the Business Lounge of the Wunderino Arena.