Commodore’s July Newsletter

Dear Members, 

     We are already half way through the Sailing Season, May and all of June, has seen nearly “wall to wall sunshine” for five weeks.  We have had a great start to the Season, lots of sun, some interesting winds from the East, which always provides challenging sailing conditions for the Race Officer, Safety Boats  and for those racing. We are looking forward to the rest of the Season, with longer days and hopefully some good Southerly steady winds and, I am sure, Windermere will still provide challenging racing. The Club is fortunate to have a good location and a full dinghy park which immediately impresses visitors.  Unfortunately, the Dinghy Fleet is struggling to get good turnouts on Mondays and Thursdays.  It would be nice if a few more boats could turn out to join the racing.  By the flag pole and tractor shed, you will have seen all our new marks (thirty-two of them). Steve Bewsher has already replaced the four missing marks.  The remaining marks, will be replaced as soon a possible. 

 

SAFETY/LIFE JACKETS

     This is a reminder to all Members, that, Life Jackets must be worn at all times when on the water and when on Club Jetties.

 

Training: 

     A lot has taken place during June.  The first block of Youth Sailing Club lessons has been completed and been enjoyed by everybody who attended, although the wind being from the East, was not always consistent.  Contact Zoe for more information on Youth Sailing Club and the Sailing Activity Weeks which commence end of July.   Matthew continues to be kept busy with all of the above, but we are concentrating also on Power Boat Courses and Refresher Courses.  This gives volunteers more confidence when helping.  This is a good way for new Members to get involved with the Club.  Contact Zoe if you wish to book a course.

 

Duty Roster for Safety Boat and Assistant Race Officer: 

     Please keep checking the Duty Roster and Volunteering whenever you are able to help. 

 

Sailing:

      Seventeen Foot Class – June saw some varied winds, mainly from the East. The first Race Week saw a great turn out.   The Class was trialling a four day race weekend, over the Bank Holiday Weekend, with three races to count, allowing for one discard.  All those who competed enjoyed the new format. The remainder of June saw the same close racing as Race Week.  This Season, our turn outs’ continue to be generally in double figures, with the racing getting closer than ever.

     Cruisers – We have had some good close racing, although, it would be good if there are a few more Cruisers racing.    

     Flying Fifteens – The Class is having a good season with some good turn outs on Thursdays and Saturdays, but it is always Sundays when they have their biggest Fleet. 

     Dinghies – As I have said in my first paragraph, we need to see more boats  coming to the Start Line.  Turnouts of five or six boats, is very disappointing for the Race Officer and his Assistants. 

 

July Calendar:

   Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July 2023 – Cruiser Interclub Championships 2 will be hosted by the Royal Windermere Yacht Club. 

Saturday 15th July 2023 – RNLI Race and BBQ.  Book in with Zoe whether or not you are sailing.    Please support this event.

Monday 24th July – Wednesday 26th July 2023 is the second 17ft Race Week.

Future events not to be missed:

   Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August – All Fleets – Second Pennant Weekend. 

We had a great time on the first weekend.  I am sure Riggy has something special planned for this Second Pennant Weekend.

   Saturday 2nd September, Commodore’s Day.  Everybody is welcome.  Look out for further news.

Hog Roast; Ice Cream; Fun on the water.  This will be a special event. 

 

The Belle Isle Challenge:

    

      Nigel Rider, is reminding us, that July is the Start of the Belle Isle Challenge Season.

One lap of Belle Isle, starting and finishing at the nearest white buoy to the RWYC jetties.

Total distance of 2.10 miles.

Choose your own day, direction round and method:  Anything not motorised, therefore, sailing, paddleboard, kayak, canoe, rowing boat, swimming, etc.

Record your time in the book (honesty system!) which is attached to the outside noticeboard next to the Clubhouse entrance.

Enter as often as you like, to improve your time or try different methods.

At the end of the Season, we’ll announce the person with the best time in each category, and decide the Overall Winner!

 

This is a busy stretch of water so please:

  • Avoid getting in people’s way and
  • Take sensible precautions (e.g. swimmers could have a kayak escort).

 

All Club boats, including paddleboards, are available for use, THEY MUST be booked out with Zoe after the relevant forms have been completed.  Please make sure you read the policy which is on the noticeboard before hiring any equipment.

 

 

New Members

     We are looking forward to welcoming you at the Club at any time.  Friday nights and weekends are when you are most likely to meet other Members; Officers of the RWYC and Class Captains. 

 

Access to the RWYC Clubhouse and Social Events.         

     Please see the Club Website for details and/or on the Club Noticeboard, inside the Clubhouse.  In all cases, please contact Zoe to book and confirm attendance.

 

     Penny and myself are looking forward to seeing you at the RWYC. We are generally around on

Friday evenings throughout the year and Saturdays’ during the Sailing Season. 

 

     With Best Wishes,

    

     Nick Aubrey  (Commodore, RWYC)