Commodore’s November Newsletter
Dear Members 1st November 2023
As I come to the end of my position as Commodore of the Royal Windermere Yacht Club, I can reflect on two amazing years. No Commodore, will be able to say that during their time, as Commodore, they were able to mourn the death of a much loved Queen and the Coronation of a new King.
Sailing is a sport that ticks all the boxes for families who wish to partake in a similar sport, which caters for all ages. The Royal Windermere Yacht Club is very fortunate to have such a wonderful Lake to sail on, although, with its challenging winds, one is never sure who will win until you have crossed the Finishing Line. For myself, I have always preferred Class Racing, which provides close racing and great sport on the water. However, in the case of a Handicap Fleet, the Result is never confirmed until the handicaps are worked out, at which point “Like the Tortoise and the Hare”, the last can be first and the first can be last. But on a steady wind, on a sunny day, with wonderful views, you could be anywhere in the world and the sailing is glorious.”
As this is my last monthly letter as Commodore, I would like to thank all of those who assist in the running of the RWYC. These include past and current Honorary Officers, Flag Officers, all of whom, give up much of their time. Others to thank are Fleet Captains and Secretaries and our Race Officer and his Assistants who always have the “happy knack” of being able to finish a race before the wind disappears. We could not go racing without our Safety Boat Crews, Please continue to volunteer for as many duties as you are able to do.
At this point, I must mention our Training Team. Training is an important part of the Club and must be encouraged, especially for young people. We are still running Power Boat Courses, until the end of November. Contact Zoe Broughton for information. Without the Volunteers, who support our Adult Squad, it would not be possible to have Sunday Mornings’ Sailing. A big thank you to Penny, who, in her own unique way, has supported me and made her mark on the Club. I’m sure she will continue to maintain the records of Trophy Winners, which she has been doing since 2011. If I have forgotten anybody else, thank you everybody, who volunteers and helps. Finally, many thanks to Zoe Broughton and her Team who, both in front and behind the scenes, makes the Honorary and Flag Officers’ jobs, a lot easier than they otherwise would be.
Trophies: For the Annual RWYC Prize Giving Dinner on Saturday November 11th 2023, if you have not yet brought your trophies, which you won in 2022, please bring them back to the Clubhouse now.
The Club is now on Winter Hours, 1st October 2023 – 31st March 2024.
The Club is open daily. The Bar is open as follows:
Friday Evenings 5 pm to 11 pm; Saturday 11.30 am to 9 pm; Sunday Noon to 8 pm.
The Bar can close up to one hour earlier than the published times (as above) if no Members are drinking. All Opening Hours can be found on the Club’s Website.
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2023 – SAILING AND SOCIAL CALENDAR:
If you wish to attend any of the following events, you must book in with Zoe, or, put your name on the List which is on the Club Noticeboard, WHETHER YOU ARE DINING OR NOT. Our Social Committee works hard to provide these Winter Functions, please support them.
There are four more Racing Sundays, before the RWYC finishes its Sailing Programme. However, there is an R/C Model Boat Group sailing at weekends. If you are interested, details may be found on Whatsapp RWYC R/C boat group, or contact John Richardson who will be your new Commodore.
November
Saturday 11th November – RWYC Annual Prize Giving Dinner
Thursday 25th November @ 7.30 pm – Talk by Ted Parker about the River Tees.
December
Friday 22nd Dec. 2021 – Members Traditional Canape Evening
Tuesday 26th Dec. 2023 – Boxing Day Carvery (Lunchtime)
Sunday 31st Dec. 2023 @ 6.30 pm – New Year’s Eve Dinner.
Penny and myself are looking forward to seeing you at the Royal Windermere Yacht Club.
With Best Wishes Nick Aubrey (Commodore, R.W.Y.C.)