Commodore’s October Newsletter
Firstly, I must apologise for this letter being late, I have been so busy lately with lots going on.
Following on from my last newsletter we went to Southport for the 24hour race! The club had a fantastic team of people both young and old, seasoned, hardened GP14 sailors and some who had never sailed a GP14 before. It’s hard to mention all the people that went above and beyond to make it such a great weekend as it was a great team event, but Simon McVey was a superb team manager sorting out the sailing rota, making sure that everyone who wanted to sail got on the water and we all know that it is Paula and Judith who keep Simon focused! Richard Jennings volunteered to help with safety there, enjoying driving a rib in the dark. Elliot Higgins and Lillian Ainscough teamed up for one stint, their first tack sailing a GP14 was a crash tack whilst leaving the changeover area avoiding a starboard Enterprise. Later we learnt that we had been protested! Neither sailor had been in a protest before and were slightly nervous, after listening to the protester Lillian revealed that she had a GoPro camera running and filmed the whole incident with sound! Tack was completed in time, no hail from the Enterprise either for starboard or protest! Which resulted in the protest being quickly thrown out. Simon later sailed with Lillian very aware all his comments and advice to other sailors was being recorded, I could go on with many more great stories, as we ALL had a great time and are already planning for next year.
On the same weekend the Flying Fifteens and Cruiser Classes had a joint dinner at the club and reading the comments on their social media chat groups it was a very succesful evening.
At the Dinghy owners meeting Peter Frith was elected to be the Dinghy class captain. Him being a keen Solo sailor, the dinghy fleet will be in good hands.
The following weekend was the last 17’race for 2024 on Saturday, then Sunday being the last counting races for the Dinghies. Also on Sunday morning there was a presentation for plans to develop and improve the terrace at the front of the clubhouse. this project has the club divided a bit like Brexit !
One level? two levels? covered? And now a moveable terrace on hydrolics has been thrown in the mix!! David Heron and Nigel Tullett did a very good presentation winning some, but not all of the room and I am sure if you could not attend, they will talk you through the plans.
The club now goes into winter hours with racing only on Sundays, except for Saturday 19th October which will be the GP14 Northern Bell open meeting, being held at the club.
With sailing slowing down with the onset of winter, the clubs Social Programme is picking up;
Dates for your diaries are;
26th October – Laying up Jacob join supper and Folk band
14th November – Talk by Edward Astle on people of the Himalayas
14th November – The clubs Annual Prize Giving dinner, which sold out within 5 days.
However you plan to spend your winter season, we hope to still see you around the club.
Best wishes
John Richardson
RWYC Commodore