FINAL COMMODORES NEWS

This last year has gone very quickly; starting in November 2023 representing and speaking on behalf of the club at the Windermere Motor Boat Club Annual Dinner.
Then seeing 2024 in at the club with fellow members was a fantastic evening, do make sure you book in for this years party before tickets sell out!
There is always something going on at the club through the winter months, whether it is a talk, demonstration, carvery, radio controlled yacht group, Friday evening menu or just being a nice place to have a drink and relax.
This year I was also very lucky to buy a half share in a Seventeen Foot Yacht – Liberty – No5, which was built for RWYC member Fred Tattersall by my good friend Ian Frith. She is a very beautiful yacht which I have been lucky enough to sail for nearly ten years now!
Sailing has been challenging on Windermere this year, with no wind, too much wind, wrong wind direction, too wet, bad visibility and sometimes even too hot! But despite all of this, most of the time there is no better place to be!
The highlights of the year for me personally have been; the 120th year celebration of the 17ft class race week, with a sail past, an evening function, fleet polo shirts, magazine articles, TV news, radio, short film and plenty of photographs!
Following my son Robert sailing his musto Skiff for the club and coming in 3rd in the Nationals at Filey – 1st Youth, 2nd in the Worlds at Weymouth – Youth World Champion and 2nd place in their Travellers Series.
Six club GP14s went to the World Championships in Pwllheli, and were either fully crewed or partly crewed by club members and won by Matt Mee with our very own member; Chris Robinson sailing the Goacher boat.
The 24 hour Southport race weekend was extra special and plans are already being made for next years race and the junior 12 hour race.
There is so much more that I could go on and on about, as its been a great year as your Commodore.
The club is an inviting place to come and sail, socialise, drink, eat and be merry.
My thanks go out to;
Our Stewardess Zoe and all of her helpers.
Race Officer Steve Bewsher and all of the volunteers that assist with racing; both on retriever or safety boats.
Instructor Rachel Astley for stepping in and providing much needed training this year, even I passed my PBL2!
ALL of the clubs Honorary officers and Committee members who donate their time, skills and efforts to help with the running of the club.
Also to anyone else that has helped behind the scenes to make things happen.

THANK YOU and Best Wishes