September 2022 Commodore’s Newsletter
Dear Members,
The funeral of our Vice Commodore, Chris Ducker, took place at Beetham Crematorium on Thursday, 25th August, 2022. The funeral was most memorable and a good “send off” for Chris. Chris will be sorely missed at the Club.
As in July, August proved to be another mixed month with ever changing weather. Frequently, there was not enough wind, with the following weekend having too much wind. However, those who sailed on the good days, had some excellent racing. On a number of evenings, racing was held within the Bay with some exciting courses laid out by Steve Bewsher, our Race Officer. The 17 Ft Fleet, has had some very close racing, with boats finishing within seconds of each other, rather than minutes. August finished with the Bank Holiday Weekend and the start of the 17 Ft Race Week. The weekend was very successful, although, we lost Sunday, due to lack of wind. Monday saw some great sailing with a good turn out. Zoe produced an impromptu BBQ, which completed the Bank Holiday Weekend.
Our thanks this month, go to our Safety Boat Crews, in particular, Richard Jennings, Marcus Knaggs, and John and Sue Summerfield. Although John and Sue don’t race, they fulfil their duties above and beyond what might be expected and are regulars on Friday nights, in the Clubhouse during the Summer. The Club is run by volunteers and needs Members to help out doing Safety Boat Duties. If you have not already done a duty and think you could help, please look at the Duty Roster and if you are able to help, please volunteer.
Training:
Our activity weeks have gone well this Summer. Matthew Daly and his team have worked hard to provide great water sports activities. The Youth Sailing Club starts again and runs on into the Autumn. Our thanks also go to Zoe Broughton who keeps the “training on the road”, fielding difficult questions and solving puzzles which the Training Programme often “throws up”. At this point, I would like to remind Members that the Commodore’s Day is on the 11th September 2022 and all those who have been training this year, and their families, are welcome to enjoy a Hog Roast. You must contact Zoe for details and book in. Don’t forget, that RWYC clothing is available through the Club Website at Coniston Clothing.
Sailing:
Three of our GP Fleet competed at the GP 14 World Championships, held at Skerries Sailing Club which is located twenty miles north east of Dublin. The event which has been delayed for two years, due to COVID, saw 104 boats competing over five days, in a mixture of sailing conditions, including, 18 knots on the Final Day. Robert Richardson and Steven Wilson finished in sixth place overall and received World Sailing Youth Championship Gold Medals as the Highest Placed Youth Team. Robert (aged 21) and Steven (aged 22), both learned to sail on Lake Windermere as Juniors. They had previously competed at various National Events and in the six counting races, had five top ten finishes. Our congratulations go to Robert and Steven. Harry Frith and John Richardson finished seventh in the Silver Fleet and our Veteran Sailors, Richard Thompson and Simon McVey, finished twelfth in the Silver Fleet.
The Flying Fifteens held their European Championships at Cowes from the 21st to the 25th August 2022. Nigel and Gavin Tullett represented the RWYC and, in an event with over seventy entries, finished a very creditable twentieth and in particular, came second in one race.
September Calendar:
10th September Flying Fifteen Dinner.
11th September Commodore’s Day – Hog Roast and Water Challenges.
Please, as usual, book in with Zoe, for both events.
15th September Annual Golf Match between R.W.Y.C. and Windermere Golf Club. The
first Tee is booked from 12.30 pm. The format is: Match Play with Teams of 14 Players,
8 Gentlemen and 6 Ladies playing in pairs and this year we shall be enjoying an Evening
Meal at the Golf Club. 2021 was unusual in that, R.W.Y.C. won for the first time in many
years. This is a friendly event played on a spectacular Golf Course with views over the
Lakeland Fells.
Any Member interested in taking part, please contact [email protected]
25th September, Solo Open Meeting.
1st April 2023, First Social Event of the Season. Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band.
Save the date.
An Early Warning to those with Trophies:
Trophies need returning to the Clubhouse of the RWYC before 10th of October 2022.
Commodore’s Day:
This will be held on Sunday, 11th September at the Royal Windermere Yacht Club, a Family Day with a free Hog Roast for All. To help us in the planning, you will need to book during August, or early September – either On Line with Zoe (as usual) or on the List which will be on the Club Notice Board.
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.)