Burns Lunch

Tickets are still available at £5 per head which represents amazing value for the traditional meal to be provided. Timing is 12.30 for 1 pm on Sunday - yes, that is indeed the day after tomorrow (hopefully the climate will not be as extreme as previously publicised!). Please contact May on (01834) 813595.

First Aid

The first aid course on Saturday, February 21, is now fully booked. If you are still interested in first aid training, please give Trevor a call on (01834) 811235 so that future courses can be planned.

Club Opening

Just a reminder that the club is open for the rest of the winter season every Friday and Saturday night from 6 pm and on Sundays from 12 noon to 2 pm. Please do use this facility and the good value food and bar service provided. We must not let Graham get out of practice!

Live Rugby

The first match is on Saturday, February 7, with England v Italy at 3 pm, followed by Ireland v France at 5 pm. Lunch is available beforehand from 12 noon and the bar will be open throughout.

Valentine's Day Lunch

12.30 for 1 pm on Sunday, February 15. Bookings please to May on (01834) 813595.

2009 Dinghy Programme

The season's dinghy programme is now on the club's website - http://www.saundersfootsailingclub.org.uk">www.saundersfootsailingclub.org.uk and will be emailed to all members who are on our mailing list (another advantage of registering e-contact with the club).

Our sailing captain, Tina, has again produced an excellent and full programme of sailing opportunities. There are a total of 34 in-season Sunday races divided into the usual three series - warm-up, mid-season and late season, with a further Frostbite series of 10 races for the cold blooded enthusiasts. The extremists could of course finish winter sailing with the Boxing Day Swim!

There are also three races on Easter, spring and summer Monday Bank Holidays. These will not attract points for the Sunday series', but will allow visitors and locals to participate and enjoy some fun racing and hopefully encourage trainees of intermediate level and above to 'have-a-go' at racing without being dropped straight into the 'Gold Fleet'.

There is also a new award this year for the most deserving junior trainee racer.

This is in addition to the incredible wealth of silverware just waiting to be won again this season.

Dinghy Parking

Sadly, an inflatable has disappeared from our compound in the last week and while this is a very rare occurrence, members are reminded that it is prudent to secure tenders to prevent theft.

A gentle, but firm reminder is also needed that dinghy parking is provided for the benefit of sailing members, i.e. for craft which are used during the season.

As we do not have unlimited space, members will not be permitted to store boats in this area if they are not actually used.

If you are unable to sail in the foreseeable future and have a problem over storage, the club is likely to be able to advise you on alternative space, so please contact Graham as bosun on 01994 448346 or Paul as commodore on (01834) 814145.

Nautical Nips -

Club Members

Following the earlier report on clocks, longitude and navigation, I have learnt some fascinating relevant history of current club members.

The Dancer family, who must be known to most club members, come from a long line in the village of Aynho in North Oxford to which, as a nipper, Nigel remembers being taken, and picking the local apricots that grew on the cottage walls from where the family originated and see the church where the family details were recorded (curiously for maritime connections, this must be one of the most distant points from the sea in the British Isles!).

A direct ancestor was William Peckover, who sailed all three adventures with Captain  James Cook in his world circumnavigations. He ended up as Master Gunner on the first two trips and Assistant Botanist to Joseph Banks on the third trip. After the third trip, he joined the Bounty - yes, of 'Mutiny On The ...' fame.

Nigel emphasises that his ancestor was definitely one of the good guys, being one of the first officers to be put in the hold and taking Blyth's side in the Wayfarer-like longboat in which they were cast adrift.

It is reported that he secreted about his person the chronometer that allowed them to survive and successfully head in the direction of Australia and also produce accurate charts of the islands discovered during the long trip back to land. The watch is now on display in Melbourne.

William Peckover was probably Ben's great-great-greatgrandfather, which may explain why he is quite handy in an open dinghy (perhaps best not challenge him with a cutlass though!).

If any other club members have similarly fascinating revelations that you feel you can reveal, please let Skipper's Mate know. Anonymity can be guaranteed.

Skipper's Mate