Social Start of Season

There was a good turnout of over 30 sailors in the club for a start of season sailing review last Friday. Dinghy captain Keith Jones presented the aims and plans for the season covering training, safety, etc. Specific events of Coppet Week and Bart's Bash were then discussed and met with approval. Keith had kindly provided nibbles for everyone and free drinks for the junior members. Thanks also to Wendy and Paddy who ran the bar.

Whilst this was a departure from the traditional Fitting Out Supper, the evening proved successful and popular.

Club Swimming

Well - the first race of the year arrived and we could not have had any more testing conditions than we were confronted with on arrival last Sunday. The forecast was force 5, gusting 6 to 7 and heavy rain. All present can confirm that this was correct except they missed off the mist and fog bit!

Keith Jones had nobly assumed the role of Race Officer Captain Oates and went out onto the course at 9 am and decided it was ok to start. The fleet set up all their highly tuned machines comprising Mark Tissiman with new member Jo Musson in the Fireball (yes he went over), Hywel in his Topper (yes he went over), Mick in his Laser (he did everything except go over) and Peter Bower and James Hayden in the Osprey (yes they were working on a new submarine tactic too!). All got to the line and it was then decided the big gusts coming in were just too strong and the race was abandoned.

However, there was a very good social post mortem dry-out session afterwards in the club with some welcome hot tea when the enthusiasts talked over the good and the bad and it was great to see people using the club as it should be after a race (even though there hadn't been an actual race)!

Many thanks to Graham for making sure the rescue boats were ready along with all the other stuff he does that we don't know about, also to Pete Ordway, Tom Eyre and Rhys who were all getting stuck into the job of rescue.

Next Sunday will hopefully provide better conditions with two races starting at 4.30 pm.

Coppet Week

Dinghy sailors are reminded that the lower rate for Coppet Week entry closes on April 30, so get your applications in soon.

Lady Member Facilities

Lady members will be delighted at the improvements in the changing room with new vanity units and plumbing. A big thank you to Andrew Humphries for all his skill and hard work, which is continuing with attention to the front doors and other jobs around the clubhouse.

Working party

Volunteers are requested for help with decorating the gents changing rooms, painting the external doors and oiling the hardwood decking and handrails.

Child Protection

Alison Roberts has kindly agreed in principal to take on the position of Child Protection Officer to cover the club's responsibilities for training. Thank you Alison.

Harbour Matters

A hydrology student is currently examining and advising SHC on sluicing in the harbour with the hope of improving further on the reduced sand build up following earlier work. Mooring chains have also been inspected and maintained and security barriers employed to prevent unauthorised usage of the slipway. A new gate has been installed on the steps below the race officers box on the end of the far wall to discourage people from jumping off the harbour wall.

Skipper's Mate