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What's new:
RYA Eastern Region Newsletter - March 2008
RYA Eastern Region Newsletter. Click on the link to download RYA March 2008
If you want your own copy emailed directly to you then contact Garth Cooper at garthword@btinternet.com
RYA Eastern Region Newsletter. Click on the link to download RYA January 2008
RYA Eastern Region Newsletter. Click on the link to download RYA September 2007
RYA Eastern Region Newsletter. Click on the link to download RYA June 2007
RYA Eastern Region Newsletter. Click on the link to download RYA March 2007
Previous details of 'What's New' are in the Archive Section
Commodore’s Report
As usual after our AGM in October, we have some changes to the Management and Sailing committees - their contact details are now on the Web Site. Thanks to all those who have taken on or continue with roles in helping the club for the benefit of all members - and particular thanks to Jack Ginn who stood down after sterling service as Commodore over the past two years.
Last year amply demonstrated the firm foundation of the club, especially the fantastic occasion of celebrating forty years of NH&EBSC last summer with over forty boats on the water. As ever, the future is not without its challenges - but exciting times beckon as well.
Mike Clarke continues to look after our interests and other water users as our representative on the 'shadow board', set up to review the potential development of the area surrounding the Blue Lagoon.
The sailing programme for next year has been ably worked out by Dave O'Shea and the sailing committee - I hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Club in 2005.
As the hardy racers continue to brave the weather, and the social sailors look to the warmer weather, it only remains to remind you all of the working parties that will take place on the four Sunday mornings in February and finally, to hope that you all had a Happy Christmas, and to wish a Happy New Year to all members and their families.
Neil Broughton - Commodore
Rear Commodore's Report
Following on from a busy and well attended programme through the Summer we have seen successful and well attended events throughout an Autumn season which has been generally warm and calm, but occasionally extremely windy. The weather has been particularly unkind to travellers and on at least two occasions boats and crews had to return early from far afield. Our Laser fleet visited Grafham but returned from 'silly' conditions in time to join the second race at the Blue Lagoon. Mike Clarke and his crew Rachel O'Shea travelled on a strong wind day to the Miracle Class Open but opted for discretion after the second of the three races. Rachel, being of light build, cannot block all the spray and some inevitably found its way onto Mike. Not put off by forecasts, or the actual weather, the Patience family travelled to the Sunsail Topper Nationwide event at Poole Yacht Club so that Rebecca could sail in force 7 conditions.
In September we ran the Topper Open and enjoyed a days racing with many visitors and a total of 50 visitors and 23 boats on the water in brisk conditions. The safety boat crews were kept busy keeping an eye on things but not needed much thanks to the really high standard of sailing. The one 'rescue' was to assist a visiting adult sailing instructor who found themselves faced with a 100 metres swim after being separated from their boat by the rigging of an overtaking boat. These events do take a great deal of effort and huge thanks are owed to the entire Patience family for organising it.
Our Laser fleet is reported to be stable, by which I understand that it has viable numbers rather than this meaning it to be always upright. There are 3 new boats in the fleet and have gained confirmation from UK Laser Sailing Association that we will run a Laser Open on 25 Sept 2005. This is a good opportunity for the club to make itself known and for our sailors to take on strong competition on our home ground.
There is a possibility that the Mirror Open will be linked with a training event promoted by the Class Association, subject to demand.
The Argonauts have enjoyed another successful year and will be taking a break now until the warmer weather returns in the spring. The Argonauts is the section focussing on development through training primarily (but not exclusively) for youth members. Anyone who is interested in joining this group should contact Neal Goddard who organises the Saturday morning training events.
At the AGM and Open Forum there were some interesting discussions on the state of clubhouse and boats, the security situation, and some ideas for helping members newer to sailing. In response to this, Jack Ginn and Peter McMeekin are planning a series of training sessions on Saturday afternoons. These sessions are aimed at introducing relative beginners, and non-racers, to racing. These lightly structured sessions will run on Saturday afternoons from 16th April until 14th May, and the intention is that these are at least as much fun as Friday evenings.
Looking forward a little further, we have the annual 24 hour race at Stevenage Fairlands Valley Park on the weekend of 21st May. This is a fun event and a great opportunity for club members of all abilities to sail for an hour or so and help keep our boat moving for an entire day.
This is the time of year at which we start planning the sailing programme. If you have any ideas or suggestions, or even would like to help, please speak to me or any member of the committee. We are responsible for ensuring a balanced sailing programme and welcome feedback and encouragement!
David O'Shea Rear Commodore
Events Reminder
Racing Records
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