SAILING CAPTAIN’S CHAT
If you intend to race a dinghy this year you should obtain from me a Notice Of Race and complete and return the entry form attached thereto or your results may not stand. Regular racers will note that they have been scheduled for one race officer and one patrol duty (well some-one has to do it) so make sure that you have the appropriate familiarisation and training well beforehand. If you do not intend to use your dinghy please do not take up a valuable boat space. Please keep your dinghy park space tidy. Volunteers for race officer, like hens teeth, are in short supply and, since you are all members of a sailing club, this is a bit of a mystery. With the right training and practice (try sitting next to Nellie) this can be an interesting and satisfying experience. If you have already volunteered our grateful thanks and your name should already be on the Programme. If I have taken you for granted, have a slice of humble pie and please do it anyway.
Volunteers for safety boat duty please accept our grateful thanks. If you do not hold the appropriate certificate, training and guidance is available so please take the time to join us on the water. Please turn up not less than one hour before race time to ensure that your powerboat and equipment are in order and to have any buoys laid in plenty of time. The race officer may need you to inform him of wind direction too.
If any of the dates are inconvenient please try to arrange a swop with some-one else on the list, other-wise please let me know in plenty of time. Remember to return equipment such as VHF radios and wire cutters to the Club. Also please arrange for a crew to go with you, you should not be alone in a powerboat, or accept a crew that we nominate, not forgetting that a 12 year club member won the Honda/RYA RIB Competition last year and other young members will be wanting to have a go.
The Honda uses neat petrol, please do not refuel Mariner engines with it. Please read the label!
The main programme includes a number of events when we will need a lot of extra help. If you are not taking part please join our team of helpers remembering that I need to have my duty schedule ready well in advance. Volunteers on the day are welcome but most berths should be filled by then. However, we would like you to enter events if your boat is eligible, for example at last years Laser Traveller there were only two local entries. Have you counted the Lasers in our dinghy park?
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The Saturday Series, which was a new venture last year, proved to be popular with the sailors but was marred by the lack of willing volunteers. Can you do anything about that?
In particular please note:-
Sat 15th May Club Youth Racing
Circuit CYRC
Sun 16th May Topper Traveller
Sun 30th May Coppet Week to
Fri 4th June
Sat 17th July Solo Open/Laser Traveller
Sun 18th July
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Sun 15th August Laser 2000 Nationals to
Fri 20th August
Sat 28th August Regatta
Sun 29th August Caldey Race
SAIL TRAINING 2004
Starting on Saturday 10th April 2004 training will be concentrated on improvers to revise skills after the winter layover and hopefully lift everyone’s performance on the water. All improvers will be en-couraged to take part in racing as this gives opportunities for practice and building up experience. Powerboat training will also be available for safety boat crews and Honda/RYA RIB entrants.
Beginners will be introduced to the sport on 17th and 24th April when trainees will be able to decide which boat is best for them. If they wish to continue registration and formalities will be completed with a view to starting training in early June. All trainees will be encouraged to show interest in Club activities that is, safety boat crew, assisting race officers, boat maintenance bar and catering, though not all at the same time!
A full week of training, Monday to Friday, in Optimists and Toppers is planned for late July if there is enough interest. Mid week sessions may then be possible for the rest of the school holidays with the exception of Nationals Week when everyone is asked to help.
Malcolm Williams is now RYA Principal and Tina Osbourne is Sail Training Secretary. If you wish to take part as an improver or join in as a beginner you should let Tina know on 01834 812383. Helpers are also needed so let us know if you are available on Saturdays.
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