In the early hours of New Year’s day, our membership system, WebCollect, auto generated renewals and emailed members the categories that are being renewed, and the method of collection.

A subsequent email seems to have caused some confusion resulting in various members duplicating their subscription order. These additional orders are being monitored and corrected as necessary.

If changes to your membership categories from last year are necessary either let David know, or login and make the necessary amendments.

If you wish to take up an option to pay for camping weekends at a discounted rate, this can be added without having to re-enter your membership categories.

If you have any queries or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us.

It has been noticed that a Supernova has been blown off its trailer and is on its side leaning onto another boat. No obvious damage at present, but it needs lifting onto its trailer and tied down.

With the current round of high winds, pop down to the club and check your boat is secure and safe. What else is there to do at this time of year?

Wishing all our members, friends and visitors a very merry Christmas

Graham Kirkpatrick has brought our attention to an article from Cowes week which is an interesting read if you fancy a spot of light reading over Christmas

[gview file=”http://www.cowesclassicsweek.org/images/download_pdf/CCW_Newsletter_December_2014.pdf”]

Mark Somerville has been elected Commodore at the 63rd AGM held in the clubhouse.

In addition the following were elected to support him for the forthcoming year.

Vice-Commodore- Robin Dawson
Hon Treasurer – William Carruthers
Hon Secretary – Pauline Nicholson
Hon Sailing Secretary – Jon Denwood
Boats/Buoys-Phil Davenport
Grounds-Mike Cowan
Asst Sailing Sec-Lezli-Ann Pearson
House-Alan Jones
PRO-Mik Chappell
Bar-Stephen Kirkpatrick
Safety-Chris Rolle
Galley-Lucy Thomas
Training-Neil Garrison
Membership-Dave Lawson
Social-Claire Duncan

Fleet Captains
Handicap-Phil Davenport
F15-Graham Kirkpatrick
Mirrors-Mik Chappell
GPs-Mike Fairlamb
Topper/Laser-Neil Garrison

Hon Auditor-Kirstie Somerville

Some healthy discussions were held on various aspects of membership and sailing, and an inflationary increase of subscriptions was agreed.

With business completed while there was still some daylight, Mark thanked Andy Smith, on behalf of the membership, for his input and efforts over the last four years

Following our nomination , we are pleased to announce that Neil Garrison will today receive a RYA Community Award for his Outstanding Contribution to sailing from HRH Princess Royal at a ceremony being held in London.

The nomination, and award, recognises his extensive efforts over recent years not only in regard to the training courses that he has coordinated and run, but his ongoing help and support with projects such as the recent upgrading of the men’s’ changing rooms.

Congratulations Neil, your award is very well deserved!

The level of the lake is rising. It is up to the bottom of the race office already and likely to rise.

If your boat is on the foreshore, please arrange for someone to check it, and move as necessary, as soon as possible.

Update:

Not sure whether our training officer Neil lives at the club (as he’s always around), but he had a busy morning moving boats to higher ground before some other help arrived. We are assured that the water is deeper than the height of his wellies! Thanks Neil.

Although your boat won’t float away, you still need to check it is suitably�secured as there aren’t many tie downs at high level. Remember, it’s your property, and your responsibility.

A couple of shots of Hebe Haven Yacht Club 24 hour charity dinghy race in Hong Kong this last weekend. Bet a bit warmer than Southport.

Sorry to say have been enjoying myself in temperatures of around 25C both outside and in the water.

The shot of the finish shows Herb’s ideal committee boat but also 2 specially designed boats for the disabled. One of the club members gained the first sailing medal, a bronze, at the Asian Para Games the other week. Sort of sailing a reduced sized model of an Americas Cup boat. Only been sailing around 2 years.

One shot shows them using a sky born remote cameras to photo the race. The little spider in the sky.

Good fun for everyone.

Several will be aware that a past member of Bass, Lesley Anderson, is a member of HHYC and her father was a founder member, and one time commodore. Like my daughter she lives close to the club under the mountain Ma On Shan which is approaching the height of Skiddaw.

Somehow looking for a reason to stay in the warmer weather!!!

HHYC are always open to international teams for the 24hr. Many school and club youth teams take part. Has made HK$1,000,000 or �70,000 for charity each year and really brings in the local community.

Andy

Thanks to the Paparazzi for these shots from last weeks F15 team racing