It is with sadness that we have learnt that long standing member Chris Denwood has tragically been killed in a motorcycle accident.

Chris joined the club with his family over 40 years ago and was an avid GP and Laser sailor in his time. Although he left to tour the world and then work in London, he came back to the area a few years ago and rejoined as a member and bought another Laser, but his passion for sailing had passed him by.

Chris’ father was Mike Denwood, and his brother is Trustee Jon Denwood. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Chris’ funeral was held in Distington Crematorium on Monday 30 July, and afterwards at Hundith Hill Hotel, Nr Cockermouth.

If you have been worrying about the well being of your much beloved craft, please rest assured that all boats have now been moved to safety. The water has now risen (13.00 Saturday) to cover all of the foreshore to a depth of a foot or so at the shallowest part (by the steps down from the clubhouse). More rain is forecast overnight but no boats are now in any immediate danger. Inevitably not all boats can be tied down in their temporary positions and it would be prudent to check that your boat is secured when you can.

Our warmest thanks go to all those, including the the rescue crew Chris, Scott and James, who worked all morning waist deep in water, to bring all boats to safety.

The Horse May Have Bolted…

The massive rapid rise in water levels has caught out several boats, which have been moved, but any help to move further boats to higher ground would be appreciated, especially as it is possible that the lake could continue to rise.

You can see below how rapidly it has risen.

For those that have not read the Twitter feed, Mik Chappell has been in hospital over the weekend after landing badly on his ankle jumping from his cruiser to the pontoon.

A three hour operation, some pins and plates later, and he was cheerful, if sore, as he spoke with Commodore Stephen Kirkpatrick.

He is being transferred to Wigton Cottage Hospital (Thursday 3 May) for a few more days and would welcome any visitors in hospital, or when he returns home.

Mik will have restricted mobility for some weeks until his bones heal and we wish him a speedy recovery..

It is with sadness that we have learnt of the death of long standing member Jimmy Currie after a long illness.

Although not an active sailor, he helped in the background for many years.

Our thoughts are with his wife Isobel, son and daughter Neil and Liz, and their families.

The funeral was held at Crosthwaite Church, Keswick.

The work to the changing rooms is nearing completion – well the stripping at least! Definitely past the point of no return…

Flat screen TVs, couches, real log fire and a lager pump. What more could the men ask for? Well there’s no harm in asking!

Many congratulations to Sarah and Martin Wilkinson on the birth of their daughter Molly at 0529 today (29 November) who weighed in at 5lb 13oz. Hopefully they’ll remember that she’s wrapped in the spinnaker before it’s launched next season (Grand dad’s words not mine!). Mother, daughter, and new grandparents, Dave and Pauline, are doing well.

The final day of the season proved to be too windy to tempt anyone out to sail, so the Winter Trophy was won by� Joan/Jack Hardie on fleet handicap and Ethan Dawson, crewed by dad Robin, on personal handicap basis. Though windy, and a little threatening rain wise, it stayed dry for many boats to be packed away and removed from site.

For those that still have boats in the shore side boat park please be aware that the lake is high, and boats should be relocated to higher ground, or removed from site for the close season.

After lunch the 60th AGM was held.

In addition to his report, the Hon Sailing Secretary’s gave a summary of the recent questionnaire sent to all members. The consensus from the 67 replies received is that the current way the sailing programme is structured is generally acceptable.

Following completion of the audit, the accounts which have been slightly revised from those distributed to members, were considered and approved.

The following subscriptions were agreed for 2012.

The following members were elected on to Council.

Commodore – Stephen Kirkpatrick
Vice-Commodore – Andy Smith
Secretary – Pauline Nicholson
Treasurer – Neil Garrison
Sailing Secretary – Roy Blackburn
Rear Commodore – Dave Nicholson
Asst Sailing Secretary – Claire Duncan
Bar – Elaine Hunt
Boats & Buoys – Stephen Hunt
Galley – Becky Dawson
Grounds & Jetties – Mark Somerville
House – Alan Jones
Membership – Dave Lawson
PRO – Mik Chappell
Training – Emma Davenport
Safety – �Peter Ballard
Social – Andrea Kirkpatrick
Youth Squad – Des Wright

Fleet Captains
Flying 15 – Ian Preston
GP14 – Val Bell
Mirror – Mik Chappell
Handicap – Robin Dawson
Topper – Ethan Dawson

The Commodore thanked those members stepping down from council for all their hard work during their term of office.

The proposed rule change regarding life membership was approved following an amendment from the floor.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting closed.