As there are only a couple of weeks until the start of the sailing season, everyone seems to be getting things ready. Working parties have been arranged to prepare the clubhouse, boats and grounds. More boats are being brought back on site.

Those that have changed their boats will be making sure all the bits are there, and checking on settings. The RS200 fleet has increased following the purchase of boats by Andy, Bean and Robbie D.

Having noted Shunty’s capsize escapade on the web, some people are taking no chances – Jim Christie has been spotted practising his swimming. His biggest struggle seemed to be blowing up some water wings!

The handbooks are ready and should be arriving through your letterbox any day now.

Ok, so we’ve had someone taking their boat down to the club, Knowlesy sailing in the South China seas, and to top that Shunty’s been practising his swimming when he went sailing at the weekend. Some things never change!

Having read the following note on the website John Knowles felt obliged to send us the following note

Just looked at the web site and my sailing season has started as I’m in Hong Kong at the moment and just had a 26 hour sail 40 mile off the coast of HK in the South China in not too much wind but full moon was great. There was a few problems on my watch (9pm to 2am then back on at 7am) the first was getting trapped by a 5 mile fishing net that kept going off at different angles that took time to find the end of. Good job the moon was out. The second one was coming up on a fleet of fishing boats which I spotted and had to go through the middle of – very good fun! The boat is 42 feet long with a international crew. Including myself there were 4 English, 1 German, 1 Dutch, 1 Italian and 1 Korean. That is it for now going out and about the islands of HK now. Photos when I get back.

John

PS HK sailing club is a very very very nice club if you have the money! and they still have a ff fleet!!

How the other half live! Can you beat that?

Actually, no secret to anyone who’s been following the forum. Toddy’s building his secret weapon for the new season – a new mirror. You can follow its progress here

You can never have a quick visit to the chandlers at Nichol End, Portinscale, especially if you’re served by Nick or Jane. Well when a local reporter went to buy a launch ticket, he didn’t get away without writing a book (well a big article) on the life and times of Nick Newby. Want to find out more? Recognise anyone else in the photo shoot? (NO, it’s not Toggle)

and that’s just what they did. A team of 17 members turned out for a 2 hour march from the Derwent Lodge Hotel and were treated to a two course meal (+ seconds!) for their efforts. If only you’d been there. Perhaps that’l tempt you to come to the next close season walk asthey it was very enjoyable, with good company and a chance for a good gossip as well.

Talking of gossip, have you heard that Andy and Emma are engaged? Many congratulations to them both. Although Andy was a few months behind brother Nick in asking the question, he’ll be walking down the aisle some months ahead of Nick. Andy and Emma are planning to make Emma’s dream come true by having their reception at the club later in the year.

Have you noticed anything suspicious when you’ve been at the club recently? Unfortunately someone’s been helping themselves to oil from our tank. Hopefully, the new lock will deter future activity, but if you have anything to report let us know so that we know when to check on the CCTV system.

At the 55th AGM, held on Sunday 3rd December,� Steve Hunt gave up his vices (or so we’re led to believe) and was elected Commodore for the forthcoming year. After successfully organising the NSSA Regatta this year, Dave Nicholson was elected as vice commodore (he should find organising Bass Week a breeze in comparison!)

At the meeting a discussion took place regarding subscriptions for the forthcoming season. A motion to keep them at current levels was defeated and it was agreed that subscriptions should be increased in line with inflation and set as follows

With Hugh Godfrey (aided and abetted by Rhonwen Bryce) stepping down after three years, Roy Blackburn was elected into the post of Hon Sailing Secretary. Also stepping down were Alan Nicholson and Robin Dawson. Toddy (alias Dave Todhunter) and Bridget (alias Jose Hodgkins) were elected to fill the roles of boats & buoys chair, and PRO respectively.

Alan Smith was elected into son Tim’s role as Mirror fleet captain.

After much discussion, and a little confusion, the rule regarding junior membership was amended in accordance with the following:

Delete clauses 3A viia and viib and substitute
“3A vii – Junior family members�being persons prior to their 18th birthday or 23rd birthday if still undergoing full time education. There shall be no lower age limit for junior family members. For persons under 16, junior family membership allows and requires one non sailing parent or guardian to supervise the junior family member at all times during their attendance at the club.
Junior family members shall be automatically transferred to ordinary or associate membership on the 31st December following their 18th birthday or 23rd birthday if still undergoing full time education.”

Discussion followed regarding fleet composition, and the way ahead, but at present there are no proposals for change. The new sailing secretary will consider the situation next season and report back to members.

As the meeting closed, Trustee Herb Telford gave a vote of thanks to the retiring Commodore Mik Chappell.

Thanks to Alan Nicholson for these pics of the foreshore (what’s left of it). The lake level still has a short way to go until it gets to the flood level of Jan 05, but more rain is on its way.