There was a good turn out for Sunday’s walk, which avoided the icy hillside of Sale Fell and went to Wythop Mill, Embleton and back to the Club.
Meanwhile you’ll note that the heating has been turned on to melt the ice which has formed in the recent past. We are assured it will be a barmy 34o by the time sailing starts next month! – oF not oC though 🙂
Someone’s eager to help out – why don’t you follow his lead, it is always appreciated
Rich Critchley sent a photo of some keen swimmers at Pilkington Sailing Club in January. The second photo is of the 1993 winning Americas Cup boat Stars and Stripes with a well known club member at the helm (also in January). I know which sort of practice I prefer!
No, it’s not Mike Moore in the centre of the boat (does look like him though!)
Below are some pictures of The Youth Squad that turned up at the meeting on 25th Jan.
Emma Smith introduced the new social organisers Becky and Robin Dawson, discussed the sailing programme,�and all were happy to start bolting on their races onto club races half way through the season when they had gained more confidence. Also, she explained the roles of the council, clarified the situation on boat hire, discussed who needed key fobs, volunteered Joe Watkins to be in charge of the Youth Squad notice board. Afterwards all played some pool and ate pizza!
 As seen here the webcam caught the New Year revellers’ firework display!A new year and the lake is as glorious as ever, although there might be some small icebergs to contend with if you are in the mood for a sail.
If not too high on your priority list at the moment, remember that the season starts in March and that’s only two months away! Daunting thought |
…and when it does Santa gets an invite to the Bass children’s party. A fresh layer of snow meant he could again land on Skiddaw and get a lift across the lake in a dory using Rudolph’s nose to show the way
He was greeted by the new social secretary Lucy and then came in to sing a few Christmas songs and gave out some early Christmas presents
This year there were some small Santas too!
and, of course, some bigger kids who just love being on Santa’s knee!
Following the 57th AGM, Dave Nicholson has been elected Commodore. – full list of council members can be found here
Following much discussion it was agreed to alter the championship points awarded for weekend series to be double that of long series to help promote ongoing competition through to the end of the season
The treasurer’s accounts for the year were adopted, and Graham Kirkpatrick gave a vote of thanks to outgoing treasurer William Carruthers retiring after a total of 25 years on Council
Also, following challenges from two partners in crime (Messrs Fairlamb and Macpherson) it was agreed that subscriptions be increased as follows
| Ordinary | ��150 |
| Family | ��70 |
| Junior | ��35 |
| Country | ��74 |
| Life | ��60 |
| Affiliated | ��63 |
| Senior | ��105 |
NB Although not a rule change, the launch fee will rise in line with the review of the royalty rent to �27 per boat
Proposed rule amendments were agreed that
An update was given on the position with our application to the LDNPA for a lawful development certificate in connection with the siting of caravans which is taking an undue period to be resolved by the planners.
A request has been made to keep the accessible parking bays free for those members that need to make use of them
Outgoing Commodore Steve Hunt thanked everyone that had helped him during his term of office
Don’t you feel privileged to enjoy such wonderful scenery as this?
The two pictures show it’s not just a fluke!
The forecast for the day implied that sailing might have been over for the season before any happy sailors turned up, but surprisingly the conditions were quite enticing – sunshine and a decent WNW breeze.
Seven boats made it to the start line for the final race of the season which turned out to have a good mix of reaches to blow the cobwebs away. The sun was swept away later by some black clouds that brought in more wind and dumped a little rain on the sailors.
William and Elaine broke away and made good use of various gusts to get sufficient lead to win on handicap. Jim Christie sailed well again, but as the wind picked up for the final 10 mins of the race there were several calamities of which Jim had one – unable to to run to the final leeward mark he reached and gybed several times but was caught out on the final gybe and capsized, but was soon upright and finished 2nd on handicap. Alan Nicholson had been the first to capsize at a gybe mark and was helped up only to turn turtle later in the squall that was passing through. Neil Garrison sailing his wayfarer single handed was caught out just after finishing, and capsized. He was helped ashore with a tow from the rescue crews. There was some uncertainty as to the adequacy of his boat’s buoyancy – at least he has all the close season to get it sorted! Jo Watkins was another to capsize in the squall but finished safely. Mike Turner and Sue Watson finished but then took their sails down to avoid ending their season with a capsize
Alan Waugh sailed well to finish third on handicap.
Apart from the final 10 mins or so, there had been some good sailing for the final race, and all were pleased to have made the effort. There was a close finish to the series, with William and Jim on equal points, but William’s couple of firsts split the tie in his favour, and he won the Winter Trophy presented by his parents many years ago.
What’s that all about – something to do with Christmas? Not quite.
Who could it be? You guessed it, none other than our own Sam Hall won the Up and Coming Star award at the recent Cumbria Youth Sports awards. Many congratulations to Sam!
The morning started off wonderfully clear, with no wind. Not very good for sailing! However, some clouds moved in together with a light north westerly breeze. Perhaps it would settle down for a good days sailing?
The wind did fill in, albeit in fits and starts, but it let to both bunching, and separation, of the fleet …. Neil Garrison sailing a wayfarer single handed (hence disqualified) sailed a good first beat and was second to William and Elaine at the windward mark, with Nigel and John in a GP, and Alan Nicholson in his solo closely on their tail. The wind allowed the fleet to bunch, but it was not until the end of the second beat that William broke away as the land shadow swallowed 0. A case of too little too late as William was to finish 8th on personal handicap, with pole position going to Alan with Nigel 2nd. As ever, the wind picked up at the end of the race, and eased by the start of the afternoon race.
Nigel again sailed well and was first to the windward mark with William just behind. The next leg was challenging as the fleet had to sail directly into the low afternoon sun and it was almost impossible to see the mark! William did succeed in breaking away this time when the wind faded for the rest of the fleet, but having to sail one lap extra, in still airs materially affected his position by adding an extra 25% to his average lap time (and I want redress!).� Nigel continued to sail well and beat Jim Christie in his laser by 10 secs, and Tim Chittenden with Ian Macpherson in a F15 by 1� mins