Find out what you may not have known about long standing club member Ian Macpherson from a recent local newspaper article WHATEVER FLOATS HIS BOAT
Hang ‘Em High
Have we had some members mis-behaving? Is it to do with getting out those Christmas baubles and keeping them out of reach of the family pet?
No, it’s related to another addition to the Preston / Kirkpatrick family! ‘Barley Wine‘ has been carefully looked after by hanging high in a tree to dry out whilst waiting for a new owner to give it love & attention. Trustee Graham Kirkpatrick’s favourite son-in-law, Ian, has long had a vision of him making a come back to the world of 15’s. There is now a serious risk that Graham could be seen on Bass, and on the Classic FF circuit, with Ian next year! ‘Barley Wine’ is now at the Preston’s rest home for old boats. Two old codgers in an old boat! Competing again against Alan & Keith. The mind boggles!
Winter’s Here!
Just as well the sailing season’s over. As you can see from the webcam, the weather has not been too inviting. There’s snow on the top of Skiddaw, and the few boats left by the lake are at risk of floating away if the lake continues to rise!Oh to be tucked away next to a log fire. Not very good for the carbon emissions, but on a day like today – who cares! 🙂
Birthday Girl
Oh yes, it had to happen. Another birthday for Kayla. I know you should never reveal a lady’s age, so I’ll make an exception this time and won’t! However, the clue might be in her email address kayla1967.So many congratulations, on this special day – We hope she finds enough puff to blow out all 40 candles (oops).
She is of course holding a birthday party on Sunday afternoon, to which all children are invited to come and play games and see Santa who is making a special visit to club. Don’t forget to bring some snacks for the bring and eat buffet. The fun starts at 3pm
AGM
At this year’s AGM Steve Hunt was re-elected Commodore for his second year in office. For the full list of council members click here. It will be noted that we still need someone to be responsible for the running of the bar. If you’re interested please contact the Commodore.
Some proposals by the Hon Sailing Secretary generated much discussion. Firstly, a proposal to adopt the usual 5-4-1-0 start sequence for club racing was rejected by those present. When Roy advised that it was proposed to move the committee boat to the starboard end of the line, there was much concern raised from the floor, but in the end it was agreed to trial it for 10 weeks in the new season. Finally, consideration has been given to revise the scoring system for the championship, as the present system of giving points relative to the number of starters in the series seemed to give a significant advantage to those doing well in long series. Three options were put forward – status quo, increase the points in weekend series by the number of starters in that series, and thirdly revert to the low points scoring system. When voted on by members the scoring was very close 8-9-7 (or thereabouts!), so for next season the championship scoring will be revised for weekend series to increase the number of points by the number of starters in that series.
The treasurer’s proposal to raise subscriptions in line with inflation, again raised interesting discussion, driven by those stalwarts – our Hon Auditor(!), and Ian MacPherson. When finally voted on the following subscriptions were approved for the new season
Ordinary £143
Family £65
Junior £30
Country £69
Life £57
Affiliated £58
Senior £100
The training report was given by Nigel Lewis, and advised members of the success of the current regime. Members were reminded to register their interest for training prior to the new season to ensure a place would be available.
Under any other business, members were advised of issues regarding the number of non-sailing visitors entering the grounds. Whilst not wishing to discourage genuine visitors it was felt appropriate to for council to consider some for of gate management system.
The Commodore outlined recent discussions with neighbouring residents and their concerns over some of our operations. Discussions are ongoing to address the issues amicably where considered appropriate.
Finally, the Hon Auditor raised concerns about a missing wheel from his road trailer. All was well when it was reported that it had just been borrowed, albeit without asking!
The meeting closed at approx 1630hrs
Adieu, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye
Unfortunately, today was boatman Josh’s last day at the club before he goes and gets a proper job with the big boys! He’s been with us a couple of years, and he’ll be missed by one and all.
It’s All Over
The winds were somewhat more moderate for the final race of the season. There were 10 takers, although the competition was only between the Commodore and Barry Lancaster. Steve and Ruth had to get 4th or better to beat Barry, but the handicap system jumbled up all the names, and spit out the winners in a random like order!
With Steve getting a 7th, Barry’s 4th was sufficient for him to win the Winter Trophy and be first on the prize list for next year’s prize giving! Following racing, the remaining marks were taken off the water and the rescue boats packed away for the winter maintenance.
It’s worth taking your boat off site or moving it to higher ground as we regularly get floods at this time of year
That Age Old Question
How many lakes in the Lake District? Find out if the BBC Two QI panel know with this link http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctwo/noise/?programme=qi (select Ep10 – Alan Davies)
Birthday Boy
Yes Toggle has reached one of those key milestones in life. Three score year and ten I hear you ask – No. The first half century – surprisingly no! It had to be the big 40 – many congratulations. At that age can he stand the pace of Nick Smith’s wild stag party? Only time will tell.
Well by Tog’s account at least – yes he rose to the challenge and survived all the stag parties to the end. Not sure whether that means he was last one standing!
November Series
Yes, it’s November. Sunday only racing on a personal handicap basis. For the first weekend, Steve Hunt and Ruth Critchley mastered the light winds, and despite having their handicap amended for the 2nd race (well doctored!), they secured two wins from Wendy Lewis in her RS200.
The November series continued last Sunday. As a result of being on a personal handicap basis it tends to be a bit of a lottery as to what the results will be! The day started with light winds which seemed as if they were freshening. The odd gust passed through, but not very often. The morning race was led by William and Lesley, but the handicap system resulted in it being won by Barry Lancaster with Martin Wright crewing.
The wind was lighter for the second race, and most of the fleet were finished after one lap, but the RS400 and RS200 had to completed two laps. With the wind filling in slightly, their average lap time improved and the race was won by Joan and Jack Hardie.
It may have been cold in and on the water, but William continued to sail in a shortie. Some traditions die hard