Members will recall from the AGM information and discussions that the club had submitted a grant application to the Olympic Heritage fund to aid the purchase of additional training boats and a refurbishment of the ladies’ changing rooms. We have just been informed that it was unsuccessful as we had not demonstrated that there was latent demand to participate in sailing which would be freed up by the provision of additional Olympic Laser class club boats or renovating the ladies changing room.

Hedgehogs are coming to the rescue of fish in Bassenthwaite Lake through an innovative project being used for the first time in an English lake.

The Environment Agency and partners are creating a safe haven for fish by installing three separate artificial reefs on the lake bed using ‘hedgehogs’ to provide shelter and create safe places for the fish to hide from predators.

The spikey constructions are between 1 to 2 metres in diameter are being placed on the lake bed to create a complex matrix of space that any size of fish can hide in. The hedgehog refuges were designed in America.

The Environment Agency said: “We are always looking for innovative ideas on how to protect the biodiversity of our rivers and these hedgehogs are one way that we can do this.

“Anglers have been concerned abut fish stocks along the Derwent catchment for some time and we have taken this approach, as it allows us to protect the fish without targeting the fish-eating birds.

“We are sure the hedgehogs will provide a welcome refuge for valuable native coarse and game fish stocks that will benefit anglers and the wider community.”

At the 61st Annual General Meeting held in the Clubhouse on Sunday 1st December 2012 there were several important proposals to be considered, and they stimulated extensive discussions.

The main points that were agreed:

• Subscriptions to rise by 5% from 1st January
• Affiliated membership amended to be aligned with other categories, though at a discounted rate
• Rules re visitors and temporary members brought into line with current licensing laws
• Bye-law introduced prohibiting members/visitors bringing their own alcohol into the clubhouse while the bar is open
• On dissolution, the remaining assets of the club to be transferred to RYA (or equivalent) for the benefit of sailing in Cumbria

Prior to all that the following members were elected on to Council.

Commodore – Andy Smith
Vice-Commodore – Mark Somerville
Secretary – Pauline Nicholson
Treasurer – William Carruthers
Sailing Secretary – Roy Blackburn
Rear Commodore – Stephen Kirkpatrick
Asst Sailing Secretary – Lezli-Ann Pearson
Bar – Elaine Hunt
Boats & Buoys – Stephen Hunt
Galley – Becky Dawson
Grounds & Jetties – Mike Cowan
House – Alan Jones
Membership – Dave Lawson
PRO – Dave Nicholson
Training – Neil Garrison
Safety – Peter Ballard
Social – Claire Duncan
Youth Squad – Des Wright

Fleet Captains
Flying 15 – Ian Preston
GP14 – Mike Fairlamb
Mirror – Mik Chappell
Handicap – Steve Hunt
Topper – Ethan Dawson

At the end of the meeting Andy proposed a vote of thanks to Stephen before he flew off for a well earned holiday.

What fantastic views we enjoy! The Bates is tucked away for the Winter. Have you moved your boat?

It is with sadness that we have learnt that John Sinclair passed away on 16th November after a short illness at the age of 87. He was an active member at Bass for many years as a sailor, on council, and regularly at the helm of the safety boat.

His funeral was at Carlisle crematorium on Friday 23rd November, at 14.20hr.

The annual prize giving dinner dance is being held at The Castle Inn on 1st December. The closing date is imminent so please contact Andrea by 17 November to book your places.

A glorious morning of sunshine but mirror like conditions was not what the sailors expected to find when they arrived, and it was not as the forecast. Flurries of air passed over the lake from time to time, but it started to come in with more gusto just after 11.30 enabling racing to get underway by 12.15. With Herb keen to get away to Underscar for an evening of doms, his survey of sailors before the start more comprised ‘we’re going to sail the races back to back’ which, as it turned out, was totally the right solution as the wind faded at the end of the 2nd race and and the lake was mirror like again before everyone had finished their late lunch.

As for the racing, there was a reasonable turnout of 12 boats. An undercharged battery reulsted in the first sound signal being something of a damp squib which is, perhaps, why Alan/Sue asked when their start was as they sailed through the start line 15 secs before their start! Steve/Ruth took an early lead, and although they beat Mike/Kayla on handicap they were pipped at the post (on handicap) by Joan/Jack. Alistair was trialling a Vareo, and was pleased to beat Peter on his first attempt! Paul/Vicki held off Val/Ken finishing 3rd overall. On personal handicap, Paul Clark won sailing his laser, with Paul/Vicki 2nd and Joan/Jack 3rd.

By the start of the 2nd race the wind had eased. This time Joan/Jack took the lead, Steve having started at the wrong end of the line. Several others were caught out by the changing winds as well, as this time Val/Ken managed to keep Paul/Vicki at bay, and Peter beat Alistair. The winds did freshen nicely during the race to help keep the sailors warm in the airs which were noticeably cool as the sun went behind Sale Fell. Although there was a close finish on the water, and Joan/Jack had to return to the finish having unwittingly been squeezed the wrong side of the Y limit mark by Mike, Joan took another win on handicap with Val 2nd and Mike 3rd. On personal handicap the honours went to Alistair, with Paul C 2nd and Alan 3rd.

With 4 out of the 7 scheduled races sailed, Joan leads on fleet handicap and Paul C on personal handicap.

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