Roger Crabtree, Wednesday, 23 January 2013
The Commodore reflects on a busy month to date
It has been another busy and very successful January so far at the club. We have had full Tackers programs for the past three weeks, providing Tackers 1, 2 and 3 courses to an enthusiastic group of 81 children. We also ran two Sailing School programs for 16 older beginners. All programs were successfully completed despite some strong winds forcing participants off the water on a couple of days. From these programs we have gained additional members who are now keen to improve their skills and participate in sailing as a sport.
A big thank you goes to Marg Douglas, the Principal of the Sailing School for her coordination of the courses, instructors and volunteers. These programs run so well due to the work she has done beforehand as well as during the courses.
Of course we could not run the programs without the wholehearted support of many volunteers, especially those who operate the rescue boats and indeed supplied boats. To Russell Jones and Peter Gray we are extremely grateful for your assistance with providing RIB boats as well as manning them. To Lyn Dugay, Jeff McDonell and Bruce Douglas a huge thank you for your assistance with launching, retrieving of boats and guidance both on water and off during the programs. All of these people along with the Instructors, Sara, Sarah, Marg, Roger, Toby, Chloe, Vincent, James and Will ensured that all participants had fun, learnt a lot and want to participate again.
It appears that we now have more people wanting to learn to sail in the older age groups and consideration is being given to running a course over a number of weekends to satisfy the demand. Watch this space.
While all this on water activity has occurred the social scene has also been busy and a big thank you goes to our Social Committee of Jenny Jones, Heather Crabtree and Adrienne DuGay who have spent many hours planning, preparing and providing superb food for the various functions. The Tackers BBQ's have been very well attended and a wonderful atmosphere existed at each one. The food provided for the Jazz Night was another highlight with many favourable comments being made about the "light" supper that was provided.
Last weekend saw the biggest yachting turnout for the season. We had 19 boats competing in the Westernport Challenge, where we came a creditable second. On Sunday we had 11 Optis for the morning coaching session, in the afternoon we had 22 boats racing in the Summer Series with a further three Optis having a 'mini' racing trial. It was a wonderful sight to see so many boats on the water and everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves, with some very close racing occurring in the various divisions.
There has been a request from some of the older racing members to also receive some coaching. The coaching sessions are open to any member. To assist with planning could members please let the Rear Commodore, Andrew Hill know if you plan to attend so coaches can be organised.
The next major social function to be held is the Welcome to New Members to be held at the club on Saturday 2nd February starting at 6.00pm. Current members are of course encouraged to come and make welcome our new members. Please notify Christiane Coutant ( ccoutant@bigpond.com ) if you are able to attend to enable the Social Committee to cater for the event. I look forward to seeing as many of your there as possible.
Cheers
Last Modified on 23/01/2013 00:41