Commodores's Message
All Sailors, All Sailors, All Sailors
THIS IS
The Commodore
OVER
To you!
You can see that I had just been to the first of the two VHF radio training sessions organized by Ian Blencowe when I wrote this. It got me thinking about communication in general. Open communication in any club or organization is essential; please feel free to contact me, or any other committee member, if you have an issue.
Season 2009/2010 starts on 4 October, where will you be? The Club needs you on the starting line on 4 October, and on as many other days that you can be there. With 15 trailerable yachts on the register there is no reason why we can't get at least 10 boats on the starting line each week. That is our goal for the season and the committee has been trying to think of a suitable slogan for our campaign. Some suggestions are Take 10, Hang 10 and Force 10. Force 10 is a measure of wind strength on the Beaufort Wind Scale that describes wind velocity in excess of 48 knots - survival conditions. Whilst we will never sail in those conditions the sentiment expressed is what we want - maximum effort and commitment from our sailors. Please contact a committee member if you think of a better name for our 10 boat campaign. Remember, even if the weather conditions suggest a blowout you should try to make it to the Club. It amazing how many times the weather conditions in the afternoon turn out to be sailable.
You will notice a few changes in the sailing format and your duty obligations this season. In particular, on most days, we will only have one rescue boat on the water for the afternoon race. The duty crew will be responsible for laying the course and starting the race. This will mean that, in most circumstances, we will lose only one boat to duty each week. With respect to duty, remember that it is up to the individual to arrange a swap if he or she is unable to attend on their duty day.
This year the committee remains similar to last year with one major change, Eric Clark takes on the important role of Rear Commodore, taking over from Greg Dougherty. Thanks for your efforts over the past two seasons Doc. Eric has already had some good ideas, one of those being practice starts each week. The idea is that we will have three starts, two practice starts at 1:00pm and 1:15pm and the race start at 1:30pm sharp. Remember, a 1:30 start means that the 5 minute warning goes at 1:25 pm. Please be at the start line on time. A prompt race start is important to allow everyone to get off the water and back to the clubhouse in reasonable time so that we can regale each other with tall tales about our days exploits. And isn't it amazing how those exploits can grow between the ramps, or the beach, and the clubhouse.
You will also see some changes in the Off the Beach class. The trophy series will be held in the morning but OTB yachts may sail in the afternoon race depending upon weather conditions and duty crew availability. Our goal must remain a resurgence of the OTB class. To that end we will continue the Introduction to Sailing courses, but with a few modifications. Watch out for details in Round the Buoys.
Off the water Vice Commodore Helen will continue her good work. Last year the Trivia Night was a huge success and it is back by popular demand on October 17. Opening Day is on October 18 - perhaps we should all stay the night at the Club. Other social activities to watch out for include the Cup Day cruise to Davey's Bay, the Christmas break-up, the Christmas Lights cruise and Australia Day at the Club.
We have a great little Club; let's make the 09/10 season one of the best ever.
See you on the starting line, and may the Force (10) be with you!
Steve