The Commodore's Newsletter July 2019

Dear Member

We are well into the summer and as I finish my latest missive a storm is brewing for the coming weekend; hopefully the worst of the weather will be over by the start of the Mirror Nationals this weekend.

I am very conscious that I wish to highlight and thank the many members who do so much to organise the events and activities within our Club. There are many members who beaver away behind the scenes, just making things happen, who I do not get the chance to thank in my newsletter. Their contributions are as valued as anyone’s and thank you for all you do.

For the few of you who have taken interest in my J24 updates. The Nationals were held in Plymouth in July; Cacoon did well coming a very creditable 4th; sadly I was not on board due to family commitments in Vancouver. The J24 Autumn Cup, the next and last qualifying event for next year’s World Championships is hosted by us towards the end of September.

In July we hosted a National Series Topper event. The Club was packed with visiting Topper families and everyone had a very enjoyable time and I received many complimentary comments from our visitors. The travelling “Topper Circus” bring much of their own organisation, but again many of our Club volunteers were involved, both on and off the water. It is these volunteers and our staff who ensured that our visitors were made to feel very welcome and ensured that there was minimal or no disruption to our own members.

HB&C are trying very hard to ensure that members are offered a variety of dining experiences providing excellent food and good value for money. The recent “Ribs and Wings” Friday evening was a great success; booked seating sold out and there were many additional walk-ins. The Bar and Catering staff worked especially hard, given the great turn out. I look forward to the next mouth-watering occasion. Later in August we have our Jazz Evening courtesy of the late Martin Clayton. This is always a good night so make sure that it is in your diary.

Now for something completely different! The Seagull Revival took place on the 28th June; a race around Brownsea Island in any boat that was powered by a Seagull Outboard. 17 boats took part, of various shapes and forms; some with more than one engine. Our member, Philip Hoath, finished a very creditable 3rd in his very old GP14 launch. RMYC again organised the event thoroughly enjoyed by all. Wednesday Youth Night has been fully booked from the start of the year and the youth sailing activities have been very busy. We have undertaken some additional RIB training for all those volunteers who spend so much time helping and making sure that we can fully resource Youth Night. I was fortunate in being able to help in some small way and it gave me an opportunity to work with many of our volunteers and see just how much their enthusiasm contributes to the success of training within the youth groups.

Thank you to Sarah Agnew and all her helpers for all their hard work and to Simon Robinson and his team of RIB instructors for all the extra training they have made available this year.

I have sadly had to send out a reminder to members to keep their valuables locked away, please be vigilant around the Club and Haven and report any suspicious behaviour to the Office.

I hope that all our members are enjoying the summer; I will leave you in peace now until the autumn.