webpage hosted by
Transouth Translators Ltd

CentreBoard

August 2004

The Newsletter of Spinnaker Club, Ringwood

www.spinnakerclub.co.uk

click here
for previous
issues

Commodore comments

We are well into the summer and the Club is buzzing with well-attended events. We have been very lucky with the weather and good winds for most of the season.

Oppy Week, with over sixty young sailors has now completed another successful four days of races, games, and fun enjoyed by youngsters and helpers alike. To watch them get so involved, all with big happy smiles on their faces, receiving their prizes and certificates, endorses the Club’s family participation policy. How many will go on to great things and possibly represent at World and European Championships as many past Spinnaker trained Optimists have done?

The Blashford Barrel, which normally does not attract too many participants, had an entry of thirty-seven boats. With a beautiful sunny day and a good breeze, although easterly, which always gives the race officer a course-planning headache, made one think what better place could we have to sail.

I am always told what a beautiful situation the Club has. Combined with a full programme of activities this makes Spinnaker successful.

Success always brings a few problems. Your Committee constantly reviews and tweaks such areas as, insurance cover, rescue boat resources, car parking, water levels, tree felling, disabled access, communication, to name but a few. If you feel that there is an aspect of the Club that needs addressing or would like to see improvements in some way, please let a Committee member know, and we shall see what we can do.

Alan Copestake advised us a few months ago that he and his wife would be moving from the area to live abroad. This, as you can understand, came as a huge surprise to us. He is one of the Club’s major stalwarts. We will all miss him greatly.

As Senior Sailing Instructor, Alan has been behind much of the dramatically increased new membership numbers. In his other role as Bosun, we have all relied heavily on him to keep the Club boats up together. We shall all miss him, though he will be back from time to time to help, and guide the new Senior Instructor and Bosun into the role. Alan, we all wish you the very best in your forthcoming venture.

Names and offers to fill the position have been put forward to the main Committee, due to meet this month to finalise arrangements for filling these two important roles. It will advise the Club as soon as possible after the meeting.

Features in this issue

Competition  click

Superior Solos  click

Oppy Week  click

Spinnaker wins Wilson Trophy  click

Spinnaker Junior Regatta  click

Some major events for Autumn

25 September  Optimist National Team Racing Finals

9 October       Twisted Tube

10 October      Firefly Open

16 October     Laser Open

14 November  Second Junior Regatta

See programme for more details.