Commodore's April Update

Published 10:36 on 13 Apr 2022

It is with deep sadness that I start this report with the news that Leo Harris has recently passed away. Leo was a very long standing member of the Club and was Commodore between 1980 and 1982. On behalf of the Club, I would like to pass on our condolences to Leos wife Yvonne and to all his family. Photo of Leo Harris above.

It doesnt seem possible that we are fast approaching the end of my first year as Commodore with our A.G.M. on Wednesday 20th April at 20.00hrs. I would like to start by thanking everyone who has been so helpful during the past year. Special thanks to my fellow flag officers, Jeff Speller and Bruce Harrison for being very supportive during this time and also our other Honorary officers, members of the Executive and the other subcommittees for all the help that they have given me and all their hard work to keep the club running smoothly.

I would like to encourage as many of you as possible to join us at the A.G.M. and to carry out a lateral flow test before hand. Although the number of Covid-19 cases does appear to be on the decline there is still a lot of infection in the community so if are feeling unwell please do not come down to the Club.

Your Executive Committee has made the difficult decision to recommend to the members that there should be an increase to the subs in 2023, as we do have a projected budget deficit this year. There are a number of reasons for this. We did not ask for any increase in subs this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the forecast is that the inflation rate will be much higher in 2022. There has already been some significant expenditure both in the Clubroom and in renovating the old fire escape. We are looking at further expense with the new windows up the stairwell and on the first floor landing. We have been advised that whilst this work is going on we should replace the outside cladding and put new Ruberoid on the roof. I hope you agree that these are necessary expenses and I would like to thank the House Committee for all the work that they have done on the Club. I hope you understand the reason for the proposed increase in subs and that you will be able to support us with this decision.

The racing season is now in full swing and I would like to congratulate the winning yachts. In Class 1 Abracadabra won the Spring Series and the first Offshore Race. In Class 2 White Magic won the Spring Series and Jack Rabbit the Offshore Race. In Class 3 the Spring series was won by Arc en Ciel and the Offshore Race by Fillipene. In the Quarter Tonners the Spring series was won by 2 Farr. 

Please note that the second offshore race is coming up earlier than normal with the Blanchard Race to Guernsey on 23rd April. There will also be the start of the Dayboat and Alex Bleasby Retired Gents series coming up very soon.

Many congratulations to the Rally Committee for arranging the Rance Rally which is due to take place over the Easter weekend with about 38 entrants including both sailing and motorboats. Lets hope that the weather is kind to us that weekend.

On the social side I would like to thank our social committee for arranging a fantastic St Patricks fitting out supper and in particular thanks to Nick OHare for leading us with the Irish songs. 

Looking further ahead we have a marine auction on 30th April so if you have anything that you want to sell or if you require any items for the forth coming season please put this date in your diary. We are also planning several events over the Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations but more information about these to follow.

Dates for your diary.
April:
Sunday 17th: Easter Sunday Lunch
Wednesday 20th: Annual General Meeting
Saturday 23rd: Blanchard Classic Race to Guernsey
Saturday 30th: Marine Auction

May:
Wednesday 4th: Bingo Night
7th - 9th: Liberation Rally to Guernsey
Monday 9th: Liberation Day Lunch
Saturday 14th: Syd Courtman Round the Jersey Race
Saturday 21st: RYA VHF Radio Course
Saturday 21st: Ladies Race
Sunday 22nd: JE Inter Parish Round the Island Race

Rhys Perkins
Commodore
St Helier Yacht Club