Commodore's April Newsletter
Published 14:11 on 4 Apr 2023
As this will be my last monthly report before the AGM, I would like to start by thanking everyone at the Club who has contributed in one way or another with their free time and expertise over the past two years. There are obviously too many to name individually, but I am sure you know who you are and it really is much appreciated. Our Club could not run without the help of the volunteers who do such a great job behind the scenes.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Commodore and there are, of course, some special thanks that I would like to make. Firstly, to the members of our Executive Committee and particularly to my fellow Flag Officers and Officers of the Club who have been so supportive to me during this time. It has been an interesting time coming out of Covid, but I feel that we have managed this well and the Club now has a following wind.
The various sub-committees have been hard at work over the past two years and have achieved a great deal during this time. Your House Committee under Bob de la Haye have continued the improvements to the Club House both inside and outside. I know that this has cost us more than we would have liked but I hope you agree that it was essential work and some of these projects were long overdue. Bob is standing down at the AGM so I would like to thank him for his support over the past two years.
The Social Committee under Catherine Moisan have really turned around the social events at the Club. Before Covid hit we were struggling with numbers for events such as the Fitting out and Laying up Suppers. There was also talk of doing away with the Annual Dinner due to lack of support, now these are oversubscribed. They have also added new events such as the Christmas Carols which have been very popular. Cath is also standing down at the AGM so many thanks for everything that you have done.
On the water, I would like to thank Nick OHare and his team on the Sailing Committee for continuing to organise a very full programme of events. Last year it was very rewarding to be able to once again race to France and so complete our Offshore series. We are well underway with the new season, and I would like to thank Seapower Marine who were new sponsors for the Spring Series. There was some very close racing, in Class 1, Altair and Abracadabra were tied on points with Abra winning on count back. The Quarter Tonners were also tight with Super Q winning from Tom Bombadil and Fahrenheit on the last day. In Class 3 it was more straight forward with Dirty Harry ahead of Foxhound. This year we have also reintroduced our Evening Series and we are delighted that Hettich have returned and agreed to sponsor this event.
The Rallies have continued to be very well supported and I would like to thank Deborah Hutchings and her Committee for their hard work. We have more events planned for this year than ever before and I just hope that the weather gods will be co-operative. Our first event should be the Rance Rally over the Easter weekend, but it looks as if this will have to be adjusted due to threatened industrial action on the barrage. Your Rally Committee is keeping this under review.
In the Office, Jason and Sarah have continued their excellent work which has made my life so much easier. I would like to thank them both for all they do. Although Jason has only been the manager for about eighteen months it seems that he has been in position for much longer as he appears to be an old hand at sorting out any problems that arise.
After a very difficult time with the closures enforced on us by Covid and the staffing problems due to Brexit, the franchisees have really excelled. It has been lovely to see the number of both old and new members regularly using the Club. I would like to thank Bruno, Steve and Alan for keeping us fed and watered so well.
Last Saturday, we held our annual Marine Auction which was well attended and raised over £1,000 for the Maritime rescue services. Many thanks to all of the helpers and particularly David de Carteret for organising the event and Bob de la Haye for our auctioneer.
I am very pleased to announce that the Executive have unanimously agreed to offer Trevor Beaton and Jane Mourant Honorary Life Memberships for the outstanding contribution that they have made to the Club over many years. I feel that this is very well deserved.
I would like to finish by thanking my wife, Louise, for all the help and support that she has given me over the past two years and by wishing Jeff Speller all the best as he takes over as the new Commodore at the AGM and I know that the Club will be in very good hands.
Dates for your diary.
April:
5th Bingo Night
7th - 10th: Rally to St Malo and the Rance
12th: Alex Bleasby Retired Gents Race 2
16th: Coastal Race 1: Syd Courtman Round the Island
19th: Annual General Meeting
20th: Hettich IRC Evening Series 1
22nd: Offshore Race 1: Pal Trophy to NW Minquiers
26th: Alex Bleasby Retired Gents Race 3
29th - May 1st: Jersey Boat Show
May:
3rd: Bingo Night
4th: Dayboat Evening Series Race 1
4th: Hettich IRC Evening Series 2
6th: The Coronation of His Majesty The King
6th - 9th: Rally to Guernsey & Alderney
11th: Alex Bleasby Retired Gents Race 4
13th: Offshore Race 2: Blanchard Classic
18th: Dayboat Evening Series Race 2
16th: Alex Bleasby Retired Gents Race 5
27th: Coastal Race 2: Troy and Le Riche Trophies to Gorey
27th - 29th: Rally to St Cast-le-Guildo
Click here to view our 2023 event calendar.
Rhys Perkins
Commodore
St Helier Yacht Club