Commodore's February Newsletter

Published 13:00 on 1 Feb 2023

We were delighted to welcome our new Honorary Member His Excellency Vice Admiral Jeremy Kyd to the Club for a Reception hosted by the Club Officers and attended by our Past Commodores, the members of the Executive and the various sub committees together with their partners.



Unfortunately, his wife, Dr Karen Kyd, was off Island but he was accompanied by his ADC Mr Justin Oldridge. I gave a short history of our Club, especially our involvement in Operation Ariel in 1940 which was of particular interest to a Naval Officer. I presented him with a Club Tie, Burgee and our defaced red Ensign. He thanked the Club for our hospitality and the gifts and said that he would fly the Ensign with pride. I hope that he will use the Club House during his term in Office.

I would like to thank Rachael Smith for once again organising a most successful Burns Night celebration at the Club. This event is always extremely popular with the presentation of the Haggis, the Piper and the Address to the Haggis. This year for the first time we were entertained by a very talented young Scottish dancer and this was followed by dancing to the Ceilidh Band. Everyone present had a most enjoyable evening.



I am delighted to be able to announce that the Executive Committee have agreed terms to extend our franchise agreement with Bruno and Steve for a further 5 years. I know that they have plans to invest in the business with some great new ideas.

We have a few more events coming up shortly. There will be a wine tasting evening on 16th February but I believe that this is already fully subscribed. I understand that we may be holding a second one and if so this will be advertised soon. We also have the fitting out supper with a St Patricks Day theme on 18th March.

We are very fortunate that Andy Wibroe from the RYA will be coming over to the Club on Saturday 25th February to give a talk on the Racing Rules. Andy travels around the South of England talking on this subject so we are delighted that he has agreed to come to Jersey. It is a very interactive session and there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The talk will start at 2pm and probably go on for about 90 minutes depending on how many questions there are.  Please can you let Jason know if you intend to come so that we have an idea of numbers.



Looking further ahead our preparations are now well under way for the West Country Tour in the summer. We will be going to Falmouth, Fowey, Plymouth and Brixham and I would be most grateful if you are thinking of joining us if you could put your names down on the entry list on the website by following this link or if you are uncertain how to do this please give Jason a ring in the Office. If you put your name down there is no obligation, it is just to will help with the organisation of the event if we have a better idea of numbers.

For the sailors amongst you there will be a change to the handicap system that we will be using for Class 3 this year. The RYA have suggested that clubs use a new rating system called RYA YTC for those yachts that do not race regularly. It should be fairer than our old Event Rating. More about this shortly.

I am delighted to announce that there has been a very good response to the request to let us know if members are intending to attend the Annual Dinner. Last year many members were disappointed as the smaller room at St Brelades Bay was fully booked and so were unable to attend. This year we are booking the large room which can take 150 guests. 

Lastly please remember that the AGM will be on Wednesday 19th April. I will be standing down after 2 years as Commodore and I know that some other members of the Executive will not be continuing so if you think that you may be interested in joining the Committee please ring the office and Jason can give you more information about this. We are always looking for new blood on the Executive.

Dates for your diary.

February:
1st: Bingo Night
16th: Wine Tasting Quiz
25th: RYA Racing Rules Presentation
26th: Seapower Marine Spring Series Races 1 and 2

March:
1st: Bingo Night
12th: Seapower Marine: Spring Series Races 3 and 4
18th: RYA VHF Radio Course
18th: St Patricks Day Celebrations
26th: Seapower Marine: Spring Series Races 5 and 6

Click here to view our 2023 event calendar.

Rhys Perkins
Commodore
St Helier Yacht Club