Commodores March Update
Published 11:39 on 2 Mar 2022
Dear member,
In last my last report I said that the first race in the Spring Series would be on 20th February. Unfortunately, I spoke too soon and did not take Storm Eunice into account. With 50 knot winds the Sailing Committee took the very sensible decision to postpone the first race so we will be running the first two races back to back on 6th March with the third race on 20th followed by a lunch and prize giving.
However, it is not all bad news on the sailing front as Jeff Speller, who will be Race Director for the Biscay Race, is well advanced with organising the event. After a few teething problems it has now been confirmed that Lorient are happy to take us and the good news is that as they are a Primary Port we will be able to clear customs on arrival. The start is scheduled for Saturday 23rd July so please put this in your diary. As well as the Race we are also looking at organising a rally for both motor and sailing boats so hopefully we will have you all covered!
Talking of Rallies, I am delighted to say that Debs Hutchings our Chair of the Rally Committee has a very extensive programme for us this year starting with a Rally to St Malo and the Rance over the Easter weekend. This will be followed by a series of events throughout the season including trips to Guernsey, Carteret, Granville and St Malo. As some of these coincide with our Offshore Races we are hoping for a great turn out especially for the Evacuation weekend in June. As we had to cancel the 80th and the 81st anniversaries due to the Covid we are hoping to make up for it this year especially as we hope to have a special guest over from the USA. She is now in her early 90s and is the only known survivor of the evacuees from St Malo in 1940.
I am delighted to say that the new trophy cabinet is now completed and looks quite splendid with the lighting in place so for those of you who have not been down to the club I thought that you would like to see a photo of it.
Towards the end of February your Flag Officers hosted a luncheon for our Past Commodores. We were very pleased to have 13 past Commodores in the club and as I believe this is the first time that we have held such an event we were delighted that Debbie Brown came along to take some photos for prosperity. If you wish to see these please click this link. I am planning on getting one of these framed and put up in the Club House.
I have received many emails of thanks such as this one from Peter Walsh. We were delighted that Peter came over specially for the event from the West Country.
"Dear Rhys Just a quick note to say thank you for your hospitality today it was a wonderful event and I know the other past Commodores all enjoyed our lunch. If you are ever over again in Devon make contact and it would be a pleasure to take you out to Brixham Yacht Club to reciprocate, but the chef there will have to work hard to match the SHYC food. Once again thank you for a great event and I hope to see Debbies pictures when you get them. Best wishes and fair winds. Yours sincerely Peter"
The next project for the House Committee is to install the new windows up the stair well and in the landing area and office. They, very sensibly, are looking at renewing the cladding and Ruberoid roof at the same time. They are looking at getting quotes for this additional work so if any of you are in the building trade and feel that you may be able to give us a competitive bid to do this work in the near future, please let Jason know in the office.
The next event in the Social Calendar will be the Fitting Out Supper. This will be on 19th March. As this is just after St Patricks Day your Social Committee thought that it would be a good idea to have an Irish theme. The last Laying Up Super was such a success with Sea Shanties we thought that we would ask Nick OHare to lead us with a rendition of Irish Ballads accompanied by live Irish music! If you want come please book with Jason in the office on 732229. Book early to avoid disappointment as last time we were fully booked.
Just a reminder that our AGM will be on Wednesday 20th April. We do have some of our Exec members who will be standing down this year so we are looking for some new members to join us on the Committee. If you are interested, please contact Jason and if you wish I can give you a ring to have a chat about what it entails.
Dates for your diary
6th March - Race 1 and 2 Spring Series
19th March - Fitting Out Supper with an Irish Theme
20th March - Race 3 Spring Series followed by Prize Giving
27th March - Mothering Sunday Lunch
2nd April - Race 1 Offshore Series to Minquiers
6th April - Bingo Night
8th April - Race 1 Alex Bleasby Retired Gents Series
14th April - Dayboat Race 1
15th April - Rally to St Malo
20th April - Annual General Meeting
30th April - Marine Auction
Click here to view our 2022 events calendar.
Rhys Perkins
Commodore
St Helier Yacht Club