Main Sheet Newsletter
Published 13:11 on 13 Aug 2026
With so many things going on at the Club, we realised that there was a chance that not everyone managed to catch up on the latest news, updates, events and activities.
Message from the Commodore
I hope you are all making the most of this blissful summer weather we have been having for a while, which has allowed both our sailors and motorboaters to get out often on the water.
Our fabulous terrace overlooking the harbour entrance has been well utilised over the last few weeks.
It has been a very busy time at the Club, with the changeover of franchise occupying a lot of time and focus. Thank you to the teams that have worked hard to make this all happen, and thank you to you, our members, for bearing with the temporary disruptions the changeover necessarily caused. There have been some changes to the food service times, and I would recommend checking the website or calling the Galley on 721307 to avoid disappointment.
The change of Franchise
As most of you will be aware, Bruno and Steve, the proprietors of La Coquerie, moved on to new pastures at the end of June, after 8 years running the food and beverage operations at the Club. We wish them and the staff who moved with them well in their new venture.
The Club appointed Empire Catering, owned by Mario and Dolores Pirozzolo, trading as The Galley, to take on the operation from 1 July. There was a very short lead time from the contract signing to the starting date, and Mario and his team worked very hard, liaising closely with a team from the Club, to line up and deliver all the necessary steps to allow the transfer to happen.
We were clear that a skeleton operation would be necessary over the first few days as deep cleans were undertaken, new equipment installed in both the kitchen and bar, new tills and payment systems implemented, new suppliers lined up, and new staff inducted and trained. Thanks are due to all those who worked hard to make all these things happen in such a tight time frame.
The feedback we are hearing is that members are really enjoying the food, and the broadening of the offering, such as fresh pastries in the mornings, and a Sunday lunch roast. We are pleased too that the Galley has been able to price so competitively, especially given the fixed costs of providing the extended opening hours compared with the hospitality venues in town.
Please note that service charges are not levied, and for technical reasons, tips cannot be added to card payments, so if you wish to show your appreciation of the service, it would be helpful to have a bit of cash in your pocket to put in the tips box.
Under the new franchise arrangement, the fee the club receives includes a share of the revenue each month, so please come along and try out the new menus, and join your fellow members in a round of drinks at the bar.
Club Members Sundowner
To mark the end of the period of transition, on Friday July 31, the Galley hosted a Sundowner to officially introduce themselves and lay on a bit of an event. Over 200 members took advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a sunny evening at the Club, with half price drinks, wine tasting courtesy of Randalls, gin and vodka tastings courtesy of Channel Island Distillery next door, to the smooth accompaniment of live music courtesy of one of the islands leading saxophonists, Philip st Clair. A very significant number of members stayed on to have dinner.
The feedback from those who attended was enthusiastic and positive, and Mario was delighted with the response and plans to hold another such event.
Membership
Our members know and understand that the Club is a members Club. It is a Club rule, and a condition of our food and beverage licence, that only members, guests of members, bon fide visiting yachtsmen and members of other yacht clubs can use the Club facilities. There is evidence that these conditions havent always been strictly followed. Please ensure that if you bring guests, you have signed them in correctly and remember the limit of 6 times a year. If you see someone in the Clubhouse who you suspect may not be a member, please refer your concern to the Club Manager, or member of the bar staff.
Finally, as we concentrate on compliance with our licence conditions, remember the bar staff are new in roles in the club and dont know everyone yet, so please dont be offended to be asked if you are a member.
New Members
Wed like to welcome all our new members, who are so important to the future of the club. Its very pleasing to advise that to the end of August 49 new members have joined us, which is well up on recent years. The Club is working on ways to improve the welcome our new members experience after joining.
2026 Biscay Race
The Biennial Biscay race was held from 18 to 22 July. This time round, the race started in Granville, to provide a practical solution to the border restrictions, and featured a 250 mile course to Quiberon, in South Brittany. The pre-race reception in Granville YC was significantly enhanced for the SHYC members by the World Cup football where England beat France 6-4, which it has to be said was taken with very good grace by the large number of French people in the Club.
Sadly only 5 boats were able to make the starting line, but were greeted with ideal conditions with a fresh NE breeze hastening them on their way, and plenty of warm sunshine. The conditions led to very fast times, and all the boats arrived on Tuesday 21 July, allowing plenty of time to catch up on sleep before the dinner and prize giving the following day. The prizes were well spread out amongst the entrants, with Knight Star (skipper Arthur Manning) the overall winner of the YTC handicap and the Le Sueur trophy for the first IRC boat overall. Arctic Tern (skipper Phil Burton) won the Treyona cup for line honours, and Stella Maris (co-skippers Chris Deahl & Carloine Maffia) winners of the two-handed class. The reception /prize giving was held at Restaurant La Base in Port Haliguen, perfectly located right on the marina where the crews enjoyed first class food and service from Valerie and her Staff.
Many thanks to Chris Fritot and the sailing committee for their hard work in organising this integral part of the Clubs activities.
2026 EQ Inter Island Race
The annual Inter Island race, very kindly sponsored by IQ-EQ, was held on Saturday 27th June in what can only be described as very light and variable conditions. Forty boats started the race at 11.00, this year from Guernsey to Jersey. An early decision to shorten the race to finish at La Corbière was made by the race officer, which was undoubtedly correct, as without this, no boats would have finished within the time limit.
As the 17.00 deadline approached, it became apparent that many boats still sailing would not finish in time with many retiring. Others persevered in the hope that the wind would increase further. By this time Abracadabra, although seeming to lose the wind off St Ouens, managed to pick up sufficient breeze to finish very close to La Corbiere lighthouse with less than nine minutes to spare. Blackjack and Fandangle both persevered, hoping to finish by 17.00.
In spite of the very challenging and frustrating conditions, many competitors remarked that they thoroughly enjoyed their day on the water and the party at St Helier Yacht Club afterwards. The champagne destined to be prizes for the numerous other class winners being instead generously shared amongst all of the crews.
The organisers are very grateful to IQ-EQ for facilitating the race, involving over 200 competitors, all of whom are looking to benefit from more wind next year.
Carteret Rally
The Clubs annual rally and BBQ to Carteret was held over the same weekend as the start of the Biscay Race. The rally was once again well attended, with 20 boats - a good mix of motor and sail - making the crossing in superb conditions, both on the Friday evening and Saturday morning tides. Those choosing the Friday tide were able to enjoy the open-air market up in Barneville on Saturday morning and stock up on cheese and Calvados straight from the producers. On Saturday evening, over 50 of our members enjoyed a welcome drink in the Yacht Club, a good opportunity to catch up with some of our Norman cousins. Both their president Philippe Renaud and their committee member in charge of visiting clubs Jacques Haebig made us very welcome and this welcome was replied to by our Commodore Bruce Harrison.
The barbecue meal was served up in the marquee outside the Carteret Yacht Club. This was all organised for us by Jacques, who also helped us with the meat order and the other shopping. An increase in the pre-order of their award-winning sausages meant that we didnt run out this year, and we were very pleased with the number of Club members that answered the call for help and cooked, cleaned, prepped and served for all present, making it not only a very enjoyable meal, but a great team effort. Our grateful thanks to committee member Allan Jones and his merry band of helpers for making the event such a success.
Upcoming rally to St Quay
Registrations have just opened for our next rally to St. Quay-Portrieux on the bank holiday weekend at the end of August, with a closing date of 16th August, so if you want to join in, please dont delay. It is very gratifying to see the continued popularity of the rally events, especially as they attract a real cross-section of our Membership, with motor boats, RIBs and sailing boats all taking part. Do come and join us, we hope to see you soon. Click here for more information and registration.
The Westward Room
The committee decided to re-purpose the Westward Room, which previously was kept locked when not being used for meetings. It has been adapted to make it a club room, for general use by members. There is a pool table and sofas, and the intention is to provide an extension to the facilities available to our members, and in particular a room where younger members may want to socialise. It is no longer bookable for members to use for clubs and societies. A social function to formally launch the new-style Westward Room will be announced shortly.
The Chart Room will be used more often for meetings, and we are taking measures to improve the sound proofing between the chart room and the bar when meetings are in progress.
Social Committee
Don Hughes has kindly stepped in to take the lead on re-establishing a calendar of social events. Plans are already in train for the laying up supper, which is scheduled for 17 October. In an exciting new twist, after the meal, top local band Parish 13 will be performing songs about pirates, sailing and drinking which are likely to make you want to shake a leg. Watch this space.
Club Merchandise
You will recall that the Club launched a new range of branded merchandise at the end of last year, and there are some samples on mannequins in the Clubhouse. Much of the interest and sales of merchandise at launch were for the warm weather gear, given the weather at the time. As this long hot summer goes on, now is the ideal time to add a light weight sun resistant cool top and a baseball style cap to your wardrobe. A wide range of bright colours are available, order through the office.
Addition to Club Members discounts
The list of businesses on the island that will give a discount on the production of your membership card is on the Club website and notice board. The Galley franchise has established a trading relationship with Randalls for the provision of beers and wines, and Randalls have now offered a discount of 10% on wines to members on production of their card at their stores in Central Market and Quennavais precinct. They will also deliver on orders over £75. Click here to view your Members' Discounts.
Would you be able to help with Main Sheet?
The club would love to hear from members, especially but not limited to those with experience in marketing and public relations, and/or journalism, who would be willing to help with developing future editions of Main Sheet, and developing the Clubs profile on the island. Please get in touch with the office at office@shyc.je if you think you can help.