Commodore's Cabin Chat

I hope that you all enjoyed your sailing with the Club during 2002 and are looking forward to some great events in 2003.

It looks as though the Club is growing well, at this time last year we had around 50 members whereas now there are 80, plus 20 who have yet to renew their membership. I like to think that this increase is beginning to influence the Club's events, both social and sailing. November saw 36 members on 8 boats having a good sail along with a great evening ashore. My thanks to Doh for all her efforts towards the Christmas dinner that resulted in 51 members and guests having such an enjoyable evening and me having to pay 20 minutes waiting time for the taxi home, I didn't want to leave!

Already this year we have seen 11 on 2 boats enjoying the delights of Cowes on Saturday evening. Oops, nearly forgot, the sailing was very enjoyable too. Not bad for the middle of January?

In this issue you will find the programme for 2003. Put some dates in your diary now and don't forget to send in booking forms at the appropriate time. The main changes from last year are additional events, notice the two maintenance weekends and the three midweek sails.

Maintenance weekends will give you a chance to find out more about the boats that you may sail on and will also help us PBOs (poor bloody owners) shorten the long list of "things to do". Any help will be appreciated whether it is for one or both days over the weekend.

Last year the midweek sails went well, so this year Chris and Kath have arranged three.

Outside the published programme there are considerable opportunities to sail. The best way to find out about these is to get down to the Wednesday meetings.

Hope to see you soon

John Alden

PS - I'd rather be on the boat with a drink on the rocks, than in the drink with the boat on the rocks !

Editors column

Firstly a Happy New Year to you all and let's hope for some wonderful sailing in 2003.

At the beginning of December a few hardy souls braved the rain for the Winter walk which turned into a visit to the Bluebell railway. Other not so energetic members joined them for a very sociable lunch at the Brambletye Hotel.

We had many sailing and social gatherings last year and our thanks must go to all those who helped to organise these events. Organisers are needed for the events in 2003. You do not have to be a boat owner or an experienced sailor to organise a cruise - help will be given if needed. Just choose a cruise and give your name to me. We would also like ideas and organisers for our social events and for the monthly meetings. If you can help in any way please contact a member of the committee.

Pam Wyatt