Commodore's Report

I hope you've had a good summer and are looking forward to our winter and spring programs.

On the social side there is the autumn walk on Sunday 28th November and our Christmas dinner on Friday 17th December. The walk will be somewhere in Ashdown forest, not too strenuous, and finish with lunch at a suitable "watering hole". In previous years it has been well worth attending our dinner and should be this time. Doh has arranged a good deal including the fact that the room is exclusively ours. This does mean that there is a strict limit of 60 covers, so return the enclosed booking form as it is "first come first served".

There are 2 sailing weekends left this year, 13th November and 11th December. Don't be put off by the fact that it may be cold or indeed cold and wet. In the past we have had great weekends at this time of year. In the program you will see a 2 day midweek sail commencing 16th November, this will happen if there is enough demand from you the members.

The sailing program for 2005 is currently being developed. If there is a particular type of event that you prefer or dis-like then please let me know as we want a program that appeals and results in a little more participation.

It was pleasing to see a good turnout at the recent AGM. I don't suppose many clubs with a membership of just 100 get 40 members attending! On behalf of the committee and the members I thank Les Bain for his efforts as treasurer over the past years and John Taylor for his contributions as a member of the committee. Colin Shiret has taken on the role of treasurer while David Bennett has joined the committee without knowing what delights await him. The AGM decided that there would be no increase in the membership fee for 2004-2005. So now would be a good time to return the enclosed re-newal form along with a cheque for £12.

Good sailing and socializing to you all

John