Autumn is on its way and the wind is just as unpredictable as always. Some drifters and some great sailing.
Duties for September/October
There are vacancies for duties in September on 18th and 25th and on October 2nd. If you could help out on one these dates then please let Juley Simmons know via the Duties enquiries page on the Shearwater Website. I am grateful to members who have done extra duties this year. Can you fit in one more?
Buddy Sailing Policy at Shearwater Sailing Club
Lone sailing on the lake is not encouraged. If however you wish to sail the Club’s policy is that you must either sail together with another boat or have a responsible person on shore in possession of a mobile.
Your safety and that of your crew is your responsibility.
It is recommended that if you are a novice or a returning sailor getting back into sailing you should only sail when a Safety Boat is on the water. This is on a Sunday throughout the year or a Tuesday evening during the summer. There are also specific dates shown on the calendar and the website where social sailing is encouraged as a Safety Boat will be in attendance.
Any person who is a poor swimmer should be wearing a life jacket and nobody should launch without an appropriate buoyancy aid for their build and age.
Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions bearing in mind sudden changes that can occur.
A weather check the day before and on the day is essential. Wind speeds are always given as an average wind speed. i.e. A 10 mph wind may well have winds between 5 mph and gusts of 15 mph. Take a paddle in case the wind drops completely.
Only sail in winds you feel you are competent to sail in. In the event of a capsize check the safety of everybody and then right the boat. If there is a problem stay with the boat. It will drift into one of the banks.
Sailing s a wonderful sport but your safety and that of your crew relies on an element of caution about the weather and your own ability. Should conditions change it is better to return to the clubhouse than hope for the best.
Using the Club’s Facebook page is a good way of enquiring if other boats are going out.
The RYA runs many schemes to improve our sailing skills. Check their website for details.
Sailing Committee August 2016
Tuesday evening Sailing.
A reminder this Tuesday 6th of September is the last of the series. Starts 6.15pm. My thanks to the Sailing Committee for doing all the duties throughout the series.
Awards Dinner will be held at The Royal Oak Corsley on Friday 25th November at 7pm. So please make a note in your diary. Numbers will be limited.
Clubhouse improvements.
Your Committee is meeting next week specifically to discuss what clubhouse improvements that can be made both in the short and long term. It is hoped to target October to start the upgrade. Details to follow on how members can help. Please contact me or any Committee member if you have any suggestions.
Regards to all.
Clive Chapman
Commodore Shearwater Sailing Club