Sailability in 2009 Winter Newsletter

Review of 2009

1. Probably the main feature of the season was the weather. Instead of a bbq summer it turned out to be a summer for weatherproofs and drysuits. However we only lost one session. Despite that we welcomed a total of 57 members who were able to make good use of our fleet of dinghies. Especially pleasing was the increased use of the 3 Challengers.

2. We were pleased to welcome several new helpers and over the season a total of 34 gave of their time. We must offer a big thank you to each and every one for without their help the group could not operate. In addition to our helpers a number of members were accompanied by family members, friends or carers, many of whom went afloat.

3. Although racing does not feature greatly in our programme we were proud to again host both the Challenger and Access Associations on their travelling race programmes. Our helpers again did us proud and both meetings were a great success. The weather was kind for both meetings. Our special thanks to Andy Leigh and his race team for ensuring they ran smoothly. Also to Sue Vail and Pat Forbes for so expertly organising the race results.

4. The Burghfield Boys (and Girls) travelled to away Challenger meetings to act as support team for our own racers and provide general help (see separate report).

5. We again held our usual socials. These offer a chance for members and helpers to socialise away from the pressures of actually going sailing. We again held a dinner this year in the Clubhouse. With 48 members and helpers present this was a great success. Our thanks to Jackie Clark for making all arrangements.

6. With a total of 11 boats it is inevitable that breakages and damage occur. Ivor Quelch, our long serving Senior Instructor, and his band of helpers continue to maintain them in excellent condition. Especial thanks to David Martin for keeping the Lugger outboard working.

7. A “new” Access 303 joined the fleet this year and we said goodbye to “Bouncer”. The hoist pontoon was refurbished and new launching trolleys purchased for the Challengers which will be better for both the boats and the shore crew.

8. We were able to keep our fees unchanged in 2009. These largely cover the cost of boat fees, insurance and membership of the Berkshire Sail Training Centre. The generosity of a number of organisations and individuals has enabled us to purchase new equipment such as buoyancy aids and launching trolleys and the new 303 as well as maintaining and improving the existing equipment. Organisations have included Grass Roots, BT Community Champions Award, Precision Dental Studio, RYA Sailability, Hutcheon Examination Services Ltd. In addition the main club has held several events which have raised money as well as individual donations. We must express our gratitude to each and every one.

9. We are proud to have retained our status as the RYA Sailability Centre of Excellence for the South East.

10. The Committee have again provided valuable support for our activities. We welcome Heike Conroy who has joined us this autumn.

THE YEAR AHEAD

Once again we have a busy season ahead.

1. The year kicks off with a post Christmas Social on Thursday 14th January at 7.30 pm. This will be a “bring and share”.

2. The preseason social will be on Thursday 8th April again at 7.30 pm. David Vickery will be providing the nibbles.

3. A week later sailing commences on Thursday 15th April between 6 and 8 pm.

4. We are again hosting a race meeting for Challengers on Friday 23rd April and Saturday 24th April. Help is needed on both days. Please let Ivor know if you can offer assistance.

The spray will have barely subsided before the Access sailors arrive on Wednesday 5th May. Again, all offers of help will be gratefully received.

5. The BSC / BSTC Open Day will be held on Saturday 10th May. We will be providing visitors with trips in the Lugger and the chance for the more adventurous to try a Challenger, Access or Wayfarer.

6. The Sailability Funday will be held on Saturday 7th August. All members, helpers, family and friends are invited to come and try a boat. If you know of anyone who would be interested in joining the Group as a member or helper invite them along. The day will finish with a bbq. Bring your own food.

7. We will again be offering training for both helpers and members both old and new. There will be an evening session on Thursday 25th March commencing at 7.30 pm at which the problems for those with limited or no vision and impaired hearing will be covered. This will be followed by a session on helping people in wheelchairs.

A practical session will be held on Saturday 10th April at 1.00 pm which will cover familiarisation with the various classes of dinghy and use of the hoist. This will be followed by a sailing session.

8. Sadly evening sailing finishes on 2nd September but the keen sailors can take part in the RNLI / Sailability Challenge on Sunday 3rd October.

9. The end of season social will be held on Thursday 14th October at 7.30 pm. This will be “bring and share”. This is a chance to compare notes on the season and swap tall stories about the size of waves and the strength of the wind.

10. We are planning to hold the Burghfield Bash dinner in November. The date to be announced.

11. Finally, we are always looking for new members and helpers.

See you next year

Charles Benham

Chairman