Mainsheet February 2002

Hi Folks,

Welcome to 2002 I hope you all had a good Christmas and have paid off the dreaded credit card bill. The days are getting lighter and we are getting some sunny spells between the blustery showers. It won’t be long before we will be preparing for the new sailing season.

We held the AGM in mid January which was very well attended. For those who could not make it I have summarised a few major points below.

Just returning to Christmas briefly, we had a great turn out for the Boxing Day Punch and Mince pies, the weather was superb. It was great to see so many family members make the effort, thanks for joining Caryl and me for a noggin.

Martin Kirby has produced a Racing Calendar for 2002, which is attached to this Mainsheet. In the next issue of the Mainsheet Fred Young will provide an Events Calendar for 2002.

Deborah Harwood our Treasurer has decided to step down due to pressure of work. The committee would like to thank Deborah for her contribution last year. Despite asking a number of local members we have not been able to find a suitable replacement. Reluctantly my wife Caryl has volunteered and has been co-opted to fill the post until the next AGM.

Note: Compound Cleaning Weekend is 6^th/7^th April please note in your diary, more details in the next Mainsheet.

AGM Overview.

The Club finances continue to be very healthy, resulting in an operating surplus of £3330. The various funds represented by the Safety Boat, Special Deposit and General Fund are all robust enough to support foreseeable short-term exceptional expenses.

A new lease is being finalised with Beryl Steel and should be in place by April 2002.

A proposal to increase all fees by 5% was agreed which should cover the rent increase and other expenses for the next few years.

A proposal to upgrade our Safety Boat Rules caused some concern with a few members. The main issue was the legal implication of providing Safety Boat training. Having consulted both legal departments of the RNLI and RYA we are confident that our proposals will provide improvements to our safety standards and in principal are supported by these bodies. Phil Wicks will therefore be issuing the new rules with the Safety Boat rota in March. Please ensure you abide by the new rules they are designed to provide safer sailing for you and your family.

A proposal to purchase a smaller 3.1m rib as a second safety boat was passed. This rib will provide back up to the main rib especially for launching in rough conditions. In addition it will provide extra cover for racing and trips away from the ODC.

See you soon

Vic Smith Commodore 28^th February 2002