Hi Folks,

We are well into the sailing season, next week being mid summers day!! The only problem is no one has told the weather to warm up. Recently we have had some nice sunny days, however the wind still has that sharp edge about it. Let’s hope the temperature warms up over the next few weeks, so that we can enjoy the social events calendar, which are detailed below and form the main element of this mainsheet.

Before embarking on the social scene, let me update you on the recent sailing events.

Martin Kirby is doing an excellent job in organising our racing calendar. A few more entrants would be welcomed. The first results are up in the clubhouse. Ian Finlayson has put together a computer from donated parts. It now resident in the clubhouse for race results collation. If you want any other data to be input, contact Ian.

Turning to more serious racing, our club hosted the Dart 15 Southern area championships over last weekend (9^th/10^th June). We had around 20 entrants, with the vast majority coming from outside the club. However we did have the ladies flying the flag for the ODC. Sue Young took part in the first race, sailing single-handed, ‘a very courageous sail’. Especially with the very large course and strong winds. In addition Paul Clark and his wife Jenny sailed in a number of races. Again in quite challenging conditions, I’m sure Paul was very pleased to have Jenny on board to help him. Well-done ladies! The weekend sailing was excellent. The top five prizes went to the visitors, however both Alan Welman and Paul Craft gave them a run for their money, and Paul collected the prize for highest ODC entrant for the weekend.

A very big thank you goes to Alan Welman for organising the whole weekend events and to Chris Rickard and Peter Harwood for setting the racecourses and acting as superb race officers for the weekend. In addition, thanks to the safety boat crews for performing their duties exceptionally well and of course let’s not forget Rex Wilton for ensuring the safety boats are mechanically sound for this and every other weekend throughout the season. Then of course thanks to Robin, our quiet Kiosk man, for loaning his boat as the committee boat for the race officers.

Well done to all involved!

Now let’s get into the detail of the social events diary. As discussed in the last mainsheet, Fred Young is organising a very full diary over the next 4 months, so note the dates, and please, please support the events, if your own social and business diaries allow.

See the attached notice, and come and join us. At least it’s a good excuse to get together for a few pints after the walk, in the Seaview.

See you in the Seaview at 19.15pm

Martin Kirby is organising a sailing regatta, all profits in aid of the RNLI, with up to 5 races on Saturday and 3 races on Sunday. First race to be at 10.00am on each day. Races will be organised to cater for all club members, both experienced, inexperienced, young and some of our more mature folks. Details of the races will be posted on the notice board in the clubhouse in the next few weeks.

There will be prizes for winners in all categories. Prize presentation will be around 4pm on Sunday. At 6.30pm on Saturday we will be having a hog roast –details are attached. Please let me have your bookings in advance by sending a cheque made payable to ODC together with the tear off portion of the enclosed leaflet. Don’t be disappointed; book now as spaces are limited. Hopefully on the Sunday we will have a Bar B Q in the compound at lunchtime. My telephone no is 01903 856279 and address 2 Willowhayne Close East Preston West Sussex BN16 1PF.

Fred is putting the finishing touches to this event but be sure to put the date in your diaries, because it certainly will be a fun filled day for all the family. More details in the next Mainsheet.

You will see posters in the clubhouse on this event. We will be providing facilities; channel buoy markings and safety boat cover for the charity swimmers, between the ODC and the Bella Vista. We will need help, prizes donated and as many swimmers as we can muster for this event. It is all in a very good cause, which is to raise as much money as possible to support Kimberley Bailey from Worthing in her attempt to participate in the Paralympics in Athens in 2004. More details of how you can participate will be in the July Mainsheet.

Phew that should keep us all active through those hot summer days!

After the change to our rules that says lifejackets are to be worn (not just carried) it is great to see you are all complying (…you are, aren’t you?). Keep it up. We only have your safety in mind.

Many of us have dogs, and I know it is nice to give them a bit of freedom, but there have been several cases of dog fouling around the compound this season. Please keep your dogs under control in the compound and on the beach nearby. We have quite a number of young members, who can pick up nasty diseases from dogs fouling in and around the club. Thanks for your help.

Tonic sailing dingy £225 Contact Fred Young 01903 785760

That’s all for now……………Let’s party!!

Commodore Date: June 2001