CHAIRMAN'S CHAT
Saron Rusden
Commodore
Happy New Year everyone.
We have already had some great racing this year, a bitter New Year's race on 3 January saw the
hardy members out in sub zero degrees. Pete Bell showed his training on New Year's Day paid off as he
won the race.
The first of the icicle series saw 22 boats sailing in perfect conditions.
We have a full programme this year with combination of sailing & socials. Our main aim this year is to
participate in the RYA's current initiative to encourage more adults to start sailing and participate in
club racing. We are looking at tapping into the various grants from RYA & Sport England to make this
happen. Another initiative, which will be launched in the Spring, is to continue the informal Friday sessions
held last year under the banner 'Ladies wot Launch'. This will be fun sessions with training & informal
races to encourage all those waivers who would like to race but are daunted by the prospect of joining a
weekend club race.
At the start of the main sailing season, Friday 26 March, Dave Holloway will hold a talk about racing,
followed by Sunday 28 March where he and other club members will be available to look over your boat &
advise on rigging and set up.
Tania & her social committee have organised a full social calendar. We are also opening the club and bar
for the Six
Nations Rugby and other major sporting events. Details are posted on the web site.
The Youth Club, which started last year, will be held the last Friday of every month for all secondary school
age children, this will be run by a group of parents, if you would like to get involved please come along to
a meeting.
The council are progressing well with the ramp to launch onto the sea. The Community Partnership has secured
funding for the ramp right down to the sea, we are also submitting a grant to Sport England for the balance.
Highcliffe Sailing Club will be guardian of these facilities. We are also progressing with the Community
Partnership alongside Hengistbury Head Centre offering sailing to selected school groups in Christchurch as
part of the 'sport for all' scheme.
Over the winter months we plan to review the club development plan which was put together 3 years ago,
with that in mind, we are sending out a survey to all members asking for your opinions. I would ask all of
you to return the survey, remember we are acting on members behalf and can only do that if we know what
you want.
Finally, just a gentle reminder to those members who have not yet paid your membership fees, please get
these in as soon as possible.
Looking forward to warmer weather and great sailing.
Saron
BOSUN'S BUMPH!
Kevin Chapman - Bosun
Pre season maintenance has commenced, all the sea marks are ashore, unfortunately only two harbour marks
have been lifted because Matt Bates, Sailing Secretary, didn’t have the strength to pull the other two up!
(despite my supervision and moral support). Sea Fox has had engine serviced and new automatic water pump
fitted. I would appreciate volunteers to help with varnishing and anti-fouling once I have arranged the
lift-out.
Edna May has moved to my driveway, engine fully serviced, new water pump to be fitted. Electrics require
major overall but would appreciate again volunteers for varnishing, anti-fouling, (wife will provide
bacon butties). Ribs next on list!
Please contact me to help with jobs either via email on kevandjaq@chapmantribe.co.uk or on mobile 07872
605007.
A BIG THANK YOU
Linda Day - Treasurer
I think it is important to remind all members how much their support is appreciated and the vital role this
plays, especially in the current climate, in order for Highcliffe Sailing Club to succeed.
We are as keen as ever to bring new members on board to boost numbers, so please continue to spread the
'good word'.
You will also see we have a full program of great events lined up for this year, both sailing and social,
which I think you will all agree includes something for everyone. Combined, these events help provide much
needed revenue for the club, so please continue to give your support as much as you can.
We look forward to seeing you all down the club over the coming year and happy sailing.
RYA at HSC
Dave Holloway Avonmouth Watersports
I have been asked to write my views on the possible benefits of having an RYA Training Centre (RTC) based at
the club. In the past I have felt that the RYA system was too rigid and controlling for the teaching of
sailing and the benefits not worth that restriction.
However, the RYA has changed that system over recent years to allow more flexibility to the teaching,
which I think, makes it easier to attract members into the sport and therefore into the club and racing.
I now see the benefits as -
- Relevant RYA Certificated Training available to club members at reduced rates.
- That will be primarily Sailing, Power boating and First Aid Courses
- Priority access to various funding opportunities for the club
- This could be in the form of equipment and training
- Help with developing the racing fleets
- Increased profile for the club to attract new members
- Access to a large database of RYA expertise and advice
- Oh yes and of course a nice RYA flag for the clubhouse!
Most Sailing Clubs are RTC's these days and in my experience they seem happy with the benefits they bring.
Sailing School is due to start in May 2010
Any one interested must be club members between ages of 8 - 16. Details of this years sailing school registration, times, costs etc will be on the website in March First Come, First Served
Paul Walker
Rear Commodore (Sailing)
I know its dark, wet, cold (middle of winter) and contrary to rumours, we are still in the middle of a
recession. So why on earth are people sailing at Highcliffe Sailing Club? We had a very respectable 22 boats
racing in the first Icicle series races on 17th January and then the following weekend, 8 hardy Laser sailors
braved the cold for an impromptu training session at sea, organized by new member Bob Cudmore. If this level
of enthusiasm continues we might have to limit numbers for racing this summer (I wish)!
All joking aside, the harbour racing in 2009 was a great success and hopefully will prove to be the launch pad
for an even better 2010 season, there is also a growing level of enthusiasm amongst the sea sailors so lets
hope we get some big turnouts for our sea racing.
During early December, a series of team racing events was organized and run by Dave Holloway. This is a
completely different format of racing where one team races directly against another, with the emphasis
being your teams combined result and not the individual (take note Kevin Chapman). It is great fun and makes
for good spectator viewing from the club house. So we are hoping to run some more of this during the summer.
For the coming year, there are a number of initiatives proposed to encourage beginners to start racing, these
will be more focused on adults and be in addition to the on water coaching that was run during harbour racing
last year. At the moment, details are not confirmed but keep an eye on the website for the latest news.
Whether you are a new member or have been with us for years, the best way to be a part of the club is to
join in with the activities. Helping out with the running of the racing is an excellent start, as a novice
you will not be given a duty that you cannot do. If you are mistakenly put down for such a duty, please
contact either myself or Matt Bates to tell us so that we can change it. The club cannot function without
your help.
Please don't forget sailing school. There are 8 Saturdays confirmed for this year. This is to be run by Dave
Holloway again and will cater for 8 - 16 year olds of all abilities. Numbers will be limited so book early
to avoid disappointment.
For more details, contact Sue Walker on 01202 483718 or email p.walker310@ntlworld.com full details including
costs will be published soon, check the website.
That will do for now, see you on the water.
Training Course for Race Management (Officers of the Day) - Saturday 13 March
See website for further details or contact Paul Walker on 01202 483718
Please support James Rusden who is taking part in the Paris Marathon on the 11 April.
James will be raising much needed funds for RYA Sailability Programme. If you are able to sponsor James,
please visit the donations page at:
http://www.justgiving.com/James-Rusden
COMMITTEE MEMBER
We have one vacancy - Rear Commodore House. We meet the first Monday of every month and are a friendly bunch! If you are interested please phone Saron on 01202 480566 for an informal chat.
Members - advertise your business in the HSC Year Book - £25
Contact Karen Morris on 07818 012658
Quiz Master sought
Contact Tania Tarrant for further info
CLUB TOPPERS FOR SALE
We have FOUR Club Toppers for sale. The funds will be used to purchase Laser Pico's. Please contact Paul Walker if interested. 01202 483718
ENERGY SAVING AT HSC
Peter Bell Vice Commodore
You may have noticed the energy use readout on the wall near the wind monitor in the main hall.
This shows the rate at which we are spending our money on electric shown as a £ cost if continuous
all day.
Lights only
Lights & Heating in main hall only on
In 2009, thanks to Volvo Champion Club ECO project we received a grant and were able to install a programmable timer control so we can get heat when we need it but reduce wastage - this is the control box high on the wall near the galley door.
Oct to May - Sundays and other programmed dates - it automatically enables the heating to come on by time if the switches are turned on the box.
For sailing events etc there is a key switch override - 'Stewards switch'.
Members needing a bit of heating can press the members 1 hour override button which will enable the heaters to come on for a maximum of an hour, when elapsed, it can be pressed again.
in the summer heating is only enabled by the key-switch
Karen Jackson
Publicity Officer
Photographic Competition
HSC are looking for enthusiastic amateur photographers to contribute to the Club's photographic library.
Whether you are a sailor or non-sailor we would be happy to receive your entries. The competition will be
open to Members only and photographs must be current images. Categories will be split into Adults and
Juniors (up to 18) with winners being announced at the Club's Open Day on the first Bank Holiday in May
(3rd May). Prizes will be for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category. Photographs must be of a sailing nature
but can include Club events, including social and sailing settings i.e sunset over boat park etc.
The Committee will judge the entries and their decision will be final. Photographs must be submitted
in print format (preferably 8 x 10)
clearly marked with your name, category and telephone number.
Members may submit up to a maximum of 5 images only. The Club reserves the right to reproduce the
images in any advertising or marketing material.
Deadline for receipt of entries is Sunday 2nd May 2010. Please send any entries in a sealed envelope to
Karen Morris, c/o Highcliffe Sailing Club, Sea Vixen, Mudeford Quay, Christchurch or hand deliver to the Club.
Fancy designing a new Club Logo?
Calling all YOUTH members (under 18): HSC are looking for a new logo for its Youth Club and
Junior merchandise - designs must be simple, be of a sailing theme and up to a maximum of 4 colours.
Entries to be received by Friday 19 March 2010 to Karen Morris, c/o Highcliffe Sailing Club, Sea Vixen,
Mudeford Quay, Christchurch or scan and email to:
Karen_jackson66@hotmail.com
Monday 3rd May (Bank Holiday) Open Day
For the attention of Parents: Photographic images of people under the age of 16 will often be used in publicity or marketing material and on the website on behalf of the Club. HSC will assume permission has been granted unless you decide to opt out. Images can be taken, for example, from sailing school, youth sailing events and youth club.
HSC Social ScenE
see club notice board and website for further info
Tania Tarrant - social secretary
RUGBY 3.30pm England vs Italy - Stay for lunch after the icicle race, the bar will be open, and await the game.
RUGBY 4pm England vs Ireland - hopefully all the hot air will have warmed the place up! Stay for Take Out supper - menu's now available in the Club.
BINGO NIGHT (maybe!)
RUGBY - 8.45pm England vs France - Bar Open TBC
YOUTH CLUB tbc.
BAR OPEN/NEW MEMBERS WELCOME NIGHT
FIRST EVENING SEA RACE - BAR OPEN EVERY THURSDAY EVENING THROUGHOUT SUMMER
BAR OPEN - YOUTH CLUB