News update

Latest Club News from Bernard & Richard

Your respective Committees have certainly been hard at work since the New Year. The General Committee have been busy in dark, if not smoke filled, rooms formulating policies, whilst the House and Sailing sections have in turn been implementing and managing those very same decisions.

Of course, those including myself of a certain age have by now realised that the world is neither flat nor perfect. In an organisation such as ours those who make the decisions are often the very same people who roll up their sleeves to see that they work successfully. Thankfully we are blessed with a small but growing army of helpers to whom I (and so should you) am very grateful.

In addition to the usual menu of Beer Festivals, Dinners and the other bean feasts great and small, this year has seen us take on the RYA Active Marina Programme, help with the planning for the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Dover and look seriously at the re introduction of a Dinghy section. Then there is also the saga of red diesel!

The RYA, who dish out the Gold Stars for Marinas, have quite rightly decided that the criteria for a good one is not just clean toilets and smart pontoons. They do expect the operators to do something for the berth holders rather than just act as floating car park attendants. Training, mentoring, social programmes and a helping hand for those of nervous disposition have been added as requirements. And DHB have realised that we, as a club, are pretty good at providing much of that so we are working in partnership with them and the RYA in an ongoing programme of attempting to improve the sailing experience of the local residents.

The first real event is on 22 April - 10.30 am to 12.30 at the Club covering local pilotage, traffic separation zones and basic navigation. You may know it all and more - but does your crew? Whatever - we can always learn.

The Olympic Torch event is to some degree clouded in secrecy and, together with organizers, we will be releasing information shortly. Safe to say that it will be a big day for the RCPYC on and off the water.

The survey we conducted last year showed we are all getting older. What a shock that is to us all you may think. Anyway we are looking to the up and coming generations that would like to enjoy our great sport. And one obvious way in is through the ability to sail a dinghy. Lots of talks, discussions, planning and plotting, seeking grants and all that manner of things are gong on. We have sounded out a number of members on the subject and so far it has certainly found great favour. There is an awareness of the potential pit falls that modern day society and legislation bring - hence we are moving cautiously but I would trust in the right direction.

So here is hoping for a good summer!!!