AGM and Prizegiving
The 2001 AGM and prizegiving took place at the Bryn Glas Hotel, Trefnant on Friday November 9th. There was a good turnout for this sociable occasion, which saw Richard Lewis succeeding Paul Oliver as Commodore.
After the official business of the AGM we had the handing out of trophies for the season with certain members amassing enough prizes of wine to restock their cellars.
Paul awarded the Commodore's Cup to Brian Johnson in recognition of his major
contribution to the club development during 1999-2001.
Now that the Christmas festivities are over and the New Year parties are just a dim and distant memory, my thoughts have turned to the training programme for the coming season.
The R.Y.A. in its infinite wisdom has decided to change the national training scheme, by doing away with the old level/stage 3 course and replacing it with a number of 2 day courses to cover specific topics, enabling students to choose courses which are appropriate for their own needs, once they have mastered the basics covered by the level/stage 2 course, For instance, not every student wants to learn the basics of racing, as they may have no intention of racing. However they may wish to learn about the mysteries of tidal sailing.
We will be running level/stage 2 courses again this year (if there is sufficient demand), the adult course is likely to be in June as usual, followed by the Junior course in July/August. I would consider running 2-day courses, for example on spinnaker work, if there is sufficient demand.
Safety boat courses (2 day) will be organized if required, always assuming that George is prepared to run them.
In addition to the above, I have been thinking of running "introduction to racing" courses, one for adults and one for juniors. The course would be run over a weekend and would introduce members to the delights(?) of club racing.
The purpose of the course will be to gain a better understanding of the basic requirements of club racing, topics to include boat preparation, basic rules, race management and basic tactics.
The 1st day will be devoted to intensive training both on and off the water, with a mixture of practical exercises, short races and demonstrations. An evening barbecue will be organised, weather permitting.
The 2nd day will comprise a series of short races, allowing the practical application of the previous days lessons, onshore debriefings will follow each group of races, to enable participants to discuss problems as they arise. Number of races will be dependant upon the weather, but hopefully will be at least 6 and prizes will be awarded at the end of the day.
Both days will be from 10 am to 4 pm, with a brief break for lunch at about 1 pm.
The course will be run in the clubs Picos, but any other singlehanders, will be welcome to attend. The use of single handed boats will minimise the speed differential between boats, and will make teaching that much easier
Course fee will be £25.
Topics to be covered during the weekend will include boat preparation, starting techniques, upwind & downwind sailing, mark rounding, tactics, basic rules, race management & safety boat management.
As always, please let me know what you want in the way of training next year and I will try to accommodate your ideas, however please remember that your instructors have a limited amount of spare time, and would also like to sail during the season. So please don't be disappointed if we cannot do everything.
Mike Hardie