Page 3 - Masthead - Salcombe Yacht Club 2019 Yearbook

Welcome to the
2019
MASTHEAD
2018 was a year of significant change and investment in the Club. In 2017, we invested in 6 new Toppers for the Cadets and Ladies that Launch and this has been followed in 2018 with 2 new Safety Boats. We also hope to be able to upgrade SYC
3 next year. They are all powered by the Honda engines we bought a couple of years ago and we will now aim to replace these on a rolling basis together with our other training dinghies.
On the water we have benefited from some excellent weather for Merlin Rocket Week and the two Regattas. Our regatta numbers were slightly up this year, albeit people seem to be booking later and we were uncertain how busy it would be until the last minute. I would request that you book early next year to help the staff predict numbers and this will ensure that we make your attendance as enjoyable as possible. You will see some great coverage of these events in Andy Savell´s report.
The Cruisers have been busy this year with record attendance on Rallies and 12 Cruisers had a week in the Channel Islands. Again, the weather was kind and we saw
a number of ´Channel Virgins´ make the crossing for the first time. Crossing at the same time as others boosts confidence and enables there to be a helping hand close by for advice. Please read Johnny Hearth´s report for a greater insight into what the Cruisers are up to.
The Cadet fleet are as active as ever with plenty going on, on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. We
now have a substantial waiting list and are therefore looking at how we can achieve improvements to get more youngsters onto the water in 2019. Jayne is looking at achieving even more training in 2019 for all members, whether it be sailing or power boat handling. We are also investigating adding some Yachtmaster theory courses.
We have also invested in new boilers which now give consistently hot showers and has drastically improved the heating
in the Club. This together with the refurbishment of the Bar and redecorating of the Dining Room has enabled better use of our space and increased flexibility. We have also created a Cadet Room adjacent to the Club entrance.
Off the water, the social events have grown in frequency and attendance. We now have some superb food being created by our Head Chef, Stew and his team in the kitchen. Themed suppers, talks and dinners have brought great diversity to the activity in the Club. Stew has also followed the Themed Suppers with some amazing Cookery Demonstrations.
Our staff, Flag Officers, Committee members and volunteers have done an amazing job this year and I would like
to personally thank all of them for their support, hard work and dedication. A complex Club like ours cannot function without the diverse skills and involvement of so many people. If you are interested in being more involved please contact Jules or myself.
I look forward to seeing everyone in the Club in 2019 and wish you all an enjoyable sailing season.
Best wishes
Martin Smout, Commodore
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