Page 11 - Yachter Autumn 2020

FROM REAR COMMODORE SAILING
“The objects of the Club are to encourage and promote yachting in all its aspects....”
So says para 2.1 in our Rules. Since becoming Rear Commodore Sailing last year, I have been very keen that the Club tries to re-establish itself as a significant force in hosting both competitive sailing events and cruising for a wide variety of day boats and yachts.
Whilst Cowes Week has been an important event in our calendar for a long time, obviously, this year it was cancelled for reasons we all know. It has been a focus for our RMT, but I hope that we can extend this focus to look at other events which members can get involved in organising and running.
Over three days in August we hosted a Grand Slam event for the SB20 fleet.They asked for, and we delivered nine races over the three days using our assets of The Hound and our two ribs.There were two couples on The Hound, a father and daughter in one
rib with two volunteers, social distanced in the other. Our Captain of Racing, David Martin along with our Sailing Secretary Lisa Topley and Mark from Seatography were also on the water filming and taking pictures. Our days began early, as the first race of each day was at 1000 out on the western edge of the Hill Head plateau.
We have received warm thanks and praise from the sailors. Even more satisfying is that the Club has benefitted financially. I am actively looking for other Classes for us to provide racing for.
We were also one of the first Clubs
to restart competitive racing under COVID-19 rules.We started with “single household” double handed teams on every Thursday evening from June 4th.Then once restrictions were eased, we were able to allow “mixed household double handed teams.Well over forty boats registered their interest with the average turnout being in the low twenties. Racing was in aid of the RNLI and non-members were asked for £8 per race, and members who entered had the option to make a voluntary donation. Suffice it to say that the RNLI benefitted handsomely.
Our cruising fraternity has shaken off the COVID-19 blues thanks to Laurie Bates’ extremely hard work, especially relating to the Mayflower 400; but like me she is trying to identify new (and existing) members
and their families to join in organising and participating in our activities.
Your Club only functions thanks to the efforts of relatively few people, of which only a small number are paid.
Stephen Parry
Rear Commodore Sailing
Photos: Dave Martin
REAR COMMODORE SAILING 11