Saturday 13th March

With Crane-In only a week away, Martin Gillam has arranged a working party this Saturday so that the final works can be completed to Pontoon D.  This will include fitting one bracket, attaching the mooring cleats to the main pontoon, adjusting the position of the fingers to accommodate the size of the boats to go in each berth and, if possible, launching and fitting the final finger now that the missing float has been delivered.  The working party will start at 09.30 and it is hoped all will be finished by lunchtime.  So that he can be sure that he will have enough helpers, could you please email Martin at martin@pcmuppet.co.uk to offer your services.  If he has too many volunteers (unlikely!!), he will reply to stand you down.  By 12.00 it should be possible for those whose boats have been moved off pontoon D to start to move them back.  If you are one of those, please make sure that you have moved your boat back to its correct berth BEFORE Crane-In.  A plan showing which boat goes where is displayed on the notice board.

On Saturday we also have the Sailors' Evening when we have David Cusworth of Clipper Ventures coming to talk to us.  It is hoped that this will be of appeal to all members, not just sailors or those who enjoy racing.  Full details are on the attached flier.   Please put your names down on the list at the Club (or ask Tony to do it for you) for what promises to be a most interesting evening.  As our speaker is coming some distance to talk to us, we really do need a good turn-out to do him justice!  At the moment there are not many names on the list, although I know of quite a few others who have said they are coming but haven't signed up.  Please do so NOW!!  Angela is putting on a lasagna and dessert for just £7 and the talk is an additional £3 (free for Cadets).  The supper will be served at 18.30 and the talk will start at 19.30. more....

Sunday 14th March

As the last two days of the Dinghy Frostbite Series have had to be cancelled for either too little or too much wind, let's hope that the weather plays ball this Sunday.  The first of the three races will start, in the river, at 10.15.  This should allow ample time to get back in for a drink before you collect you mum to bring her to the Club for lunch (see below)!!

Angela is providing a 3-course Mothers Day Lunch at the Club for just £12.  There are still a few places left, but pre-booking is essential.  Please ring Tony or Sue to book in (or add your name to the list).

Friday 19th March

Do please read this issue of Scuttlebutt.  From the article on pages 5-7 you will see that your Management Committee has been considering how it might be able to overcome all or some of the concerns expressed at last December's EGM so as to enable the provision of a number of deep water moorings to go ahead.  To that end, they have arranged a Meeting to Discuss its Ideas on this evening, being the day before Crane-In.  Do please come along to hear what they have to say and express your views.  One of the criticisms expressed last autumn was that members had not been adequately consulted in the lead-up to the EGM and this is an occasion to have your say at an early stage on this initiative.

Saturday 20th March

In case it had escaped anyone's attention, this is the day of Crane-In.  Angela will be serving breakfast from 09.30 (please put your name on the list so that she can have some idea of numbers) and the first boats are likely to be lifted at around 11.00.  Maybe the first to be moved will have to be that of our esteemed Cruising Secretary, as Puffin has been securely "neaped" on the slipway for a week!!!

In the evening there will be the usual Crane-In Supper.  Again, please add your name to the list to help Angela with the catering for this.

Sunday 11th April.  10 – 12 noon

AYC Boat Jumble  Its time to clear out your lockers and sheds & have a stall at the Annual Boat Jumble or come along and find a bargain.  This event is good PR for the club and brings sailors etc, from along the coast.  There will be an area outside to sell dinghies, inflatables, ribs etc.

Saturday 17th April

This is the date of our annual Founders Day Lunch.  We already have over 30 applications, but more are needed.  Please click here to download a copy of the flier, which contains the Booking Form.

Training Up-Date

Thursday 18th March - The Training Department is holding a 'Training Open Evening', so if you have any questions regarding Courses, how to improve your skills, etc. there will be experts on hand to cover all aspects. 

Saturday 27th March - Diesel Maintenance Course - learn how to maintain your engine yourself and deal with any emergencies that might crop up.

Saturday/Sunday 3rd/4th April - Safety Boat Course.  There are still places left on this Course.  If there is anyone on a Duty Team who has not taken this Course this is your chance to learn how to do it properly.  We also need eager volunteers (need to get wet) to assist on these two days.

Thursday evening sailing  - some duty team members say that between duties they forget how to do things properly - come along and drive a RIB and practice on the Thursday evening Sailors.  We are sure they won't mind!