Commodore's Musings - May 2015
Published 22:30 on 19 May 2015
The season is now in full swing and even some Raters are showing their better sides after a long winter hibernation. April saw some great events, we had the first Topperama! event with 6 Toppers out on the water, the racing was closely fought, particularly by Jo Dunn and Philip Pengilly, with Philip winning on the basis of the last race. I would encourage the younger members to take a Topper out as they are there to be used and if you are under 18 it is free. The Minima Long distance held on the 4th May was won by Stephan in his Merlin a great advert for the sailing at Thames it was good to see the club supporting our neighbours so well.
Over the May bank holiday weekend we had the first of our Training weekends, these provide great tuition to new sailors and expose them to sailing at Thames. These training courses are very successful and bookings for August edition are coming in fast. It is impressive how effective the banner facing the Portsmouth Road is in advertising the courses we provide. I would also like to thank Graham Bartholomew and David Lowrie for their hard work in organising and undertaking the training courses, and let's not forget their team Susie, Ian, James and all the other helpers without which these courses would not be possible.
Last Saturday was a sight to behold as 160 stand-up paddlers set to the water for the "Battle of the Thames" a 10 mile paddle down to Kingston Bridge, up to Hampton Court Bridge, round Ravens Ait, back to Hampton Court Bridge with the finishing line outside of Thames Sailing Club. It should be noted that this is the largest SUP event in the country the organisation by Brian and his able team of helpers was fantastic. It is great to see so many people at the club enjoying themselves, even if some looked pretty done in at the end.
Looking forward we have a number of important events for the club, both in terms of Social cohesion and prestige. Two Bridges (TSC's long distance race) going from Thames via marks at each bridge and back to Thames please come down this Sunday and enjoy the ride! Bourne End Week is probably the most important week for Thames SC obviously we are not hosting the event, but it is where the club goes on holiday with each other and lasting bonds of friendship and trust are made. My first BEW I sailing in a Merlin Rocket and half way through the week was given a chance to helm Surf for a couple of races this started my relationship with Raters which I think are true majesty in motion. For those thinking of going camping or staying nearby is to be recommended this means that you have time to fully enter into the socials and then the after social socials, there are too many stories and none should be put down on paper needless to say lots of fun is had by all. This year we are blessed by the return of Ian Stewart sailing Ulva, who is not just trying to ensure line honours with his brother but also his son it will be great fun to hear the after race banter between those three. Unfortunately due to a little surgery to Paul Browning, Osprey will not be attended Bourne End Week this is probably the first time in Osprey's history and we wish Paul a speedy recovery. Junior Bourne End Week is a great addition to BEW where the junior sailors get a chance to show off and improve their skills whilst having a great time. If you are interested in any of these events please just speak to any senior member of the club and they will provide you with copious amounts of advice.
The Cocktail Party fantastically organised by Julian was a huge success, the drink never ran out the disco was a hit and everyone enjoyed themselves long into the evening. Please put the Summer Party into your diary 20th June where we hope to see you getting on your dancing shoes yet again. On the matter of Diaries the 25th and 26th July is the China Bowl the most prestigious Rater Trophy held at Thames, this also coincides with my 50th Birthday, so on the Saturday there will be a party at Thames with a live band please come down and make this an extra special event for me more details will follow in due course.
The 6th June is the Club Open day where we invite the local community and any of your friends to come down to TSC and enjoy the club facilities and go for a sail. Please feel free to promote this day as much as you like the more the merrier.
Finally I have posted a one page document as what I see as the Aims and Principles of Thames Sailing Club and being a member at the club on the clubhouse notice board. I would welcome feedback should you have any comment to make.
I wish you all a very successful Bourne End Week and look forward to seeing you down at TSC.
Miles Palmer
14th May 2015