Commodore's Musings May 2016
Published 21:57 on 11 May 2016
I am sorry that I have missed a month, but an excellent holiday has got in the way and many other items have distracted me since. There is so much going on that it is difficult to know where to start. Sailing is probably as good as place as any. Tuesday night sailing is going great guns with 8 Merlin's and Omegas out on a Tuesday evening and more to follow, indeed I have been busy varnishing a Merlin that is now on the water too. I would like to thank Chris and Pip for driving the Merlin turnout, it is great to see the Merlins out on the water having a good race even with a few minor knocks. With the number on the water growing it means that there is a race for everyone and so there is no time to rest on one's laurels. The first Raters are on the water, Osprey and Lady Jane were first with rigs up. Osprey seems to have gone to town on the carbon front and it will be interesting to see the impact that this has. Atlantis and Lady Iona are now on the water and Vagabond and Scamp are coming soon. Unfortunately, it looks like Caprice and Ulva will not make it to Bourne End this year which will be a great shame, both of these fine boats are for sale and Ossie is your man if you are interested.
The Committee is now complete so we have Matt Kyte as Vice commodore, Sylvie Marshall as Rear Commodore Social and Patrick Rayner as Rear Commodore House. Carolyn Munday has also joined the General Committee and we welcome these enthusiastic members.
Sylvie supported by a team of experts has the social calendar off to a flying start Tuesdays are booking up fast so please be quick to respond if you want Tuesday supper, a number of you have missed out by being a little late. The Cocktail Evening on the 7th May was a great success with Justin Dunn master of ceremonies and a great party was had by all. The Summer Party on 25th June is also a great event with live entertainment so please put this in the diary now we will soon be asking for people to sign up so don't miss out.
You will see that we need to fill out the rescue boat and box duties please login to the member's part of the website and volunteer. Please note that this year if you undertake a duty and your boat cannot sail then it will get average points for the series. We are just about to start allocating duties to those that have not signed up already so if you want to control the dates login and sign up now.
Bourne End week is nearly upon us; this is a fantastic event with much activity in Sin City as on the water. There will be good racing but almost more importantly great comradery in the bar. Please come and sail the week, and if you cannot make a sail come up for a day. UTSC are testing a new format for the Rater programme. We are testing having the Queens Cup race on the Monday (start 2pm) so that we maximise the opportunity for supporter and others to join the event. So if nothing else please come on Bank Holiday Monday and enjoy the party atmosphere.
Finally we are nearly there with our planning application, I share your frustration but getting this right takes time and so I expect by the next time I write to you we will have submitted our plans. I would like to thank Jemma Hughes and Matt Kyte for their help in getting this to a good place.
I am really looking forward to a fun and exciting 2016, let's make the most of it.
Miles Palmer
Commodore TSC