GREENWICH YACHT CLUB NEWSLETTER OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006

 

 Hi Everyone,

 

The main happening in October was the first ever London Regatta, on Sunday October 8^th, when, with the Barrier closed against a high spring tide,  GYC played host to all the RYA affiliated dinghy sailing centres along the tidal Thames, and had sixty four dinghies racing from the club to Greenwich Naval College and back, in the morning and again in the afternoon. For many of the sailors, a proportion of whom were disabled, or were young people, it was their first time sailing on a real river, and first time racing in a real race. It was marvelous to see all our wonderful facilities at GYC being used so enthusiastically. A huge thank you is due to all the many members who turned out both on the Saturday to help get the place ready, and on the day, to toil from dawn till dark to make sure all those visiting sailors had a day to remember.

GYC actually starred in a big slot that night on ITV’s London Tonight.

 

 

 

 

More publicity is coming up for GYC soon in Yachting Monthly, when we feature in their series of clubs around the country. They’re doing an article on yacht clubs on the Tidal Thames so watch the up-coming editions – probably December.

 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 

The Greenwich Yacht Club AGM is to be held on Sunday 10^th December 2006. Get there at 1030 for a prompt 1100 start. Formal notice of this will be circulated shortly to all members.

 

FEES

 

You should by now have paid your membership fees and any other fees due to the club. If you have not yet paid, and there are no extenuating circumstances, then you may incur a late payment fee. You also have until 30^th November to pay your fees to avoid your membership lapsing.

 

THANK YOU TO JOHN & IRENE

 

As you know by now, John and Irene Catchpole have retired from running the bar, after doing it voluntarily for many years. All members are invited to come along to the club on the evening of Saturday 18^th November to join us in saying “Thank you” to them both.

 

CRUISERS

 

Cruiser Captain Lionel Willis called a meeting on Sunday 22^nd October to discuss the 2006 cruising season; more details of that meeting will be appearing in the Winter Trident. However, most importantly at that meeting it was decided that the Cruiser Winter Series which starts on 5^th November will be run according to Portsmouth Yardstick handicap rules. Please see Lionel Willis soon if you have any strong opinions about your boat’s PY number.

 

 

 

Cruiser Winter Series Dates

 

Race                Date                HW                  Start Time                   OOD

 

Race 1              5^th November    1254                 1000                             James Eastwood

 

Race 2              17^th December  1051                 0900                             Ian & Marcella Grant

 

Race 3              7^th January        1602                 1400                             Ed & Sue Bowness

 

Race 4              4^th February      1508                 1300                             Stan Mitchell

 

Race 5              4^th March          1405                 1200                             Ray Wheatley.

 

 

 

 

 

DINGHY RACING

 

The dinghies’ winter series got off to a flying, if damp start on Sunday last. The series continues as follows:

 

Race                            Date                 HW                  Start time                      OOD

 

Winter Series 2             19/11                1230                 1436                             Mick Sadler

Winter Series 3             3/12                  1150                 0950                             Tony Norwell

Winter Series 4             21/1                  1515                 1315                             Don Duane

Winter Series 5             18/2                  1415                 1215                             Ray Wheatley

Winter Series 6             18/3                  1310                 1100                             Ray Sharp

 

 

Safety Boat Crews

 

19/11/06                        Mick Mitchell, Rod Barnes, Nick Fossey, Terry Naude.

 

3/12/06                         Geoff Williams, Peter O’Rourke, Andy Pledger, Steve Wreyford.

 

21/1/07                         Brian Harrisson, Damon Rowley, Lionel Willis, Geoff Williams.

 

18/2/07                         Jim Four, Nikki Prehn, Andy Pledger, Carla Pengilly.

 

18/3/07                         Tracey McMahon, Jay Prehn, Norman Crawford, Tanja Fossey

 

WORK PARTIES

 

Saturday work party dates for the following few months are as follows:

 

28^th October 2006                                              25^th November 2006

 

30^th December 2006                                          25^th January 2007.

 

Remember all work parties are 0930 to 1230

 

 

 

SOCIAL EVENTS

 

The big event coming up is the annual GYC dinner dance and prize-giving. This takes place on Saturday November 11^th. Tickets are on sale now at £25 for members and as from next Tuesday 31^st will be on sale for non-member guests at £35. You can only get your tickets by coming in on a club Tuesday night and seeing Andy Pledger or Pat Mayhew. Hurry, as tickets are going fast.

 

 

 

Other social dates in the next couple of months are:

Friday 27^th October 2006, songs and readings; bring your instruments along*

Saturday 4th November 2006   Fireworks Night*

Sunday   3rd December 2006   Concert Band*

Friday 22nd December 2006 Winter Solstice launch of home-made model boats*

Sunday 31st December 2006 New Year’s Eve Disco

 

*Free events

 

GYC VHF/GMDSS COURSES 2006/7

 

Saturday 18^th November 2006                Saturday 20^th January 2007

 

To book courses phone Ray Wheatley on 020 8856 6655 or email r.c.wheatley@hotmail.co.uk

 

and finally…ANDY’S SPONSORED  ROW

On Saturday 4th November the Great Harry and crew, inspired and led by Andy Pledger are setting off on a voyage of 50 miles to raise money for the Centenary Fund and R.N.L.I . This will be the final voyage of Great Harry for GYC as the boat has to be returned to its rightful owners, Docklands Sailing Centre. The 50 mile course will be from GYC to Richmond and back. The crew will be leaving GYC at 06.20 and returning at around 18.30, back in time for the fireworks. Andy will be asking members to sponsor the row or just make a small donation. If any members would like to sponsor them but won’t be around the club in the next period please can they email Andy with their details and the amount they wish to donate? andrewpledger@aol.com.

Carol O’Shea

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