June 7th 2023

June 7th Updates

General Updates:

Summer Trident is out - another great edition that deserves loud applause for Annie the Trident Wrangler. Thank you to everyone who contributed - we know from a survey last summer that Trident is highly valued by members. Click on the picture to read the electronic version - and collect your hard copy from the clubhouse.

The changes to club finances discussed last week are now well underway - nearly all members who are on monthly recurring invoices should see their June invoice clear from their account this week. We are now live with the new accounts package and attention is turning to the backlog of unpaid invoices!

As the East Coast Cruiser draws closer, join the WhatsApp Group group to get involved.

Cruisers:

Members wishing to crew on yachts, please see the list published in TNA or speak to skippers.

Last Sunday, the cruisers raced in the summer series and an open race. Some stayed for the BBQ at Thurrock YC, two of their boats joined our race. Thank you to Jim who manned the race hut and Chalky White for running sailors to and from the trots.

Not all boats sailed the course or demonstrated best seamanship. It is unsportsmanlike and doesn't go down well with other competitors. No protests were received.

Coming up:

Oven’s Buoy Race (summer series race 3) Sunday, 11th June, briefing 0700; start 0830 Trot boat after the briefing

RNSA Trophy (summer series race 4) Sunday, 18th June, briefing 1230, start 1400 Trot boat after the briefing

Dinghies:

On Sunday we had the Courage Shield dinghy race. Results:

• Maurice and Sam
• Toby and Michael
• Joy, Jon and Debbie
• DSQ: Mike T and Louisa

Thanks to RO Ed, and Matt, Ava, Chalky and Lucy for safety boating.

Next events, along with briefing times:

• 18 June 12:30 pm – RNSA
• 1 July 10 am - Commodore Jubilee Trophy

Watch this space: we’re looking to add additional events to the calendar this summer, including beginner-focused dinghy races and cruises. Beginners will be charged £13.50 per person and approved helms volunteering in a training capacity for these events will not be charged and the events will not impact results in the summer series. Let Toby know by email if you’re interested in taking part in any capacity (safety duties / race officer / approved helm / beginner). Further details to follow. First come first serve.

The dinghy section welcomes you to join us regardless of your sailing ability!

Rowing:

The next rowing outing will be on June 18th. Members interested in rowing should contact bookrowing@greenwichyachtclub.co.uk with a note of previous rowing experience, to help putting together crews suited to available boats and tides. Members interested in rowing for the first time should contact Preeda on to have your FAQs answered.

Following a very successful Cox training session earlier in the year, Paul Clarke will be running another training session on Saturday 10th June. This will be a late afternoon/early evening trip up Bow Creek where everyone will get a turn at coxing under expert supervision. If you’ve ever considered taking charge of a rowing boat, or just wondered why the cox shouts those mysterious orders, this is your chance to find out. Interested members should email Paul by 8pm Thursday 8th June.

Greenwich Yacht Club will be entering a cutter for this year’s Great River Race, otherwise known as the river marathon, on Saturday September 16th. If you’re interested in trying out for the crew, contact Shane on to find out more and get your name on the shortlist. It’s 21.6 miles from Millwall to Richmond (with the tide) so taking part is physically demanding but not ridiculous, great fun and very satisfying. Photo in the gallery shows last year’s crew passing Westminster.

Training:

The Youngster’s Powerboat L/1 was a great success with 3 boys in Safety 2 and 3 girls in Safety 1 doing manoeuvres in turn and then taking a speedy trip to Deptford creek (within PLA limits of course!). If you have any relations between the ages of 12- 16 yrs who would enjoy a day’s Powerboat course we may be able to run another in the school holidays.

Congratulations to these members who passed their VHF/SRC exam on 4th June:

Omar, Jacek, Paul W, Paul C

The ‘taster’ afternoon on 17th June has room for two more participants. Learn how to rig, launch and sail a dinghy and sail the keelboat. 1300-1630.

There are 6 places for the Dinghy L/2 weekend course which will run on 22nd/23rd July. If you passed your Dinghy L/1 last year and have been crewing regularly, you are ready for this next stage.

Social:

The Midsummer Madness, En Plein Air, Sunday Painters on June 18th is generating interest but hopefully artistic members and equally creative family and associates will come along

Tuesday 4th July is US Independence Day, so there will be a short table-top quiz on things American

On Saturday 15th July, there is a Village Summer Fete on the Green the other side of the Ecology Park. Strong-armed sailors needed to pull dinghy and trailer into place and set up and staff stall for the day - so it can be rowers and cruiser crew as the aim is to generate community spirit and attract new members

Sports Day, Yard, date TBA - Plenty of ideas coming forward but volunteers are essential to organise events and muster entrants. Events suggested - Obstacle Race (to be organised by Chris F), GYC Strongest Person, Tug-o-War, Bale-Out, Trolley Race...The idea is to have four teams - Rowers, Dinghy Sailors, Cruiser Crew and Miscellaneous (made up from visitors and associates)

Jazz and Jam Session, Thursday 21st September (Autumn Equinox) - Autumn Equinox Jazz and Jam Session; 8pm Thursday 21st September. Again in need of volunteer this time, musicians - one jazz pianist so far and potential rock session players coming along...

Open House, September 9th/10th - Put date into diary and look out for further announcements.

Other suggestions and volunteers for Social Events are welcome so please get in touch.

Sustainability:

PLA’s Environment and Recreation Team has accepted an invite from GYC to present PLA’s Thames Vision 2050. The Assistant Harbourmasters at PLA in charge of recreation and sports will be joining the environment team so members are welcome to meet them to discuss matters related to environmental and recreational activities on the Thames.

Date: 11th July 7pm Tuesday Venue: GYC Clubhouse

Greenwich Peninsular Ecology Park Visit and INatural App Introduction Our Neighbours will be visiting GYC to introduce their environmental vision and campaigns and have a discussion with GYC about potential collaboration. Terry Paterson will introduce National Geographic’s iNatural App to members who are passionate about nature and the environment and contribute to the Global BioDiversity Information Facility and Natural Science.

Date: 20th June Tuesday 7pm Venue: GYC Clubhouse

Volunteering:

GMV Summer Fete organiser - the housing complex are organising a Summer Fete for July 15th - and it is proposed that GYC has a stall there, and possibly wheels up a dinghy to show off! We need a volunteer to help organise the GYC end of things.