# Social Events

I am here to prevent the first-page-empty bug!

The central activity of the club is to get out on the water, but we also have an active social and events calender. Some of these are annual, others are arranged whenever a group of members feels the time is right. Below, is a description of some of the events over the last few years.

### Tuesday night is club night

With the bar open and food served from 7 until 9pm, Tuesday evenings see a busy club house, excellent food consumed, the odd pint drunk and more than the odd telling of a sailors tale.

## Annual dinner dance and prize giving

This is landmark, annual event for the club that not only marks the end of our year but - more importantly - is an occasion that honours the club and its more active members. We give out some very important prizes to people who have contributed to the life and health of our club.

## Lectures and study visits

Members of the club and visiting experts often provide talks to members on topics as diverse as sailing in the arctic or navigating the tidal thames. Each year we are invited to visit London Vesel Traffic System (VTS) at the Thames barrier.

During covid we moved talks online and some of the recordings are included on this website.

## Winter Solstice Boat Building

Getting out on the water can be a bit harder during the winter months - but a standing fixture to get everyone outside and the younger members involved is the solstice boat race! Build a model boat and win lasting glory as we race them on the Thames.

## Open House London

Open House London is an annual festival celebrating the architecture and urban landscape of London. It is staged by the charity Open City which campaigns to make London a more accessible, equitable and open city.

During the Open House festival, many buildings considered to be of architectural significance open their doors for free public tours - and this includes the amazing clubhouse of Greenwich Yacht club.

To make visits especially worthwhile, GYC provides refreshments, guided tours and an art exhibition by our talented members.

## 'Push the Boat Out' weekend

Push the Boat Out is a series of open days offering free or low cost ‘try sailing’ opportunities around the UK. More than 390 RYA affiliated clubs and training centres will be opening their doors to the local community to try sailing - including Greenwich Yacht Club.

Push the Boat Out is aimed at anyone interested in getting into a boat and out on the water. With no experience or equipment necessary, events are aimed at complete beginners, as well as more experienced sailors looking for a way back into the sport or interested in finding out more about their local club. Families, children, partners, individuals, groups of friends – everyone is welcome.

All kit and safety equipment is provided, all you need is; some clothes you don't mind getting wet (ideally not jeans), a change of clothes (to wear after your on-the-water activity) and a towel. Some venues are also organising for tea, cake and barbeques to be available on the day.

All activities are free.

## Assisting the RNLI

Unsurprisingly, many members support the Royal National Lifeboat Institution! For several years the club has helped the RNLI train volunteers in London by hosting a training event, with members offering their services as accident victims, corpses or troublesome sailors in need of help from the RNLI.

## Greek flottila holiday

Some years, members have organised a flottila sailing holiday around the greek islands.