Welcome to the new season at Delph SC.
First, I want to say a big thank you to Richard Shires for his tireless work last year. He has guided the club to one of the most successful years in recent history with the autumn racing regularly producing over 35 boats, the Plum Duff having 48 boats racing, and the club finishing the year with more members than at the start. Well done Richard – and you kept the lake full nearly all year as well!
Lets try and make 2003 / 4 an even bigger success.
Second, we have some notable retirees from full active service – David Leather to sunnier climes to pursue a different career and I suspect a warmer sport, Val Reddecliffe – we shall miss her organisation but look forward to her cooking and smiling face at selected events, and Jane Wareing – for years of devoted service on events management and all that that entails. Thanks to Tim for his Social Secretaryship he will still be busy at some social events but taking an increasing back seat.
By the way all you Miracle sailors, you need a new Fleet Rep to represent your interests on the Sailing Committee. Please get together and press gang one of you. First sailing committee is on Monday 7th April 8.00PM at the club.
Tim & Eddie would like to spend some more time on our side of the bar this year. Anyone who can pull pints, open a bottle of wine and operate a dishwasher please talk to Tim or Eddie to see where you can lend a hand.
Also welcome to Kathryn Hayfield and Kaye Hodgson to the general committee, I believe we already have some jobs lined up for you!
Working Parties
Dates this year are Sunday 23rd March and Sunday 30th March. Starting at 2.00PM. All volunteers welcome as this is our opportunity to get the club and grounds ship shape for the beginning of the new season.
House & Grounds
We have a new House & Grounds Committee, this year under the chair of Chris Nash, to plan maintenance and improvements to the fabric of the club as a continuous process - something we’ve not been good at for a number of years. Anyone who has skills that are useful in this department and time to spare, please get in touch with Chris.
Gents Changing Rooms
Some of you will have noticed that we now have a new shower tray for the gents. Hopefully this will cure the leaks once and for all! By the time you read this we also hope to have painted the floor.
Training
The Pre-season meeting for all instructors and senior instructors will be on Monday 14th April at The Black Dog Belmont to discuss the training programme for 2003.
Training starts on Friday 9th May. Registration from 6.30, boats on the water from 7.00PM.
Every member of Delph SC is asked to take a turn either as Officer of the Day or as part of the Race Duty Team. There will be a Club Race Officers Training Course, to be held at the club on the Wednesday evenings of 2nd and 9th April. This course will suit anyone who is inexperienced or needs a refresher on running racing at Delph. Come along – it really helps you to learn more about how dinghy racing is run and you never know you may learn some tips. Please email Tony Cropper if you’re coming.
Having sailed at lots of other clubs I can assure you that the race management provided by Delph is up there with the best clubs in the country. To maintain this level of expertise we need to train more Race Officers to OMRO (Open Meeting Race Officer) standard. If anyone is interested in trying to gain this qualification the club will consider assisting with the fees. Please talk to David Hopkins or Tony Cropper.
Every year the RYA runs a NW Junior Travellers Event. It comprises 10 events at different clubs, usually on a Saturday, across the North West. It is for children only (age limit 18) and provides a good opportunity to try sailing at another club and against other children. The accent is on fun rather than ultra serious competition. The first Meeting is at Elton SC on Saturday 5th April. First race start is at 11.00AM. For anyone interested there is a notice on the board or talk to Patrick Manning.
We have lots of beginners and youngsters who have Toppers, Miracles, or Mirrors etc but don’t race. This year we’re going to help. During the social sailing Saturdays we will run some race training specially for beginners and youngsters to help them into the Ladies, Cadets and Novices series. Hopefully, being away from the hurly burly of normal racing, this will be a good introduction and an encouragement to race.
Points to note
First Sailing Day is Sunday 6th April at 2.00PM. The weather will be excellent and the water less cold than you would expect. I know – I’ve been in it!
This year we are trying something new for Open Meetings. On these days it is only practical for boats of the designated class to sail. Therefore sailors, from another designated class who also enjoy Opens at Delph, will be asked to provide support for one other Open Meeting. This will not interfere with number of races sailed in any of the club competitions. Details are in the DSC Handbook.
Early Info – Following the success of the Coniston Weekend last year we have arranged another visit to Coniston Sailing Club on Sat 30th and Sun 31st August. Details to follow.
Last year we had a “Boats back on the water” day with some success. A chance for anyone with modest expertise to bring their boats back to the club after the winter ready for sailing when some more experienced members will be available to advise on rigging etc. If this is for you, make a note of the date – 3rd May.
We are aiming to have a supply of
Delph SC embroidered “T” Shirts, Polo Shirts and Sweat Shirts
for you to buy. Please discuss with Rob Cocking if you’re interested.
Diary Dates
23rd March 1st Working Party
30th March 2nd Working Party
2nd April 1st club Race Officers training
5th April 1st RYA NW Travellers Event @ Elton SC
6th April Start of Delph Early Points series.
9th April 2ns Club Race Officers training
14th April Instructors Meeting
20th April Laser Open Meeting
3rd May Boats back on the water.
9th May Start of Friday night training
I look forward to seeing you all on the water or at the club very soon.
Patrick Manning
Commodore
Delph Sailing Club