Spring (?)

As I look out the window I am wondering where the “spring” is! High winds, heavy rain and floods. I hope not too many of you were affected by the floods and no damage was done to you or your loved ones. We can replace things but not people so stay safe.

The Frostbites

Despite the adverse weather Olivier and his fantastic team are ploughing on and getting as many races in as possible. Safety is paramount and we hope that our entrants all appreciate that there are times when Olivier has to make that call not to allow racing. Your continuing support and understanding is welcomed.

Your New Committee

Since November when the new committee were installed we have added a new member – Barry Kenny who has taken on the role of Membership Sec. A tough job these days but to date with our new membership drive we are already seen fruits of his and your committee’s labours. Please see the name of our new members posted on the board in the lobby.

We are continually advised and helped by our past committee members without whose vast knowledge and experience we would be all the poorer. To you I say thank you for your continuing support.

I did say that I would be looking for additional volunteers to help with working group. Attached to this newsletter there is a form that I would like you to fill if you think you can help. Thank you in advance.

Thursday Night Talks ++

Our talks are going from strength to strength. The topics are varied, interesting, informative, enjoyable and thought provoking. They are a continuing opportunity to hear something new and enjoy the atmosphere in the club.

As you notice I have put a “+” in the heading – that is because we have an addition to the attraction of the talks in the form of a few singers and musicians who play a few tunes after the talk.

I admit it – I am one of them! We have found some great talent in the club from Peter Tobin to Ronan O’Neill to Paul Doody and even my good lady wife Fionnuala. All of this because Capt Jim want to play his fadóg! It is good fun and very informal. So stay on after the talk or come down and join us. We would hope to build on this for St. Patrick’s week-end so watch this space!

Santa’s Visit

It seems an age ago but I cannot let this newsletter go without thanking Joe Fallon, the RNLI and all our Santa’s helpers for making the afternoon a great success.

Moorings and Boats

Dennis Nolan and his crew have dropped all the moorings and are in the process of making repairs and purchases for the new season. There are on-going discussions with the Harbour Company as to the arrangements for next year. I have been told that those of you who have private moorings have received a “request” for an increase in your fee. This is something we are watching very closely.

Club Rooms

We have changed our insurance company (resulting in good cover at a lower cost – thanks to Nigel Barnwell). As part of the change we have had a review of the physical state of our building and there are some essential improvements we will have to make. We will carry these out as economically as possible over the next two months so please be patient with us and apologies in advance for any inconvenience caused.

Speaking of the club premises if you have a function you would like to run please don’t be afraid to mention it to Karin, Carlos, John Govan or any of the committee. We have a number of functions booked in (wedding reception, birthday parties etc), but we would always welcome more. Catering can be arranged if required – just ask!

Communications

Many thanks to our Hon Sec and web guru Duncan hill for the improvements in the web page. It is, as the old Beatle’s song says , “getting better all the time.”

That is all for now – if you have any queries, suggestions or just want to have a chat please contact me.

Kevin Burke,
Commodore