by Tom Whittingham

Saturday marked a new chapter in our Youth Programme with the launch of Otters  followed by the Sprint Series.  As you will have seen in pervious editions, Otters is designed to get very young members sailing with parents and siblings or venturing onto the water in canoes to build up confidence and just have fun. The Sprint Series attracted 21 boats and 25 sailors who competed on a short course  for 3 races back-to-back.  I have to say the weather was conducive to having fun but the wind was less cooperative once we started the racing.  Hats tipped to Sarah Davies, Sarah Pickard and Maria Hinnigan for  running such a successful day.

Sunday arrived  with a flat calm but racing did get underway after an hour postponement.  We should have amenable wind for Wednesday evening this week so I look forward to seeing you there!

We received sad news on Monday; Rick Plummer succumbed to cancer.  He was a stalwart of the Club for 30-plus years sailing his Laser throughout the year here and in local competitions. Rick was a hard man to beat on the water and such a gentleman ashore.  He supported the Sailing Committee as the sailing secretary, fleet captain and ran dutyman for as long as I can remember and always had time for anyone who needed help or advice.  Our heartfelt condolences to all the family; the sun will never set on your memory.  

We are go for Wednesday night - wind and sun.  The Galley are cooking a curry so please book beofre you launch to race.   

This Saturday is the Work Party Day when we get ready for the Summer.  We need you to volunteer to help.  There are a lot of jobs to do both ashore and on the water, we’re planning: to build a canoe rack, clear out parts of the race hut, the boat shed and the club house, maintain and repair the race marks, and assemble the new Optibats too.  There is a variety of cleaning and painting to do.  Was always the more helpers, the lighter the work.

We’ll start at 10, and there will be soup and rolls for everyone working.

The lake will be closed 10:00 to 16:00 for underwater work by divers.  The only boats allowed on the lake during this period are the dive support boats.

The Come and \try day is on Saturday 29th April, 10:30am to 15:30pm.  This is an opportunity to invite freinds to teh Club who are interested in learning to or resuming sailing.  For detailes see https://bowmoor.com/open-day-29th-april/ 

If you want to help, see the Bowmoor Facebook page calling for volunteers. 

The actual wind speed readings can now be found at https://www.windguru.cz/99806 thanks to the hard work of Nick Holmes.

Saturday 15th April

09:00  - RYA Powerboat Course

10:30 - Youth Regatta/Otters

11:00 - Ladies who Launch

Sunday 16th April
11:30 - Handicap Races 
13:30 - Handicap Races

15:15 - Personal Handicap Race

Wednesday 19th April

19:00 - Handicap Racing

Saturday 22nd April

09:30 - Club Work Party Day. Lake closed 10:100 to 16:00

Sunday 23rd April
11:30 - Handicap Races 
13:30 - Handicap Races

15:15 - Personal Handicap Race

Wednesday 26th April

19:00 - Handicap Racing

Saturday 29nd April

09:30 - Otters

10:30 - Come and Try Day

13:30 - Youth Sprint Series

Sunday 30th April
11:30 - Handicap Races 
13:30 - Handicap Races

15:15 - Personal Handicap Race

Monday 1st May

11:30 - Berul Edmunds Cup

13:30 - Berul Edmunds Cup

15:15 - Berul Edmunds Cup

Wednesday 3rd April

19:00 - Handicap Racing

Sunday 7th April
11:30 - Handicap Races 
13:30 - Handicap Races

15:15 - Personal Handicap Race

Monday 8th May

11:30 - Coronation Cup

13:30 - Coronation Cup

15:15 -Coronation Cup

Wednesday 10th May

19:00 - Handicap Racing