by Simon Hinnigan

Last week gave some fantastic conditions for Sunday racing, but with a northerly wind my fingers were numb by the time I’d taken the cover off the boat.  I can only imagine what the early morning swim was like!

Forty five boats launched for the first race in the Icicle series for a testing course set by David Nunn, after lunch the Frostbite series started to stronger gusts, clearer skies and a drop in the temperature.  After frustrating December sailing conditions there was a buzzing atmosphere at the club, the day ended with a fabulous sunset and more swimmers braving the cold.  Well done to all involved, especially the OOD, AOODs and Safety boat crew who braved the arctic conditions to make it happen!

This week, we have the first 2024 Squad training on the 13^th followed by club racing on the 14^th.  We're also saying farewell to our old committee boat 'Scarlet Woman'.

From Mike Dyer:
Those who were at the AGM will recall the discussion we had about holding workshops on the requirements we have for an extension or other ways of improving the Clubhouse.

We have now started this process and are working through a number of sessions, with specific groups of members, to ensure that we have captured all the perspectives.  We are also holding drop in workshops for anyone interested on the following dates: 

• Sunday 14th of January at 1530.
• Sunday 21st of January at 1530.
• And for the swimmers, Sunday 28th of January at 1000.

Please feel free to come to one of these sessions.  The workshops will last about an hour.

They will take the form is a structured discussion, we will be starting each session with a blank sheet of paper, and capturing opinions on :-

A. What we need to do (future proof, legal requirement safe guarding etc) 

B. What we should do (sensible enhancements due to increasing membership, club requirement etc)

And 

C. What we could do (nice to have additions or improvements)

John Manterfield has kindly agreed to collate this input.  If you want to provide some input outside the workshops please email him at Johnmanterfield@yahoo.com with your A,B and Cs above, or any questions. 

 The workshops will not make any decisions, but they will provide input to the Options.  It is still the plan to put any decision on an extension to an EGM.

In the spirit of Members organising for Members, Paul Bellinger is forming a monthly members triathlon group, he has around 30 signed up so far.  The plan is to start training as the weather improves.  Paul will keep you posted via Bowsprit and Facebook.

If you have Strava and are interested in coming along Paul has opened up a new Strava group as via the link below.  Please feel free to have a look here: https://strava.app.link/wo1n0VBA8Fb

As Paul said, “if you’ve never done a Triathlon and really want to give it a go, then this would be the perfect opportunity.  Even if you just wanna have a go at the swim and the bike; Or the bike and the run and miss out the swimming this is entirely up to you.”

This isn’t an organised club event, just great use of the club facilities by members.  Unavoidably, the running and bike section will be outside of club grounds, for this reason Paul will need you to complete a waiver before heading out.  

After more than 40 years of service as Bowmoor’s committee boat, we pulled the ‘Scarlet Woman’ out of the lake for the final time.  Since she is no longer viable as a boat we’ve arranged for her to be recycled by a local company.

If you are available on Saturday 13^th and/or Saturday 20^th then we’ll be cutting her into 1m x 2m sections and would appreciate your support in getting her ready.  Please bring your own cutting tools and PPE (facemask & goggles) as this is likely to produce a lot of dust.

We’ve had a fantastic response, many thanks to everyone who has responded and commented, it is great to have that feedback.  We’ll continue to keep the survey open until January 25^th so that everyone has opportunity to respond.

Some comments indicate confusion over the current rules and the change in 2022.  Just for clarity, the current rules are:

• Dogs are permitted on the Club grounds, providing they are kept under close control.
• Dogs are on a lead in the Clubhouse and on the Deck at all times.
• You are required to clear up any dog mess and remove it from site.
• Dogs are not permitted in Clubhouse when food is being served/galley open.

Survey link: https://forms.office.com/r/C50tCtwDWa

Saturday 13th January
Winter Squad Training

Sunday 14th January
11:30 - Icicle
13:30 - Frostbite
Sunday 21st January
11:30 - Icicle
13:30 - Frostbite
Sunday 28th January
11:30 - Icicle
13:30 - Frostbite
Saturday 3rd February
Winter Squad Training,  RYA First Aid Course

The full calendar is published on bowmoor.com