by Tom Whittingham

What a scorching weekend!  It was not conducive to productive sailing and all the planned activities ground to a standstill, but with the water temperature over 20 ⁰C great for messing about in the water and swimming.  However, whatever the weather we still need to follow safety rules and there were incidents of swimming at the wrong time and place, and people not wearing buoyancy aids.  Some relief from the heat came as thunderstorms passed overhead midday Sunday.

The worst job of the week was removing a large number of dog pooh bags from the recycling bin outside.  We have consistently stated dog mess should be removed from site (there is a special to purpose pooh bin used by dog-walkers in the parking area near the main entrance of the A417).  Under any circumstances, dog pooh is not recyclable; it is a biohazard.   This is just plain lazy and disrespectful of Club facilities and other members. 

The weekend was also the last planned sailing course from the 2023 programme and was meant to bring the RYA sailing courses to a close.  Unfortunately, the winds were against us and we now have to work in additional days where we can finish training our new sailors rather than float about in no breeze.  It has been a very productive summer of training courses and our young instructors have consistently drawn compliments.   None of this would have worked so well without the meticulous organisation and oversight from Nigel Fletcher, our Training Principal.  I am sure everyone will join me in thanking you for your dedication and oversight throughout the summer. 

The hedges will be cut on Sunday 17th September by a contractor using a large tractor-based cutter.  This means they will need access to all the hedging over out site.  Please do not park cars, vans or caravans or erect tents within 5 metres of any hedge.

The Byte and Comet Open Meeting will be held over the weekend of 23rd and 24th September with 3 races panned for Saturday and 2 races Sunday.  The lake will be closed to general use on Saturday 10:30am to 16:00p. The NoR and SI and registration is on our website.

The Byte and Comet Open Meeting will be held over the weekend of 23rd and 24th September with 3 races panned for Saturday and 2 races Sunday.  The lake will be closed to general use on Saturday 10:30am to 16:00p. The NoR and SI and registration is on our website.

There is evidence that there are rats around the clubhouse area, it is also the time of year when smaller mice seek indoor shelter for the winter.   Please ensure you do not leave food out in the clubhouse, it needs to be in a fridge or solid container.   Dispose of your food waste in the blue outside bin.  All food left out after weekends will be thrown out.   

The Club holds buoyancy aids for use solely during RYA training courses; these will not be loaned out for general use.  Members are expected to provide their own buoyancy aids for on/in water activities. 

Wednesday 6th August

19:00 - Handicap Racing Last of Season

Saturday 9th September

09:00 - RYA Level 2 and Race Coach 2 Courses

10:30 - Youth Regatta, Cruising Saturday, Ladies who Launch, Just Sailing. 

Sunday 10th September

09:00 - RYA Level 2 and Race Coach 2 Courses

11:30 - Handicap Races 

13:30 - Handicap Races

15:15 - Personal Handicap Race

Saturday 16th September

09:00 - RYA Level 2 Course

Sunday 17th September

09:00 - RYA Level 2 Course

11:30 - Handicap Races 

13:30 - Handicap Races

15:15 - Personal Handicap Race

Saturday 23th September

11:00 - Byte and Comet Open - LAKE CLOSED 10:30- 16:00

Sunday 24th September

09:30 - Byte and Comet Open

11:30 - Handicap Races 

13:30 - Handicap Races

15:15 - Personal Handicap Race