Clyde Cru
ising Club
Tidelines
APRIL 2013
Port Mor, Muck with Rhum in the background. Photo by Gillian Dinsmore
COMMODORE’S REPORT
S
pring is here and by now many boats will be back in the water looking spick and span, ready – more or less – for the new sailing season. The Opening Muster will be upon us at the end of the month and there is a fun filled calendar of events to suit all members’ tastes as you will see as you work your way through Tidelines and the new Yearbook. The winter months have seen a very successful group of lectures with good numbers turning out even in bad weather – some 65 members and guests appeared and enjoyed Patrick Trust’s talk about his voyage across the Atlantic crewing on Bill Munro’s Boarding Pass 2. Work in the various committees has continued over the winter to ensure plans are well in place for the cruising musters and racing events. As you will expect many of the favourites are repeated but please note some changes in date especially for the Ailsa Craig Race (it ought to be warmer this year!) and for the Ladies’ and Juniors’ Race at Port Bannatyne. Scottish Series planning is well advanced and I am very pleased to tell you that discussions lead by Event Chairman Stephen Bennie have resulted in securing funding from MalinWaters for the ‘on the water’ costs of the event which are substantial given the depth of and the general logistics of running racing on Loch Fyne. In addition with much help from James Stuart of RYA Scotland, Event Scotland has provided funding to bring in Luke Patience as SS Event Ambassador and he will also be racing at Tarbert. Most of the support sponsors from last year have returned although currently we have not yet found a headline sponsor. A great deal of effort has gone into that search already but any constructive suggestions from members would be appreciated and they will be followed up. Racing at Scottish Series will consist of a similar mix to last year with triangle and windward/leeward courses as well as coastal races including the MalinWaters Race i.e. the Round Inch’ Race
which was so popular last year. Every type of boat is expected from hi-tech Commodore John Watson IRC yachts through the CYCA handicap Photo by Adby Creative fleet with spinnaker and non-spinnaker classes to One Designs such as the new J70 and the perennial Sonata Class which will be having its Scottish Championships over the weekend. In other words there is something for everyone so please do come along and join in the fun. After the very successful 2012 event we seriously hope to see a decent increase in entry numbers. The Blue Water Race and entry form are now on the Club’s website along with information for those going to Dublin and Brittany in the Cruise in Company. Thereafter there is every chance that several yachts will cruise in company for a few days on the Brittany Coast before heading for the Scilly Isles and the voyage back to Scotland. Sign up on the website entry form whether you wish to race or prefer simply to join in for the musters. It could be quite a party! The Dinghy Section continues to celebrate its 80th Anniversary this summer with a party in June and a busy season of racing and training. The Bardowie Club and three of its members were nominated for RYA Scotland awards, a great achievement. The DS will soon take delivery of two new Access Dinghies, the cost of which will be covered by donations from members and others thank you to all those who have donated so far but in particular I would like to offer our very grateful thanks to the Incorporation of Coopers of Glasgow who have agreed to donate the whole cost of one boat which will be named at Bardowie in June. Edward Mason, Editor of the Sailing Directions, and Bob Bradfield (of Antares Charts) together gave an excellent lecture recently to members - both do a huge amount of voluntary work on the Scottish coast for the benefit of cruising yachtsmen and all concerned.
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