Open Day

Our Open Day on Saturday 21^st May was a big success. Despite an unfavourable forecast and some gusty winds, we got 170 people on the water to try sailing or windsurfing during the day. Fortunately, the forecasted rain only came once we were all packed up and in the bar! A lot of interest was expressed in both membership and training courses. Our thanks to the many members who helped make the day such a success.

There will be another Open Day, run by the RYA, to help promote sailing in the Midlands, on Saturday 2^nd July. If you would like to help with this, please let Jeremy Atkins know (jnatkins@btinternet.com).

Get Racing
Get Racing is, as usual, on the first Sunday of the month (Sunday 5^th June). There will be a briefing at 10am and a coach boat on the water for the morning race. Club boats can be hired for free, but you are recommended to book them in advance.

Mid-Summer Activity & Party

Wednesday 22^nd June has been designated the Club’s mid-summer party! Wednesday evening racing will take place as normal and then there will be an outside bar, guest beers and BBQ while enjoying the sunset from a vantage point rarely used. Food will have to be pre-ordered before going out on the water to ensure sufficient is cooked for the end of racing!

Even if you are not racing, please come along and enjoy the evening at the Club.

During this week we are welcoming the senior management of our landlords, Severn Trent, who are organising a major conference at the Club from Tuesday 21^st to Thursday 23^rd June. There will be a marquee on the patio which will be set up the week before. The other equipment will be set up on the Monday (20^th June) and taken down on the Friday (24^th June). During this time there will not be member access to the wet bar or lounge, but there will be full access to the car park, water and changing rooms. This is a great opportunity for income generation at a time when the Club is hardly used.

Bar Opening Hours
As we get into the summer, don’t forget that the bar is open 5 days a week. Even if you aren’t sailing, you are always welcome to come from a drink!

Monday                            1830 – 2130
Wednesday                      1830 – 2200
Friday                               1830 – 2200
Saturday                           1430 – 1800
Sunday                             1230 – 1700

Sunday Race 3

The new, Windward Leeward, format for the last race on Sunday is proving popular with good numbers either staying on for a final race or coming down especially because of the new approach. Asymmetric and non-asymmetric boats are enjoying the extremely tight and tactical racing, all done in a relaxed manner, with some of the Club’s top sailors competing against less experienced sailors in a fun, frantic and friendly format.

SB20s

Many of you will have seen the 2 SB20 keelboats we have recently bought to increase the Club’s commercial viability. We have already had them hired out by companies / organisations 3 times and bookings are coming in for the future. They are available for hire for corporate activity and children’s parties. If you would like to know more, contact Dave Rowe, the Club Manager.

Pursuit Races

We have had the usual 2 bank holiday pursuit races in May, although in rather gusty conditions. These events continue to run, but we have been asking for the past 2 years for someone to take responsibility for them, develop them and encourage more people to participate. Sadly, these requests have fell on deaf ears. If somebody would like to take up this challenge, please talk to Will Whittaker.

Enjoy your sailing in June!

Jeremy Atkins
Commodore