Winter Racing Schedule
Following much input from the members and fleet captains, the General Committee have decided to make a slight modification to the Winter Sailing Schedule which starts this Sunday the 25^th October:

• The “warm up” race will continue, but reduced to 2 starts
• Race 1 will be reduced to 5 starts (with the removal of the Miracle start)
• Race 2 will be reduced to 4 starts (with the removal of the Laser & Miracle starts)
• Race 3 will be dropped for the winter (as previously)

There has been a lot of debate around the fact that OODs have not been giving long enough races to those towards the end of the start sequence, and the menagerie fleet has particularly suffered from this.

While we could have moved some of the menagerie fleet earlier in the sequence this would not have solved the fundamental problem and would have split the menagerie start between those who wanted to do Round-The-Cans and Windward / Leeward (which has to start last) when we know menagerie numbers decline over the winter.

However we are committed to emphasising to OODs that they should set the required length (of 60 minutes for Race 1 & 2) for all fleets.  The new OOD instructions have been sent to this weekend’s OOD and should be followed when you are OOD.

Follow the link OOD Instructions

* Get Racing currently only scheduled for November 2015
Draycote Unshackled –  The new Draycote Unshackled has been published and is now available to see online Draycote Unshackled October 2015

Physical copies will be available at the Club this weekend.

The Committee and AGM
All AGM papers have either now been collected or posted out to members.  The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 28 October so if you would like to join the committee to get actively involved in how the club is run then please complete a nomination form with a proposer and seconder. When completed, please return the form to the office or Dave Rowe.

We are very keen for people with experience in the following areas to stand for the committee: Construction / Building Surveyor, Accounting / Finance, Marketing / Sales.

Nominations will be displayed on Friday 31 October and the AGM will take place in the Club on Wednesday 11 November at 7.30pm.  The bar will be open and food will be available so please come and join us.

News from October 
Y&J championships – It was a great turnout on 3rd October for the Y&J championships.

We would like to congratulate the following winners: Under 18 –  Rowan Clay; Under 15 – William Puchy; Under 12 – Derren Jan Soyer.

Merlin Inlands – A total of 47 boats attended the 2 day event with boats travelling from all over the country from Loch Lomond and Bolton down to Salcombe and Hayling Island.

With a total of 5 races, the results were 1st – Chris Gould/Chris Kilsby (Midland SC);
2nd – Mathew Biggs/John Hackett (Blithfield SC); 3rd – Andy Davis/Alex Warren (Blithfield SC).

Draycote Dash – 21st and 22nd November
The Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash will be taking place with 100 boats expected including some of the top sailors in the country.  As part of the GJW SailJuice Winter Series, this will run over the 2 days with boats travelling from all over the country to participate with you our club members in this prestigious event .  As previous years, this major handicap event is guaranteed to be great fun and provide great sailing.

On the Saturday there will be a minimum of 4 average lap races.  On the Sunday there will be a 120 minute pursuit race which is double points and non-discardable.

For members attending the 2 days there is a much reduced fee to participate of £12 (compared to £30 + for visitors) which we hope will entice you to come and join in the fun.

The event is part of the prestigious GJW Direct SailJuice Winter series, featuring iconic races such as the Bloody Mary and Grafham Grand Prix.  We are very honoured to be part of this series and hope that club members support the event by participating.

To enter, go to:  www.sailjuiceseries.com

Bonfire and Fireworks Party – Saturday 7 November
Preparations are underway for this year’s party.  See what is in store:

• Free private event for club members and invited guests
• Bar open from 5.45pm till late
• Bonfire lit at 6.45pm
• Fireworks display from 7.00pm
• BBQ hot dogs and burgers available for purchase
• Sparklers for the children

We are in need of some volunteers on the night with marshalling, bonfire, fireworks and cooking so if you are able to help please contact Dave as soon as possible please on 07429 388961

Forthcoming Events
A busy time ahead on the water and in the Club with the following events coming up:

24/25 Oct                                       Fireball and Scorpion Open *
31 Oct /1 Nov                                 Tera End of Season Championships *
Sat 7 November                             Flying Fifteen Open
Sat 7 November                             Bonfire & Fireworks Party
Wed 11 November                         Annual General Meeting
21/22 November                            Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash *
Sun 13 December                          Christmas Party – mark it in your diary!!

* Some parking restrictions may be in operation.

If you are intending to attend the AGM at the Club on the 11th November then I look forward to seeing you then.

Kind regards

Andrea

Andrea Halliman
DWSC Club Administrator