Commodore

At one time the Start of Season Party really did mark the renewal of life at the Club; members emerged from winter hibernation, removed storm covers from their boats, dusted off the cobwebs and renewed their friendships. In recent years however we have had a winter program and at times the Club has been quite buzzing with activity.

This year has been no exception: As I write this we have just finished putting the Clubhouse back to "normal" following the hugely enjoyable 6oth Anniversary Party which replaced the usual start of season party. Mike (trustycorrespondent) Baker describes this elsewhere, but I add my congratulations and thanks to Diana and her team for a magnificent "do".

The programme of monthly Sunday lunches have been well supported, culminating in the Ladies Lunch on 17 February, when the Ladies were able to enjoy their aperitifs outside on the quarter deck in sunshine!

This year's Programme is being distributed with this newsletter and contains the usual old favourites together with some innovations. In particular Richard is planning more pursuit races on Sundays where circumstances allow. He has also made arrangements for an additional "away week" to Chichester Harbour, courtesy of Chichester Yacht Club. This coincides with the Signet Nationals and also Chichester YC's own family week, so we will be able to enjoy one or more day's sailing in good company.

As weather allows, we will be arranging impromptu events, for example BYO barbeques on Wednesday evenings and we will also schedule the " Midsummer Madness Cruise" to the pub (date currently secret in order not to tempt the rain gods!)

On the domestic front, plans are in place to replace the windows in the Clubroom, which are now in a somewhat sorry state. It is anticipated that some strengthening will also be necessary to the frontage, and hopefully the "dip" in the roof will be corrected. This will be followed, as time and finances allow, by refurbishment of the galley.

I conclude by drawing your attention to the work party on 26 April. As always there is always a lot of work to do to keep the common areas of moorings neat and tidy (individual berths are of course the occupier's own responsibility). In addition this year we are intending to take the patrol boat out of the water and start its refurbishment. Please note the date and do come along if you can.

Enjoy the season and good sailing!

Nigel Knowles