It is always an unsettling time for our Club when there is a change of stewards, and this was perhaps one of the most difficult and unfortunate scenarios we have encountered. The Committee was unanimous in its handling of the situation. Thanks to their hard work and commitment during the spring months, we managed to keep the Club open. I would like to thank those members who offered their support during this difficult time. Thank you also to the Management Committee (John Jane, John Bolitho, Mark Buckley, Wendy Moore and Mark Gregory) – quite a team! They undertook the daily running of the Club, and it was quite an undertaking to get the Clubhouse ready for the new season. We were very relieved in May to hand over the reins to our new stewards, Greg and Alli Laskey. They have settled in tremendously well and the Clubhouse has been extremely busy all summer. It is fundamental to the well being and operation of the Club that our stewards are hardworking and experienced. Members’ expectations are quite rightly high, but we hope that all have been offered a good service this year. Due to better management, bar prices were reduced not once but twice during the summer, offering benefits to the more frequent users of the Club. Certainly the majority of our sailing members have expressed their appreciation throughout the summer, as have many other members and visiting yachtsmen, many of whom have mentioned the warm welcome, great food, atmosphere and facilities on offer. Nothing is perfect but we are doing our best!
At the start of February, under the guidance of John Bolitho and Mikey Taylor-Firth, we started a comprehensive maintenance programme. A list of work carried out through the year is available should you want detailed information. Amongst other things the drains in front of the Clubhouse were repaired and replaced. Partly due to the terrible state in which it was left, the stewards’ flat had to be completely refurbished to a high standard which we hope will be a good investment. The Club kitchen required professional deep cleaning and the bar needed work to be carried out due to environmental ruling. Re-wiring was also required in areas of the flat, bar and kitchen. The old slipway, which was dangerous, has been removed and rebuilt. Our next major project is the sewerage system, and various options are being considered. On the pontoon, Ken Hubbard organised the installation of new fingers and general upgrading ready for the season.
This year marked the 50th Anniversary of the L’Aber Wrac’h Race and once again our thanks go to our sponsors, to Rob Hewett and his Sub- Committee, and our own Sailing Committee and to all helpers. The whole event was very successful, lots of fun and the reception in France was superb. Although the weather conditions were challenging, the race was thoroughly enjoyed by those who managed to get across the Channel. John and Carol Lawrence who for many years have made the trip to France for this event, spent all of Saturday collating the race cards and results. This event requires an enormous amount of organisation and it is a credit to our Club that this race has continued for so many years. Thank you everyone.
Our Sailing Committee with John Jane at the helm once again, has been very busy, with Garth Weaver and Stuart Sawyer bringing exciting new ideas to the keel boat racing and prize giving. Wednesday evening race nights have seen an increase in the PY class thanks to Chris Symes, and we hope this will continue next year. A few Gaffers still venture out as the weather improves. Our Falmouth Week Regatta Day was one of the best with our well-known teas and pig roast a credit to everyone involved.
The dinghy fleet continued to flourish thanks to the hard work of Adam Mason and his helpers. Adam has sadly now completed his 3 years as Captain Dinghies – thank you Adam for your dedication. Thank you also to Julian Samuel and the Safety Boat crews without whom there would be no dinghy sailing. Adult sailing, race training and junior instruction have continued throughout the summer, although the weather has not always been kind to those learning to sail. We are trying to find ways to encourage more adults to participate in sailing sessions. I would like to thank Colin Brown and his helpers for their work in keeping the Wayfarers up to scratch. Thank you also to Jane Dudley who is unfortunately unable to continue as Captain Juniors. Junior sailing will be reorganised for next year with a Sub-Committee of parents supporting the new Captain Juniors.
After much deliberation and research by the Sailing Committee, the Q17 has finally been replaced. It was generously given to the Club over 20 years ago and has served the Club well, but it was time for it to go and we hope the replacement lasts as long.
In the office Kes left in March after eleven years service. We were all sad to say goodbye as she had become so much part of our Club. Penny has now been joined by Helen Carson who does the Club accounts one day a week. The office is manned five days per week, holidays withstanding.
This last year has been a busy one for our Captain Social, Wendy Moore, who also took on
the responsibility of Vice Commodore. This involved a tremendous work load organising social events and looking after the Clubhouse and stewards. Nothing is too much trouble for Wendy and her support for the Club and myself has been invaluable. That is why it gives me great pleasure to present Wendy with the Robin Preston Memorial Trophy for her outstanding contribution to the Club.
Looking forward to 2010, we are committed to moving the Club forward, to maintaining and improving the current infrastructure, and to offering our members excellent value. I would like to finish by thanking all the Committee members who have worked so hard this year and given their time and their support to me unreservedly. It has been a difficult year but it has not been all hard work – we have had a lot of fun along the way!
Jane Benney, Commodore