Now that most of the boats and yachts are on dry land for safety over the winter season, and waiting for repairs and servicing to be done before launching again for next summer which I hope goes well for all Members, we have time to reflect on the season which hopefully we have all enjoyed.
The Club has been very popular this year and our new stewards have done extremely well. Word has been spreading up and down the coast about the great atmosphere and food at the Club. As a result of this we have had visits from many visiting yachtsmen and women, other sailing clubs and South West Gaffers to name but a few, all enjoying the Club facilities. Members have also been making the Club really busy this year, so much so that it has been necessary to buy extra seating for the balcony. Not only have the clubhouse and balcony been really busy but all the activities the Club runs have gone very well this season. Our Social Committee has arranged a really good social calendar for 2017/2018 and Members should keep a close eye on the Club emails and also this Newsletter for details. The ladies on the Social Committee have done us proud this year.
You will see from this Newsletter that all Membership, Mooring and Berthing fees will increase for 2018. Last year the fees were not increased because of the poor service offered to Members due to the lack of stewards. The increase for next year is to keep in line with inflation and more importantly to keep the Club on a sound financial footing. If you look around at the other local sailing clubs you will find that they do not offer as many activities or sailing boats that can be used free of charge, so that Members still have a good deal financially. In order to secure any stewards for this year the Club had to subsidise them as another year without stewards would have badly damaged the Club’s reputation and been a financial disaster. As the Club has been extremely busy this summer the Committee feels that it was a good decision. The winter season is also always difficult for stewards to make a living and they lose most of the profit made in the summer, thus the need for a subsidy. This arrangement is however up for negotiation in December.
As from the AGM on 19th January 2018 you will have a new Commodore who I hope will enjoy the job as much as I have and I am sure he or she will make a great success of it. All is looking good for 2018 here at the Club and better weather next summer would be a bonus.
Finally I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a successful New Year.
Mark Buckley – Commodore
Download Winter 2017 Newsletter
