Message from the Commodore
Published 21:28 on 13 Dec 2018
We are fast approaching Christmas and the end of the year, Brexit is a shambles, the markets are down, violent crime is up but thankfully we are able to get out on the water, put the sails up and leave all that behind. The Club is vibrant and exciting and the activities we undertake are extensive and diverse. The Membership remains strong and the balance sheet is healthy. We look forward to next year, our hundred and twenty fifth anniversary year with great confidence. Be assured, we have a crack team working on how we can celebrate this so look out for more details in due course.
On the river the DSC tirelessly seek the Holy Grail which will entice even the most timid of riverbank foundlings to join ever more competitive regular racing fun and skilled racers to join riverbanking chums in idle pursuit of happiness. Keep a weather eye out for next year's calendar; a weekly embarrassment of tempting invitations, and plenty of opportunities to help shape and make the fun happen.
The offshore programme this year was the best ever, Helen however decided to stand down as RC Offshore and I thank her for all her hard work over the last two years. I am very pleased that Stuart Lund has taken up the baton, he has hit the ground running and the major offshore events for next year have already been planned and are on the website. I know that Stuart and the Offcom team continue to work on plans for UK cruising and racing and other initiatives and I look forward to seeing what else is to come.
We celebrated some of our sailing achievements at the laying up supper and I want to congratulate the winners, but also to thank everyone who has taken part in racing competitions as these keep push us to improve. Increasing our presence and competitiveness in racing is a priority for me and the Club will continue to invest and support competitive racing across all classes where we think the right opportunities exist. If anyone has any proposals which will move us forward in racing and would like support from the Club please come and speak to me.
Off the water the highlight of the year was winning the 'increasing participation' category in the RYA club of the year awards and coming second overall. A big thank you from me for everyone who has come forward and got involved with all the activities we do, this is critical because so much depends on people stepping forward and making things happen. I also want make a plea for more volunteers to help, if you are think you may be able to help but aren't sure how please do get in touch with me direct.
One other change I want to tell you about is that although he remains a member, Peter Hopps, is longer our Chief Instructor. Peter set-up the training centre and obtained RYA recognition for us in 2003 and I would like to thank him for all his efforts over many years. In the meantime, Bill and Berenice have worked very hard and done a brilliant job, we are putting on more training than ever with an extensive shore based programme throughout the winter. We hope to announce a new Chief Instructor shortly.
I look forward to seeing as many people as possible at Riverbanking on the 16th and at the Christmas carols and festive fun evening on 18th December.
Happy Christmas
Richard Pettifer
Commodore
Last updated 10:35 on 18 February 2024