Commodore's Blog - June 2022
Published 20:40 on 27 Jun 2022
Hello All, and welcome to my latest monthly blog.
Well - the club is busy now with longer days, warmer water and (generally) favourable weather conditions.
Particular highlights since my last Blog have been the first Junior Sailing Course of the year - and a BIG THANK YOU to Peter, Adam and the team that made it happen. Also I'd like to highlight the enthusiasm and skills development shown by our young sailing race squad - coached by Mark.
Our Devon Yawl "Dibber" has proved a huge success with many members having taken her out for a spin already, and positive feedback received about her speed, ability to get close to the wind and her stability and roominess. Our Bosun River has made some really positive changes to her rig, including fitting of reefing lines - which make her even more versatile.
I would also like to welcome new members to the Exec Committee team: Sam Simmons, Adam Smith, Riley Sentance and George Barton-Wood. Keep a look out for them around the club - they're the ones bounding with energy and enthusiasm! In particular I'd like to introduce Riley to you as our new Sailing Secretary, with a role to develop and nurture SGBA's sailing activities and fleet.
Our Membership Secretary, Steve has also been busy enrolling many new members this season - if that's one of you - welcome to SGBA. The club really is going from strength to strength!
Training/Courses
A full programme of RYA courses is underway - details are posted in our newsletters and on the website calendar, via this link: https://sgba.org.uk/events
We have a full programme of PB2 courses running throughout the season and for those powerboaters needing a local induction to use SGBA safety boats, dates are now available on the calendar.
In addition, our Senior Instructor Will is once again offering bespoke sail training for adults - see the latest newsletter for details.
Fleet/Club Boat - Updates
Kayaks: The fleet has been extended this year with two additional Perception Triumph 13's - which offer good speed on the river; a new FeelFree Gemini Sport double is also available which offers much improved comfort and versatility for those wanting to paddle 2-up.
SUP's: Our two 6-person family SUP's are now available for general booking and also for use at Sunday Sailing and Boating sessions. They are great fun and can take the whole family! When using SUP's - please ensure they are correctly inflated before use. Pumps are available next to the SUP racks in the quarry.
Finally - as a reminder you need to pre-book club boats before (use https://sgba.org.uk/page/book-boats#kayaksAndCanoes ) and only take out the boats you have booked. Always wear a buoyancy aid. Lastly, any guests using club boats need to be signed in and accompanied by a member at all times.
Duties/Volunteers
A reminder that we expect all members to play their part in supporting club events and to keep our facilities in prime condition. Unlike most sailing clubs, we don't mandate a certain number of duties per year per member - instead relying on the goodwill and support of our wonderful members to play their part.
You can help from being an OOD at Sunday Sailing & Boating, providing Safety Boat cover, participating in our Working Parties, helping with our sailing courses, etc. We have made it really easy to volunteer via the website: https://sgba.org.uk/page/volunteer
Happy boating and I look forward to seeing you out on the water!
Chris Moore
Commodore, Stoke Gabriel Boating Association
Telephone: 0794 100 5593
Email: commodore@sgba.org.uk
Last updated 21:41 on 27 May 2024