Greetings,

Opening of The 2008/9 Sailing Season

With less than three weeks to go before the start of 2008/9 sailing season much is happening behind the scenes to ensure the Club is ready for what will be a very busy weekend, both on and off the water.  Please diarise and support this event.

The four opening of the season races will be used to determine personal handicaps so it is very important that members sail all events.

Spars & Sails Wanted To Buy

We have quite a few members whose spars were lost / stolen during the floods of 2006. With the cost of replacing the lost spars and sails being rather prohibitive this has resulted in quite few boats that would otherwise be sailing now being marooned.

In particular spars and sails for Lasers, Gypsies, Mirrors and Optimists are desperately sought.

Funds are available to purchase them but donations will also be most welcome.

If you have, or know of anybody else who has, any spare or unused spars or sails (with or without a boat attached) lying around please let me or Esme' know.

Other news / matters that all members should be aware of are:-

• 2008/9 Sailing Program - The 2008/9 sailing program has been updated to reflect the changes to the inter club series dates. The updated program is able to viewed and downloaded on the Club web site at www.ryc.co.za
  
  
  
• New / Returning Members - Prospective members as well as previous members whose membership has lapsed are required to apply in writing on the prescribed form. New members need not be nominated by an existing member but are required to introduce themselves to the committee. To download a printable membership application form please click here.
  
  
  
• Sailing School - Please note that the official opening of the Redhouse Yacht Club 2008/9 sailing school program has been moved forward to 10h00 14 September. Cost is R30.00 per lesson for non club members and free for paid-up members. Club boats will be allocated with new arrivals enjoying preference.
  
  
  
• Club Membership Fees & Boatshed Rentals - Lawrie has posted out membership subscription and boatshed rental accounts for the new season to all members.
  
  Given the effects of the current petrol price members are being offered the option to split their payment over three months should they prefer. If you do need to split payment of your Club subs and/or boatshed rental please ensure that Lawrie (041 3736504) or Esme' (041 4631605) are made aware of this.
  
  
  
• Boatshed Maintenance - Boatshed renters will have noticed a R45 levy for Boatshed Maintenance on their accounts. This levy is to cover the cost of refurbishing the boatshed doors and has been made in terms of bye-law 3.5 that reads 'Each occupant shall be responsible for keeping his bay in a good state of repair, especially the doors. Maintenance that the Committee deems necessary for the boatshed structure will be recovered by means of a maintenance levy'.
  
  
  
• Boatshed Access - Boatshed renters must please note that a new lock has been fitted to shed number 11 that you need to access to switch off / switch on the burglar alarm. If you do not know the new combination please feel free to call any of the committee members whose phone numbers are available here. The alarm code has not changed.
  
  
  
• Eastern Cape All Class Provincial Regatta previously held at Swartvlei is taking place at the Mossel Bay Yacht during the first weekend of the school holidays from 26 till 29 September 2008.
  
  This annual regatta has always been a fantastic event enjoying support from all over South Africa and with Mossel Bay Yacht Club enjoying one of the best beachfront locations in South Africa this years event will be great for both sailors and their families.
  
  Advance entry forms for this regatta will be available at the Redhouse Yacht Club during our opening of the season event.
  
  

Other than a big thank you to Aunty Rhona and her team of galley slaves for the delicious meal enjoyed by all during the very successful cheese tasting last month as well as to everyone who supported the event that's all the news for now.

As always please feel free to contact me directly or via the www.ryc.co.za contacts page should you have any questions or require further information.

Yours in sailing

PAUL PETTITT
Commodore
041 581-5394