Hello all,

Just a short note to wish you and your family a really fantastic, safe, healthy and prosperous 2009.

The 2009 half of the current sailing season kicks off with a Special Race and an 11h00 start this Sunday 04 January followed by the now traditional RYC Sunday bring 'n braai.

With a brisk breeze forecast the race this Sunday is the perfect opportunity for you to dust the Christmas tinsel off your boats and get some racing practice in ahead of the Summer Series Trophy races the following Sunday.

Key dates for early 2009 that should please be diarised now are:-

• Start of 2009 season special / tune-up race 11h00 04 January
• Summer Series Trophy races 1 & 2 starting 11h00 11 January
• Summer Series Trophy races 3 & 4 starting 11h00 18 January
• The second regional Interclub Regatta over the weekend of 24 & 25 January at RYC
• The annual Inter Schools Regatta over the weekend of 21 & 22 March at RYC

I trust you have had an enjoyable Christmas break and look forward to joining you on the water next weekend after I return to sunny South Africa from a bitterly cold UK.

Wishing you all everything of the very best for 2009 and a great year of sailing.

Yours in sailing

PAUL PETTITT
Commodore