Hello all,

Following the gales that blew out half of our opening of the season races the previous weekend the first stage of the Hurricane Series last Sunday enjoyed mixed winds making for some exciting and competitive sailing.

The 11h00 start proved a good decision affording members who did not stay for the afternoon braai the opportunity to sail and still get home early enough to spend the afternoon with their families.

We had a nice sized fleet of Lasers and Optimists as well as an Extra and a Gypsey on the water for both races and look forward to those who could not sail last weekend joining us this Sunday afternoon for the second stage of the Hurricane Series.

This Sunday the first race is scheduled to start at 14h00 on a high incoming tide. The long term weather forecast for Sunday predicts a scorching hot day with brisk 15 - 20 knot winds ideal for sailing.

The final result of the Hurricane Series will be determined using the individual handicap system ensuring that even our less experienced members have a fair chance of winning the trophy.

At this time our handicapper, Don Robertson, is keeping all individual handicap ratings a closely guarded secret. Please remember that to get ranked for a personal handicap you do need to sail as often as possible - so if you needed an excuse to get your boat out and sailing this is a good one.

The RYC Committee Meeting held at the Club on Tuesday had a rather long agenda. The issues of general member interest dealt with at this meeting were:-

• Renovation of Mens & Ladies Ablutions - Interest free funding that should cover the cost of upgrading and renovating the mens and ladies ablution facilities has been pledged. Quotes to complete the work are presently being obtained and work should commence shortly.
  
  
• Rescue Boats & Crew - The skipper(s) of our large rescue boat are by law now required to obtain a skippers ticket. The club will cover all related costs incurred by rescue crews who need to obtain a skippers ticket.
  
  
• Sailing Rules - It was determined that the ISAF Rules Of Sailing prohibit coaching of sailors during a race. The Committee resolved that this rule would apply during Club races and that in terms of these rules any sailor receiving coaching / advice during a race would be disqualified. The Committee however resolved that coaching / giving of advice during a race to members of the novice fleet in a race would be permitted. It was noted that this exception may not be allowed at some external events.
  
  
• Viking Funeral - A traditional Viking funeral of the Tempo previously owned and sailed by the late Harold Kohler, one the RYC grandfathers, will be held after the first stage of the annual River Championships at the Club on Saturday 22 November. All members as well as Harold's family are invited to attend this ceremony that will provide a great seldom witnessed, solemn yet spectacular event to be followed by a light supper or braai. More news on this to follow closer to the date.
  
  
• Sailing School & Club Boats - The 2008/9 sailing school opens this Sunday morning at 09h30. In addition to the junior training in the Optimists the Club has three Mirrors and a Gypsey available for older siblings and/or parents who would also like to learn to sail. The sailing school provides the perfect opportunity for you to invite friends and family to join the Club, introduce them to the fantastic sport of sailing and for them to enjoy our facilities. For more info please phone Andrew Butler on 084 564 3128 or Aunty Rhona on (041) 463 1611.
  
  
• New Members - Application for Club membership from Philip Van Rensberg and his son Matt Van Rensberg were accepted and approved. Matt has already demonstrated that he will be a strong contender for the trophies in the Laser class and we look forward to Philip joining us on the water as well soon. A sincere and very warm RYC welcome is extended to both Philip and Matt.
  

East Cape All Class Provincial Regatta - Redhouse will be represented by a fleet of at least three Lasers and four Optimists at this regatta making it the largest Redhouse fleet at this event for several years. A big thank you to all who have already committed to fly our Club colors at Mossel Bay. There is still time to enter this great annual regatta - for more information please refer to the notice of race published here.

Yours in sailing

PAUL PETTITT
Commodore
041 581-5394