With the Spring comes a sudden burgeoning of the Club’s activities. The hardy souls who braved the Frostbite Series are joined by more racers. It is also a time to bid welcome to new members and hope they enjoy their sailing.

The first of the Trophy races is for the John Jarrett, Ladies Trophy and Commodores Cup. The Spring Points series is already underway. There is the usual mix of Class race days, series races and Open Meetings: the Flying Fifteen and Scorpion meeting is on May 7-8^th and the Topper Open on May 15^th. The Laser and Solo Open has been extended to two days this year to test the mettle of these fleets. It may be fortunate that most of the Open Meetings are in the early part of the year because the lake is already very low for the time of year and sailing space might be in short supply later on.

During those cold, dark winter days a lot of work has been carried out on the Committee Boat, the Mary B and the RIBs and they are now in good order. Our grateful thanks go to Alan Coventry, the Bosun, assisted by Mike Meloy. All this work is done on an entirely voluntary basis. Please take care of these boats for they are the “sine qua non” of our sailing. Any faults or breakages should be reported on the board in the clubhouse.

The Sailing Committee has acquired responsibility for the Club’s sailing boats. These are now maintained by the two Dinghy Bosuns, Nicholas Hand and Peter Barnes and they, too, need to know of any faults or breakages. The two new Fevas are being put to good use: there are training sessions from time to time to learn how to rig these boats. In a further attempt to stimulate two-man boats for younger sailors the Club is hosting a Feva Open Meeting on October 1^st and2nd.

The Club hosted the Asymmetric Open where there was a slightly disappointing turnout of RS800s but a more encouraging one of Musto Skiffs. The best Club performance was a 5^th in the 800s by Ralph and Ollie Singleton on a weekend of fairly light winds.

The University of the West of England organised a very successful Open Event in March aimed at students who did not go to the BUSA championships. The racing on the Sunday was integrated into the Club programme and the event was enjoyed by all. It was particularly pleasing to see the University integrating with the Club.

The Portsmouth Yardstick handicap System used at the Club continues to provide many happy hours of time at the Sailing Committee. Under Peter Rose’s expert guidance there have been some very minor changes to the PY numbers to be used for the Spring and Summer series. If you don’t understand the system buy Peter a pint of beer and he will happily explain it to you. It is quite complex. Further developments are possible.

Training has taken on a new lease of life with the qualification within the Club of a lot of new Dinghy Instructors. The usual RYA Level 1 and 2 courses will take place as advertised in the Club Programme. There will also be a “Thursday Improvers” session, as the name implies, on a Thursday evening. Instructors will be available to help with sailing technique for those who need a little for instruction. This will be quite informal. Details will be advertised on the website. If you feel you would benefit, try sailing after work on a Thursday. There may be other technique-specific courses later.

So, there is plenty for racers, learners and just plain sailing. Enjoy it.

Mike Thompson

ff 3899