March 2015 - Civil Service Sailing Association
Transcription
March 2015 - Civil Service Sailing Association
April 2015 Civil Service Sailing Civil Service Sailing Association Invitation to CSSA Annual General Meeting New yacht for Channel Sailing Division CSSA accounts: pages 5-7 Club reports: pages 8-13 CONTENTS Details of CSSA AGM ....................................................................3 Commodore’s Corner ..................................................................4 CSSA Annual Accounts ............................................................5-7 Annual Report and Club Round-ups ............................8-13 Five Kingdoms Sailing Club .......................................................14 Jumbles Sailling Club Open Day ............................................15 This month, the magazine is largely dedicated to the CSSA Annual Report and the Treasurer’s 2014 accounts, which looks back on the past 12 months. There is still room to include some club news, but the July edition will have even more space for your contributions. In the meantime, do keep sending your news to: [email protected]. Deborah Ward, Editor Civil Service Offshore Racing Club .....................................16 Littleton Sailing Club Open Day ...........................................17 Channel Sailing Division ......................................................18-19 East Coast Yacht Division ...........................................................20 n Front page shows Artful Dodger moored in Scotland Official: More women are taking to the water Boat ownership and female participation on the rise, according to latest watersports findings According to research released in March, 3.5 million UK adults participated in one or more of 12 boating activities in 2014. This remains similar to 2013, representing 7.1% of the UK’s total adult population. The Watersports Participation Survey is conducted annually by leading marine bodies including the RYA, British Marine Federation (BMF), Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), British Canoeing (BC) and Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The 12 core activities covered are: small sail boat racing, other small sail boat activities, yacht racing, yacht cruising, power boating, general motor boating/cruising, canal boating, canoeing, rowing/ sculling, windsurfing, water skiing and wakeboarding. Watersports in addition to the 12 above: surfing/body boarding/ paddle boarding, kitesurfing, angling, cliff climbing activities, coastal walking activities, general leisure time at the beach, outdoor swimming, leisure sub-aqua diving, coasteering. Among the findings Gender: female participation in ‘any boating activity’ continues a steady increase since 2010 and is now at the joint highest (6.2%, 2007) since the study began in 2002. Males are more likely to be enthusiasts than females, with 28% participating more than six times per year, compared to 17% for females. Age: participation in ‘any boating activity’ among the over-55s has been steadily since 2011 and it is now at its highest volume since the survey began. Boat ownership: more than 1.2 million boats are owned by households in the UK, an increase from 1.1 million in 2011-13. The most popular craft to own is a canoe/kayak, making up 47% of the total number owned (573,614). The next most popular are small sailing boats which account for 17%. Further details from the RYA website.: www.rya.org.uk Don’t forget! Dinghy Championships Don’t forget the CSSA sporting and social occasion of the year! , when the public will be able to experience taster r Venue: Netley Cliff Sailing Club, Southampton Date: 11th-12th July 2015 It would be wonderfulto seem more entries from outside the south of England, to experience not only excellent competition on tidal waters, but also the famed hospitality of Netley Cliff. Details will be posted on www.ncsc.co.uk in due course. Inquiries to: [email protected] ... diary dates .... diary dates .... diary dates .... diary dates .... • • • • • • • 2 Open Day at Jumbles Sailing Club, Edgworth, Bolton, 18th April CSSA AGM, Civil Service Club, London, 27th April Open Day at Littleton Sailing Club, 16th May RYA’s Push the Boat out month, 9-17thMay Inter-Departmental Offshore Regatta, Cowes, 7-12th June Dinghy Sailing Championships at Netley Cliff Sailing Club, 11-12th July Fastnet Race, starting 16th August ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2015 Members are invited to attend the CSSA 57th AGM Members are invited to attend the 57th Annual General Meeting of the CSSA, to be held on Monday, 27th April 2015. VENUE The Civil Service Club 13 Great Scotland Yard London SW1A 2HJ AGENDA 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Presentation of awards and trophies Commodore’s address Minutes of the 56th AGM held on 28 April 2014 (* See Note) Minutes of the SGM held on 28 April 2014 (* See Note) Adoption of the Annual Report for 2014 (* See Note) Treasurer’s Report and Adoption of the 2014 Annual Accounts Election of Officers and Committee Members Appointment of Auditor Amendment to the CSSA Constitution (Apr 2013) as follows: Para 3 (1)(b): Delete “Clause” insert “Rule”. Para 5 (4)(e): (line 3) Delete “, who in the opinion of the General Committee,”. Para 13. Delete existing para 13, insert the following new paras: (1) Sailing clubs whose membership consists predominantly of persons eligible for membership of the Council may become affiliated to the Association, subject to their Constitutions being first approved by the General Committee of the Association. The authorised representative of such an Affiliated Club may on behalf of that Club propose motions for and speak at General Meetings of the Association. (2) Sailing clubs whose membership consists predominantly of persons eligible for membership of the Council, and which are structured as a Company Limited by Guarantee or similar entity, may become affiliated to the Association, subject to the approval of the General Committee of the Association. The authorised representative of such an Affiliated Club may on behalf of that Club propose motions for and speak at General Meetings of the Association. After closure of the AGM, members are invited to raise any matters for discussion. A free buffet will then be available. * Note: These documents are available on the CSSA website www.cs-sailing.org A volunteer is sought to replace the current webmaster, who wishes to step down from the role. Please get in touch if you have the digital skills and time to spare. Email: [email protected] The following nominations for the posts shown have been received: Post Commodore Vice-Commodore Nominee Graham Dalton (Note 1) Trevor Drew (Note 2) Rear-Commodore (D) Rear-Commodore(O) Treasurer General Secretary Membership Secretary Safety Officer Offshore Secretary Dinghy Secretary Training Officer CS-Sailing Editor & PRO Iain Mackay (Note 3) Paul Brereton (Note 3) Brian Grubb Vacant (Note 4) Ken Pavitt Steve Whitting Ian Mason Vacant (Note 5) Len Creswell Deborah Ward Graham Dalton Trevor Drew Graham Dalton Trevor Drew Graham Dalton Graham Dalton Graham Dalton Trevor Drew Trevor Drew Trevor Drew Graham Dalton Graham Dalton Trevor Drew Trevor Drew Members (max of nine) (for IDOR) CSSA webmaster Lindsey Kemp Nick Rees Vacant (Note 6) Graham Dalton Graham Dalton Trevor Drew Trevor Drew Divisional representatives CSSC CE (Simon Lee) Proposer Seconder Representatives for each club and division are appointed by the club and division. Ex-officio appointment Notes 1. The Commodore was elected by the General Committee to serve for three years from the 2015 AGM. 2. The Vice Commodore was elected at the 2014 AGM to serve for three years. 3. The Rear Commodore(D) was elected for a period of two years in 2013 and is eligible to be re-elected once only for a further period of two years. The Rear Commodore (O) was elected for a period of two years in 2014 and is eligible to be re-elected once only for a further period of two years. 4. Nikki Brown has volunteered for the duty of General Secretary taking post immediately after this AGM. She will be co-opted to the General Commitee. 5. Len Cresswell will be relinquishing the post of CSSA Sea School Principal in Aug 2015. Any club members interested in becoming the Sea School Principal is asked to contact the Vice Commodore or RC(O). 6. A CSSA member is sought to take over the duty of Webmaster of www.cs-sailing.org. The Webmaster may be invited to join the General Committee. 3 C ommodore ’ s C o rner Let’s get our friends afloat n Commodore Graham Dalton sailed a Laser 2000 with daughter Lucy at last year’s dinghy championships I am writing this on a very wet and very windy evening, looking out over the Firth of Forth. Scotland is a great place to see in the new year, but I have to say that the sight of the east coast from Edinburgh’s port town of Leith is enough to make anyone wonder whether sailing is a very good idea. But it is a new year, and though it might still be cold and lifeless outside this is the time to plan time afloat for the coming season. I had a great season last year. It started with a long weekend on Freya of Orwell and the Cobweb rally in May. I have to say, as a rare visitor to the east coast, that it was extraordinarily good sailing on a really nice yacht. I don’t recall picking up much silverware in the friendly competition, but it was good sailing nonetheless. My season continued with another silverware near miss. With daughter Lucy, I took part in the dinghy championships at Netley Cliff. A great weekend of what the big boat fraternity call “variable” winds. Which means “not a lot of wind”. We sail a 2000, which likes a bit of a blow. So congratulations to Martin Hughes who showed much better consistency in his Finn to take the championship. Martin is a very nice guy, and a pretty good sailor too. We had some close competition over the weekend, though I did enjoy the prize giving – he asked afterwards quite why I got to present the trophies? He thought that the runner-up gets to do the presentation. Perhaps I should have let on that I was the Commodore? Indeed, what is the etiquette about flying a swallowtail when racing? I did get to fly the flag later in the season during a week on the Firth of Clyde. I had never sailed on the Clyde before, and now know what I have been missing. Not quite as much sunshine as the Ionian. Or even as the Solent. But good weather, sheltered water, and really nice sailing in spectacular scenery. Now I know why 5 Kingdoms SC head up to northern waters each summer. Lochranza on the Isle of Arran only has 12 visitors moorings, yet we still found four to choose from at 7pm on a summer evening, a good pub just a short dinghy ride away, and a distillery visit for breakfast the next day. You don’t get that in Yarmouth! So what for 2015? Three CSSA yachts with plans for another good sailing season. And two of the yacht divisions have their sights set 4 on new boats, which is definitely something to look forward to. The IDOR event in June seems to have been a great success on the yachts from Fairview Sailing – rather more manageable than the Sunsail boats of previous years. So I am definitely looking forward to the 2015 event which I know will be blessed with a perfect force 4 from the south west …. Sailing with CSSA gives access to lots of opportunity, be that cruising, competitive cruising, or pretty serious racing. All that sailing is the result of a lot of voluntary effort from a lot of members, and it is the contribution from each and every member that makes the Association and the various clubs or divisions what they are. CSSC is starting to look like a much refreshed and re-energised voluntary organisation as it emerges from a recession and the loss of civil service financial support. Sailing is a significant part of wider CSSC activity, and I think too that it is CSSC that will play a big role introducing new people to our world of sailing. I had a really enjoyable year afloat in 2014, and hope that you did too. To keep our clubs and association thriving, we need to introduce new people to the joys of sailing. So let 2015 be the year that we all get a friend afloat. More generally, we still have a lot of work to do to attract fresh blood into the clubs to keep them thriving for years to come. We need to make access much easier, with a move to full on-line booking and administration of membership. Trevor Drew has made a great contribution to the Association in his first year as Vice-Commodore, and has been ably supported by the other officers and committee members. On your behalf, I would like to record our thanks for all their effort. I should also express a big thank you to John Figgures who steps down this year after a decade as the Association Secretary. John has done a great job in keeping the administration of the Association in good shape, and will be a tough act to follow. The reports that follow look back on the year just gone. But let me look forward too, and wish you all enjoyable sailing in 2015 Graham Dalton, CSSA Commodore CSSA ACCOUNTS Treasurer’s Report and abridged CSSA financial statement for 2014 2013 Results 1. The Association made a surplus of £4,931 for 2014 compared with £13,128 for 2013. Membership grant from CSSC increased by more than £2,000 and less was spent on administration and training, but the largest item was a grant distribution of £12,001 across all member clubs, made for the first time under the new ‘per-capita’ grant scheme. This provides for the sharing of a ‘grant pot’ across all clubs depending on available funds and in proportion to the size of clubs’ CSSC/CSSA membership. The distribution was possible largely because £10,000 originally budgeted to meet professional fees in connection with new leasing arrangements for some of the Association clubs’ sites was not, in the event, required. 2014 Financial position and highlights 2. The Association’s financial position remains strong. Taking one year with another, the aim is to increase reserves broadly in line with inflation. This is so that clubs’ requirements for interest-free loan capital to improve and renew their assets - inevitably affected by inflation - can continue to be met. One new, two-year, interest-free loan was made during the year, being £49,000 to the Portsmouth Offshore Group. This was to enable half the interest -bearing bank-financed loan previously taken towards funding POG’s moorings development project to be repaid early. The Future 3. In addition to the loan to POG during 2014, the Association’s General Committee has agreed to make longer term interest -free loans of up to £95,000 to Channel Sailing Division and up to £57,000 to Five Kingdoms Sailing Club towards replacing their yachts. Both clubs are actively pursuing replacements and the loans are likely to be made during 2015. This will significantly reduce the Association’s cash reserves but nonetheless leave more than sufficient working capital. Indeed, coupled with the receipts from future annual loan repayments these smaller cash reserves are also projected to satisfy potential loan requirements for other clubs that are on the further horizon. 4. The change in 2012 to a capitation basis for CSSC’s membership grant to CSSA (its primary income) has benefited the Association because – along with new members gained from events such as the Inter-departmental Offshore Regatta - clubs continue to take advantage of broadened CSSC membership eligibility to recruit members. A further increase to more than 2,400 Association members at September 2014 means that membership grant for 2015 will be £30,919 - some £1,900 more than for 2014. It has to be recognised, however, that this rate of membership increase may perhaps tail off over time. And the ‘capitation rate’ for the grant will of course depend on CSSC’s own finances which, like most parts of the economy, are under pressure. Likewise there is pressure on the Sports and Recreational Bodies events grant that CSSC also provides to the Association, although it is pleasing to report that a grant budget of £7,775 has been approved for 2015 – a slight increase on 2014 and all that was sought. 5. As the surplus for 2014 shows, CSSA has sufficient head room as well as reserves to provide a buffer against any potential levelling-off of grant support. But for 2015 it will again be necessary to set up budgetary provision of £10,000 to meet legal and other fees related to the introduction of leasing arrangements for the sites occupied by Netley Cliff SC and Littleton SC. It seems almost certain that such costs will arise in 2015, despite earlier delays. So the scope for a grant distribution to clubs in 2015 may be limited. 6. The wider introduction of site rents for the land-based clubs will also have a continuing financial impact inasmuch as the CSSC looks to the Association not only to collect such rental and associated payments but also to guarantee them. Indeed, if the arrangements result in ‘back-to-back’ leases between CSSC and CSSA, and CSSA and the individual club - as is probable - then CSSA will acquire actual rather than contingent rent obligations and be more vulnerable in the event that clubs themselves are unable to meet their rent commitments. Once all site agreements are in place the annual obligations - actual and contingent – are likely to approach £140,000. As the I&E account shows, this figure is already nearly £119,000. This is another reason why the Association needs to maintain substantial reserves which, fortunately, it appears able to do in the foreseeable future. Appointment of auditor 7. A motion to appoint Wilkins Kennedy Llp (incorporating former auditors CW Fellowes Limited) as auditor for 2015 will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 8. Abridged financial statements comprising the Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31 December 2014 are shown on the following pages. They are drawn directly from the audited financial statements. Copies of the full (12-page) financial statements - including the Audit Report (which contains a ‘clear’ audit opinion), Cash Flow Statement and Notes - will be available at the forthcoming AGM. Copies may also be obtained, quoting CSSA membership number, as follows: By email request to [email protected] By provision of an SAE (A4 envelope) to me at: 64 St Cross Road Winchester Hants SO23 9PS Brian Grubb Honorary Treasurer 6 March 2015 5 CSSA ACCOUNTS Income and expenditure account for the year ended 31 December 2014 2014 £ Income CSSC membership grant 2014 £ 2013 £ 29,006 26,953 4,072 6,532 Associate membership subscriptions - 27 Training income - - 2,126 1,842 1 (4) CSSC events grant Interest on bank deposits Other Income _____ 35,205 _____ 2013 £ 35,350 General expenditure Committee costs 1,267 2,066 Other administrative costs 1,712 2,104 734 689 12,001 - Training expenditure 1,457 1,896 Magazine 8,383 7,843 93 150 555 535 - - Functions Grants funded by CSSA Advertising and publicity RYA subscription Loan default provision Trophies and citations _____ 407 26,202 _____ 15,690 Events expenditure Offshore racing Dinghy championships Victory Trophy Interdepartmental offshore races - 1,800 1,292 2,032 80 - 2,700 2,700 _____ Gross Surplus 4,072 _____ 6,532 _____ _____ 4,931 13,128 Loan interest, rents and charges HSBC loan interest and charges Less: amounts recharged to divisions 3,362 5,005 (3,362) (5,005) _____ CSSC rents and charges Less: amounts recharged to divisions 6 _____ 112,753 (118,821) (112,753) _____ Net Surplus to General Fund - 118,821 - _____ 4,931 _____ _____ - - _____ 13,128 _____ Balance sheet at 31 December 2014 2014 £ Loans to division due after one year 2014 £ 2013 £ CSSA-financed interest-free loans 70,000 63,110 HSBC-financed interest-bearing loans 35,000 84,000 _____ 105,000 _____ 2013 £ 147,110 Current assets Loans to Divisions - due within one year: CSSA-financed interest-free loans 34,500 21,589 7,000 14,000 Chandlery stock 1,447 1,475 Sundry debtors 133,752 120,070 Bank current and deposit accounts 212,809 HSBC-financed interest-bearing loans _____ 237,255 389,508 _____ 394,389 Current liabilities Loans from HSBC - due within one year 7,000 14,000 Sundry creditors 91,268 87,261 Corporation tax 531 460 _____ 98,799 _____ 101,721 Current assets less current liabilities 290,709 292,668 Total assets less current liabilities 395,709 439,778 35,000 84,000 360,709 355,778 _____ _____ 355,778 342,650 4,931 13,128 360,709 355,778 _____ _____ Long-term liabilities Loans from HSBC - due after one year Total assets less total liablitities General Fund Balance brought forward Surplus for year Brian Grubb, Honorary Treasurer, 6 March 2015 A full version of the accounts, and the club reports, can be found at the CSSA website: www.cs-sailing.org 7 ANNUAL REPORT ON 2014 SEASON First year in office has been a busy one Highlights The harsh winter of 2013 led to an early period of rather wet weather, but by March, things had largely settled down and our clubs were ready to spring with the season. The Dinghy Championships were held in July at Netley Cliff once again and all the clubs reported increased participation with the warmer weather. The offshore members and club boats ranged far and wide throughout the season, from La Rochelle to Shetland, both in n A busy year for Vicecruising and in racing mode, also Commodore Trevor Drew delivering RYA training courses up to Yachtmaster Offshore. The Inter-Departmental Offshore Regatta proved a great success, with 17 entries and increased CSSA membership. We do foresee upcoming challenges to the organisation of our Sea School, however, consequent with a number of instructors stepping down in-year and this will be a priority for the upcoming season. Our membership continues to grow steadily, following the expansion in membership eligibility made by CSSC. Interestingly, the number of Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) Full Members who have joined far exceeds the number of Linked Members, providing reassurance that the Association and its Clubs are of direct interest and attractive to the core clientele of CSSC. Our last major dinghy event of the season was also challenged by the weather – this time with a lack of water necessitating a lastminute change of venue. But the Royal Navy came to the rescue and a relocation to Whale Island proved a great success. On a personal level, my first year as Vice-Commodore has certainly been a busy one, but I am eternally thankful for the strong support of my fellow Flag Officers and Committee members, and in particular the support of the Honorary Treasurer and General Secretary, Brian Grubb and John Figgures, for steering me through the challenges of the role, along with taking the brunt of the workload, particularly in liaising with the clubs on the many lease issues and administering the running of the Association. I’m also very grateful to my predecessor, Rob Stephens, for leaving everything in such good order. Looking ahead, we are already engaged with our Armed Services counterparts once again, in planning joint dinghy competitions for 2015 and are keen to see wider representation. Our offshore clubs have planned some exciting cruises for the coming season, so do have a look at their websites. I’m delighted that we are also continuing our tradition of entering the Rolex Fastnet Race – providing members with an incredible opportunity to be part of an iconic event that will undoubtedly be a highlight of their sailing careers. TrevorDrew, CSSA Vice-Commodore 8 Membership As of the end of December 2014 there are 2,495 CSSA sailors paying CSSC subs. This is still a healthy rate of increase continuing from the CSSC rule changes. There has been a peak in new members joining during the Spring in the past two years, likely partly due to new members joining for IDOR participation. There were about 283 new CSSA memberships issued in 2014 and the magazine distribution list has increased from 2,090 to 2,310 in the last year, with 19 members leaving, lapsing or deceased. Some members share one magazine between two or three members or do not require a magazine, giving a total of CSSC paying members of 2,425 plus four Honorary M embers. Ken Pavitt, Membership Secretary Publicity Civil Service Sailing acquired a new editor who has now been in the role for a full calendar year and has introduced a new-look format for the magazine. Quarterly editions were published in line with the usual annual schedule, and mailed to members. Electronic versions were made available for the CSSC.co.uk website and for local club/division websites. In a bid to reduce costs, a request was made in the magazine for members to indicate their willingness to receive the electronic version only, however, this secured only a handful of responses. It is difficult to draw a firm conclusion from this: either members overwhelmingly prefer the hard-copy version, or general apathy reigns. Nevertheless, discussions are under way in the Management Committee on possible options for the future, which include reducing the number of editions per year, converting one edition to electronic only and seeking cheaper printing and/or mailing. The CSSC website is being refreshed and a new, more up-to-date branding was produced for use by clubs and associations, while a sailing version was created especially for CSSA. Clubs are urged to adopt this when updating websites, stationery or promoting local sailing events. Email [email protected] if you don’t already have a copy. Sailing text for both the new CSSC website and a refreshed CSSA website is in the process of being drafted and will be accompanied by a new library of high-quality images supplied by a CSSC volunteer photographer who has attended a number of sailing events. This work is being carried out with guidance from the CSSC who are keen to see a consistent approach for affiliated websites. The CSSA clubs/divisions are also involved in updating their websites, using the expertise of their own members, for whom the Association is extremely grateful. Consideration, meanwhile, is also being given to wider use of digital platforms that will enable more informal contact between members and clubs/divisions. The challenge now is to generate more interest in the Association, particularly from wider areas of the public sector that are eligible to join us but perhaps don’t yet realise what they are missing! Deborah Ward, CSSA Publicity Officer ANNUAL REPORT: CLUB UPDATES Dinghy Sailing: Summary The two significant events of our dinghy year are the Dinghy Championships and the Victory Trophy. The Championships were held once again in July at Netley Cliff SC, where the entry of 28 boats managed to complete all six races over two days, despite having the traditional Sunday morning wait for the wind. Race management and shoreside hospitality were again excellent, and the only slight disappointment continues to be the inability to attract more participants. Despite the special provision for members of Fisher’s Green SC to enter despite their departure from the CSSA, only one entry was received. It remains a task for the organisers to attract CSSA dinghy sailors from further afield to boost the numbers to a level commensurate with the quality of the racing. Littleton Sailing Club (LSC) The start of 2014 was dominated by floods. The clubhouse was unaffected but the Lake became unusable as police closed Littleton Lane and pontoons and stagings were under water. This happened in January and February. On both occasions, once the water had receded to a safe level, volunteers working on Saturday made the site suitable for sailing on the Sunday. We successfully applied, through Spelthorne Borough Council, for a Sport England flood relief grant for repair of staging. Work was carried out by members with the grant covering material costs. Several rowing and canoe clubs used the Lake while the Thames was in spate, as in 2013, with donations by those clubs used for a makeover of the clubhouse interior. Despite the floods, the lake water level fell in late summer, probably due to a leaky weir, and together with excessive weed rendered part of the lake unusable. Our racing programme continued but a Laser Open Meeting was cancelled and the Victory Trophy moved to Portsmouth. The weed has now died back and we are considering ways to alleviate future weed problems. Water levels are recovering, although slowly. Membership renewals in 2014 were slightly down on 2013. Final figures for 2015 will not be known for a few months or so. Our Open Day in May attracted over 50 visitors, followed by taster sessions in summer, resulting in 21 new members. Several have attended sailing courses. Open Day/Taster sessions are planned for 2015. A fourth Vision dinghy was bought for the training fleet. Additional instructors, six sailing and three powerboat/safety boat, are now trained, bringing the total to 18 and four respectively. Thirteen well attended sail and powerboat/safety boat training courses were run. The purchase of new safety boat outboards has been agreed, to Rutland Civil Service Sailing Club It has been a very good year for Rutland CSSC in so far as our new commodore has inspired a greater sense of purpose amongst the members resulting in a much better “feel” to the club. Membership has increased slightly and contact with two CSSC regions has resulted in a number of taster sessions being organised, raising our profile locally and resulting in new members for next year. The extensive refurbishment of both boats has been completed and we There was considerable anxiety around the organisation of the Victory Trophy, which had to be switched late in the day from Littleton because of falling water levels, and was eventually hosted by the Navy at Whale Island, Portsmouth Harbour in October. A further late change consequent upon this decision was to sail the competition in Bosun dinghies, as these were already on the water at Whale Island. These conditions proved challenging for all but the Navy; however, the Civil Service team finished joint first, sharing the trophy with the Army. The talent that has been uncovered within the CSSC team, captained this year by Ellen Milner, is potentially a great asset to the CSSA, and this needs exploiting. Iain Mackay, Rear Commodore (Dinghy), CSSA be in commission for the summer season. We hope to hear the result soon of a Sport England Grant application. A full programme of series races and one-off events was run. Overall number of participants was slightly down on 2013. Efforts have continued to encourage and help new/less experienced sailors to progress and Wednesday evening improvers sessions have been added to the 2015 programme. Netley dinghy championships were well supported by LSC, resulting in prizes for both adult and youth members. Youth sailors competed in the Nationals School Sailing Association and Surrey Schools Regattas, again with much success. Youth sailing has continued to be popular, with 57 boys and girls taking part in Saturday sessions. LSC has continued to support two school sailing clubs and a youth activity group. Cruising (non-racing) sailing has increased in popularity. A cruising day arranged at short notice in lieu of the Victory trophy attracted over 25 boats and over 50 participants of all ages. A small group of windsurfers continue to use the Lake and consideration is being given to allow limited use of stand-up paddleboards. LSC members received several external awards: the CSSA Barge Trophy; three winners and a runner-up in Spelthorne Borough Council Sports Awards; winner of the BBC Surrey Outstanding Service to Sport Award; and RYA Outstanding Contribution Award. Aims for 2015 include: negotiation of the lease and subsequent arrangements for club structure and management; further improvements in monitoring and control of spending; better range of hire boats; more support for families; better future planning. Sue Antonelli, Club Commodore are looking ahead to the possibility of getting our third boat (currently in storage), back on the water in maybe 18 month’ time. A lot of people come to the club with little or no experience so emphasis has been placed on training this year, which has resulted in a greater number of “approved” helms. Two offshore events on the Solent were fully booked up and are to be repeated next year. Pete Shuttleworth, Club Captain 9 ANNUAL REPORT: CLUB UPDATES Battered by storms but still thriving Netley Cliff Sailing Club (NCSC) 2014 began with the club receiving a battering through the winter storms. The club provides few activities in this period other than moderately supported workdays. It is a credit to those who attended that they achieved some success in site repairs and maintenance. We are very grateful to those who organise and provide the work. The club has seen an intrusion into a member’s boat and whilst no long-term harm was done, it was unpleasant and has heightened the need to review fencing around the club. Netley Cliff SC held the Civil Service Dinghy Sailing Championships in July. Members supported this with resources and staffing so that civil service sailors from the area and CSSA clubs could enjoy two days competition on Southampton water. The events again proved successful and we would like to express our gratitude to race officer David Greenway and principal organiser Vice-Commodore Darren Whitcher. The club currently has 110 members and holds constant at this level. There is a need to market the membership as the changes in CSSC membership has failed to bring the increases anticipated. There is a balance to be had between a high number of members and retaining a “family feel” to the club, although a significant increase would not be an unrealistic goal to manage and assure a buoyant future. This where the CSSC in the future can support by providing assistance and skills in how the club can market this potential and gain the membership increase. The training provided previously to the club members did not materialize again this season. This is partly due to the poor weather at the beginning of the season and work commitments. Portsmouth Offshore Group (POG) The splendid summer has ensured that life at POG has proceeded according to plan, with a full programme of five rallies and two races, all well attended. Many members ventured further afield ,from Brittany to the Dutch and Belgian canals and the sailing centre has been pretty busy with families and friends of members. Their experiences were reported in our monthly newsletter. A new development was a joint venture with Hinton Flying Club where some of their members flew to Lee on the Solent, boarded POG boats to take part in the Nab ‘n Back Race, stayed overnight and then gave some POG members flights over the Solent. The IT development team has completed phase 1 of a scheme whereby mooring holders at Weevil Lake have been able to declare their moorings free for use by other members in their absence, which has been much appreciated. It includes a clever system where the base mooring holder, on passage elsewhere, is sent a text message to advise of a “visitor” on the mooring together with their mobile telephone number, so if they have to return early, the mooring will be vacant. A further development will mean that mooring holders will be able to declare their mooring free 10 Further, the arrangements made with an external training centre ceased for powerboat level 2. To this end there has been an effort to establish an RYA training centre; there is an opportunity to arrange a joint venture and this is to be explored during 2015. The club secretary, Basil Panakis continues to sail significant distances and spent some of 2014 along the east coast of America waiting for a clear passage back to the UK. We are always pleased to hear of Basil’s adventures and look forward to his 2015 itinerary. We wish fair seas and a steady wind to Basil, and all others sailing in the New Year. The club has needed to be frugal with finances, there are some major construction projects required. These include rebuilding the slipway and redecorating the clubhouse. We have succeeded in rebuilding the club steps. This provides a significant challenge as the slipway is a major project and it is apparent that this construction requires a contract with documented standards and may require CSSA & CSSC assistance. There has been a change of committee membership with Rick MacDonald as the new Commodore and the Treasurer position handed from Ian Robertson to Matt Hancock. The club is looking to improve the facilities and management of the 2015 Dinghy Championships, working with CSSA to provide a cost-effective quality event with the expectation of higher attendance given the broader range of those who qualify. The club faces challenges, but it is supported by a dynamic core membership and active committee, and we anticipate that we will grow through the 2015 season. Rick MacDonald, Club Commodore by using a text message rather than logging in to the website may persuade even wider use of the system. The last couple of years has seen the gradual move to direct payment away from cheques for a variety of charges such as mooring fees and membership fees. This has made life easier to collect and collate the money although it does not take away the human error element, so the Treasurer has not noticed a great saving in effort! We were able to host Sea Essay and CSSC crew for lunch on their annual “show the flag” trip, whichwas blessed with fine weather. Further working parties have put the finishing touches to the pontoon decking replacements and site maintenance. New highvisibility escape (from the water) ladders were fitted to pontoons. Apart from a couple of the swinging moorings at Burrow Island, all 248 moorings have been allocated to members so anticipated income has been achieved. Lift-out for this winter has just been completed with 40 boats craned ashore. Current membership is at 690, all of whom are CSSC members. Mike Childs, POG Commodore Jumbles Sailing Club (JSC) Jumbles began the year in April with a well-attended open day where 125 people took to the water in a taster sail and as a result we recruited a number of new members. In the summer months we introduced Tuesday afternoon and evening sailing with a meal provided by members at teatime. This proved popular with everyone and it is hoped to repeat the exercise next year. Racing has been extremely well attended this year and there has been a small corps of Juniors joining in with the adults as well as competing against each other. As a small club, we have tried to find ways of integrating the young members with more experienced adult racers and this has improved their skills considerably. The club sent a team to the West Lancs Yacht Club 24-hour race in September and improved their placing hugely compared to last year. There is more room for improvement but the focus by the crews is paying off and, with the same attention next year, (plus a new set of sails) we will do even better. We attained Sailability status but apart from the land-based facilities we already had, lacked a suitable boat. As a consequence we applied to BT for a £5,000 bursary which they were offering on the 25th Anniversary of their support for the British Paralympic Association. I am very pleased to say that we were one of the five winners who each received £5,000. This fell short of the target needed to buy our first specialist boat but we have heard that the RYA are willing to fund the shortfall and the order is now in. We regularly provide facilities for the Lancashire Schools Sailing Association who attended the National Championships and a team racing event in the Midlands. A number of our Juniors are in the squad, gaining valuable experience. We now have a reciprocal agreement with the LSSA and it is hoped to keep developing the young sailors as we consider this vital for the club’s future. A few of the other events this year include Bart’s bash, the Coniston Camping and Sailing weekend and the introduction of Team and Pursuit racing in a more varied agenda. We have also made improvements to our race-starting procedure to automate the Good numbers enjoy racing, while junior sailors are gaining experience starts. Our Training Officer took the trouble of replying to an RYA Questionnaire which won us a £250 prize which we spent on a laptop for race recording and training. The training section has been involved with Level 1 + 2 training this year as we have had a large number of new members with little or no sailing experience. We now have three Powerboat Trainers and thanks in large part to our Bosun, we consider our Safety Boat procedures to be of a very high standard. Our membership is up this year and we are hoping to improve on it for next year with a concerted effort to recruit CSSC members from the North West. As usual our own members have put a great deal of effort into the maintenance and running of the club and it is their goodwill which continues to move the club forward. On behalf of the club I would like to thank each one for their valuable contributions. Finally, we sail within a beautiful part of the West Pennine Moors which encompass the Jumbles Country Park. There are some superb walks and historical buildings to visit and we would be more than happy to see members from other CSSA affiliated clubs who are passing through the North West. You would be assured of a warm welcome and everything you need for a sail. Drop us an email via the website if you are in the area.: www.jumblesail.co.uk Brian Hoy, Commodore 11 ANNUAL REPORT: CLUB UPDATES East Coast Yacht Division (ECYD) Training take-up was slow but appears to be picking up, with some early bookings for 2015 Taster sails and Boat Handling courses. The Cobweb Rally and the Autumn Rally were held as usual. Southern Brittany proved a good sailing area for Freyja in the 2014 season. Freyja spent a few weeks sailing out of La Rochelle before heading back to Shotley with visits to the South Coast on the way. There were no major problems with the boat or equipment but Hooe Point Sailing Club (HPSC) During the year the Commodore stood down from committee duties for personal reasons and Vice-Commodore Andy Mawe assumed the role of committee chairman and acting Commodore pending the 2015 AGM. Membership was stable for 2014, peaking at 123 with new members cancelled out by resignations. Early in the year we lost Colin Palmer, a former Commodore and Honorary Life Member, and then at the end of the year we lost Mark Evans, another former Commodore and very active current member and committee member. Both will be greatly missed. Yacht Racing: There were good turnouts for the three race series and the regatta, with honours shared among several different boats. Members also raced in other local series and the inaugural Plymouth Yacht regatta. Dinghy Racing: Numbers steadily increased throughout the year resulting in the need for two safety boats to manage the fleet. Some excellent racing was enjoyed throughout the three race series and the regatta. Two dinghy race days in summer gave a full day of racing around the Sound and Cattewater. Members took part in the Port of Plymouth Dinghy Regatta and supported several major events both ashore and afloat. Cruising: Members enjoyed a good year with trips to the Solent; the Scillies, Brittany, and the Channel Islands. Several impromptu cruises-in-company took place. This year also saw an alliance with Cattewater Cruising Club and shared schedules have enabled members to join either club’s cruises. This is continuing into 2015. Training: At the start of this year the 2nd Tuesday Club Nights took place. Guests gave presentations on their field of expertise and members shared their experiences. There were no social events towards the end of the year but plans are in place for 2015. Channel Sailing Division (CSD) I am pleased to report another strong season for the Dufour 405 GL Sea Essay, completing its 5th year of service and some 30,000 nm. There was another full programme of training, day sails, seatimes and charters, with good take-up of events. A summer cruise from June to August visited northern France, Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly and the West Country, with an increase in the number of skippers. There was again positive news from the training team with 52 members trained this season and a good balance of day sails and seatime trips. As reported last year, CSD established a new boat sub-committee to purchase a replacement yacht in time for the 2015 season. A number of hurdles had to be overcome, but I am pleased to report that in early January, CSD took delivery of a new Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 which we hope will be availablefrom April 2015; we anticipate skipper familiarisations starting in March. CSD would like to thank CSSA and CSSC for their supportduring this process. 12 maintenance costs are high as Freyja ages, now in her 10th year of service. The standing rigging, jib halyard, mainsheet and reefing lines along with the stack pack and other small items need to be replaced. Credit goes to the Yacht Husband and his team for keeping her in such good shape. Freyja serves well and there is no rush to change her until market conditions are more favourable for selling boats in her price range, which could extend beyond 2017. Jean Rehill, Club Captain Regatta: The regatta was postponed to early September but was blessed with good weather. A full day of dinghy racing in sunny conditions but light winds on the Saturday was followed by a well-attended evening barbecue. Yacht racing took place on the Sunday. An Open Day was held on the Saturday of the regatta, supported by the Plymouth Area Association of CSSC. Several Area Assoc committee members also visited the Club during the day. All moorings were full throughout the year, with a substantial waiting list. More than 65 vessels are accommodated on fore and aft trots, and mud berths. During the summer, upwards of 30 sailing dinghies and small motorboats are stored on-site. Over 60 vessels have been craned or tractored ashore for the winter and the storage area is again bursting at the seams. The recently acquired Building 20 is being used for the winter storage of dinghies, masts and the club work boat. It is full to capacity and a welcome addition to the Club’s undercover storage facilities. The sale of the MoD site at Royal Marines Turnchapel was completed and we were pleased to find that our new landlords are Yachthaven Ltd, who also own the adjacent marina and a storage site upstream on the river Plym. The sale has resulted in us entering into the commercial world of tenant/landlord and led to some significant increases in rent and operating costs. The sale meant that we were able to secure use of additional undercover storage by renting Building 20. Early indications are that the relationship with our new landlords has got off to a good start. The Club is grateful to CSSC and CSSA for continued support throughout the change of landlord and acquisiiton of Building 20. Steve Whitting, Honorary Secretary An ongoing maintenance programme saw several significant repairs, including a hull leak in the transom, frayed forestay, main and jib halyard replacement, bilge and shower pump repairs, and prop tightened. CSD boat husband team continue with a considerable workload early in 2015. On delivery of the new yacht, the team will move onto coding, shake down sails, preparing boat manuals, and familiarising skippers. It is quite a major operation to keep Sea Essay fit for the sailing programme; CSD appreciates the support of skippers making minor repairs and submitting thorough reports of faults, repairs or incidents The 2015 programme for the new yacht is now available. CSD hope members will be impressed with the new yacht and continue to support CSD in the coming season. If members have specific requirements or suggestions, do please contact the relevant programme organiser listed on our website www.channelsailing.org Andy C Smith, CSD Club Captain Offshore Sailing: Summary 2014 has seen our CSSC yachts busy as always. 5KSC ventured north from Liverpool for a season on the Clyde and both CSD and ECYD made trips down the west coast of France as far as La Rochelle. CSORC has had a series of successful charters for its racing campaigns and CSSC sponsorship has been secured to continue CSORC’s Representative Event campaigns into 2015. IDOR’s winning formula has continued aboard a matched fleet of chartered Oceanis 37s and CSSC support is secured for 2015. POG has continued to serve well the needs of its members with provision of mooring facilities, and events including rallies, races, training and talks. The CSSA Sea School ook a knock with the loss of all our Divisional Chief Instructors. Our Principal Instructor has stood in as Chief Instructor for all three Divisions. CSD successfully delivered training at all levels but the School is struggling to meet demand for Coastal Skipper training from ECYD and 5KSC. Five Kingdoms Sailing Club (5KSC) 5KSC had an unusual season trying to balance viewing of Artful Dodger by prospective purchasers with delivery of sailing for members. The season returned a healthy end-of-season bank balance and membership increase, from 82 in 2013, to 105 in 2014. Sadly, Brian Walker, Vice-Captain of 5KSC, died in November following health problems that forced him to stand down as Captain at our 2013 AGM. 5KSC made its 300-mile weekend delivery trip from Liverpool to the Clyde to have Artful Dodger on the sales pontoons at Inverkip for the spring boat show. The sailing was subsequently a compromise: cruising along the Clyde coast while remaining available for sales viewing. It was not possible to reach the Hebrides. Demand for Taster Sails on the Mersey and Menai Straits has not been met for the new recruits wishing to sail from Liverpool. We have seen a trickle of newly appointed CSSA Approved Skippers. The 5KSC Inshore Skipper Scheme now provides opportunity for less experienced skippers to charter a CSSA yacht – either for the joy of cruising the Clyde or as a stepping stone towards full CSSA Approved Skipper. CSSA plans for cruising and racing in 2015 are now well developed. We may see our fleet evolve with replacement of at least one yacht during the season. All three yacht operating Divisions have yacht replacement plans. CSD now has a trade-in deal for a new Sea Essay. 5KSC is juggling guaranteed sailing with sale of Artful Dodger and separate purchase of her replacement. ECYD is looking to replace our her blue water cruiser, Freyja, when the market is right. Paul Brereton, Rear Commodore (Offshore), CSSA 5KSC’s Inshore Skipper Scheme is established and interested skippers have registered in readiness for chartering during the 2015 season, after gaining their prerequisite familiarity with the Clyde and Artful Dodger in 2014. Trainer availability limited RYA courses to one Day Skipper course with four successful candidates. 5KSC plans to grow its training capacity once the future of the CSSA Sea School is clear. Artful Dodger was unavailable to race during the 2014 season but 5KSC entered IDOR to try prospective purchase Mange Tout, an Oceanis 37, and won the Elite Cup and the CSORC Shield. Our broker remains upbeat about the number of people interested in Artful Dodger and the likelihood that one will become our purchaser. 5KSC has been briefed to expect an offer on a handful of occasions but none was received to date. Arrangements with CSSA and CSSC stand for handling the sale once an acceptable offer is received. The candidate replacement yachts we were following have now all sold. Paul Brereton, Club Captain Civil Service Offshore Racing Club (CSORC) It was an auspicious start to the year, with Club members Richard Palmer and Trevor Drew being awarded the CSSA Armstrong Vase for their podium finish in the1,000 nm JOG race to Cascais, Portugal. From a racing perspective, the club had a relatively quiet year in 2014, primarily due to the continuing lack of qualified skippers. The Club entered three events: The Sunsail Season Chiller, February: This is an early event in the Sunsail Race series and comprises four races over two days. Bill Taylor skippered our entry with results improving over the weekend from 15th to 10th. The IDOR 2013, May: CSORC entered two boats, the first skippered by Phil Armitage, finishing 16th, the second skippered by Andrew Moss, finishing 11th out of 17. Poole JOG, September. Two races: a race from Cowes, 50 nm eastwards round the IOW, and on to Poole, on the Saturday followed by a direct return from Poole to Cowes the following day. Trevor Drew skippered J/109 Jangada Too, on loan to the club for this event, with funds raised going towards the club. Results 10th and 5th in Class. Other activities: Members Richard Palmer & Trevor Drew continued to race double-handed, winning the iconic Double-Handed Round Britain & Ireland Double-Handed Race in June. Subject to demand and finding a suitable skipper, the club plans to enter the 2015 Fastnet Race in August. This will involve a series of qualifiers, as well as the race itself. We also hope to run a series of inshore races. Keep an eye on our website www.csorc.org for updated information. Richard Palmer, Club Captain 13 Five Kingdoms sailng Club LATEST: Artful Dodger under offer Artful Dodger is under offer and may well be in the service of her new owner by the time you read this. The 5KSC contract with the broker was terminated on 27 February. The broker came back on the 4 March with a good offer which was subsequently accepted. The sale process is currently in hand. 5KSC is now seeking out suitable yachts at the right price. Candidate yachts identified so far are thinly spread from the Netherlands to western France through North Wales to the west coast of Scotland. 5KSC programme for 2015 The early season programme has been disrupted by the sale of Artful Dodger but a number of early season events are planned on the Clyde aboard charter yachts including Scorcher V from the RNSA Neptune Sailing Club. Other charters are likely to be booked to check out the sailing performance of models of potential replacement yacht. The 5KSC Committee apologises for any disruption caused to your planned sailing. It is currently unclear when we will have our replacement yacht in service. As discussed following our AGM, depending on when and where we buy, we may well use our respective booked slots during July, August and September to make a staged delivery of our new yacht from the port of purchase to Liverpool. n Farewell to Artful Dodger, seen moored off Bute 14 If we buy in Scotland, we will deliver the programme as booked. In the unlikely event we buy a replacement early in the season, we may find a crew to make a short, sharp delivery to Scotland for completion of your booked programme in the Hebrides. Taster sails, cruises, mini cruises, racing and training opportunities will be posted on 5KSC.org.uk on the on-line booking page. To discuss opportunities e-mail [email protected] Clyde Muster 2015 The annual Muster of the 5 Kingdoms Sailing Club and the Scottish Civil Service Cruising Club has been disrupted by the sale of Artful Dodger. Nevertheless, there are still hopes of a 2015 cruise in company and a Muster at a favourite restaurant. For further details or to enter a yacht, e-mail [email protected]. RYA First Aid shore based course CSSA First Aid offers RYA First Aid training for CSSA members. The next course will be late in April at Combs Sailing Club (between Whaley Bridge and Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire). E-mail [email protected] if you would like further details. Contact 5KSC www.5ksc.org.uk Come and make a splash! Jumbles Sailing Club Open Day 2015 at Saturday 18th April 11am-4pm ... it’s free FREE taster sessions in the club’s boats n Experienced friendly instructors n Refreshments n All ages welcome Horrobin Lane Edgworth n Bring a change of clothes www.jumblesail.co.uk Bolton BL7 0HJ 15 CIVIL SERVICE OFFSHORE RACING club A brilliant event - and there’s still room to sign up as crew on two boats The programme for 2015 The programme is on the website at: www.csorc.org.uk/programme.htm. As ever we will enter those events that people want to do, so if you’d like to do a race then get your name down early and we can sort out a charter and race entry well in advance. We are entering two boats in the IDOR this year, with Andrew Moss and Nick Bowles skippering. Cost is £300 which includes a barbeque, prize-giving dinner and of course race entry and berthing in Cowes. This is a brilliant event and good fun on and off the water. Again, get your name in if you’d like to do it. There are still places available on both boats. We are also entering a Fastnet campaign this year. With Richard and Trevor tied up in a two-handed race we cast our net a bit wider for a skipper and Simon Zavad of DSTL has stepped forward. If you would like to join the crew, the cost will be around £2,000 to include two training weekends, three qualifying races and the Fastnet itself, which compares favourably with commercial rates. The CSORC AGM We will be holding the AGM at the Civil Service Club, 13-15 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HJ on Monday 27th April. It will be held after the CSSA AGM which starts at 18:00. Come along and meet us, stay for a chat and a drink. As is usual on these occasions there will be an election of officers and committee members, which brings me to the next item: CSORC Crew Bureau As most of you know, the club has a crew bureau – not a piece of mahogany, nor a fully staffed office, but the traditional name for the person who organises crews. At the moment it’s me, an email account and a little computer system to keep track of who is doing what. After more than 10 years doing this I feel it’s time to give somebody else a chance to have a go. So if you would like to give it a try then let me know by email: [email protected] or come along to the AGM and we can talk about what it involves in a bit more detail. Facebook If you are a social media person then we have a Facebook “group”. We used to have a Facebook “page” as well, but we thought a group was more useful, so the page is going. When you join the Civil Service Offshore Racing Club group you can post comments, links, and photos, so please do give it go if you haven’t already. Nick Bowles, Crew Bureau n The Fastnet Race,takes in the iconic rock, above, that lies between Ireland and the UK 16 Littleton Sailing Club Open Day Saturday 16th May It’s Spring, so ‘push the boat out’ and get on the water on our Open Day, 10.30 am till 4.00 pm. • Book a taster sail • Try stand up paddleboarding • Marine model display • Refreshments available and bar open • £50 saving for new members joining on the day For more information or to book a taster contact: Vanda Jowett 01932 571036 [email protected] www.littletonsc.co.uk/pages/tasterdays.html 17 CHANNEL SAILING division Welcome on board the new Sea Essay In the few short months since the AGM, the Channel Sailing Division has parted with our five-year old/30,000mile Dufour 405 and have acquired a replacement Sea Essay of Hamble. This new boat is a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 (SO409), a three-cabin, eight-berth, 40ft (12.34m) cruising boat very similar to its predecessor. Having lost the early season to commissioning the new yacht, April and May see a variety of sailing opportunities followed by a Summer Cruise (to La Rochelle and back) stretching through June, July and August. We are offering numerous opportunities to experience the new boat as shown on the programme. For the latest information please visit our website channelsailing.org or contact the relevant CSD sailing organiser: We took delivery in February and work immediately started to prepare the boat for its Small Commercial Vessel (SCV) Certificate survey to permit it to be operated in Category 2, i.e. up to 60 miles from a safe haven, with up to eight people on board. The boat comes with an array of B&G instruments to which an extensive set of electronic systems have been added and integrated, over a NMEA 2000 network, and comprising: • • • • • • For Charters and Training email Colin Hurd at: [email protected] For Crew Bureau and Sea Times email David Hartland at: [email protected] For Individual or Group Day Sails email Colin Smith at: [email protected] For CSSC Taster Days email Jenny Yarrow at: [email protected] A Raymarine Hybrid Touch Multi-Function Display Raymarine 18” 4kW Radar AIS-B Transceiver Nav6 Navtex Icom M323 VHF/DSC Radio Raymarine Autopilot The new yacht was due to be formally named on Tuesday 7th April. All CSSA members were invited to attend and look over the new Sea Essay afterwards. Many people contributed throughout this process and in particular our thanks go to Jeff Llewellyn, Colin Smith, David Price, David Haward, Bob Meir, Lindsay Cole and Adrian Barnes for giving up their time to carry out the extensive amount of work required. We also want to recognise the important role CSSA and CSSC played in securing the club’s new yacht. At the time of writing the work is going to plan and we expect the charters, training courses and sea times to commence at the end of March as shown on the sailing programme below. STOP PRESS: We have vacancies on our Yachtmaster Prep and Exam courses running from 9th-15th May. For further details, please contact Colin Hurd at [email protected] SEA ESSAY (Jeanneau SO409) SAILING PROGRAMME 2015 - Updated 1st April 2015 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Jan 14 15 16 17 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Feb 1 2 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 1 2 Charter (DHD) May Sail Trim 1 2 3 4 3 5 6 4 2 5 6 7 3 4 3 4 7 Naming Cmy Charter Bid (AS) Charte (SW) 1 Jun 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 CSSC DS3 CSSC DS4 GDS1 5 6 7 2 9 10 8 9 12 13 14 1 5 2 1 Oct 2 3 4 3 4 1 3 4 Sea Time 4 (Berths) CC/DS 2 12 15 16 3 4 13 14 11 12 6 7 8 5 6 7 8 5 6 5 GDS VOA 5 6 17 16 13 14 9 10 11 12 13 9 10 21 22 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 15 16 14 15 16 11 12 3 4 5 6 17 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 M M CSSC DS9 CSSC Board CSSC DS10 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 7 8 19 FAM2 18 19 12 12 13 14 15 3 14 16 15 10 9 10 20 21 22 21 20 18 19 CSSC DS6 18 19 17 18 12 13 14 21 12 11 12 23 24 CSSC DS1 CSSC DS2 23 24 22 Charter Bid (RS) 20 21 22 23 16 15 13 14 17 16 13 14 15 13 14 16 18 17 18 15 15 17 18 CC/DS3 Part 2: M Blockley GDS VOA 16 26 17 18 27 FAM4 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 28 29 30 31 Charter - (DHD) FAM5 26 27 28 29 30 Charter Sail Trim: R Bone DJH (Full) Charter - (IK) 25 26 27 28 29 30 CSSC DS7 CSSC DS8 M M M Sea Time 6 25 26 27 31 28 29 30 Summer Cruise Week Allocated Summer Cruise Week Allocated 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Summer Cruise Week Allocated 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 Summer Cruise Week Allocated 19 20 21 CSSC DS11 CSSC DS12 M 19 20 21 M CSSC DS13 CSSC DS14 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Charter Bid (DHD) 22 23 24 26 27 Charter Bid (RS) 25 26 CC/DS3: (Berths available) 27 28 29 30 31 YM Prep + Exam (Berths available) 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 RADAR: RADAR: L Cole L Cole M 16 24 25 Summer Cruise Week Allocated CC/DS2: (Full) Boat Handling: D Price (Full) 11 24 FAM3 22 Boat Handling: D Price (Full) CSSC DS5 23 COP Survey Sea Time 7: Cross-Channel Sea Time 3 (Berths) CC/DS3 Part 1: M Blockley (Berths available) 9 20 Sea Time 1 Summer Cruise Week Allocated Sea Time 5 (Berths) 2 17 Sea Time 2 18 FAM1 SO409 CODING SURVEY PREPARATION Summer Cruise Week Allocated Nov 1 17 AS Ref Day Summer Cruise Week Allocated Sail Trim: R Bone (Berths available) 6 15 M YM Prep + Exam (Berths available) Summer Cruise Week Allocated Summer Cruise Week Allocated Sep 11 Charter (RO) 10 Summer Cruise Week Allocated Aug 17 Dec 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 31 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Winter Maintenance 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Jan15 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Winter Maintenance Training Charters Day Sails GDS Sea Time M Summer Cruise 18 20 Hand over Summer Cruise Week Allocated Week Allocated 1 8 Boat Handling: R Bone (Full) M Sea Time 6: Cross-Channel Jul DS 18 SO409 CODING SURVEYS? AS Familiarisation Apr BH 19 SO409 Commisionning by Sea Ventures Mar DS 18 D405 Maintenance & Part Exchange Preparation Boat Handling Day Skipper FAM CC YM Contacts : Charters/SC Colin Hurd e-mail [email protected] David Hartland e-mail [email protected] Jeff Llewellyn e-mail: [email protected] Training Colin Hurd e-mail [email protected] e-mail [email protected] Group Day Sails Maintenance Skipper Familiarisation Crew Bureau & Sea Times Skipper Famil Competent Crew Yachtmaster CSSC DS Jenny Yarrow email: [email protected] Note 1: all dates that are blank (i.e. not colour coded) are avaialble for member charter subject to the usual reqirements, including for an Approved Skipper Note 2: if there is suffient demand it may be possible to organise sessions for qualifying activities that are not currently covered Group / Day Sails Colin Smith Bank Holidays 2015 03 April Friday Good Friday 06 April 04 May 25 May 31 August Monday Monday Monday Monday Easter Monday Early May bank holiday Spring bank holiday Summer bank holiday n The replacement Sea Essay, below, arrived in Feburary, and is undergoing preparations for a busy programme of activities with Channel Sailing Divison members. Above and right are views of the interior fittings. n Channel Sailing Division’s new yacht is being prepared for the season 19 EAST COAST YACHT DIVISION A Baltic summer beckons before work on replacement The ‘long trip’ this year is to the Baltic visiting south Sweden Denmark , Germany and the Netherlands. Freyja is due to depart Shotley for Middleburg on 23rd May. Freyja then makes her way to the Baltic with change-over ports at Enkhusen, Delfzil, Rendsburg on the Kiel Canal, Ystad and Malmo in Sweden. On the return trip there is a late charter opportunity from Rendsburg to Den Helder in late August to the beginning of September. She returns to Shotley by 26th September. Before she departs, there is early season availability for courses, seatime, taster sails and charters and crew opportunities are available for the Cobweb rally run over the first Bank Holiday in May. Dates for late season charter and courses to be advised soon Visit the website for up to date availability and vacancies: www.ecyd.org.uk. Summary of opportunities at the time of writing. Charter: A long weekend from Shotley to Shotley 1800 Thursday 2nd April ,to Monday 6th April Seatime: Arrange for two, three, five or seven from Shotley to Shotley 1800, Sunday 12th April, to Sunday, 19th April Cobweb rally: Shotley to Shotley 1800 Friday, 1st May, to 1800, Mondat 4th May Charter/Seatime: Rendsburg to Den Helder 1200, Thursday 27th August to 1200 1800, Sunday 6th September Autumn rally: Shotley to Shotley 1800, Thursday 1st October, to Sunday, 4th October The Replacement Boat Committee (RBC) is starting work in earnest to examine in earnest the feasibility of a replacement for Freyja. Freyja is a good sound boat in excellent condition due to the hard work of the Yacht Husband and his team, but the market for selling her is not good in the present economic climate. The RBC will be looking to replace Freyja in the next two or three years with a boat of similar type. n The time is not good for replacing Freyja, seen here in the Kiel Canal Chandlery Rectangular CSSA House Flags Triangular CSSA burgees SizesLarge (30cm x 45cm approx) Small (20cm x 30cm approx) CSSA ties (polyester) Graham Dalton Membership Secretary Ken Pavitt [email protected] 20 £10.00 P&P included. Please send your requests and cheques (payable to Civil Service Sailing Association) to: Brian Grubb 64 Cross Road Winchester Hants SO23 9PS CSSA is affiliated to the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) and the Royal Yachting Association. Commodore £16.00 £13.00 General Secretary John Figgures Editor Affiliated [email protected] Deborah Ward [email protected]