Comment After a period of wonderful sunshine the weather looks like it has now changed and we are starting a period of rain. I wonder why everybody starts to panic about water shortages when it seems inevitable that the rain will come. Are we being brain washed about global warming, if so by whom and why? Something to think about!

Good news on the squirrel front! Our red squirrels are on the increase as they are in the other small colonies around the country. Two years ago the Formby Point squirrels were almost wiped out by disease carried by grey squirrels. The campaign mounted against the disease ridden grey squirrels appears to have worked. Grey squirrels are not native to this country; they are larger, tougher and more aggressive than the native reds. They were imported around the 1870’s for the sole purpose of adorning gardens. What does this tell us?

It was sad to hear of the death of Priscilla, the wife of Mark Miller our archivist. Mark lives in Truro. Priscilla died a few weeks ago and her funeral had taken place before we knew about it. I spoke to Mark last week when he told me that Priscilla had been ill since last Christmas. I am sure that those members who know Mark will wish to send their sympathy.

The Committees have been busy over the last month and the following are notes from the General Committee Meeting held on July 13th. There are details at the end of the Commodore’s Cruise to Hilbre next weekend including the Rattray Race.  Let’s hope that the weather is kind.

The Commodore opened the meeting and Dave Flynn and Bob Berks sent their apologies, they were unable to attend.

The minutes were read and proposed as correct by Charles Lloyd and seconded by Bob Chamberlain.

The Commodore said that he was sorry to hear of the death of Priscilla and he had sent a letter of condolence to Mark on behalf of the club members.

The first Commodore’s Cruise to Conway was held and was very enjoyable. This included the Ranzo Trophy, which was won by Mark.

The club correspondence will be dealt with by Mark  and he will liase with the secretary later.

The Vice Commodore reported on the Sailing Committee Meeting, details as follows.

Notes from the Sailing Committee held Tuesday 6th July, 2010

1. Present: P Wright, M Kennan, T Roberts, A Bridges, A Lee-McGurk, P Williams, S Markland, I Cowell.
2. Apologies: D Wilcox (Stormbound?)

1. Minutes of Meeting held 1st June, 2010: Approved
2. Matters Arising: a) Altmouth Cup: Published and circulated to LYC. Slight change made to course “C”, namely, because of problems at Buoy C23 in anchoring when this course was last used in Carole Fielding’s time as Commodore, the Sailing Secretary has put the Start Line at C18 in accord with Courses “A” & “B”. No other changes.
3.  b) Race Results: Midsummer Race -1st Kaol; 2nd Seel; 3rd Scoop: RNLI Race – 1st Kaol; 2nd Seel; 3rd Manana. There was discussion on whether Dawn Treader which came second in the Gallon of Ale Race should have its PY handicap adjusted from the Club Trial figure of 1313 to say 1270 or 1290 but it was decided for the present to leave things as they are.
4.  c) Bye-laws: Have been approved by the General Committee and displayed on the Notice Board for the statutory 14 days and are binding on Club Members until reconsidered and approved at the AGM. P Wright asked that all Members of the Sailing Committee be e-mailed with copies of the new bye-laws.
5.  d) Albert Dock Mini Cruise: The Mini Cruise did not go according to plan as strong wind warnings were forecast for Saturday 12th June 2010 – the day the flotilla of seven boats was due to return to the Alt. Instead, the flotilla returned safely to the Alt on Thursday 17th June 2010.
6.  e) In date Flares: Commodore Mark Meadows has distributed, through the good offices of John Wilson, the in-date flares to the Members of the Club. f) E Breen – “Josh”: M Kennan said the Part 1 & 2 document had been served on E Breen by a Process Server. E Breen had been in touch with both S Warren and M Kennan and the matter would now go to the General Committee for consideration. g) Commodore’s Cruise/Ranzo Trophy to Conwy 10.7.10: I Cowell said whilst the weather forecast for the week-end was not at present auspicious arrangements were going ahead and a decision as to whether to go or not would be made on the day. h) Commodore’s Cruise/Rattray Race to Hilbre 24.7.10: Details of this event were now displayed on the board. P Wright asked for an alternative route to be included in case light winds prevented participants from rounding Buoy HE1, which had happened in a previous year. Sailing Secretary incorporated alternative course.
7.  i) House Members Race:  In circulating the text of the House Members Race the Sailing Secretary had stated: “A House Member may use a Sailing Member’s boat and be required to be on the helm throughout the race. It is a requirement that a Sailing Member shall be aboard his/her boat and be responsible for the conduct of the House Member during the race.” This statement was criticised by members of the Sailing Committee as it was not a requirement that the House Member be on the helm but simply present on the boat. House Members would, in the main be inexperienced, unlike Members participating in the Ladies Race. The Sailing Secretary then asked what was the purpose of the race, as a House Member could, if he/she so wished, experience being on a boat with a Sailing Member without being in a race? A casual afternoon’s sail with a Sailing Member could determine whether or not the House Member wished to progress further! It was decided to publicise the House Members Race on the board, without the offending passage, inviting House Members to put their name on a list if they wished to participate in the event.
8. Yard & Berthing Masters Report: a) Anchor: T Roberts reported two anchors had been manufactured by D Wren for use in connection with the Race Officer’s pick-up buoy. P Wright suggested the anchors’ were rather heavy and one would do in connection with the Race Officer’s pick-up buoy and the other in connection with a mark of a course. It was agreed that the anchor(s) would be taken down the River Alt as had been done previously and the anchor(s) dropped in a suitable position and properly set when the tide was out. The pick-up buoy should consist of chain and rope. b) Insurances: T Roberts said 8 Members insurances were now out-of-date and he had not, in accordance with the bye-laws, been furnished with up-to-date copies. It was agreed that the matter should be reported to the General Committee with a view to the offending Members being sent a letter by the General Committee in accordance with Bye-Law 9: “Members boats must be insured at all times for at least third party cover of three million pounds. A copy of the certificate of insurance shall be presented to the Yard and Berthmaster prior to the 31st March in each year. Should a boat owner’s certificate of insurance run out after this date he/she shall present to the Yard and Berthmaster a current certificate of insurance. The Yard and Berthmaster shall be empowered to refuse to enter any member’s boat to any part of Club premises or to the launching or recovery of his/her boat without compliance with this Bye-law.” c) Osprey: T Roberts reported that M Ascott had sold Osprey and it was due to be removed from the Yard on 9th July 2010. d) Launching of Boats:  T. Roberts reported be had examined the manual winch and also an electrical field winch and drafted some instructions on the launching and recovery of boats. It was felt that with the age of the manual winch and the problem of parts replacement that it would not be cost effective to attempt to repair it at this time. However, there could well be value in exploring the purchase of a field winch. In using a field winch secured to the hard point on the launching slip with the electric winch cable permanently secured to the trailer of the boat and using two operatives the launching team might avoid the problems that have been recently experienced in launching boats. T Roberts to inquire into the possible cost of a field winch. The question was also raised as to who should be in charge of the launch. The winch key holder and operative(s) could not do so as they could not be aware of all that was going on. An experienced boat owner might wish to be in charge though an inexperienced boat owner might have to rely on others for guidance. If the Yard & Berth master was not present to take charge – the preferred option - then a suitable senior member of the Club might assume control.
9. Club Captain’s Report: a) Dinghy Slip: M Kennan said the dinghy slip was due to be hosed down to remove mud on 17th July 2010. b)Tenders and Trailers – Examination: M Kennan reported that he had examined the Tenders and Dinghies by the Club House and whilst most were in a seaworthy condition it was evident some were not fit for purpose. It was suggested that the boats not fit for purpose should be separated from the rest and put in a pile with a view to cutting them up or otherwise disposing of them.
10. Entering the River Alt in the Dark: I Cowell said he had twice entered the River Alt during the hours of darkness during the current season and found the approach from the Outer Corporation Marker to the dog-leg in the River hazardous. Andy Lee-McGurk likewise had experienced similar problems of entering the River Alt during the present season. Cedric Loughran had suggested solar garden lights secured to perches might be used to provide a guide into the river. I Cowell thought Cedric’s suggestion worth a trial. It was also suggested that the issue of the Green Navigation Light erected by United Utilities at Joe Coady’s instigation during the 1990’s be again explored. It was suggested that the Sailing Secretary should write to United Utilities asking them as a duty of care to either replace the bulb or at least test the light to see if it was still working. Sailing Secretary to write to United Utilities. A Lee-McGurk also suggested that the bed of the River be again explored as he felt certain there was accretion taking place and the depth diminishing near to the Out Corporation Marker. I C.

Please note that further to the above the riverbed was surveyed three weeks ago and the results will be made known this coming week. D. Warren.
The new byelaws are NOT in the diary. They will be permanently displayed in the clubhouse for all to read. Please read them and note the changes. This is your notification about them.
The dinghy park needs to be cleared, all unnamed and unclaimed boats will be put in a pile and unless they are claimed and identified they will be burned after the 31st August, The sailing committee will formulate a new bye law stating that boat owners may have one dinghy in the park and one in the yard. 
Those people with drums on the river that are hazardous to other boat users will receive a letter from the Club Captain telling that they must be moved or secured.    Ed.

The Rear Commodore gave details of the House Committee’s work.

July House & Grounds Committee was postponed due to World Cup football. The date will be reset.

Firstly some thanks..  Thank you to John Rathe for sanding and treating the floor in the clubroom.
 Thanks also to Kieron Riley for helping me paint the bar floor, and the walls and ceiling of the beer store.  These have both made a noticeable difference.

Thank you to Julie for having the beer coolers inspected, which has resulted in the big one being replaced by the suppliers, and the small one being serviced.  This has made a noticeable difference to the coolness of our beer!

The previous inspection of our bar and galley by Sefton Environmental Protection Department had resulted in only two stars because we did not have a written management system and schedule in place. We have done this now and been revisited.  This resulted in our score rising to three stars and a clean bill of health.  We also have a better understanding of the requirements and how they affect us and people who book our clubroom for functions.  Congratulations to H & G Committee.

The Fire alarm has been inspected and the pest control officer has been. They have given the all clear. John Rathe has suggested that the possibility of having floor covering for the parts of the floor getting the most wear should be investigated.   

It was pointed out that club hirers must be made aware that they must take all responsibility for food safety through caterers. There can be no home cooked food.      CL

The Hon. Membership Secretary reported that he is still having trouble with certain members regarding their fees.

Stan proposed several new members.
A A Johns of Hightown as a Full Member
Raymond Holdall of Hightown as a Family Member
Malcolm J Jefferson as a House Member and
David Cole of Hightown as a House Member.

The General Committee voted them all to be members. Stan said that the House membership was approaching the number when there will be closure, then a waiting list will have to be formed.

Social Events

The R N L I day was not as successful as usual for several reasons. The main one being the World Cup football match was on television in the afternoon (depressing viewing). Thanks are due to the people who did turn up and brought children and grandchildren. Thanks also to New Brighton and Southport Lifeboats who came to visit on the tide, always a popular event.
The race was held but I have no details of the winners or of the money raised for laps. David has no total as yet for the day. Dave would like to thank all the members who helped in any way and made the best of things. More details in the next newsletter.

The Barbecue was well supported and was reported to be very successful. It was held last Saturday.

There are no social events planned for August. The next event will be the MURDER MYSTERY EVENING to be held on the 11th SEPTEMBER. Something new for BSC

The Commodore closed the meeting.

Work on Offshore Wind Farms of Walney Island

Recently I returned from a cruise with my brother to the Isle of Man aboard Nimrod. In order to avoid the long haul from the River Alt to Douglas we chose to go in a more leisurely fashion via Piel Island. Mark Meadows accompanied us to Piel Island and then made his way to Whitehaven and then to Douglas while we went to Ramsey and circumnavigated the Island arriving at Douglas as Mark left the harbour to make for the River Alt. Yet, for those of you who have not cruised up to Piel Island this season with a view to visiting the Isle of Man I have to advise you the changes off Walney Island are very significant indeed.

In previous seasons I had become familiar with the Barrow Windfarm which is opposite Hipsford Point on Walney Island and already marked on most charts. Work has now commenced on the Walney No 1 Wind Offshore Farm and the Ormonde Offshore Wind Farm and, at present, the work on these new Wind Farms interferes with a course to Douglas or Ramsey. As a local yachtman commented “They are a damn nuisance!” Indeed, my brother and I followed a course from Lightning Knoll towards the Selker Buoy before turning above the Ormonde Wind Farm works in order to make a satisfactory course towards Ramsey. For the assistance of Members’ there are four buoys marking the perimeter of Walney Offshore Wind Farm: North Cardinal Lat 54 04.92N Long 003 32.15W; East Cardinal Lat 54 01.69N 003 25.92W; South Cardinal Lat 54 00.67N Long 003 31.09W; West Cardinal Lat 54 02.23N Lon 003 34.12W. Ormonde Offshore Wind Farm: Temporary Construction Can buoys are sited as follows: West Lat 54 05.508N Lon 003.28.839W; South Lat 54 03.840N 003 25 678W; North Lat 54 06.780N Lon 003 26.684W; East Lat 54 05.012N Lon 003 23.623W.  The coordinates are provided by Tom Watson based at Fleetwood and I am on his list regarding any work on Wind Farms – including the Burbo Bank Wind Farm – within his remit. Work is due to commence on the Burbo Wind Farm during the next few weeks and mariners and fishermen are requested NOT to anchor within 500 metres of the perimeter of the Wind Farm nor to be within 50 metres of a Windmill whilst maintenance or investigation work is being carried out. Please see the Club House Notice Board for further details.
Ian Cowell – Sailing Secretary.

Many thanks to Ian for this and his other contributions to this newsletter. Ed.

The Commodore’s cruise and Rattray Race

Saturday 24th July 2010

Hw Alt: 1053hrs 8.2m & 2308hrs 8.6m
(Sunset 2121hrs)

Rattray Trophy Race

Start Time: 1000hrs – Race Officer P Wright.

Entry Conditions: To be sailed under ISAF and RYA rules except where amended below, and during the hours of darkness (if applicable) when the International Regulations for the prevention of collision at sea will apply.

Start: The start sequence will commence with a five minutes signal and “P” flag displayed; 4 minutes signal (engines off); 1 minute preparatory signal then the Go signal when the “P” flag will be removed.

Course: The start line is between the Race Officer’s boat and the Outer Corporation Marker. Make for buoy HE1 (53.26.300N 003.18.000W) passing the buoy on your Port side; then pass HE2 on your Starboard side (NEW LOCATION 53.24.899N 003.12.883W and altered to starboard green conical buoy); again pass HE3 on your Starboard side (NEW LOCATION 53.24.615N 003.12.783W its starboard hand characteristics remaining unchanged); and, finally, pass the finish buoy HE4 on your Starboard side (53.22.300N 003.14.300W). The finish line will be between the buoy HE4 and the main aerial on Hilbre Island with your boat being within 20 boat lengths of buoy HE4. PS I am informed Buoy HE4 has been moved some 30 feet into the Main Channel.

Light Wind Course: Should there be light winds on the day the following course may be selected by the Race Officer: From Start line as above passing on the port side Yellow Conical Buoy Fl Y.3s (53 27.00N 003.10.09 ) –opposite Leasowe clear water all round - take care passing over East Hoyle Spit  -  then as above to but passing on port side HE2, then starboard HE3 and HE4.

Prize: The first prize is the Captain J S Rattray Trophy presented to the Club by the late Alex Burrows.

Finishing Time: To be recorded by the entrants and handed or e-mailed to the
Race Officer or Sailing Secretary within 48hrs of the end of the Race.

Communications: Channel 37 or M1.