THE EDITOR

Firstly I must thank everybody who contributed anything to this newsletter, it’s great to receive your contributions.

The web site has recently been updated but there is very little participation from members. I know that members of other clubs access it to read the newsletter, from messages I have had. Chris Berks wishes that he could have more items of interest to post on it. With more member participation perhaps he could set up a Message Board. The address is always at the top of the newsletter, put it in your Favorites, making it easy to access.

Most of the summer bird visitors have gone away and it is time to welcome the Pink Footed Geese, a sure sign of autumn. Has anybody seen or heard them yet? Peter Williams is usually amongst the first to spot them.

How’s this for a headline? SALMON SPOTTED IN THE ALT this was reported by Trevor Roberts, he and several others saw it. What good news, it pays to keep our rivers clean. Yesterday it was announced that the River Mersey is cleaner than it has been for a hundred years. Taking your rubbish home is not such a big thing to ask nor is it good policy to bring rubbish from elsewhere to dump in the sea; in fact I think it is shaming.

The changes to the seawall, a big job, are getting nearer. The Commodore is putting together the information coming from the various meetings and all members will be kept informed of the proposals as soon as he has the relevant information, what exactly is planned and how the club will be affected.
Pat. H.

NOTES FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 14TH SEPTEMBER

The Commodore told us that he and Bob Berks represented the club at Liverpool Yacht Club where they took part in the annual Commodore’s Race. They had a very good day out.

There was discussion concerning the plans for the seawall. Mark will have a get together for members when he has firm information.

Mark thanked all who helped, not forgetting the cooks at the Murder Mystery Evening. It was an innovation for the club that proved to be very enjoyable for the sixty-six people who attended. The food was very good and the Ormskirk Theatre Group worked hard and asked could they come again, they enjoyed it too. The next event will be the Barn Dance to be held on 30th October.

The Vice Commodore gave details of the Sailing Committee Meeting as follows:

Minutes of Sailing Committee on
 Tuesday 7th September 2010 at 8pm

1. Apologies: C Loughran and I Cowell

2. Update since General Meeting – Hightown Sea Defences meeting, Liverpool Boat Show regatta and Altmouth Cup results now confirmed following Protest, which was upheld.

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting on 3 August 2010, approved

4. Correspondence – A letter from Andrew Napper, Vice Commodore of Liverpool Yacht Club, dated 13 August 2010, was read out thanking BSC for the donation of an inflatable racing mark, which had already been used in races to the great delight of many of their boats.

5. Matters Arising:

1. House Members Race – 14.8.10 – Result 1st Mojo A & V Dobson; 2nd Scoop A Williams. 4 boats entered.
2. Ladies Race – 15.8.10 – Result 1st Mojo – C Meadows; 2nd Tarka II L Fielding; 3rd Dawn Treader – J Williams. 6 boats entered.
3. Altmouth Cup Race – 1st Mighty Max, N Thomas LYC, 2nd The “F” Word – A Farrell LYC; 3rd Ulula – N Ogden LYC. 12 boats entered – 7 LYC and 5 BSC. The race got off to a good start but as time elapsed the wind died and only 3 boats were able to finish in the Time Limit of 20:00 hours in the Sailing Instructions. Revised draft Sailing Instructions have been produced for consideration at a future meeting.  It is proposed to send a cheque to LYC for £50 to contribute to the fuel for the Committee boat, GULLMAREN in the Altmouth Cup race.
4. Late Summer Bank Holiday Series – Only one race of the series was held and it took place on Monday 30th August 2010 – Result 1st La Topaze – C Porter, 2nd Nimrod – I Cowell, 3rd Kaol – C Loughran. 5 boats entered.
5. Remaining Races: The races remaining in the season include the Heyworth Memorial Trophy on 11th September and the Last Chance Race on 12th September. If either/both of these races are cancelled then they will be held on the Reserve Race dates on 25th/26th September 2010. Should neither of these races be cancelled the Late Summer Bank Holiday Series races that were cancelled will be held on these Reserve Race Dates.
6. Entering the River Alt during the Hours of Darkness: The Green Navigation Lamp at the entrance to the Alt had been replaced and was reported as working but further reports indicate it was not working at dusk last week. To be checked.
7.  Race Officer Pick-up Buoy: An attempt by M Meadows, P Wright and C Williams who sailed down the River Alt in Martin Dooley’s dinghy in order to lay the Race Officer’s anchor and buoy opposite the Outer Corporation Marker was defeated by strong winds and adverse weather. It was decided to lay the mark with the new race buoy before the next sailing season begins in April 2011 (possibly as part of working party in 2011).
8. Filming in the Boat Yard: The BBC documentary film “Army Kids” was filmed in the Boat Yard as planned without incident and the agreed fee was paid, after the film crew spent one hour in the Boat Yard.
9. Event Permits: Nothing further has been heard on this issue.
10. Raising and lowering of masts in the Yard: This topic is to be further explored with the object of better control of mast lowering and raising possibly by using an A frame to take the load.

6. Yard & Berthing Master’s Report:  

1. Several boats in the yard have not supplied copies of their current Insurance Certificate.  After some discussion it was unanimously decided to action the RULES clause 14 “Discipline” procedures and Bye- Law 9.
2. The testing and certification for the winch and pulling equipment has now been completed.

7. Club Captain’s Report:

1. There are numerous infringements of Bye-Law 6, “maximum 3 plastic drums only may be attached to a boat bridle, 2 of which must be outside the channel.  Some of the drums are partly submerged and a potential hazard and must be removed or re-sited without delay.
2. Mike Kennan had examined the draft lease for the piece of land at the slipway and had raised some issues and was waiting for a response from Sefton MBC.  Also waiting for mooring lease, which had been agreed.  The emergency mooring was soon to be finally completed.

8. Any Other Business:

1. Hightown Coastal Defence Works – Briefing Note by Graham Lymbery .  Implications for 2011 and the 1st Draft sailing programme for 2011
2. Regatta at Liverpool Boat Show April/May 2011 – meeting on 8 September, the evening after Sailing Committee.
3. Pursuit Race starting times from Jim Connolly LYC was passed to Austin Bridges for consideration for next year.  There are 9 defined start intervals for 30 boats
4. Repairs to jetty at river end – for end of season.  Quote to be obtained.

9. Time & Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 5th October 2010 at 8pm.

(Thanks to Phil for sending me these minutes. Ed)

The General Committee spent some time discussing the problems both in the yard and on the river, of members who choose to ignore the rules. It was realised that we have the same discussions month after month and nothing improves. It was unanimously decided by Committee members that enforcement of the rules has become necessary. The following is a summary of what was said.

At the meeting of the General Committee held on 14th September concern was expressed at the apparent disinterest of several members to properly observe some of the fundamental Bye Laws of the Club, in particular the following:

1. Ignoring Bye Law 6 by not ensuring that only ONE mooring drum is attached to each mooring riser or elsewhere within the River Channel.
2. Failure to provide a copy of member’s insurance Certificate prior to the 31st March in each year and thereafter as and when the certificates are renewed.  Bye Law 9 (as amended)
3. Neglecting to observe Bye Law 17 and to comply with the time restriction requiring masts to be taken down within 28 days of laying up.

It is proposed by the committee to enforce a stricter regime within its remit and to implement the disciplinary procedures (Rule 14) should any member unreasonably fail to observe these Bye Laws in particular, and any other Rules or Bye Laws in general.

The Rear Commodore reported on the House Committee activities. The House Committee are hoping to introduce more IT into the clubhouse but are concerned that the web site is underused and they would like to know why.

The General Committee discussed the cleanliness of the clubhouse. The floor has recently been refurbished and concern was expressed by the committee that there is a constant trail of mud into the clubhouse.

MEMBERS PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU FOOTWEAR IS CLEAN BEFORE YOU ENTER THE CLUBHOUSE.

SAILORS PLEASE WASH OR REMOVE YOUR BOOTS BEFORE ENTERING THE CLUBHOUSE.

The Hon.Treasurer told that he had paid several large bills including insurance and had also paid for a new wine cooler. I’m not sure that paying bills makes treasurers happy!

The Hon Secretary too has been busy on our behalf with correspondence. Thanks to the Commander at the range for cutting the hedge around the yard very promptly

.
The Hon Membership Secretary said that there were no new members to be introduced this month.

Stan is on a search for keys to the clubhouse. If you require a key for the clubhouse they are only issued through Stan. As the keys are registered (cannot be copied) a note has to be kept of people who hold them. This register is not up to date. If you are a keyholder please get in touch with Stan so that he can check if your name is down. There are quite a large number that need to be traced.

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Racing Rules of Sailing

When the Club holds a race during the sailing season an advert for the race is placed on the notice board in the Club House. Included in the conditions for that race is the following wording: “The race will be sailed under ISAF and RYA rules except as amended below”.  This means that each race run by the Club has to be in accord with the “Racing Rules of Sailing”, except as amended, published by the International Sailing Federation and operated in the UK under the aegis of the Royal Yachting Association. Every four years the rules are updated and the current rules cover the years 2009 – 2012. Though the rules are not fixed in stone there is a basic principle governing sportsmanship and some fundamental rules that govern the sport which are germane to this article. The basic principle states: Competitors in the sport of sailing are governed by a body of rules that they are expected to follow and enforce. A fundamental principle of sportsmanship is that when competitors break a rule they will promptly take a penalty, which may be to retire. The “Fundamental Rules” are contained in Part 1 of the “Racing Rules of Sailing” and lay down that a boat or competitor shall give all possible help to any person or vessel in danger; that a boat shall carry adequate life-saving equipment for all persons on board; that a boat and her owner shall compete in compliance with recognized principles of sportsmanship and fair play; and that by participating in a race conducted under these racing rules, each competitor and boat owner agrees to be governed by the rules, to accept the penalty imposed and other action to be taken under the rules, and not to resort to any court of law or tribunal regarding the determination of the rules. The “Fundamental Rules” also lay down that the responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone and that a competitor shall comply with the World Anti-doping Code.

Over the coming months some of us will be examining the “Racing Rules of Sailing” with a possible view to updating the Sailing Instructions which govern some of the races in this Club. Over the past few years amendments have already been made to the Club’s sailing instructions, for example, Starting Signals are now in line with those laid down the  “Racing Rules of Sailing” except that we do not use a class flag for the 5 minute warning signal but raise the preparatory flag “P” and take the “P” flag down when starting. In addition we have now adopted the Low Point System of scoring for 1st, 2nd and 3rd and so on, boats. The purpose of this article is to try and encourage more Members to participate in Club racing. It is through friendly racing – not pot hunting – that we learn how to sail our boats, how to set our sails, reef our sails, how to get the best from our boats, observe how others experienced boat owners sail their boats, go out in weather we might otherwise avoid, and learn our rights and obligations; what you are allowed to do, and what you must and must not do.  If you have not participated in Club racing so far why not give it a try? It can prove a rewarding experience.     I.R Cowell. Hon Sailing Secretary.

 SAILING TROPHIES 2009

Please return all trophies to Ian Cowell or Phil Wright. If neither is available they can be left behind the bar. It will be appreciated if you do this as soon as possible.  I.C.

NEWS OF CLAIRE’S TRIP TO AFRICA.

Firstly, apologies for the delay in the update. I have the worst memory in the world and need constantly reminding for weeks on end in order to entice me to do something. As you all know I travelled back to Kenya a few weeks ago for four weeks in order to drop off a lot of clothes that people had kindly donated after last time. I’d been trying to find an aid agency to send them over for free for me but, proving unsuccessful due to Mama Anne’s Children’s Home not being listed as an official charity, I realised I could probably just book a flight there for the equivalent that it would cost me in clothing shipments.

 Once again my friend and I had a great time. The boys had all grown considerably since the year has passed and they were, inevitably, a lot easier and talkative having improved their English significantly this time around. We managed to raise with everyone’s help – and again I cannot tell you how thankful I am for everybody’s assistance and time – approximately £1000 to take with us, in fundraising efforts.

 Due to the corrupt and unsafe nature of life inside the rural parts of Mombassa we opted not to present Mama Anne with a hefty wedge of money and therefore decided to buy what was needed ourselves, as and when needed, once over there. We spent a proportion of the money on paying upcoming rent for the children’s home to ensure it still remained once we had left. We also paid considerable school fees for all the children to attend school in both the morning and afternoon classes for the next twelve months. The rest of the money was spent on day to day running needs of the home including food, water, gas, repairs and, as with all schoolboys, replacement school shoes.

 We managed to take the kids on several days out, notably every time to the beach but this wasn’t for want of trying to entice them to want to go somewhere else. Sadly a few weeks before we went one of the little girls, from the same village as the boys in the West Coast of Magongo lost her dad. Robbers entering the village murdered him. Unsurprisingly nobody was arrested for the offence despite the fact that he was late twenty’s in age and trying to protect his family. From experience the vast majority of police time goes into excessive traffic control and bribing matatu drivers, rather than into more serious crime. We decided, in light of this, to take Tina on a day out with us to the beach. Despite not being able to swim she had a great time and her little face smiling away is unlikely to leave me for a while. Similar to last year I took a massive array of photos of the kids so if anyone would like to see any of them don’t hesitate to ask me.

 Again, thank you to everyone who gave up their time to come to the fundraiser, give donations and to all who bought raffle tickets. Mama Anne was thrilled with our efforts. I’d like to say a big thank you to Trevor, again, for cooking the food for us and to my Dad and Dave Flynn for the considerable help they gave me.                         Claire Meadows

RNLI NEWS

RNLI Race Day raised a total of £758.78, of which I plan to send £568.78 to the RNLI, and £190 to Southport Offshore Rescue. Thanks are due to all those who helped in the event, primarily the 'Ladies in the Galley', the stallholders, the raffle raisers, the Barbecue men, the Bar Staff and Rob Brannigan, whose photography raised £75.

Blundellsands Coffee Morning at St. Nicholas' in Crosby on Wednesday 27th
October. We would be grateful for anyone to give a Cake or any homemade produce (Jams, home made sweets etc.) for the cake stall.

Dave Flynn.

MORE ABOUT BIRDS?

Penguins!
Did you ever wonder why there are no dead penguins on the ice in Antarctica?Where do they go?    
Wonder no more! ! ! 

It is a known fact that the penguin is a very ritualistic bird that lives an extremely ordered and complex life.
The penguin is very committed to its family and will mate for life, as well as maintaining a form of compassionate contact with its offspring throughout its life.
If a penguin is found dead on the ice surface, other members of the family and social circle have been known to dig holes in the ice, using their vestigial wings and beaks, until the hole is deep enough for the dead bird to be rolled into and buried. The male penguins then gather in a circle around the fresh grave and sing: 
 
          "Freeze a jolly good fellow"
             "Freeze a jolly good fellow." 
 
   Then they kick him in the ice hole!
From Dave Flynn who obviously knows everything there is to know about penguins

A CROW’S NEST WITH A DIFFERENCE

Isn’t this a wonderful photograph? It was sent in by Dave and Shirley spotted in Troon whilst on their cruise this year. Dave said, “They thought HR42’s had everything but this one had a real crow’s nest. The owner was not best pleased, his boat being covered with dung from the nest. He was offering money to anyone who would go up his mast and shift it. A little heartless we thought!” Thank you to both of them for sending it to me to share. Ed.