Burbo Bank Wind Farm Information

JULY 2006

Editors Notes: races have been sailed and new dates are fixed for the cancelled Bank Holiday series, the first taking place this weekend. In spite of the heat wave there has been plenty of wind about, a little too much for some of the smaller boats to sail The Altmouth Cup Race. Two boats from BSC entered, John Myerscough with Catch 22 and the intrepid Mark Meadows in Mojo. They did exceedingly well.

On a more personal note, Tao has been sold to our Sailing Secretary and I have become a Grandma for the first time. Both very pleasing and it will be good to see Tao on the water again and to have the odd sail. This is a good opportunity for me to thank all members both in the yard and in the clubhouse who have been of help to me. I feel fortunate to be a member of a club where such thoughtfulness and kindness is very evident. Martin Dooley and Mary celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary yesterday, congratulations to them. John Kerwin is no longer allowed to sail for health reasons so Thunderball is for sale, see advert. Sadly, Alan McDonough, one of our older members died suddenly, Stan Warren will give a fuller account on a later page.

Boat insurance is back in the news. We are advised to read ALL the small print to become absolutely certain about what is covered. Some companies are issuing revised instructions concerning crew.

Notes and reports from the General Committee Meeting 11 th July

Two apologies were received, from Martin Dooley and Stan Warren. The minutes were agreed and any matters arising were dealt with under any other business.

The Commodore remarked on Mark's diligence and hard work both of which have made a big difference to the clubhouse. Dave hopes that outstanding work will be finished soon. This is dealt with in Mark's report from the House Committee.

Dave was OD for the Altmouth Cup. He described the day as Horrendous and the weather forecast was inaccurate. Fortunately John Myerscough had arranged for the use of a motorboat, which made things a bit easier on a long day. There were five entries one of which retired.

The Vice Commodore's report

Tuesday, 4 July 2006

Present : Carole Fielding, Phil Wright, Dave Ward, Ian Cowell, Kieron Riley, Peter Williams, Andy Lee-McGurk, Simon Markland.

Apologies : Graham Cumming, Martin Dooley.

John Newton has resigned from the sailing committee due to work commitments.

The two problem perch's on the south reach will be removed as soon as possible. Y&BM will inspect and arrange necessary working party this week.

Handicaps are required for "Scoter" and "Camellia" - IC will advise. C.Loughran has submitted a PY as used by East Cowes Sailing Club for a similar boat to "Kaol" with a request that his club handicap be re-assessed; this along with recent race data was passed to IC for the consideration of his group. There was a general discussion with regard to handicaps and the desirability for a more dynamic system that allowed for regular amendments to handicaps as a way of encouraging increased participation, while agreeing that it would be desirable no practical working method could be decided.

Phil Wright reported that he had been in contact with Pope's and has agreed a new specification for the extension work to the launch slip. A quote should be available for the next general committee meeting.

The meeting for newer members to the sailing club held last month was thought to have been worthwhile and a great success and should be repeated.

Qualification for participation in the Ladies Race was raised and confirmed as any female full, family or house member.

A mooring was laid 100m S.W. of the outer corporation mark. The mooring can be used by O.D.'s on race days or by members not wishing to enter the river. It should be noted that the mooring will dry out at low water and it is possible to walk ashore. Thanks to Cedic Loughran and Keith Wilson for their help.

The three wire stays on the Outer Corporation Mark are broken and the light in the inner mark is not working. This has been reported to Sefton Rangers who have undertaken to carry out repairs.

It was reported that insurance company G.J.W. are issuing certificates that stipulate that all boats of 24' or over must manned by 2 competent crew, applicable for both cruising and racing, failure to comply with this clause will invalidate the policy. An application for single-handed sailing must be made to the company and their written confirmation of acceptance received. Sailing members are encouraged to read every clause in their insurance certificate as there do seem to be new clauses appearing that restrict liability and may result in a claim being rejected.

Liverpool Yacht Club have a fun race starting at 03:00 from the marina to the Bar Light to meet the returning Clippers and then join the flotilla.

Y&BM advises that mooring space is at a premium, especially the north reach, and that gaps between boats are in some cases too big. The better laying of moorings would help improve the situation and Y&BM will monitor closely, should the position become critical members may be required to move their mooring.

CF has been unable to contact Mr.J.Brown regarding the repairs to the boat yard fence. Y&BM will send a letter confirming the positioning and standard of work required.

The cancelled May Bank Holiday races have been re-arranged for the following dates:

Race 1 - 15 July - (O.D. C.Loughran)

Race 2 - 30 July - (O.D. K.Riley)

Race 3 - 12 August - (O.D. M.Meadows)

There will be no meeting in August, the next meeting will be at 20:00 on Tuesday, 5 September at the clubhouse.

Please do make an effort to read your insurance cover.

Liverpool Yacht Club will hold a FUN RACE to meet the returning clippers at the bar. Ask any member of the sailing committee for more details.

The Hon Treasurer was asked last month how the finances were in comparison with last year at this time. Yes we are down but that is accounted for by the amount of work carried out and new items bought for the clubhouse. All is well.

A BRILLIANT DAY

Dave's report concerning the RNLI Day stated that after a slow start the day went on to be a huge success with two lifeboats and the hovercraft in attendance. The weather was fine and we were very grateful to all the members and wives who helped and to all who donated gifts, prizes a food and money. Thank you too to all who attended and spent!

The Rear Commodore's House & Grounds Commmittee Report - Tuesday, 11 th July 2006 .

Clubhouse .

Bar General.

Monthly Bar Report - The annual bar takings monthly report up to the week commencing 3 rd July 2006 were circulated to the General Committee Members.

Cooler - Costings are being obtained for a replacement, but there is a possibility that we may be able to obtain a second hand unit for little or no cost.

Projects.

Porch/Foyer - Work is scheduled to commence on this week commencing 17 th July.

Central metal support beam ceiling area - Work is scheduled to commence on completing this work week commencing 17 th July.

Replacement Cooker - This has now been delivered and installed, but there is a small amount of work to be completed to tidy up the work area around the cooker area.

A letter has been written to Comet complaining about there poor quality of service with regard to the delivery of the cooker and a request for compensation to off set against the hire of a temporary cooker which was required to cover a private booking of the clubhouse and the RNLI Open Day.

Additional Chairs - Half of the recently purchased chairs have now had their seats covered in new material to match that of the seating within the Snug Area. The remaining chairs to be covered are at the upholsterer.

Patio Area - We are still looking into suitable furniture for the patio area.

Club Private Bookings.

Mrs Kathrine Hogarth, Thursday 13 th July 2006 - Party.

Clubhouse Items - No items of furniture, pictures etc.. should be removed or brought into the clubhouse without first liaising with the House Committee.

Clubhouse Main Gate - It has been noticed that the clubhouse gate is consistently being either left open and/or the padlock combination code left revealed. Please can we request that all members secure the gate when either entering or leaving the grounds outside of the normal clubhouse opening hours. The combination code for the padlock should never be left revealed.

Clubhouse internal lights - Please could members entering the clubhouse outside of normal opening hours ensure that all lights are turned off after them, especially with regards to those lights within the toilet area.

200 Club Monthly Draw.

Prizewinners of the June draw:

1 st Prize of £30.00 - Number 187, Mr Carl Salkeld.

2 nd Prize of £20.00 - Number 7, Mr Graham Cuming.

3 rd Prize of £15.00 - Number 32, Mrs Gwyneth Coady

The Hon Membership Secretary Stan was not present at the meeting but it was proposed that whilst the House membership is closed to new members, prospective members might wish to fill in an application form so that they can then go on a list.

Summer Social Event On Saturday 15 th There will be a Supper Buffet Party. Dave Warren will be catering.

The Hon Secretary has received a letter from a member, concerning the wearing of caps, boots, etc in the clubhouse, of more concern were the attitudes of some members towards the complainant. The committee members read it and deplored the rudeness of members of the club when they pointed out that caps should not be worn. The Hon Secretary will reply to the letter. There is no rule about hats and there is no dress code in the clubhouse but it is hoped that as a matter of common sense that members will not enter the clubhouse whilst wearing muddy footwear.

A notice will be displayed by the door to that effect.

The Gormley Statues. These were due to be removed around next September/October but there is a move afoot to keep them in Crosby for the Liverpool Capital of Culture. The committee agreed that a letter of objection should be sent to Sefton concerning the safety hazards to navigation and the poor state in which some of the statues can be found.

Sniggery Woods Cedric Loughran has brought to the attention of the committee the proposal that the area should be flooded to become a water meadow. David Warren pointed out that this is only a suggestion and cannot be done without permission from several authorities including The Environment Agency, which has not been approached. Phil Wright pointed out that although historically there was water there it was filled in because of a mosquito hazard, which was thought to have caused a large number of deaths.

The Launching Slip (Boatyard) The estimate for the extension of this is very high. Phil Wright is endeavouring to get the cost to a more reasonable level. As the work needs to be done before the larger boats come out of the water and the Sailing Committee will not meet again until September it was agreed that Phil would consult the Commodore and the Yard and Berthing Master, Carole and Mark when the new estimate is available.

ALAN McDONOUGH

It was with sadness that I received the news of Alan's death, having known him since my school days at Bootle Grammar. He was my school Captain and was also the Captain of Football. He was a brilliant player and he for Everton Reserves and for Leeds United whilst at Leeds University.

Hazel and Alan joined BSC in November 1966 after sailing on Lake Windermere for a year. Alan developed his love of sailing whilst doing his National Service in the Royal Engineers where he gained his Commission. He carried on in the Army after National Service and gained the rank of Major in the Territorial Reserves.

Alan thoroughly enjoyed his membership of BSC, served on the General Committee and was Club Captain. He was also on various House Committees concerned with improvements to the clubhouse, helping and advising.

After a couple of years Hazel and Alan bought Kalinka, a Westerly Tiger, which they sailed on the Alt and in the Menai Straits for many years until retirement. They then bought Serendipity a Dehler 31 in which they thoroughly enjoyed cruising until Hazel's death in 2004. Alan then stayed in the Alt, sailing most days, up to two days before his death. He was always very active in the yard; usually he was the first boat in the Alt and the last out each season. He would welcome new members in the yard and was always available for help and advice as required.

I personally will miss Alan around the clubhouse and in the yard and I will miss his dry humour at the bar on Friday night, as I am sure will all members who came in contact with him. Both Alan's daughters and his grandchildren have the same love for sailing as Hazel and Alan.

The Flag Officers and Membership extend their sympathy to his family in their sad loss.

Stan Warren. Hon Membership Secretary.

BOAT FOR SALE

THUNDERBALL, A WESTERLY 25, 1966

A GM10 DIESEL ENGINE

A FULL COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY AVAILABLE ON APPLICATION TO THE OWNER

INCLUDING A 3 PERSON INFLATABLE DINGHY, AS NEW

Price £4500.00

THE OWNER HAS SAILED THUNDERBALL FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS.

SHE CAN BE SEEN IN THE BOATYARD, HIGHTOWN.

PLEASE APPLY BY TELEPHONE TO JOHN KERVIN 01695 423731

A reminder for the 15 th July

A Social Summer Buffet in the clubhouse