March 2006

EDITOR'S NOTES The old weather adage "March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb" may be proved right this year. The first real snow we have had for five years and very strong South Easterlies have made life uncomfortable for many people. Let's hope that spring is round the corner.

I haven't seen or heard any pink-footed geese in the last three weeks, it seems that they may have retuned to Iceland for their breeding season. I feel that they have an uncanny knack of reading the weather signs in advance. There are always a few remaining all the year round in Martin Mere. Let's hope that they escape all the hazards of Avian Flu, I always think that they are one of nature's wonders and we are privileged to experience their presence. The cold weather hasn't stopped the activities of the frogs; there is frogspawn in my pond.

Two babies have been born recently to club members, Mark Corns and Giles Fielding have now become family men and our Vice Commodore is now a granny. Congratulations to all the families concerned and all best wishes for possible future cadet members!

Thank you to David Warren who brought my attention to the changes in BBC 4 Radio weather forecasting and to Radio Licences as you will read later. The article also refers to preparation and safety at sea. This may be a good time to remind you that that the Hon Sec of the Sailing Committee is endeavouring to make courses available to club members. Please look out for them.

Even this early in the year it has been reported that two boys had to be rescued, whilst attempting to walk to Blackpool across the sands because they had missed the bus. It was due to their mobile phone message that the alert was given. One would think that notices should be placed at strategic points indicating that this walk is not to be undertaken. Sefton Council manage to place plenty of notices around the " iron men" area!

The South Sefton Development Trust has won an award for "Another Place" It is the RENEW Northwest Exemplar Learning Programme for 2006. It is one of five projects in the region to receive this award.

Thanks to those members who gave me their e mail addresses for newsletters. Sorry that there were some hiccups with service providers and reception. Surely it can only improve. Please don't forget that you can read all the past and present Newsletters from some years back on the club website. I have been surprised to learn that members of other sailing clubs read our newsletters.

The following are notes from the General Committee Meeting 14 th March.

Apologies were received from Phil Wright.

The Commodore opened the meeting by welcoming Joe Coady who had come to report on his progress with the preparation for the Celebration of 100 years of Sailing. Joe has done a great deal of background work. A book is being compiled with contributions from members covering each decade. It will be on sale at the end of this year. As previously mentioned there will be a cocktail party on the 8 th April and a dinner dance on the 22 nd September. A walk across the sands of Morecambe bay will be announced at the beginning of the year. Joe is planning a large Commodore's Cruise to the West Hoyle Bank with guests and food and drink' he hopes that the Social Committee of that time will produce several evenings of entertainment in the clubhouse throughout the year. Cut glass engraved souvenirs will be on sale and Simon Markland suggested that embroidered apparel would be of interest to members. All of Joe's efforts have incurred minimum cost to the club so far.

Joe was thanked for his comprehensive report and after he left the meeting continued with the Commodore's report .

Dave told the meeting that he has attended several Kindred Club's functions with either the Hon Secretary or with Shirley. There are still more to come before the start of the season.

Dave referred to the article about sailing and racing written by Simon Markland at the behest of the Sailing Committee and published in the last newsletter. This was his reply:

"I have given the article quite a lot of thought. The aims expressed in the article are very laudable. I do however have some concern that the excellent aims may well prove counter productive. Some people want to do nothing but race, and others have no interest at all. Nothing is going to alter their way of thinking. But then there are those in between, like me, who aren't really keen at all, but will have a go now and then. It is only this latter group, and perhaps a few new members, which we may influence.

We have always, quite understandably, had some difficulty getting enough people to be Officer of the Day. Nobody gets much enjoyment from sitting at anchor when they could be having a sail. We all do it because somebody has to, and we expect to take our turn if we want to have a race. But to expect members who have little interest in racing to give up a sail to be OD is simply pie in the sky, in my view and in the view of members who have approached me on the subject.

I suspect that the OD course will only be attended by people keen on racing. Indeed I further suspect that even some of these wont attend as they will expect to be seconded more frequently once they are trained, because a natural progression after the course would be to have only OD's who have undergone training. If you haven't been trained you can't be OD, marvellous!

You are all aware of my thoughts on single-handed racing. I don't accept the statement that it has a significantly higher risk. I for one won't be rooting about to find someone to come out with me, I simply won't bother, and nor will most of the other single handers.

As I said at the beginning, I do feel the aims expressed are very laudable and I am aware that that I have not been at all positive. But perhaps we are not thinking holistically enough as they say. My thoughts to improve safety and OD numbers would revolve around provision of a dedicated OD/Safety boat. Other clubs tell me that people fight to man the safety boat. Perhaps we could use David's (Warren) boat, or buy a RIB. There is also no reason why races can't be OD'd from the clubhouse. We have a lovely big buoy that could be moored directly out from the clubhouse."

Dave went on to discuss the provision of food for the workers at the next WORKING PARTY to take place on 25 th MARCH i.e. THIS MONTH . As we have no oven at the moment the food will probably be soup and bread etc. Mark Meadows was asked to look into the possibilities of buying a new cooking system. On the 1 st April a RACE NIGHT will be held with a HOTPOT SUPPER AND DISCO. Come and enjoy a different kind of evening and have a flutter with real races on film.

It was proposed from the meeting that an informal evening of chat between members who sail could be held one Wednesday evening. The thought and talk could be of help to new members who would like to race or to sail. Older members may cast their minds back to the first time that they sailed out of the Alt, it may have created a few butterflies in the stomach. Such an evening could be invaluable to new sailors.

SAILING COMMITTEE NOTES

The sailing committee Meeting held on Tuesday, 7 March 06

Present : Carole Fielding, Peter Williams, Phil Wright, Dave Ward, Alan Roe, Kieron Riley, John Newton, Andy Lee-McGurk, Martin Dooley, Simon Markland.

Apologies : Ian Cowell, Graham Cummins

The general committee approved the proposed works to the slip near the boat yard, setting a maximum budget of £1500 for completion.

Phil Wright has spoken to Kevin Pope and has agreed that the initial scope of work will be:

• Trench sheeting to be inserted to side of launch slip.
• Widen right-hand side of launch slip.
• Clear mud from both launch and dinghy slips

Work to be started on Wednesday 22 March.

A concrete skim will be laid on the launch slip at a later date.

Tasks for the working party have been identified:

•  Clean/Repair boat yard slip

•  Clean clubhouse slip

•  Add steel section at landward end of clubhouse slip to cover mud/peat

•  Remove scaffolding pole from mud near boathouse slip

•  Fairway buoy

•  Perches

•  Phil Wright advises he will need 4 green & 2 red for south end and 1 green for north. Dave Ward will arrange.

•  N9 perch to be reinstated

•  The course of the river has changed in places and existing perches will be re-sited.

Peter Williams will show Graham Cummins, John Newton and Phil Wright some of the basic maintenance items needed on the winch on Sunday 12/3 at 10:00hrs.

A written procedure for maintenance and operation of the winch was thought to be a good idea.

A new long strop is needed. Kieron will advise Carole of length required, she will source from Tiere's.

RYA have not yet confirmed dates for O.D. training in May. SM will chase.

SM has spoken to Hoylake Sailing School and they will send prices for running VHF/DSC course either at their offices or at BSC clubhouse.

To encourage more people to join in with club racing there will be two classes raced in each event. The main trophies will be awarded to the class A boats with a secondary prize going to the winner of the B class. Further discussion of the terms of the classes and race management will take place at the next meeting.

A meeting was proposed open to all sailing members, possibly on a Wednesday evening, where members would present an old-hands view of aspects of club racing, such as:

•  Race courses and navigation

•  The O.D.s job - starting and finishing procedures

•  Handicaps where they come from and how they work

•  Race tactics and hints

•  Q&A

This idea will be developed at the next meeting.

SM will submit another article regarding racing for inclusion in the next newsletter.

Phil passed out copies of the new starters pack to the committee and asked for amendments and additions to be advised. When complete it will be distributed to all new and existing full members and be published on the club website.

Next meeting will be at 20:00 on Tuesday, 4 April at the clubhouse.

THE ANNUAL WORKING PARTY

will take place on Saturday 25 th March

at 10.00 am.

Refreshments provided.

If you know which job you will be working on please bring the appropriate tools .

House & Grounds Commmittee Report - Tuesday, 14 th March 2006 .

Clubhouse .

Bar General.

Monthly Bar Report - The annual bar takings monthly report up to the week commencing 6 th March 2006 was circulated to the General Committee Members.

Projects.

A report giving an estimate of the costs of the House & Grounds Committee identified projects for 2006 was circulated to the General Committee Members.

Porch/Foyer - The outstanding work to finish off the area is ongoing.

Examples of a transfer for the main porch window and a sign for the clubhouse were circulated to the General Committee Members and this was agreed to be taken forward.

Mains installation.

Water pipe - Work is in hand with regards to getting the new water pipe connected up.

Central metal support beam ceiling area - Plans are in hand with regards to identifying the form of lighting for the area and finishing off the wooden panelling.

Club Talks

A further talk at the clubhouse has been arranged on the following date.

Wednesday, 22 nd March at 8:30pm by Dr Bryan Barrass on "All aboard the QM2". Dr Barrass was involved as a consultant in the building of the QM2.

Please note for your diary that the Clubhouse will be open from 8pm with a view to commencing the above talk at 8:30pm.

200 Club. Prize winners of the February draw :

1 st Prize of £30.00 - Number 22, Mrs Pauline Conalty

2 nd Prize of £40.00 - Number 12, Mrs Shelagh Warren

(Includes the roll over prize money of £20.00 carried over from February draw)

3 rd Prize of £15.00 - Number 17, Mrs Pat Heyworth (RNLI)

The draw was kindly carried out by Mrs C. Grocott on Friday, 3 rd March.

Date of next scheduled draw: Friday , 31 st March 2006

THE HON TREASURER declared himself satisfied with our financial state although the Hon Membership Secretary said that subs are not coming in as quickly as usual. There may be an extra long Naughty Boys List.

THE HON SECRETARY has placed correspondence on the notice board including letters of thanks from those members of Kindred Clubs who attended our excellent fitting out dinner.

THE HON MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

Stan asks you to welcome three new members to the club. They are:

Mr and Mrs A D Glynn Jones of Hightown. They are also members of West Lancs S C and they will become House members.

Mr F G Lesbirel from North Wales will become a Family Member.

Please all enjoy your membership.

THE SHIPPING FORECAST BBC RADIO 4
Extracted from the RYA Magazine.

From April this year the BBC radio 4 early morning forecast schedule will be changed. The early morning forecast will be broadcast at the earlier time of 0520. It has been given a ten-minute slot, ahead of the 05.30 news and will be an extended forecast to include both the shipping forecast and the full 16 area inshore waters forecast.

The RYA has been campaigning for improvements to the dissemination of weather forecasts for some time and welcomes this extended broadcast. Although the time may be inconvenient for those who are day sailing it will certainly be of benefit to those on long passages.

The RYA will continue to campaign for improvements to the availability, timing and content of weather forecasts. Encouraging participation in boating is a core aim of the RYA, however this must be safe participation. During the last year, there continued to be a significant level of unnecessary calls on the rescue services. RYA Courses teach people the necessity of ongoing boat maintenance, checking the weather forecast and preparing the skipper and crew for the intended voyage and forecast conditions. It is hoped that improvements to weather forecasts will in turn prompt better safety at sea.

LIFETIME LICENCE

"Following consultation earlier this year, Ofcom has announced that it will be introducing lifetime ship and ship portable radio licences from the 1 st October 2006. Full details can be found at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/src/statement/

There is a current Ofcom consultation regarding the introduction of fixed penalty notices for offences such as operating transmitters without a licence or outside the term of a licence or exemption"

(No doubt there will be more information published later about these licences. However if you are reading this on the club website it will be easy to click on the above address and go straight to the information. Ed.)

HUNT THE PHOTOGRAPHS. A BLAST FROM THE PAST.

Can anyone remember a photograph of about twenty-one boats lying behind the groyne in Mostyn? Joe and Gwynneth Coady would like to find it if possible, for use in the book they are compiling about the club. They remember it hanging above the bar quite a long time ago. They are also keen to have photographs of any club activities held in past times. Can you help? Please get in touch with Joe.

AN EARLY CALL FOR THE RNLI DAY JUNE 25 TH 2006-

We are trying to start preparations early, to avoid last minute hiccups and shortage of manpower. Please make a note of the date and if you can help in any way before or on the actual day please let me or Dave Flynn know. We will also be looking for raffle prizes and tombola prizes. If you have any unwanted gifts tucked away can you hang on to them and also bric a brac? Please don't throw things out whilst Spring-cleaning, we can use them.

HIGHTOWN BEACH CLEAN 1 ST APRIL.

The March date previously published for this event has been changed to 1 st April. Hightown Parish Council need as many helpers as possible for this event even if it just for one hour. Unfortunately the date clashes with a social event in the clubhouse and therefore the clubhouse will not be open for use during the day.

THE OCCASIONAL ALPHABET

O=OSCAR MORSE= DASH DASH DASH SIGNAL, MAN OVERBOARD

Dangers . overboard, over falls, on your beam ends, out of the blue, over a barrel,(shades of flogging) over reach, out gunned and on the beach. Oops, Oh dear , Oh Heck or whatever, all spell trouble.

What we wear . Overalls, overcoat, oilies or oilskins, so called because the fabric used to be coated with linseed oil for waterproofing.

Oceans, vast expanses of water but in our case over the water means across the Mersey. O is a difficult letter to deal with, not many birds Osprey and Oystercatcher. Thanks for contributions from Trefor Roberts and Peter Stephenson.

RADIO

This is based on an actual radio conversation between a U.S. Navy
aircraft carrier (U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln) and Canadian authorities
off the coast of Newfoundland in October, 1995. (The radio
conversation was released by the Chief of Naval Operations on
10/10/95 authorized by the Freedom of Information Act.)

Canadians:  Please divert your course 15 degrees to the South to
avoid collision.

Americans:  Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the
North to avoid a collision.

Canadians:  Negative.  You will have to divert your course 15
degrees to the South to avoid a collision.

Americans:  This is the Captain of a US Navy ship.  I say again,
divert YOUR course.

Canadians:  No, I say again, you divert YOUR course.

Americans:  THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND
LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES' ATLANTIC FLEET.  WE ARE
ACCOMPANIED BY THREE  DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS
SUPPORT  VESSELS.  I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15  DEGREES
NORTH--I SAY AGAIN, THAT'S ONE FIVE DEGREES NORTH--OR
COUNTER-MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.

Canadians:  This is a lighthouse.  Your call!!

SRC Radio Operators Course

We have discussed with Hoylake Sailing School the possibility of their running a training course for BSC members at a lower price than the usual course fee of  £85.00 per student plus the RYA certificate fee of £20.00 each person.

The initial choice is where the training will take place as this dictates the price on offer:

Course to held at Hoylake sailing school: £30.00 per student plus the RYA certificate fee of £20.00

Course to be held at BSC Clubhouse: £38.00 per student plus the RYA certificate fee of £20.00

Each course to consist of 12 students, final price subject to confirmation and numbers.

At this stage we need to assess the level of interest and the preference of members as to location for the training.  If you are interested in this training there is a poster on the sailing committee notice board where you should add your name under your preferred location or both if you have no preference.

If you are unable to get to the clubhouse you can email your preference to s.markland@blueyonder.co.uk

A VERY QUICK RESPONSE TO THE COMMODORE'S COMMENTS IN THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING LAST NIGHT (JUST RECEIVED)

ClubRacingUpdate

Thanks to everyone who has voiced their opinion on the ideas the sailing committee have suggested to encourage more boats to race this year.  Debate is just what is needed to take this forward and we will certainly be taking all ideas and try to accommodate where we can.

The commodore has made some excellent suggestions and comments and the sailing committee will discuss them over the next month or so to see if they can be put into practice. It has been many years since the BSC had a committee boat and if anyone has or knows of a suitable vessel please let us know.

A couple of issues that have been raised are insurance and the race courses.  Some members have the impression that their insurance policy does not cover them for racing, we would encourage you to read through your policy as it may be that you are covered but there is an exclusion for rigging and sails should they damaged during a race. It may also be worthwhile speaking to your insurers as any racing exclusion is for those entering the Fastnet or some other similar off-shore race but they are happy to cover club racing in home waters at no extra cost under your existing policy.   As you will have read in the sailing committee minutes we are planning to have an informal talk one Wednesday evening on the various aspects of racing from the Alt, there will be more about this once a date has been finalised,  one of the points to be covered is the race courses and we are in the process of preparing a laminated chart showing the various marks of the courses that will be available to all members, the aim being to make it absolutely clear which marks need to be rounded to complete a lap of the race.

Please continue to make your feelings known, it does feed-back to us and we will take them in to consideration.

Simon Markland.

This recent correspondence concerning racing and the future of racing is a serious matter and many other members have opinions of their own. We are after all a Sailing Club. I am pleased that the newsletter is a vehicle for airing views and especially that these views are aired publicly. Would any other member care to contribute? Ed. Addresses at the top of this newsletter.

DIARY DATES

Wednesday, 22 nd March at 8:30pm by Dr Bryan Barrass on "All aboard the QM2". Dr Barrass was involved as a consultant in the building of the QM2.

SATURDAY 25 TH MARCH THE SPRING WORKING PARTY

SATURDAY 1 ST APRIL HIGHTOWN BEACH CLEAN UP

SATURDAY 1 ST APRIL RACE NIGHTAND DISCO IN THE CLUBHOUSE.

SATURDAY 6 TH MAY FISH AND CHIPS IN THE CLUBHOUSE

SUNDAY 25 TH JUNE RNLI DAY INCLUDING THE RACE

SUNDAY 9 TH JULY THE ALTMOUTH CUP RACE

SATURDAY 15 TH JULY SUMMER BUFFET AND DISCO

SATURDAY 16 TH NOVEMBER A SOCIAL EVENT.