Message from the commodore

Dear Member

The Government’s deferral of ‘Freedom Day’ was disappointing, but not entirely unexpected. Let us hope that the acceleration of the vaccination programme means it will be the last postponement. Meanwhile, we must all keep up the long-established disciplines of sanitising, social distancing and the wearing of masks.

At the Club, we have all got accustomed to arriving ready to sail, signing in (and out if leaving early), not using the clubhouse, no galley and generally being aware of the proximity of those around us; thankfully, the warmer weather makes such restrictions considerably more tolerable.  Accordingly, and in view of the relatively short extension to 19 July, it is not proposed to change the existing arrangements until we can open up fully.

Despite the constraints, the Club’s sailing programme is being well supported, with good numbers of casual sailors as well as those participating in races. Casual sailors are reminded that they have Saturdays all to themselves. Our OnBoard sessions have resumed and the first youth training course was successfully run on 2-4 June. There are six more youth courses during July and August, as well as two adult courses.

I hope that those of you who haven’t got back into the swing of sailing will come and enjoy the opportunities to get on the water, as well as the Club’s welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Can I again remind those who have not yet done so to book your duties so that each sailing day is supported with safety cover.

While I have your attention, I need to mention that the warmer weather also encourages the grass to grow and – worse still – the weeds, which we are not permitted to treat. The open grassy spaces are being mowed and strimmed by volunteer members (but more are needed please), but keeping individual boat spaces tidy is the responsibility of each owner – and the great majority of these are being neglected. It would help control the spread of weeds on site and improve the appearance of the dinghy park if owners would make an effort to clear at least their own area and keep it clear.

I really believe we are approaching the end of this long and devastating pandemic and can think in terms of resuming life as we would wish it to be.

Meanwhile, stay safe, but have fun too.

Merv Clark

Commodore

Dorset triangle definitely ON

Hot News from CCSC.

This event is confirmed as “ON”.

Still no NoR as yet but there will be 3 races sailed ‘back to back’ with the first start scheduled for 14:00.

This will give plenty of time for you to load up your boats Sunday morning, drive to CCSC, soak up some mid-day sun and for the sea breeze to stabilise.

Please reply on the Google email group if you intend to participate in this event so we can  ensure you are kept informed of any forthcoming notices.

Website Menus

The website menus have been tweaked because some of the lower levels were not displaying on mobile devices. This means there is a new section for racing that gives access to the results rather than them being in the News section. Hope this makes sense.

2021 CCSC Dorset Triangle

Dorset Triangle

Its time to move the club to the coast – the Dorset Triangle 1st leg is on (at the time of writing) at Castle Cove SC on June 20th. The notice of race is incoming from CCSC with the full details and will be posted as soon as we have it. We would love to see as many of you as possible to join in at this friendly event representing the club on the lovely sunny climes of Portland harbour’s waters.

Club Championship Super Series — 2021

This Sunday is the first of the special Club championship super series, meaning the club champs are spread over several weekends. The format should give a better chance for all types of boats to do well, not just those whose PN suits the conditions of a single day. The notice of race & SIs can be found by clicking on the links below

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Club Champs 2021 -- NoR 208.10 KB 105 downloads

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Covid update

Dear Member,

I expect you are wondering whether the Club has amended any of its restrictions now that the long-awaited and very welcome Step 3 milestone has been passed.

The Club’s Covid-19 Working Group has obviously given the matter some considerable thought, since it is now possible for us to make limited use of the changing rooms, galley and clubhouse. However, we are all still being encouraged to be cautious in how we implement the easing of restrictions and there remain specific limits on numbers meeting indoors, with social distancing and other restrictions to be observed. We also know very well that the risk of transmission outside is very much lower than indoors.

It has been decided, therefore, that we will make no changes to existing operating procedures and arrangements until Step 4 on 21 June is achieved – assuming the rate of infections, hospitalisations and the other Government criteria allow this date to remain unchanged. The restrictions we have had since we re-opened on 29 March seem not to have deterred those who want to sail and it has been pleasing to see good attendances on our sailing days and to experience the camaraderie of our fellow members. In this regard, I would remind you that there is no limit on the numbers attending and no need to book. So, therefore, if you make a spur of the moment decision to spend a few hours at the Club – on or off the water – you can just get up and go. If it’s sailing day, then please be sure to sign in and out as you pass through the boat shed on arrival and departure.

We should know within a week or so whether the Indian variant is going to throw the Government’s roadmap off course. Meanwhile, let’s continue to be cautious in our behaviour and optimistic that we will be able to enjoy all the Club has to offer in a wonderful summer full of sunshine and good breezes.

I think the Government’s message now is: hands, face, space and fresh air.

Merv Clark

Commodore

May 2021 Newsletter

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