Lets hope its a nice one !

Good morning,
Another fine day in the Tree!
Not too much to report on this one but !
For those that decided to venture out for the race of the century last Saturday, I feel sure that this will be a big dent in your memory, as such a testing and eventful day. For me the 21-mile race has an additional 12 miles added and in the conditions of the day the crew of RIA were pleased to alight the boat safe and sound. On entry to the lock at Shotley Marina we were hailed by the Lock Keeper Robert, “did you enjoy that” to which we were still speechless, and “did you know that HHA had recorded a gust of 42Knts” and that was probably as we were attempting to round Shotley Horse. Still a good race and long day thanks to all who made it happen inc PTK and Sarah for supplying the end of course hostelry. Congratulations To Matt and his crew on Circe for Winning this prestigious award and Robin Dutton close 2nd on handicap.
Commiserations to Chris Wittington who suffered a bit of damage to his boat Samphire and forced into retirement. But well done to all.
Next big race the presidents cup on 7th July 24
Another fine turn out for the ever-eventful coffee and cake last Wednesday , unfortunately with the weather not warm enough we had to resort to having it indoors at the bar area as it had turned a bit nippy. Another day of smiles, laughter and enjoyment which makes it all worthwhile.
Good to see alternative faces behind our bar serving and doing the duties while usual people are away or otherwise engaged. So, if your trained up please put your name down on the rota and manage it for a couple of hours and help the regulars out, there is always room on the list.

Not great in terms of club events for this weekend so have a well-earned rest, many people are maximising the use of their craft and taking advantages for hopefully some fine weather to make this summer even more enjoyable.

The larger cruising Shotley contingent set off last Sunday spending the night at at Bradwell, then onto Ramsgate, and across to the French coast making their way along and up to the Belgium and Dutch coast for a couple of weeks away, let’s hope they don’t eat all the chocolates and bring some back for us.

My boat Ria will be making its way along the Orwell Estuary to spend the weekend in the Beacon Marina in Ipswich once again for fun times to be replicated around the Ipswich Waterfront area with the Lady Commodore brushing up on her sailing and boating skills and experiences this was considered, and would be foolish not to take up this opportunity of some good weather and slack time, to re charge the batteries after a heavy week.
Soon to be, we will be having visitors from Harwich town etc and visiting clubs, also Sunday 7th July 24 I’m asking for final arrangements from them and then we can get those that requested to assist with this event to have something to focus on. Ive made contact and still waiting for the quantities for the requirements and approx. duration of their stay.
There will be a few things to do prior housekeeping and what we have left to do since our winter lay off.

Next Saturday morning I wish to have a small work party to work through some of these very basic chores on my list from compounds clubhouse Starting hut and pontoon cleaning painting digging and all sorts of things for a varied skill set so if your willing and wish to lend a hand for what could be 3-4 hrs or maybe more we can have a go at minimising the list of which most is mainly labour intensive than materialistic.
We shall meet in the clubhouse for say 9.45 for a brief and job distribution if you have general tools, please bring with you and some gloves for the safe side!

Don’t forget to save the date for our Annual Regatta sent in the week 10th -11th August 24.
Also Last weekend was the Levington Classic Yacht Regatta where another one of our well known member Stephen Jones with his yacht Phialle had the pleasure of taking the podium. Phialle was first in her class and second overall in the SYH Classic Regatta held last weekend. Stephen had spent endless hours in the preparation of this boat for this race so all that effort obviously in this case paid off. Well done to him and his crew.

Well, that’s all for me once again have a great safe and sunny weekend and see you at the next blog.

Commodore Colin