Pilkington Sailing Club
January/FebruaryNewsletter2018
Sad News
Frank Rogers passed away on Sunday 25th February aged 83.
Frank took up sailing in the early years of his retirement and was a member for over 15 years.
Until a few years ago, Frank participated fully in the club activities carrying out safety boat duties, sailing his own Enterprise and always willing to crew for others
On a club trip to Abersoch in 2005 most of us were impressed with the trapeze skills Frank exhibited at the age of 70.
Frank was also a life member of Liverpool Sailing Club participating in their weekly work party activities as well as sailing on the River Mersey
Our thoughts are with his wife Margaret and sons Gary and David
The funeral will take place Friday 16th March 11-00 AM St. Helens crematorium and after at Birchley St Marys Club.
The 2018season is almost with us. The2017/18 Winter series has taken place on most weekends in variable weather conditions with just a few weekends when sailing didn’t take place due to high winds but more often complete lack of wind.
At the time of writing we are enduring probably the worst winter for many years with temperatures at or below freezing for most of recent days and this at a time when we would expect weather more like Spring. However, despite such low temperatures and strong penetrating easterly winds, the Mere hasn’t frozen over except for some small areas around the edges. The exception being one weekend around early February when despite racing taking place, a boat suffered damage from impacting with ice in an isolated part of the lake.
We look forward to better weather soon.
.
The 2018 program commences Sunday 25th March with the first race starting at 13-30 hours
Subscriptionsas approved at the 2017 AGM have been increased and will become due soon. All existing members will receive renewal invitations in the near future.
Through prudent financial control the subscriptions haven’t been increased for a number of years but as club costs rise the increase should ensure our financial stability for the foreseeable future
Subscriptions are as follows:-
Family membership £205 ( was£190)
Adult Membership Over 18 £110 (was £100 )
Junior Membership under 18 £55 ( was £50 ) Young Adult (18 – 25 ) £85 This a new category Social Membership £10 (was £5 )
Compound boat space £30 ( was £20 )
Training course £100 (plus membersip fee) unchanged
Beginner’s course commences Thursday 19th April
7-30pm with an introductory talk and enrolment.
During the early weeks much help is needed with tasks ranging from teaching sailing to help with shore duty, rigging launching and recovering and storing boats .Everyone is welcome to join in the action.
As ever there is much interest with names on the list at the present time already in double figures and more expected during the coming weeks.
Everyone is a winner, the club benefits, the students benefit and the instructors and helpers gain great satisfaction from being part of the action on a purely voluntary basis and seeing the fruits of their efforts as the weeks pass.
Income generated by the beginners course contributes significantly to club funds.
Analysis of those racing on Sunday afternoon shows over 50% have entered racing through the Beginners course, a trend which we hope will continue.
Everyone is invited to the Instructors and Helpers evening, date to be announced.
Refresher Course / leisurely sailingcommences Tuesday 17th April 6-30pm. This evening is for everyone and gives 2017 beginners the chance to brush up on their skills at no extra cost until the end of May. After 31stMay, those wishing to continue will be required to renew their membership for the 2018 /2019 season.
PSC 100 club Lottery Winners
January 1st Prize John Kilshaw £32
2nd Prize Marion Critchley £16
3rdPrize John Porter £8
February 1st prize John Shuttleworth £32
2ndprize George Plant £16
3rd prize May Latimer £8
The lottery raises circa £1000 per year for club funds
If you fancy a flutter and want to join the PSC 100 club lottery contact Andrew Melding or download the application form from the website.
Subscription is by standing order £13 per quarter
All past winners can be viewed on the website.
Weekly Working party takes place every Wednesday starting 10-00am until lunchtime to deal with general maintenance.Everyone invited to join the working party co-ordinated by John Porter..
Wednesday afternoon racing follows the above morning work party. This has proved very popular throughout the winter and will continue during the coming months.
Weed was quite a problem during 2017.
The club has purchased a weed cutting device which it is hoped will help reduce the problem.
Derek Lee is conducting trials which necessitates towing the device behind a safety boat.
Annual presentation of Trophies
Will take place in the clubhouse on Sunday afternoon 18th March after the first race. Refreshments will be provided.
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For Sale / Wanted
Solo number 3077 GRP with launch trolley. All reasonable offers considered. This boat was previously sailed by Malcolm Armstrong.
Further details from Trevor Fillingham
Wanted FRP Enterprise contact Mark Sadler tel 01695 735799
Dates for your Diary
Annualand trophy presentation Sunday18th March in the clubhouse after the first race.
Instructors / helpers meeting, time to be announced
Tuesday evening sailingrefreshercourse starts 19th April
Annual Dinner Saturday 28th April in the clubhouse
Details to be announced
RYA ‘Push the Boat Out’ is aimed at giving taster sessions to newcomers over the weekend Sat 5th May to be confirmed
Many clubs nationwide will open their doors to newcomers.
PSC clubopen meeting Sunday 20th May. To be confirmed
This event will be different from previous years insomuch other dinghy classes will also take part in the days racing. Details to follow.
RNLI Day Sunday17th June
Southport Junior 12 hour race Sat 30th June
Lilac Centre Charity Event Sunday 15th July
West Lancs Yacht Club 24 hour race
8th and 9th September
Barts Bass 16th September
Stop Press
First Aid items are located both in the veranda and in the passage.
A defibrilator is also located in the passage near the kitchen door.
Sunday racing times change Sunday 25th March, first race starting at 13-30hrs
Club racing always takes place on every bank holiday Monday- times are the same as Sunday
All road trailers should either be stored under your boat or securely tied to the fence in a vertical position.For all the latest news and program of events, visit the PSC website
pilkingtonsailingclub.co.uk
Newsletter Editor
Trevor Fillingham Tel 01744 20352