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Welcome to CMYC...dinghy Sailing club in Sussex
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The Mariners have a well deserved reputation
for being a very friendly club with a relaxed atmosphere, so if you're interested
in sailing, do feel free to come and visit us for a chat. Organised events
take place on most weekends from March to December, or take advantage of a free trial
sail on one of our Open days |
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THE VIEW FROM THE HELM
a chilly start to 2010
As I write the entire country is blanketed in snow and the UK has ground almost to a standstill for “want of grit”. The lake is frozen over and the new year pursuit race had to be cancelled. Not ideal sailing weather but I see the Bloody Mary went ahead anyway yesterday despite a bitter north wind and 29 boats finished. Dinghy sailors are a hardy lot!
I have said before in this column that Crawley Mariners is an extraordinary club and one never quite knows what it's members will get up to next. Having said that I was still surprised that Crawley Mariners now has its very own entry in the Clipper Round the World Race. Yes, it may be a change from racing a Comet on Hedgecourt to racing a 68 foot steel hulled Challenge yacht across the Pacific but none the less that is what Allan Webber is about to do. He is crewing on the yacht Qingdao and due to sail from the city of the same name in early March. He will be racing against nine other challenge yachts the 6000 nautical mile leg to San Francisco. It should take in the region of thirty five days. We all wish Allan and his fellow crew the very best of luck. Those members who want to follow Allans progress should log on to http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com I for one will be following Qingdao's progress with great interest.
The annual RYA Dinghy Show takes place on 6-7th March 2010 at Alexandra Palace. This event makes a great curtain raiser to the sailing year, you can see all the latest in racing dinghy trends, snap up a few bargains and meet up with fellow Mariners as you wander around the stands.
Diana has informed me that Cobnor have increased their fees for 2010. The facilities at Cobnor are currently undergoing significant modernization and this has necessitated an increased cost to users. Cobnor represents a unique opportunity for many of our young Mariners and two Cobnor weekends are planned for 2010.
Yes, I did hear you and I know the Hedgecourt access road is a mess of potholes! Much of the problem seems to stem from the poor drainage around the road. We are assessing the situation and hope to have some remedial works in place soon to ease access and not disrupt the new sailing season.
I am looking forward to getting back on the water. Its going to be a great 2010.
See you on the water if not at the dinghy show! Donal