SID Newsletter Nov 2008

 

Winter has now set in, but sailing continues...

 

Frostbites

The Frostbite dinghy racing series has started, with races every Sunday, weather permitting. SIDers have been taking part, both in our club boats (PY class) and in Fireballs.

 

Sigma Sailing

Obsession continues to sail through the winter, with day sails at the weekends.

 

Committee News

Congratulations to Peter on his elevation to Chairperson of SID. Here is Peter's inaugural address and mission statement:

 

“Fellow SIDers, having being asked to step in as chairperson I am very happy to do so and help the committee continue its good work. As we all know SID is unique as a sailing club in terms of its structure and the range of sailing opportunities it offers its members, it's a great club! The upgrading and expansion of the fleet over the last few years means it now caters for all sailing preferences with fit for purpose boats. It is important of course we don't keep SID a secret and need to continue to promote it so as to keep our membership numbers increasing.

 

Immediate priorities for the club is to get the Ruffian (or its replacement) back on the water ready for next season and to implement plans to upgrade facilities in the Coal Harbour following our LOTTO approval. Initial discussions with Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company and the Harbour Master have been positive so it is up to us now to make this happen. As always key to success is the involvement and energy of members so we are hoping to form two working groups, one for the Ruffian and one for the container upgrade. If you are able or interested in being part of these working groups come back to me or anyone on the committee as soon as possible.

 

As always our overall goal is to ensure that the maximum number of members will have the maximum opportunity to sail and in doing so develop their sailing skills - all this equals maximum enjoyment and a vibrant club. This requires organization and structure and we will be looking at how best this can be achieved. Most of all the clubs success depends on your support and involvement. I’m looking forward to working with you all.”

Peter

 

Also Juliane is taking over as Secretary.

 

Membership Subscriptions

Renewal of club membership is due from January 1. The cost for 2008 is 350 euro, rising to 375 euro if you leave it until after April 1.

 

Expenses

People with outstanding expenses should submit them to Colm as soon as possible so that accounts can be finalised before the end of the year.

 

Christmas Party

The SID Christmas bash is happening this Thursday, Dec 11, at 9pm in the Jaipur restaurant in Georges St, with pre-dinner drinks in the Market Bar.  Don't forget your 5 euro present for Santa's sack. Thanks to Regina and Karina for organising.

 

Volvo Ocean Race

The Sino-Irish boat, Green Dragon  has now reached Cochin and completed the second leg of the race. They are still in contention, despite some spectacular Ruffin It style equipment failures...

 

Glenans News

Glenans Irish Sailing Club has been going through something of a crisis.

 

The Glenans Irish Sailing Club (GISC) EGM took place on Saturday 22nd November, where it was well attended by SID members.  For those who couldn't attend, basically the Club's finances are in a very poor state.  As a money saving exercise the Board approved a 12 week season in Collanmore from June to August (4 weeks juniors, 8 weeks adults) for 2009, and they relocated the Dublin office to Baltimore.

 

As a result of the EGM some committee's (re)established.

 

Collanmore Committee

Will be chaired by Claire

The Collanmore Committee's primary objective for 2009 will be to open the base for Easter week, Easter and May bank holiday weekends and hopefully other weekends.   If the Collanmore Committee can prove that a longer season is viable then the Board will revisit its decision to open the base for 2 months (adults) only.  To manage this your support is invaluable, please contact the Collanmore Committee if you can help.

 

If you have any ideas for Collanmore or are willing to help out on the fun working weekends, where there is sure to be lots of other familiar faces.  Let’s help to keep Collanmore alive, after all, it’s where most of us learned to sail.

 

Marketing Committee

Will be chaired by Joanne Murphy.

 

40th Anniversary Committee

Will be chaired by Dave O Flynn. The plan is to celebrate the 40’th anniversary of GISC with events in Collanmore and Baltimore early in the season.

 

If you are interested with getting involved with any of the above please contact the club.

 

Post EGM Update

Following the EGM Hugues stepped down as General Manager and Ruth Ennis was appointed to the full time position of Business Development Manager.

 

New Year at Collanmore

Collanmore will be open for New Year. Already some people have signed up, so if you are interested in celebrating the New Year in the West of Ireland, where it’s sure to be great fun, (and just

think of it no taxis home!!) contact Ciaran Collins.

 

New Year at Baltimore

There will be no sailing available this year as all the boats are already lifted out As usual there will be socializing, coal fires, walks and refreshments.

 

They may charter the 44' footer of Baltimore Boat Charter for a day sail or organise a trip to Cape Clear Island, booking a ferry and having walks and pub lunch there…other ideas welcome.

Accordingly GISC will charge only 15 euros per night for accommodation (there will be a kitty for the food as usual)

 

The base is open from dinner 27th December evening to lunch 4th January.

 

Finally, Happy Christmas and Happy New Year to everybody.