RDYC Cruising Newsletter - December 2009

Peter Forey - RDYC Cruising Coordinator
Peter Forey

I write this as the Christmas Party season rapidly approaches. Everybody will no doubt have their minds on Christmas and New Year celebrations, surviving the family get-togethers etc. The days are short, the weather has been horrible of late, and the sailing season now seems a distant memory.

However it is now only a few weeks until our first event for 2010 - the Cruisers' Winter Weekend. I believe the Saturday evening event is already booked out - please contact Melinda if you want to check for any last minute cancellations. I would like to have numbers for the other events, so please let me know ASAP. Details follow:

Cruisers' Winter Weekend January 15-17

Friday15th - Cruising Seminars & Open Discussions
Starts 1600hrs in the Quarterdeck with Tea & Biscuits
Retire to the bar around 1900hrs. 2-course supper 1930hrs - cost £10/head

Neil Millward: "Surge Tides on the Dart Estuary"
Simon Unwin of Dart Sails: "Sails for Cruising Boats"
Chris Cooper: "Two hulls are better than one!"
Dennis & Gwen Royle: "Taking Quintet to the Med"
Peter Forey: "Cruising Programme for 2010"

Saturday 16th - Visit to Plymouth University Marine Institute
1030hrs-1230hrs. Introduction and tour by Andrew Eccleston, including a chance to drive a Ship Simulator! No charge, but you will need to arrange your own transport.
Please note that numbers will be limited to 20 people.

Saturday 16th - An evening with Dee Caffari
Talk & 3-course supper, starts 7pm prompt. £27/head.
Contact RDYC office to check availability.

Sunday 17th - Midwinter Cruise (weather permitting)
Maybe just a chug up the river. Depending on the level of interest, we will need to borrow one or two of the larger boats that have not been hauled out for the winter. Guests to bring refreshments! Lunch either on the water or back at the club. Let me know if you are interested - especially if you can offer craft.

VHF Radio Refresher Course Saturday 13th February

0900hrs-1230hrs at the club. Cost £15/head.
To be run by George Turpin of Plain Sailing. VHF Radiotelephone and DSC calling techniques for routine, distress, and safety. Hands-on training with real radios talking to each other (not transmitting). No exam - aimed a those who got their certificate a few years ago and would like to brush up their technique.
Limited to 10 people - course may be repeated in the future if it proves successful
Lunch available at the club (not included in fee). Select Committee Open Forum for Club Members will follow at 1400hrs.

Provisional Programme for the 2010 Sailing Season
Date Description
Saturday 20th March Fitting Out Supper
April 10th Upriver day sail – BBQ at The Maltsters 1600hrs
May 1-3 1st cruise - Torquay. Dinner at Royal Torbay YC Sunday 2nd.
May 29-31 Newton Ferrers/Plymouth/Tamar
June 19-20 Exmouth. (Neap Tides!) Dinner at ESC Saturday 19th
July 3 Treasure Hunt - to be coordinated by David Ion
July 17-? Channel Islands/Brittany.
August 14 "Meet the Cruisers" Beach barbecue, white sail race back to the club for supper.
September 18 Salcombe

Any comments, suggestions, offers of help etc. gratefully received. I am particularly keen to have one or two owners of larger cruising boats get involved in the planning of the longer cruise in company to the Channel Islands.

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