60.30.2010
There are some Concession Tickets
(x2 pp) for the Dublin Boat Show for the 1st ten
replies that can resolve the above numerical sequence -
clue - its very much a WSC age thing and yet another goes
around one year hence! Replies to
info@wicklowsailingclub.com - closes 17th Feb. Read on
down for more clues. First winners of 2 pairs of Boat Show
tickets are:- David Ryan, Frank Jackson, Chris Norton,
Pascal Moran and Olivia Flahive
WSC Entertainment Activity
Our stalwart members keep coming up
trumps when the Club puts out the call - Sheila Jolley &
Catherine O Sullivan, Phil Mc Devitt and Sadie Phelan
have yet again agreed to run their speciality events for the
benefit of Wicklow SC.
Orlagh Phelan, Catherine O Sullivan, Sheila Jolley and friends are putting
their various talents together to create a Romantic
atmosphere in the Clubhouse for our members and friends on
Sat. 14th, Valentines Night, with a 3 course
candle-light dinner €25 p.p. Singles are welcome - bookings
please WSC (Thur/Sun pms) 0404 67526 or Sheila on 086
2941243 - get in quick, only 40 places.
Phils Phamous Table Quiz will be held on Saturday
21st February at 8.30pm, fee I believe is €20 per table -
any spot prizes will be welcome. Phil Mc Devitt and her
trusty team run this event for the benefit of WSC most years
and your support will be most welcome, please.
Sadie has agreed to organise her very popular Cheese and
Wine evening on Sat 7th March at 8.30pm, price €15,
tickets to be organised in advance - contact Sadie on 087
2234863 or 0404 67897.
Comet Hale Bopp
over Mt Fuji 1997
Ivan Alcorn has a wealth of knowledge about all things
astronomical and is giving a talk on the 400th
Anniversary of Gallileo's Telescope and its modern
descendants on Fri 27th Feb at 9.30pm, after the France v
Wales 6 Nations game. Hopefully it
will be a clear night and we can scan the skies for
interesting features and we might possibly catch Saturn with
its rings as well as one time visitor Comet Lulin among other interesting phenomena
while learning
about the telescope in all its modern forms.
The Ireland Rugby matches are always popular, Space Inside,
Paddies Day and Mothers Day are also other good options -
members have a wide choice of events, so a good showing
would be welcome at events of your choice - please
support your club.
Boaters get set for the New Sailing Season
Summer must be just over the horizon when our various
boating sections start gathering in the clubhouse.
The Cruiser Boatowners met on Fri 30th Jan at 8.30pm to map
out the 2009 Season. A draft Racing and Cruising programme
was set out, with lift in fixed for Sat 25th April. Moorings
are almost full with silting problems for the spare spaces
and Iain Fisher is to follow up plans for drying moorings on
the beach close to the Anchorage. It was agreed to create a working group to manage the
new August Bank Holiday event and hopefully our newly nominated
Rear Commodore Sail, David O Gorman, will make this his
major priority in 2009. A very good turnout gave all issues
relating to the Cruiser section a fair hearing and the next
meeting is scheduled for Fri 10th April.
The Dinghy and Junior Training sections held a
joint meeting on Fri 6th Feb at 8pm to discuss how best to
move forward and manage both areas for the benefit of the
sailors and WSC. David Ryan set out his plans for the new
season, with the hope for more activity on the water. Fees
for use of the boatpark were noified (€120 Seniors/€80
Juniors). He is keen to have a PRO to help publicise racing
and other activity. Sean Flood is actively trying to track
down a Senior Instructor and is looking at a 6 week option
for Junior Training. Charlie Kavanagh said that WSC had made
a considerable investment over the last few years (c.€40K) - new surface on
the boatpark and 2 new rescue boats and a new engine on the
way, apart from all the wear and tear experienced. Owners
and parents are being encouraged to think laterally to help
raise funds to offset some of this expenditure (partly
subsidised by Cruisers and WSC). A number of those in
attendence also expressed the desire to have Adult training
on dinghies also. Olivia Flahive can organise Powerboat
courses for those who need it.
Round Ireland
2010
Following on from the huge interest generated worldwide by the GPS
Tracking for the 2008 BMW Round Ireland, our relatively small club is
now very much in the International shop window, thanks to the foresight
of those members who started this event back in 1980. The 30th
Anniversary (16th event) Round Ireland will put more pressure on both
Dennis Noonans Race team and our Club resources - members and
infrastructure. First priority will be to secure a sponsor and all the
stops will have to be pulled out to find a suitable partner for WSC.
Both the Club Committee and the Race Committee are working hand in hand
to move things forward in an orderly and structured fashion and are
conscious that next year 2010 is also the Clubs 60th
anniversary of its founding. A meeting
is to be held with David Mc Hugh on 9th Feb to explore sponsorship
possibilities and event management options. Any members who might have
leads into potentially interested sponsors should
contact the Commodore, Charlie Kavanagh or Race Organiser, Dennis
Noonan.
WSC Development
Plan
Following an information meeting with Bernadette Fox of the ISA, Vice
Commodore Peter Shearer was authorised by the Committee to proceed with
surveying members regarding all facets of club life. Following on from
the feedback, group consultations will be with interested members
and talking to other clubs etc to come back to Committee with a Draft
Club Development plan. All going well, this will result in an EGM being
called to discuss the plan with our members and hopefully the Club will
adopt a blueprint for managing and planning its affairs for a number of
years to come.
All members are urged to cooperate in a positive manner by responding to
the survey and taking the time to give their wholehearted support to
this very worthwhile initiative for the future wellbeing of Wicklow
Sailing Club.
2009 Sailing
Season
Wicklow Sailing Club has
been invited to participate in the 3rd Dennis Connor
Challenge in Manhattan YC next August, should we so wish.
Having spoken to
a few sailors, there seems to be some positive reaction - if c.10
persons could put together sufficient funds to pay the entry fee of
$500 (c.€360), WSC would be delighted to have our members involved.
This is a prestige event and everyone partaking will be our Irish
ambassadors in New York, so best behaviour will be expected for the
duration. Names and funds should be with the Commodore
before 4th Jan or it will lapse. If a pool of interested
members come forward, those paying the deposit can decide amongst
themselves who will be travelling - it would be desirable to have a
senior member of the club present.
Other issues
-
Boatowners Meeting
- provisionally for Fri 30th Jan at 8.30pm
-
Rear Commodore Sail
position still vacant - Boatowners meeting to decide??
-
Arklow SC Windmills Regatta
June Bank Holiday - new event
-
August Bank Holday Regatta
- WSC - new format, any ideas?
Arthur
Ingram RIP
It is with great regret that we heard of the
passing on Fri 5th December of our former Rear Commodore House,
Arthur Ingram. He had been involved in the club over a number of
periods and was the designer of the 1st rear extension to the
clubhouse. A lover of wooden boats, cruising was his favourite
mode of sailing and he had recently taken on a boat restoration
project which now is not to be. His great friend, Ray Mc Keon, will miss him.
His mother passed away in her 90's earlier this year and it is
very that sad he now joins her. May they rest in peace.
Funeral
was after Service in St Patricks Church of Ireland, Greystones,
on Tues 9th December and burial afterwards in Redford Cemetery.
Members present at the service provided a simple guard of honour
as his coffin left the Church.
His sons, Mark, Garth and Ross, came down on the following
Sunday to say thanks to the Club for helping to share their
bereavement and hope to drop in again before 2 of them return to
Australia. A little bit of interesting trivia involving Arthur
and his sons - we had 15 prizes in the Club Christmas Raffle and
all 3 of Arthurs' sons came out (as well as Sheila Jolley twice)
- what are the statistical chances of that happening? Arthur is
up there pulling a few strings.
Seasonal
Activity in WSC
Kicking off the festive season, Charlie Kavanagh
is asking members to help him celebrate his Hons. Arts Degree
with an easygoing party this Saturday 6th December at 9.30pm.
Your presence will suffice. We will have a slide show on our new
TV of some images from 2008, light snacks and some music.
(Fred put me up to it.)
New Entertainments Secretary, Frank Murphy, is putting together
a lively and interesting Christmas Party on Sat 20th - Kris
Kindle (€3/5 max.), seasonal music & sing song, mulled wine &
mince pies, Club Raffle. Henrik will be presenting a few
notable trophies on the night also, his final act as Acting Rear
Commodore (for now anyway). Dress up,
bring your pals and make this THE party to be at.
Dust off your kids and get them down for the visit of Santa
Claus on Sun 21st.
Christmas Eve drinks (5 to 8pm), New Years Eve party with lively
music and a Crazy Auction (your entrance fee €10 is all you have
to spend), our Annual Dinner and other events will be
following - if you have a reason to celebrate, let Frank know
and help make your Club work socially again. Perhaps, we could
have a Use Up Your Bar Card Credit night!
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Afloat Offer to WSC
members
Upcoming Events
Any ideas
for Social Events in 2009 welcome
Welcome
New Members night 24th Jan 2009
Boat owners
Meeting Fri 30th Jan 8.30pm
Space
Inside Arts Night Tues 3rd Feb 8pm
Dinghy/Boatpark Meeting Fri 6th Feb 8.00pm
Ireland
v France Sat 7th Feb
5pm
Valentines
Night Dinner 14th Feb 8.30pm
Italy v
Ireland
Feb 15th 2.30pm
Phils
Phamous Quiz Sat 21st Feb 8.30pm
Ivan
Alcorn - 400th Anniversary of Gallileo's Telescope 27th Feb 9.30pm
(after the
France v Wales game 8pm)
Ireland
v England Sat 28th Feb 5.30pm
Sadies
Cheese and Wine Sat 7th Mar 8.30pm
Space
Inside Arts Night Tues 3rd Mar 8pm
Scotland v
Ireland
Sat Mar 14th 5pm
Paddies
Day Stew & Craic March 17th
Wales v
Ireland
Mar 21st 5.30pm
Mothers
Day 22nd March - Dads Army!
Talk on
Whales etc by IWDG Fri 3rd April
Please play your part and be involved - can you run an
event?
Don't forget us if you have a celebration in your
family, work or socially - let Sean or Kerry know. Catherine Malone is
helping out with Entertainments - can you assist her efforts?
Next WSC
Committee meeting:-
Friday 18th
March 2009 8.00pm
In our February meeting, the vacant position of Rear Commodore Sail was
filled by David O Gorman and he was immediately tasked with the job of
getting the August Bank Holiday Event off the ground. With positive news
from the Bank on our Term Loan, plans can now be moved forward in
relation to engine purchase and Round Ireland room decorations. Solar
panels were discussed and Gerry Haughton had a novel idea to use old
radiators to provide water heating. Social activity is very good and it
is hoped members will take the lead and support events. Ideas were
discussed for an Open Day and hopefully a steering committee will report
to the next meeting. The Round Ireland Committee is to meet with the
Club Committee in March.
Our January meeting heard of the various areas in the club looking for
funding, mainly a new engine for the new RIB and possibly fencing for
the boatpark, as well as various items requiring upgrading around the
clubhouse and redecoration of the Round Ireland room. Our Round Ireland
also requires funding to be available for pre race publicity. With our
Bank Overdraft still at its limit, the negotiation of a Term Loan is
urgent to rectify our finances. Subscriptions are stating to flow in and
there are a lot of entertainments planned up to the end of March, which
if supported by the members will help get our finances back into a
healthy state and allow us to look at more improvements.
It is
hoped that our Cruiser Boatowners will help to resolve the Rear
Commodore Sail vacancy and also play their part by organising a
successful August Bank Holiday event. Our Dinghy and Junior Training
sections are also meeting jointly and hopefully will come up with ideas
and volunteers to help reduce costs in their sectors. The Club and Round
Ireland Committees are meeting with David Mc Hugh of Tri-Line Sports
Solutions to discuss possible sponsorship ideas for the 30th Anniversary
of the 2010 race. We have also invited President Mary Mc Aleese to
launch the fleet and, hopefully, she will be able to make it.
Dead Fin Whale
on Wexford coast
The carcase of a Fin Whale has washed up on the beach near Morriscastle,
Co Wexford - a very rare occurrence for 2 the 2nd largest mammal on
earth - c.17m long and possibly weighing up to 30 tons. Wexford Co Co
hope to bury it on Fri 6th Feb., as it could be a health hazard.
Volvo Ocean Race
makes it to China
Billed as the "Life at the Extreme" leg, it certainly
lived up to its reputation with all boats suffering some sort of
problems and 3 pretty much out of contention, after all had to endure
storm force head winds and massive seas in the Luzon Straits. Ericsson4,
Telefonica Black and Delta Lloyd all suffered serious hull damage
and are virtually retired from this leg. Puma raced on with a broken
boom and hull damage to be pipped on the run in for 2nd place by
Ericsson3, just behind leg winner Telefonica Blue. However, the real
heroes are our own Green Dragon who had lost a forestay before
they hit the worst of the weather, then suffered serious bow damage,
which effectively meant that they finished the last 7 days in survival
mode, to claim 4th place on the leg and 4th overall. But it was worth it
all when they arrived in "their 2nd port" Qingdao to a heroes welcome -
read
the report here - some great photos.
Annual
General Meeting
Wicklow Sailing Club held
its Annual General Meeting in the clubhouse on Fri 28th
November in front of a packed house.
Read here
WSC Walkers - are you
out there?
Its that time
of year again - central heating is on, evenings are short and thoughts
turn to the hills for some exercise. Kevin Desmond, our Chief Sherpa,
would love to hear from interested parties to join him on relaxing walks
in the Wicklow Hills. Contact him on 0404 67556 or
this email link
Arklow SC Round the
Turbines Race
The
Metmasts.ie offshore race around the turbines will take
place in Arklow Sailing Club, the 31st May 2009. The bank
holiday weekend will hopefully attract as many people as
possible. Metmasts.ie and Arklow Sailing Club are hoping to
make this an annual race event attracting racing yachts not
only from Ireland but the UK also. Contact:-
Commodore:
Paul Barrett 087 2597010 - http://www.arklowsc.com/
ISORA -The Next
Resurrection
Sadie Phelan has attended the AGM and Annual ISORA Dinner on
our behalf in the National YC and is delighted to report that we
will be finishing a race again in Wicklow on 23rd May 2009.
See
2009 schedule.
Morris Minor
Draw in aid of Galway RNLI
To
win this fantastically restored Morris Minor please log onto
www.turbo.ie today and buy your ticket for only 25euro. The last day
for purchase of tickets is 7th February, so please hurry up and buy your
tickets now as all monies raised will go to the Galway RNLI.
Christmas in WSC
So much has happened
in a short space of time, please
read here for more
information.....
ISA News
FORESHORE LICENCES
Foreshore Licenses are still the subject of much anguish and frustration
for many clubs and training centres who are engaged in the process of
putting in pontoons, marinas, moorings etc. There can be still a great
deal of inconsistency in the costs, valuations, information received,
the time taken to process the application, health and safety
requirements, planning applications etc.
http://www.sailing.ie/news/newsDetails.asp?id=2523
NAME AN IRISH BUOY
In an effort to make it easier to identify a buoys location. Met Eireann
are proposing to rename the network of weather buoys posted around the
coast of Ireland.
http://www.sailing.ie/news/newsDetails.asp?id=2465
EXCISE DUTY ON PRIVATE PLEASURE NAVIGATION
As of the 1st November 2008, diesel used for "private pleasure
navigation" is subject to mineral oil tax at the same rate as applies to
auto diesel.
http://www.sailing.ie/news/newsDetails.asp?id=2449
ASGARD II SALVAGE PLAN
A plan to raise Asgard II, which is lying at the bottom of the sea off
the French coast, will be presented to the cabinet before Christmas.
Willie O'Dea, the defence minister, hopes to commission a salvage
company toraise the government's training vessel so that it can be
restored.
http://www.sailing.ie/news/newsDetails.asp?id=2455
2009 TIDE TABLES
Are available to view or save on our site.
http://www.sailing.ie/inside/default.asp?pageId=506
2009 ISA AWARDS
The ISA are looking for YOUR suggestions to expand our awards
ceremony for 2009. What / Who would you like the ISA to acknowledge in
boating in Ireland? We have our ideas but we need yours!
Contact Jennie with your ideas:
isanews@sailing.ie
ISA NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2009
Burlington Hotel: 7th & 8th March 2009
ISA
NEWSLETTER
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