Dinghy Owners / Boat park

   

  The Sailing Committee would like to inform all dinghy owners intending to keep their boat(s) in the Boat park from this year on, they must apply in advance in writing, complete an indemnity and confirm that their boat is suitably insured for 3rd party risk up to €3million. A Boat Park Protocol has been drawn up (applies to all users) and copies will be circulated to our known dinghy owners with application forms and a covering letter by the Boat Park Manager, Vincent Long.

   A meeting of all dinghy owners will be held in the club on Monday 19th May at 8.30pm to discuss issues regarding the above, racing, rescue boats etc. Michael Mulvihill has agreed to take charge of maintaining the rescue craft and will expect a good turnout on the night of qualified drivers.

Lift-in 2008

   

   May 3rd dawned bright and beautiful and with an early start in the Boat Park, all 13 boats were in by 11.30. Another 11 lifted in on the South Quay and the day went wonderfully well under the able direction of "banksman" Vincent Long. Calypso had a teetering moment when the mast took flight, but thanks to "our man for all seasons" Tony Gillespie, all was fine in the end. Tonys boat Bilbo showed the signs of his tears of frustration (see photo). Parker is back and has taken charge of the newly refurbished Crash Boat, thanks to Derek Stewart for the expert woodwork and John Mc Call for his brush work (under the watchful gaze of Old Salt Jimmy Kearon).

Clubhouse Development

  The Renovation of the Club has taken a giant leap forward with the Club Committee deciding to sanction works on the Outside paintwork, the entrance porch, main bar and male/female shower areas. The projected cost for the extensive renovations is in the order of €25,000 with further works required for the Round Ireland room and furniture (could end up at €40/50,000).

  For those interested, an integrated colour scheme will run through the premises, with a total revamp of our porch and a new look to the main bar area, with new flooring, wall upgrade and a new style firepalce.  It is hoped to commence with the renovations before the end of April and be finished with phase one before the end of May. Any talented members with skills to help keep costs down are more than welcome to volunteer their time.

      

  Some of our members are playing a blinder - after Sadies very successful Cheese and Wine night raised €1300, Phil Mc Devitt rowed in with €500 from her Phamous Quiz Night and then to put the icing on the cake, Madame Commodore, Kathleen Johnson, made a fabulous €2050 from a Bridge night in the club on Mon 21st Apr. The Lift-in Dinner Sat 3rd May was next on the list, followed on Mon 5th by a Car Boot Sale - another €750 between them. Funds raised to date come to c.€4700 (only another c.€20000 to go for phase 1). Do any members have an idea or two to help boost the kitty? Let Sean Flood or John Johnson know asap.

   Can we use the Round Ireland Marquee to have a special event? - a Past Officers reunion or a good old fashioned Ball to give the ladies an excuse for dressing up or a Gala night of previous competitors in the Round Ireland - any other ideas that might work? Friday is the Sailors night, Saturday is the 60th Anniversary of the Wicklow Chamber, Sunday Barry has a Master Chef coming down, so Weds and Thurs are available for a gig. Maybe the Juniors could come to our aid with a battle of the bands - an ideal venue for them.

ISA Centre Principal 

  Barry O Sullivan, Vice Commodore, has been our ISA Centre Principal for a long number of years and has indicated that he would like to stand down, as he has had very little real involvement with the core areas for a few years now.

  Fortunately, our new Dinghy Chairperson, Olivia Flahive, who has been heavily involved with our rescue boats and powerboat courses, has volunteered her services to undertake this important role for the Club. She will be responsible (on our behalf) for ensuring proper standards are maintained to ISA Recognised Teaching Centre status, liaising regarding the running of courses such as Junior Training and Powerboats and ensuring our equipment is properly maintained by our members. Obviously, the Rear Commodore Sail and all the  personnel from the various Dinghy, Boatpark and Junior Training etc subcommittees would have a role to play in assisting the our new Principal. We wish her well and trust our members will support her fully in this role.

Wicklow Port Company

  The Club executive met with 4 representatives of the Port Co (Fachtna Whittle, Capt. John Barlow, Irene Winters and Charlie Byrne) in the Club on Weds 26th March. Many issues of concern to the membership were raised - dinghy slip, silting on moorings, fore and aft drying moorings, possible location of new boatpark, water on east pier and wooden fendering amongst others. The slip is to get immediate repairs effected and water can be run on East Pier at our cost on meter. They will look at the other issues and revert. Matters regarding the running of the Round Ireland were also discussed and positively dealt with.

 The south quay repairs are likely to be put back until 2009 and will involve traffic restrictions while in progress and with repairs due for the East Pier could cost €3m+. Major news coming forward from the directors are the plans proposed for (a) a Marina outside the East Pier and (b) the possibility of relocating the commercial port to the lower Murrough. Due to a fall off in traffic and the cost of repairs needed, it might be some time before these bear fruit but at least the seed has been sown.

  This was generally a very positive meeting and a wonderful means of exchanging views between the two bodies. A further meeting will be held in May to see the plans for the various proposed developments and hopefully hear of progress on the above issues of concern to WSC.