Commodore
A bit of déjà vu this month as I start this month’s newsletter writing about the unusual weather we are experiencing. Although this is only my 3rd summer in Cyprus the unpredictable nature of the wind strengths does seem to be out of kilter with what I have seen previously. Although as I write this, there seems to be a nice breeze building for hopefully a good race day!
On the training front, the weather has again had an influence with a large number of sailing students having to revisit the club to complete their Level 2 course. Unfortunately, a number have returned on days when the wind has been unsuitable for training and have had to leave disappointed. I am confident that Rob and the rest of the instructors will continue to display fortitude and stoicism in getting them qualified at the earliest opportunity. As ever, I must thank all of the instructors for their efforts!
As it is July, Emma is working hard on filling places on the Youth Training Courses, which are due to take place once the school’s break up for summer. Last year’s courses saw over 20 children gain a sailing qualification and we are hopeful that a similar number will attend this time. I know that a couple of teachers from local schools will be taking advantage of the summer break to get some training in.
As we are leaving the island at the beginning of August, Emma will be handing the sail training coordinator job to Costas who kindly volunteered to step into the position. I would like to thank Emma for all of her efforts in the last 12 months and I am sure that you will join me in wishing Costas all the best for the future.
On the powerboating front, Paul has also been working extremely hard to fill places on level 2 training courses. Some of you may be aware that a number of Lemmings members have cancelled their places on our courses so that they can take advantage of cheaper courses that are being run at Dhekelia. I have no problem with this, as it is an individual’s right to find the best course for them. That said I have asked Lemmings Executive to ensure that our courses are advertised within their club. I am confident that the quality of our training and a fair price will see us through. The Executive has agreed to review the situation later this year.
However, there is a responsibility on all members to promote the advantages of sail and powerboat training at ESSC. These courses bring in much needed revenue for the Club and you are all encouraged to spread the word to all and sundry so that we can fill our courses. In the next month or so, the new resident Battalion will be on island and this is an ideal time to bring in new members to both undertake courses and boost our non-entitled membership. I am sure that the Executive will be working hard to ensure that every opportunity to promote the Club is maximised.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Paphos Nautical Club and Paphos International Sailing Club for hosting an excellent sailing regatta on 2 and 3 July. I know that ESSC members thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and congratulations to our winners: Rik, Helen and Keith. Once again though, I would like to thank our members who gave up their own time, and opportunity to sail, in order to provide safety cover over the weekend.
The final thing to mention about this month is that Chris and Margot will once again be staging a “Pirates Day” on 31 July. This excellent family event is open to members and non-members and if last year’s is anything to go by both kids and adults will have a fantastic time. Please see the website and Club Noticeboard for further details.
Finally, this is my last newsletter and I must say that I cannot believe how quickly my time as Commodore and OIC has gone. I would like to thank everyone for their assistance over the last year. I have been humbled by the commitment and efforts of our members and have been truly privileged to have served such a fantastic bunch of people. I hope that I have contributed to the success of ESSC during the last 12 months in some small way. There have been a number of challenges, but we have come through them together and I see a bright future for the Club. As ever, we should all remember that the Club exists for the benefit of the Service community in British Forces Cyprus; however, it is equally important that we maintain a strong base of experience and skill among our non-entitled members. Together, you will continue to make ESSC a club that is envied throughout the island.
Good luck and best wishes to you all!
Mick, Emma, Emily and Caitlin
A bit of déjà vu this month as I start this month’s newsletter writing about the unusual weather we are experiencing. Although this is only my 3rd summer in Cyprus the unpredictable nature of the wind strengths does seem to be out of kilter with what I have seen previously. Although as I write this, there seems to be a nice breeze building for hopefully a good race day!
On the training front, the weather has again had an influence with a large number of sailing students having to revisit the club to complete their Level 2 course. Unfortunately, a number have returned on days when the wind has been unsuitable for training and have had to leave disappointed. I am confident that Rob and the rest of the instructors will continue to display fortitude and stoicism in getting them qualified at the earliest opportunity. As ever, I must thank all of the instructors for their efforts!
As it is July, Emma is working hard on filling places on the Youth Training Courses, which are due to take place once the school’s break up for summer. Last year’s courses saw over 20 children gain a sailing qualification and we are hopeful that a similar number will attend this time. I know that a couple of teachers from local schools will be taking advantage of the summer break to get some training in.
As we are leaving the island at the beginning of August, Emma will be handing the sail training coordinator job to Costas who kindly volunteered to step into the position. I would like to thank Emma for all of her efforts in the last 12 months and I am sure that you will join me in wishing Costas all the best for the future.
On the powerboating front, Paul has also been working extremely hard to fill places on level 2 training courses. Some of you may be aware that a number of Lemmings members have cancelled their places on our courses so that they can take advantage of cheaper courses that are being run at Dhekelia. I have no problem with this, as it is an individual’s right to find the best course for them. That said I have asked Lemmings Executive to ensure that our courses are advertised within their club. I am confident that the quality of our training and a fair price will see us through. The Executive has agreed to review the situation later this year.
However, there is a responsibility on all members to promote the advantages of sail and powerboat training at ESSC. These courses bring in much needed revenue for the Club and you are all encouraged to spread the word to all and sundry so that we can fill our courses. In the next month or so, the new resident Battalion will be on island and this is an ideal time to bring in new members to both undertake courses and boost our non-entitled membership. I am sure that the Executive will be working hard to ensure that every opportunity to promote the Club is maximised.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Paphos Nautical Club and Paphos International Sailing Club for hosting an excellent sailing regatta on 2 and 3 July. I know that ESSC members thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and congratulations to our winners: Rik, Helen and Keith. Once again though, I would like to thank our members who gave up their own time, and opportunity to sail, in order to provide safety cover over the weekend.
The final thing to mention about this month is that Chris and Margot will once again be staging a “Pirates Day” on 31 July. This excellent family event is open to members and non-members and if last year’s is anything to go by both kids and adults will have a fantastic time. Please see the website and Club Noticeboard for further details.
Finally, this is my last newsletter and I must say that I cannot believe how quickly my time as Commodore and OIC has gone. I would like to thank everyone for their assistance over the last year. I have been humbled by the commitment and efforts of our members and have been truly privileged to have served such a fantastic bunch of people. I hope that I have contributed to the success of ESSC during the last 12 months in some small way. There have been a number of challenges, but we have come through them together and I see a bright future for the Club. As ever, we should all remember that the Club exists for the benefit of the Service community in British Forces Cyprus; however, it is equally important that we maintain a strong base of experience and skill among our non-entitled members. Together, you will continue to make ESSC a club that is envied throughout the island.
Good luck and best wishes to you all!
Mick, Emma, Emily and Caitlin
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