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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE I hope everyone is well rested and hasn’t acquired to much extra ballast for this year’s sailing. The new forecast events are now on the website and is crammed full of events and activities, so get your diaries out and take a look. Thanks to Andy and his team who have had numerous meetings to get everything fitted in.

As usual since our last update lots of events have taken part.

Our Team racing took place at the end of November with teams from Dekalia and Aktrotiri participating. Well done to the winners Dekalia. Everyone had a super day and for many of us it was our first experience of team racing. Thanks to Rick and Keith for their expert tips.

A very successful Club Regatta was organised by Colin, the conditions were extremely demanding not so much on the body but more on the mind with very light winds and at some moments none. But Colin made some fantastic calls; planning the course and shortening it when necessary. Thank you to everyone for all their help behind the scenes and to Alan and Carole Gillman for such a yummy barbecue and for allowing to have such a stylish committee boat ‘The Tideway’

This year we have seen a new event the Alessina Astie Arrival Trophy (AAA) which Julian organised to celebrate the birth of his baby girl. It was great to have some different courses with a few more jibes than normal; quite challenging for some sailors who aren’t use to jibing from port to starboard. Congratulations to a very delighted Costas who declined the baby but took the cup!

Again our instructors have been busy with different courses. In December eight people completed the safety cox course. Thank you to everyone who volunteered to act out the different rescue scenarios it wasn’t the warmest of weekends to be in the water! On Sunday they completed the course with lee shore rescue in torrential rain. This was followed by a level 3 seamanship course so as you can see our instructors have been busy, busy, busy. Thank you to all of them for all their time and efforts this year it is much appreciated by all at the club.

The Club is now battened down for the winter. We had a very successful maintenance day with lots of sweeping, tidying and reorganising. The Laser shed is looking very spick and span with a number of Picos tucked away for the winter, the Nissen hut cleared out of rubbish and Laser2000’s and RS Visions sails and rigging checked. Thank you to everyone for all their help.

On the social front Margot is now staying as membership secretary and Val has volunteered to be social secretary so any ideas for a get together please see Val.

I hear everyone had a good time at the Christmas Meal. I was given a full rendition of all the ingredients in the curry from Phil and it sounded delicious. I hope a great time was had by all.

Finally for all budding racers Ray has kindly offered his expertise on race rules and strategies .He is planning to run sessions on Thursday afternoons in March so don’t be late and get signed up. The only downside to this is we won’t be able to plead ignorance again when we get it wrong on the water!!
 
 
Well this is my first newsletter and I have been told to keep it brief but that will be difficult this time as so much has happened since the last newsletter by Mick.

Our sailing instructors have been busy juggling courses with the normal unpredictable wind conditions; I think a wish of a sailing instructor would be to order wind on tap!! However they have done a fantastic job by  rescheduling and accommodating everyone so that they have been successful.  

After an initial delay earlier this year the powerboat courses are now back on track and in September had a full course with very satisfied students.

We have had two very successful fun days; thank you to Margot and Chris for another successful Pirates day. From the photos it looked liked everyone had lots of fun especially the very old, old children!!!!  Please, please can we have another one next year?

For the older children they enjoyed a family fun day in August where they showed off their fantastic sailing skills in various races even giving the adults a run for their money!! Can you spot the Blue Peter Trophies that are now displayed in the cabinet?

With the arrival of 2Yorks the club has been busy at the Dodge Welcome fair and the Garrison show promoting the club and already we have had a number of the Regiment take part in both Power boat and sailing courses with a number awaiting future ones. 

Six interested families came down to our Open Day at the end of September. We had a wobbly start with the thunder clouds looming over head but they luckily went away and everyone was able to experience a ride in a powerboat and a sail; so thank you to everyone for their time and effort for welcoming and taking the families out. It is great to see that we are getting a steady influx of new members; please if you see anyone looking lost please give them a smile and a helping hand.

On a sad note we have recently had to say farewell to some key members who will be missed. Firstly to our Rear Commodore Rob and our Bar Member Helen who had a super send off and to Big Chas who after a successful seven years of extending has finally had to return to Anglesey. Thank you again for all their hard work their have contribution to the club. We wish them well back in the UK but hope to see them back on holiday soon.

Andy Coulson has kindly taken on the role of Rear Commodore; Andy’s day job involves training so he is well offay of what the job entails.

He has two trusty members to support him, Chris and Tony. They are currently planning an exciting fun packed year of events for 2012. Can’t Wait!!

I would also like to thank Carole for been social secretary for the last 2 years, she feels it is time to step down to give some one else the challenge. I am sure  you are all in agreement she has organised some super events, there is a lot of work planning, organising and coming up with different ideas to keep us all  amused. The one I will always remember is ‘cocktails at sunset’ at the bomb buoy, trying to drink through the giggles and the rough seas of the carefully prepared cocktail! But you will all be relieved to hear Carole will still baking
her amazing cakes for the club, phew!

Can I also say a big thanks to Mike Saunders for all his work he has done as members’ secretary after …. Year as he is returning to the UK. Thank you to Margot for standing in to take on Members’  Secretary.

I hope everyone enjoyed the Club Regatta, it was a fantastic weekend of sailing, we had a real mixture of conditions from the hold on tight to the calm. There was a lovely friendly but competitive atmosphere. I had a number of guest competitors complimenting us on a super weekend so thank you to everyone for making it such a success.

My last thank you is to Chaz or better known now as ‘Webmaster’. He has spent a lot of time reformatting our website and updating it with news and events which are easily accessible. If you have any event you would like to report on he is the man to get in touch with.

All I have left to say is happy sailing.

Helen
 
 
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
 
 
Commodore

Welcome to this month’s Newsletter!

Owing to a number of technical hitches with my IT and internet connection last month I was unable to meet the deadline for April’s Newsletter, for which I apologise.

The Club has enjoyed a particularly busy couple of months as the weather has slowly improved and we gear up to the summer season.  The highlight for me was the Long Sailaway, which was a great success.  The logistics and support required for such an event was immense, and the whole weekend could not have gone as smoothly as it did without the help and assistance of a large number of people from both PISC and ESSC.  Thank you to everybody that took part or provided a helping hand with the planning and execution of what I hope will become an annual event.

On the sail training front, it was encouraging to see the RC and his training team managed to get the first of this year’s sailing courses completed with all participants gaining their Seamanship qualification.  Unfortunately, April’s Level 2 course had to be cancelled due to lack of interest.  Looking ahead, the number of interested personnel has grown significantly now that the temperatures of both the air and water are climbing, and we should have a full quota of students.

Over with the Powerboats, the Army Sailing Association Regional Coach endorsed all of our existing instructors with the “Coastal” qualification during a recent visit, which allows them to resume training.  I know that there is a sizeable backlog of students waiting to undertake the Level 2 course.  Paul McRae and his team of instructors will be working hard over the next few months to ensure that the Club provides as many opportunities as possible to reduce this backlog.  We also have a newly qualified Powerboat Instructor in Tony Franklin, who has assisted Paul and the team for some time.  Additionally, Chris Whitehorn underwent a dinghy instructor course and made great strides towards gaining his qualification.  Well done to you both!

While on island, the ASA also conducted a health visit on the Club’s processes and training standards, which appears to have gone well.  Thank you to our RYA Principal, Rick Pharoah and Rob Featherstone for their work in ensuring that this aspect of the visit went smoothly.  The team left with a most positive impression of our Club and have promised to visit later in the year to ensure that we increase the number of sailing and powerboat instructors within the Club. 

The Club has benefitted from the beneficence of a small number of members who are prepared to give up their time on a regular basis to provide training to the BFC community and beyond.  Without their sacrifices the ESSC would quickly become insolvent.  Later this year, a number of key personnel will be leaving and it is incumbent on other members to step up to the mantle and accept more responsibility.  Gaining instructor qualifications and experience of conducting training while in Cyprus could pay dividends in the future, and you never know you might enjoy it!  There are plenty of opportunities to sharpen your instructor skills by assisting with courses throughout the year, and with the more informal continuity sessions.  If this is something that you might be interested in then please speak to Rob Featherstone or any of the senior Powerboat Instructors for more information.

My final comment this month relates to attendance at EGMs and AGMs.  The Constitution of the Club requires a forum to be created, which must be formed by at least 10 voting members who are in attendance.  Only Entitled members may vote.  At the EGM in April a forum was not achieved, therefore, the meeting had to be cancelled.  Next month will see the AGM take place (on a date to be agreed) at which the Club’s new Executive and 3-Year Financial Plan, amongst other things, must be agreed.  Once the date of the AGM is publicised could Entitled Members please try and free up an hour or 2 of their time to try and attend the AGM so that the Club can move forward.

Enjoy your sailing!        

Mick
Vice Commodore

Hello all,

Well the good news is that the club is still standing after what has been a particularly stormy winter, well in Cyprus terms anyway!  However, I hope that the weather will significantly improve now that May has arrived, which means we need to start thinking of getting the patio ready for the summer. Therefore, a club maintenance afternoon is scheduled for Fri 27 May, starting at 1400 hrs and I would be grateful for as much assistance as possible. 

We are still short of cleaner so a huge thanks goes to all those members I have seen with a brush in their hand making sure the club is kept in a reasonable standard. If anyone knows of anybody that wishes to take on the job please put them in contact with me.

The electrician has been working at the club and we now have external lighting for the wash down, boat storage and central patio area, but we still need to sort out the strip lighting on the patio as quite a few, if not all, have been damaged in the recent storms.  Luckily, we have managed to source some very cheap second hand waterproof strip lighting and I’m hoping that we can get them fitted before the end of the month.  The roof of the patio held up really well but the structure needs staining, something that would be easier to do, and give a better seal, if it were done when the old lights have been removed and prior to the new ones being fitted.  Therefore, I’ll get all the equipment ready and speak to the electrician in an attempt to get the old lights down before the next maintenance afternoon.

I’m in the process of trying to find some robust, folding, patio furniture that’s value for money and would be grateful for some local advice from a seasoned Ex-pat who knows where to grab a bargain!

Hopefully I will see you on the 27th, happy sailing.

Doug
Membership Matters

A very warm welcome is extended to the following new members:

Julian Astie

Jo Caswell (Now a Full Member)

Sinon O’Neill

Jerry Rigg

I would ask all Members to get to know these people and please make them welcome when you see the new faces in the Club House.

As we have many members leaving over the next few months please keep the Applications rolling in so that we can try and maintain our numbers.

As from 1st June 2010 our declared Membership Numbers include Spouses of Couple and Family Members plus Juniors with RYA Qualifications.  This equates to 163 Members and we now have a record number of 21 Junior members with RYA Qualifications.  The spread of these Members over the various categories has been posted on the Club Notice Board.

Membership Subscriptions for 2011/2012

Membership renewal letters were sent out on 3rd April for the year 1st May 2011 to 30th April 2012.  In order to give us a healthy boost to Club Funds and to keep our Treasurer Keith smiling, payment is requested by 7th May 2011 at the latest.  The good news is that in these ‘credit crunch’ times the subscriptions have been capped at the present rates.  Just to remain you these rates are as follows:

       Sailing Category       Annual Subscription
             Single                           €75.00
            Couple                         €130.00
            Family                         €150.00
            Junior                            €45.00
         Associate             50% of Annual Rate
 (An Associate must be a FullMember of Lemmings)

       Temporary                  €10.00 per Week
                                             €5.00 per Day
                                              (New Rates)

Members Contact List and Qualifications 2011 The latest list of Members Telephone Numbers, e-mail addresses and Qualifications etc, is shown on the Membership Notice Board and OOD Desk in the Club House.  As there have been many changes over the last few months will you please check that the details for you are correct?  If not, please amend so that I can keep our Data Base up to date.  Thank you.

Finally as Joanne and I will be in the UK from 25th March to 15th May our Treasurer Keith and our Bar Manager Chaz have agreed to look after any Membership Matters until our return.

Enjoy your Spring Sailing.  See you all soon.

Mike Sanders

Membership Secretary

(e-mail address: esscmembers@gmail.com)
Essc Social Committee

The past two months have gone very quickly and we have had fun with the Chinese Night in March, and an end of the month Brunch which doubled as a farewell to Dave and Melanie Dunbar.

April saw a Catered Barbeque on the 16th to start the self help BBQ season from the beginning of May. These will be available each Saturday to all at a nominal cost of 2 euros each for the charcoal, bring your own meats and salads etc and have a good chat together with other members to relax after the days racing and social sailing. It’s useful to know if you are coming as we can use a smaller BBQ if only a few are staying on for the evening.

After the Family Sailing morning on Sunday 22nd May we are supporting the Open Arms Charity with a Big Boys Brunch at 1pm at 8euros each (adults and children). Good value and a good cause for help to cancer sufferers within the Forces. There will be a Bring and Buy stall so look out all your bric -a- brac, books, etc. and only sailing clothes please. Bring all donated items in good time rather than on the day and leave them by the small fridge in the back of the Sailing Club by the notice boards there.

Future events will include a MEXICAN NIGHT on Saturday 18th June so look out your ponchos, sombreros and floppy moustaches!!!!

The committee is happy to receive all suggestions for Social events, so if you have a good idea please contact Carole Pharoah or Helen Featherstone  (she’s usually behind the bar on a Saturday) or me.

Margot Whitehorn

Committee Member