Newsletter August 20th

Hello Everybody,

We have had some good sailing over the last month and it is really interesting to see the city from the sea. The sailing area is quite well sheltered and Hare Island and Mutton Island form a natural outside boundary. Our numbers are still small but as we have a problem providing safety boat cover at the moment this has been for the best. We have tried launching from the beach at all states of the tide now and have had no great problems – indeed it makes a very good launch and beaching area with a firm sandy gently shelving shore at most states of the tide.

Because of the safety boat problem we have cancelled Saturday sailing until such time as we have a club safety boat. Bow Waves has very kindly offered to provide safety boat cover on Thursday evenings for the moment as they will be out in the same area. In order to help solve the safety boat dilemma the Roe family has purchased a Rigiflex 370 boat (like the GBSC ones) and trailer which should be here next week which will be for club use as well as for the Roe family fishing!. It will need a 10hp or 15hp engine, preferably 15 hp and preferably new, to drive it. The price of a new Yamaha 15hp is €2925. Anyone out there who could sponsor this or part of it please get in touch with me roenancy9@gmail.com asap. The idea would be that the club would pay back the full purchase price when it has grown enough to afford it, or if we can get a grant from the likes of the Sports Council or any other source of grants over the winter. (2012 grants can only be applied for in Oct/Nov).

We would hope to continue sailing through September and October at least but without our own safety boat and engine we cannot have any club sessions.

Up to date we have 10 Ordinary members, 1 Junior, 5 Families, 1 Kitesurfer and 1 non-sailer signed up and paid to date. Without their support and commitment we couldn’t have got the club off the ground.

We now have 4 Vanguards rigged and ready to sail. Unfortunately they are not suitable for children or absolute beginners but any late teen/adult member with some dinghy experience are welcome to try them weather permitting. For the children/teens 10yrs and up who are members of the Club we can now offer discounted courses with Bow Waves on Tuesday evenings 6pm to 8ish pm (and Thursday if demand is there) from Tues 23rd Aug. We need a minimum of six and the cost per evening will be €20pp. Please email me roenancy9@gmail.com if you are interested with details(name,age) and mobile numbers.

In order to run the safety boat we will need members who have Power Boat level 2 qualifications – the Club can now offer discounted courses with Bow Waves to paid up members of GSC – the course is for 2 days and you would need to have had some experience of operating a motor boat. ( If not you can do a 1 day level 1 course first )Details of more discounted courses with Bow Waves available for GSC paid up members will be on the website shortly. Email me at roenancy9@gmail.com if you are interested. – don’t email Bow Waves.

We will be taking possession of our unit in the Galway Ocean Sports Club this week – we just need to fix up a lock on the double doors.

Don’t forget, to join us look up Membership here on the website and follow the instructions.

Yours in sailing,

Nancy Roe. Chairperson.