February Newsletter

Hurrah! The never ending January is over, and the shorter month of February just needs stepping over to get to spring! And spring hopefully means sailing! The General Committee are hoping and aiming for all events to go ahead as planned (yes we do have a draft sailing and training programme - it'll be released soon!), starting with lift out on 31st March. That said, we are keeping an eye on changes to regulations and will reschedule if required. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the next announcement means we can have a full and lengthy season on the water!

A very warm welcome to new members Lester, Laetia, Helena and Katherine who are relatively new to sailing but keen to invest in a bilge keel yacht to sail from Gravesend. Looking forward to meeting you properly in hopefully only a few weeks time!

This newsletter is fairly packed with bits and pieces! News from the club, club book, and calls for help. I've tried to keep it short but there is just so much. So keep reading to the end...!

Harriet

P.S. Are you on the club whatsapp group? It's a good method of staying in touch with other members. Message me or Val to be added!
 

The Gen Comm have had their first meeting to coordinate roles and responsibilities. These are largely unchanged and we are pleased to welcome Sean Coomber taking over as Training Principal, and Chris Smith is stepping forward as Secretary. Richard Twyman is leading the temporary Covid working group.

The General Committee are also pleased to announce Liz James is taking on a new role as Publicity Officer for GSC. Publicity is a fairly wide remit and big job for Liz - if you can support in any way please get in contact. Liz's email is publicity@gravesendsc.org.uk.

We need someone to support Val with GDPR. Could you help? Email membership@gravesendsc.org.uk.
 

Club Book
The club book is currently underway and will be printed as soon as possible. Val has been working hard preparing the database! Please could you:

• let us know if you are happy for your details to be printed. You only need to do this if you haven't already - ask Val if you aren't sure. We cannot print any details without written authorisation due to GDPR regulations;
• ensure Val holds your up to date details. In particular does she have an up to date email, mobile number and boat name for you?
• send your MMSI number to Val if you want it included;

Around the Club
Roy has put together a list of jobs to be done around the club as individuals and couples. This includes yard preparation and clearance ready for the season ahead! Please make sure that if you have anything in the yard it is clearly labelled. If you can help with general maintenance and clearance, please contact Roy directly to coordinate.

Roy has also been working hard organising WPH to carry out repairs and maintenance on the pontoon so that it is ready for us! In addition, the loft ladder in the West Wing has been replaced, but please treat the catch with caution.

Steve is preparing an AIS system installation for the race box. This will provide us with a picture of the vessels on the river that use AIS - in our case we are particularly interested in the big ships! I'll update you when it's ready.

facilities@gravesendsc.org.uk


The Reach
Charlotte is aiming to get a Reach out 6-8 weeks after starting sailing but this depends on her receiving some articles from you all! Is there a story you could write down now and send through? Or perhaps you have an idea but need a ghost writer? Get in touch!

If you have the time to help edit the Reach please do get in contact. Charlotte is always after guest editors, reviewers and ghost writers!

editor@gravesendsc.org.uk


Next Events
Tuesday 16th Feb 1900hrs
Thames Bylaws and COLREGs Training
Hosted by Greenwich YC on Zoom
Email Harriet for details: commodore@gravesendsc.org.uk

Thursday 18th Feb 1930hrs
Virtual K&N
The Basin and it's history
Email Kevin for details: K&N@gravesendsc.org.uk

Have an idea? Email Claire and Duncan: social@gravesendsc.org.uk