Dear Club Members,
It gives me great pleasure to announce the club’s sailing season is almost upon us and dare I say it, we are virtually back to normal. Something my predecessor, former commodore and good friend Donal Dwyer was unable to say or do for the past 2 years at this time of the year.
Having said that, the fact that we managed to salvage some sailing during this time was a great bonus and good for our well being during this awful pandemic. So thanks to our volunteers especially Donal and the committee and all of you too for helping and staying loyal to the club.
Yes, the season will have a traditional start time following St Patrick’s day with a club launching day shakedown on Saturday 19th March @12 noon. A chance to meet up and get out on the water. With finger food provided, courtesy of Jackie. The Ireland v Scotland rugby match will be on in the club from 16:45.
Our sailing secretary Robert has put together a new looking calendar with more, but shorter series, which garnered a unanimous thumbs up from the committee. The repaired committee boat will be back in action with a new engine ready for some great racing. More details to follow from the sailing secretary nearer the time.
We have penciled in a race management class and race management on the water session for late April to give our newer and lesser experienced members confidence when rostered for duty.
We have also reintroduced our intro to sailing for new members penciled in for June. Something for all our members to help with and be involved in.
Darragh the Junior Affairs Officer will be in touch nearer the time regarding commencement of the juniors.
We will be hosting earlier in the year than usual due to the highest tide, the Irish Multihull Association Eastern championships on the weekend of the 14th/15th May. We will be looking for volunteers, so please let us know if you are available to help. Club Email
The calendar is now live on the website. https://swordssailing.ie/google-calendar/
Now for the serious stuff……
Following the last AGM the committee were tasked with a review of the club constitution and whether it was still fit for purpose. We are in the process of reviewing the present document. All being well, on course for a special general meeting on the constitution by the end of March at latest. (Details to follow)
Fees – Our treasurer Keith has asked me to remind everyone nicely, that fees are due. It would be great if you could give this your immediate attention. Please remember, we are all volunteers and we don’t like having to chase people. Thanks.
The procedure is the same as last year for renewing members. Start at step 3 on the membership page of the website.
Link here. https://swordssailing.ie/membership/
Step 3 – Enter the password and fill in the Online membership form. The Password is: See email.
Note: When you have submitted the form, you will automatically receive a confirmation email with your full form response.
Step 4 – Bank transfer the correct amount to the club account using your NAME as the ref. Bank details and membership prices are on the form.
Step 5 – Email the Club Email With the date and amount you transferred.
Please make sure you use your NAME as the reference.
By following this simple procedure saves an enormous amount of time and makes administering memberships much easier for us. Thanks.
If for whatever reason you will not be renewing your club membership, I would be grateful if you could let the club know using the Club Email. I hope that you have had a good experience being a member of our club.
Finally for now, I would like to thank those members of the committee who have been busy working on improvements and tidying up the club over the past few months..
Here’s looking forward to a great season ahead.
Thank you
Patrick Wodhams
SSBC Commodore