In 1999 we had an excellent turn-out of visitors but not enough club members. We want and need to make this a large event to attract members and money to the club. Please make every effort to turn-out for what is a great sailing experience.

A large pursuit turn-out means that everyone has someone to pace themselves against, there’s a chance to see other dinghy classes on our water and there’s a general atmosphere of excitement.

You don’t need to be an expert to race and the pursuit format means that most sailors start with only a few other boats—after that its two hours of fun racing with hot food afterwards. Another advantage of a pursuit race, is that you can follow other boats around the course—you don’t need to know where you’re going (though it helps).

If you are expecting to break into class racing for your class of dinghy, its an excellent opportunity to get the feel of a large fleet without having to travel.

We charge a small entry fee to fund the prizes that should attract 20+ visitors and this also enables us to inject extra money into the Club’s coffers early season .

Our target is to gain major sponsorship for this event which would support the club but to do this we need regular, high turn-outs.

The race starts at 13:00 for Graduates, 14:00 for Javelins and ends at 16:00.  Please make every effort to be there.

If you aren’t going to sail, please come along and help in the galley or with safety boats.

Fed-up with years of nursing our aging engine/alternator set, we’ve been investigating diesel alternatives for some time but they are expensive and require complex fuel storage arrangements (and we may not even get permission to store diesel on-site).

The decision now is to refurbish our engine and to refurbish/replace the alternator. Alongside this we will buy a second LPG generator set which is capable of running the club-house or race control. This should ensure that we always have power at the press of a button. Colin Hesketh leading.

January - links with Debdale

Decision taken to develop links with Debdale Sailing Centre and recommend their courses to visitors to our club who want an RYA level 2 course but find our dates unsuitable. In return we want Debdale to advertise our club to their course members and use our water for any high-wind training they wish to run. Jim Dormand leading.

February - Don’t Panic - Environmental Health

High Peak initially thought we needed to register (even non-profit Clubs) but, after discussion, stated that we do NOT need to register. There are some conditions to this, the most significant being what we do and how often. There are some benefits in registering IN THE FUTURE (we would not be recorded as a “high risk”, selling point for members), so suggested we first find out what the various requirements are e.g. wash hand basin, training for at least some members, policy, signs, warnings etc. - and then register when we know we could pass an inspection. Jim Dormand leading. (Stop Press 1/3/00 – they’ve changed their minds – more later).

The gas shower boiler has reached the end of its working life and the club will seek a combined shower/radiator boiler which will improve showers and offer the option of central heating later. Colin Hesketh leading.

March - membership renewal issues

The annual Dinner-Dance and prizegiving was held at Glossop Golf Club last November and we want your opinions on whether to do the same this year.

For me, the fact that no club member had to do any washing up and our best turn-out for years proves the benefit of holding this at a purpose-built venue rather than at our club-house.  So, same again this year ?