Jibsheet - February 2009
Message from the Commodore
Elsie and I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year and hope that we will meet all of you during the course of this year.
The Club as a Company
2009 will be an exciting and challenging year for the Club. In 2008, we embarked on some big changes for the Club constitutionally which are on-going. These are in the interests of members and to improve your representation in the Club. Members voted at the Special General Meeting (SGM) on 10th September 2008 for the Club to become a Company limited by guarantee. This was necessary as the Northern Bank indicated that it no longer wanted to act as Trustees for the Club, in line with its general policy.
Clubs under Trustee status cannot hold assets, such as property, as they are not legal entities. The assets are held by the Trustees on behalf of the Club and they cover all liabilities. With the withdrawal of our Trustees, we took legal advice and considered the various options open to the Club. The Club, now being a limited company, will be able to hold assets such as buildings and equipment. Additionally, there are other benefits particularly when it comes to seeking funding for projects. Further information can be obtained from the Hon Secretary on robert.logan@carrickfergussc.org
There will be a further SGM prior to applying for company registration to present the Articles of Association to the membership for approval. The Company Articles of Association reflect the existing Club rules.
New Management Structure
At the SGM on 3rd December 2008 the Club established a new management structure. Previously there were 18 members on the Management Committee which was proving cumbersome and somewhat inefficient. The new Management Board (10 voting members) will oversee the management of the Club and will be responsible for the strategic direction, setting targets, monitoring performance etc.
The new structure will be more effective as it devolves more powers to the working committees – this means that the membership will be able to influence decisions at Board level. We would encourage members to participate in any of the following working Committees - Sailing; Cruising; House and Grounds; Social; Marketing or Fundraising – particularly if you have a special interest or relevant skill. Please contact the Hon. Secretary on robert.logan@carrickfergussc.org
New Facilities
One other exciting initiative that is on-going is the Club’s application for funding under Sport Northern Ireland’s Elite Facilities Programme. This programme was designed to improve facilities for NI Olympic Sports prior to the 2012 Games and to provide a legacy to encourage top class national and international competition and facilities which can be used and enjoyed by the wider community. This is a three stage process and the Club made its Stage 2 submission (business case) at the end of November.
The concept plans are displayed in the Club should you wish to view them. They include a new Clubhouse, training facilities, offices, boat storage, new slipway and a single point crane for launching high performance keel boats. They will also be fully accessible for persons with a disability. If the Club is successful at Stage 2 we will bring a further report to an SGM prior to progression to Stage 3.
Slippi Jin
In Conclusion
Well, as I said this will be an exciting year. The Sailing Programme is full with something for everyone and I hope this will encourage many of you to participate in and enjoy the 2009 sailing season. This, coupled with an exciting social programme, will keep the Club moving forward and provide an attractive range of events that you will support.
Good luck and fair sailing during 2009.
Jim Shields
Commodore
Club Regalia
Club Regalia
WEAR YOUR CLUB WITH PRIDE
POLO SHIRTS Adults £15.00 Youths £13.00 in Navy, Sky Blue, Turquoise, Black, Emerald, Bottle Green
SWEAT SHIRTS Adults £18.00 Youths £15.00 in Navy, Sky Blue, Black, Emerald, Bottle Green
MICRO FLEECE Adults £20.00 Youths £16.00 in Navy, Black, Bottle Green, Grey
All above available in Sizes: 2 years to XXL
LADIES MICRO FLEECE £20.00 in Navy, Sky Blue, Lilac, Black Sizes 6 - 24
The above prices include CSC embroidered LOGO. Additional embroidery charged at approx.£5.00 per logo or name.
To place an order, contact Andrea Windsor: 07775 595 884
Racing 2009
The end of March is only weeks away and our season will start with a pre-race ‘Shake Down’ sail on Sunday 22nd March, an opportunity to make sure everything on board is ready for racing, starting with the Spring Series,
SUNDAY 29th MARCH.
The format of the Spring Series will be morning racing for Flying 15s, SB3, and Dinghies from a committee boat start, followed by the Cruiser racing in the afternoon from the club fixed starting line. Watch club website and notice boards for further information.
The Belfast Lough Yacht Conference has announced the dates of the 2009 regattas as follows: -
- 20th June RUYC
- 27th June CIBC
- 25th July HYC
- 1st August BYC
- 8th August EABC
- 15th August RNIYC
- 22nd August CSC
- 29th August CAYC
- 5th Sept DSC
Two important factors emerge form the BLYC meeting which effect C.S.C members.
1. There is no Ruffian 23 Class start this year. The ruffians will be racing in PY class.
2. No Regatta race inserts will be printed. Members will be able to download inserts direct from C.S.C. club website, or from Belfast Lough Yacht Conference website.
All skippers should check boat details from last year’s club list found on club website, using Boat details link or from last years regatta booklet. Any changes should be made through the Boat details link on club website, www.carrickfergussc.org
Trevor Kirkpatrick, Sailing Secretary
Frosty Series
The Social Scene
Looking Forward (and back!)
Thank you to Iris, Nigel, Julie, Maron, Trevor and Gary McFarland, my 2008 Social Committee, for their support and help throughout the year. They will all serve for another year, giving us continuity, but I am pleased to announce “New blood to generate new ideas for 2009” (and many hands make light work!).
Welcome to Maria Duggan as Social Secretary, with additional committee members Fiona Mitchell, Kate Harland and Joan Miller. There is room for a few more if anyone is interested! And any reasonable suggestions for events will be taken on board. For example, how about ‘Saturday Cinema for Kids’ ?
So far this year we have enjoyed two evening parties. In January we celebrated the 250th aniversary of Robert Burns’ birthday with a dinner, highland dancing and all the ceremony such an occasion requires.
Scottish Dancing 
Haggis
Then Valentine’s Night on 14th February was immensely enjoyble, good food, good company and good music.
Regular events:
- Tuesday Salsa Classes and Music Sessions
- Wednesday Ballroom Dancing with Lindon and Amy
- Thursday Belly Dancing Classes and CLUB QUIZ
- Friday ‘IN-IT-TO-WIN-IT’ Prize Draw
SOME FUTURE DATES FOR 2009
- Friday 20th Feb Music by George Hewitt
- Friday 27th Feb Poems & Pints
- Friday 13th March Cruising Evening - RNLI Safety Talk
- Friday 20th March Music by George Hewitt
- Friday 27st March Commodore’s Fitting Out Dinner
- Sun 5th April Irish Boat Jumble
- Sat 16th April Easter Bonnets Parade (provisional)
- Sat 27th June Midsummer Ball (provisional)
- Sat 22nd August CSC REGATTA
- Sun 23rd August Castle Cup and Craft Fair
Keep checking the club notice board and web site for updates and new events. All the up-to-date news is sent out to members via email, so if you don’t already receive these from the Hon Sec, Robert Logan, email: robert.logan@carickfergussc.org to be added to the list.
Looking forward to a busy and eventful year at CSC,
Wendy Grant, Chair of Social. Tel: 07752 664 505
email: wendy@carrickmarina.com
House & Grounds
With the sailing season fast approaching House & Grounds are making every effort to ensure CSC and the boat park are clean, tidy, respectable and operational. Work party days are held on a regular basis to complete the numerous jobs which require attention. Volunteers are always welcome as there are jobs for all abilities and more importantly the craic’s great. The website and emails will keep you informed when the next work party day is planned.
Cruising in 2009
Cutters Wharf, April 2008
An outline plan
Looking back on 2008, bad weather spoiled only one of our events, Easter, which was so early in March I wonder we even thought of going to sea. Encouraged by the success of what we did achieve last year, plans for 2009 are slightly more ambitious. . . READ ON!
EASTER 11th - 14th April
Depending on weather, any 2 of Mill Bay, Glenarm, Rathlin, Stranraer
MAY BANK HOLIDAY W/E
B.B.Q on the Copeland Island, Sunday 3rd May
WHIT W/E 29th May - 1ST June
A Friday afternoon/early evening departure for Portpatrick.
MIDSUMMER B.B.Q Sunday 21st June
Venue will depend on wind direction.
LAGAN CRUISE - TBA
If repairs to Lagan Weir permit.
SUMMER CRUISE – July fortnight.
Irish Sea cruise. Possible ports of call, Strangford Lough, Ardglass, Isle of Man, Anglesey, N Wales, Liverpool, Isle of Whithorn, all as weather allows.
TALL SHIPS 13th to 16th August
REGATTA DAY Saturday 22nd August
Details of these and any other day sails/weekends we plan will be published on the web site www.CarrickfergusSC.org and advertised on the club notice boards, or for any further information, contact:
Norman Grant, Cruising Secretary
Tel: 07843 787861
Email: norman@carrickmarina.com
Unpaid Subsciptions for 2009
I would remind Members that Subscriptions are due on 1st January annually. Running costs and bank charges are a continual strain on the Club’s budget, so the income from subscriptions is vital.
Members whose Subscriptions are still unpaid after 17th March 2009 will incur a £25 late payment fee.
Gillian McAdam, Membership Secretary
Boat Park
1. Since Sam Penney retired from the post, we currently have no one managing our boat park. If anyone should be interested in taking on this role or even giving a hand please contact me on 07720 837598 (mobile) or fred.bell@btinternet.com. I (reluctantly!) took over sending out the bills last year and would be prepared to continue to do this if that would encourage someone to come forward to do the other work required.
2. A large number of trailers have NO identification on them. It is a rule of the boat park that some form of identification IS on trailers. So - as I am not psychic ! PLEASE PLEASE take 5 minutes and paint your name or your boat name on the trailers. I have it in mind to ask the committee to introduce a reward of an amount off annual bill for named trailers - and a fine of an additional amount if we find out who unnamed ones belong to!
The boat park is an important revenue earner for the club and I would be grateful for your support in this matter.
3. Members can also go a long way in helping the smooth running of the boat park by “booking” your boat in with as much warning as possible, also please let us know how long you intend to stay out for. In the long term this means the least amount of boat juggling for everyone.
One last request, PLEASE, when you have finished working on your boat, tidy up any waste materials or other rubbish that may have accumulated. It makes for a safer and more pleasant working environment for everyone.
Fred Bell
Honorary Treasurer fred.bell@btinternet.com
Junior Sailing
Junior Sailing
Topper Dinghies Racing Practice
rory@carrickmarina.com
Saturdays 10am - 12.30pm starting after Easter
Ages 8 years +
Norfolkline Discount for Members
Robert Logan has negotiated a special deal for CSC Members
20% off all Brochure Fares
Daylight Sailing - £60 Single/£100 Return Car + 4
Available 4 Jan - 31 Dec 09 (*£50 supp. Easter, July, August)
Call 0844 499 0007 to book. Offer Code: Carrick
Extracts from the winning log of MotorYacht ‘Ilmatar II’
Ilmatar
They Kept A Welcome In The Hillside ~ When I Went Home Again To Wales
The title of our 2008 cruise to Wales (can be sung if you wish)
Motor Yacht “Ilmatar II” with crew Howard & Maria and Norman & Wendy.
This was my dream of going to Cardiff by our own boat rather than Silver wings shining in the sunlight, however I hadn’t planned on rain, high winds and mutinous crew.
Monday 9th June
Arrived at the boat with a mountain of booze and some food. A night cap with friends and crew and early to bed to be ready for a 10.00am start next day to catch the tide.
Tuesday 10th June
Departed on time and I felt like Bob Harper must of felt when he departed for around the world. Passed Billy in “Charlotte Jane” going to Strangford where I live and just for a short moment thought that common sense should prevail and go there instead, but not known for being sensible we kept her lit. Dolphins and porpoises, calm seas and sunshine, and an uneventful night passage down the Irish Sea heading for Milford Haven.
Wednesday 11th June
All excited we sail into a small bay at Skomer Island to be welcomed by thousands of nesting puffins. The bay was only accessible by sea. Anchor down and lunch was served. Then round to Dale Bay for an overnight on the pontoon in the middle of the bay. Dinghy ashore and we were away to the Griffin Inn to be wined and dined.
Back on the pontoon and time for a night cap when 2 gents from another yacht came and said what a lovely boat we had, this is as you know this is code for ‘can we come aboard for a drink’. That put paid to our early night. p.s. I must get Maria a smaller drinks measure.
Thursday 12th June
7.30am start and we’re off to Swansea. 53nm and 5.50hrs later we arrive and lock in. Sardines in a tin came to mind, severely aggravated by strong wind.The marina is in the old dock with a tram museum, maritime museum and other shops. An evening meal at the sailing club and all agreed that Swansea was a place that we would come back to.
Friday 13th June
0730 and we’re waiting to lock out, thankfully the wind had dropped. Cardiff the next stop or more accurately Penarth Marina. Arriving by sea at the Cardiff Bay barrage was nothing short of spectacular. Quickly into the berth with Champagne corks popping, Maria asks if I’m alright and I tell a little white lie and say “I’ve something in my eye” Full of emotion I had fulfilled my ambition. The best drink of Champagne I’ve ever had.
A boat trip around Cardiff Bay and ashore to visit the continental market in the new hub of Cardiff City. Staying 2 nights in Cardiff enabled the Duggan Clan to descend on “Ilmatar II”. I said to Wendy that she must have found it hard going especially with the Welsh accent, when she reminded me that she done her medical training in Cardiff and was probably more Welsh than I was Irish.
Sunday 15th June
A walk along the sea front and a drink in the Penarth Yacht Club then back on board to depart for Bristol. 38nm later and we’re sailing up the River Avon and the Avon Gorge under Brunel’s suspension bridge, through a lock and swinging bridge and into Bristol Dock, berthing on a pontoon outside one of the many pubs. Yet again it’s time to go out for a meal. Norman had earlier been out sussing out suitable places and had discovered a Tapas bar and restaurant. The ambience and food were great made all the more exciting by the Flamenco music and dancers. When we came to pay the bill there was good news and bad news, the good news was the table next to us had paid our bill, the bad news is we were given their bill for 14 persons. It’s amazing when with a few bottles of wine and a level of frustration just how quickly you can communicate without speaking a word of Spanish. Eventually sorted and by way of an apology we were given a voucher for a meal for 2. Anyone going to Bristol let me know and the meals on me.
Monday 16th June
Another 48 hours in Bristol was scheduled, but a bad weather forecast forced a change of plan, we wanted to be in Milford Haven for Sea Week so left on the tide next afternoon. Got there 12 hours ahead of the gale, many other boats didn’t and the Round Britain Race speed boats came by road!
Sea Week was memorable (a story in itself) and our journey back to Carrickfergus was accomplished in 28 hours with calm, pleasant conditions.
Howard Duggan
2008 News Round-Up
As you will remember, the club was dealt a devastating blow with the death in March of our Commodore, Joe McEvoy. But ‘The King is dead, long live the King’, and life goes on. We were fortunate to have Jim, our new Commodore, to stand in for the year.
On the water, the Sailing Committee organised a comprehensive racing programme, but conceded to public opinion and cancelled racing one Sunday so everyone could join in the Lagan Cruise; 32 vessels and 176 people took part.
Topper Nationals
While the majority of us are doing very ordinary things like racing round the buoys, regattas, cruising and socialising, some others were out there making a name for themselves.
Andrew Penney, First overall in the 4.2 Topper Rig at the 2008 Irish National Championships in Carrickfergus in August.
Ryan Wilson First Under 16 in the Topper Irish Nationals and 2nd Overall in Topper Travellers
Amanda Mitchell, Gold Medal in Toppers at the Sea Cadets National Regatta in Carrickfergus, September 2008
Chris Penney was 13th in the Laser Radial Worlds in New Zealand and 1st overall in the laser Connaught championships. He is the current Laser Radial Junior Champion.
Ryan Seaton, now studying at the Sports Institute for Nothern Ireland at Jordanstown, is also training there with the Pre-Olympic squad. His first sailing event this year is the Princess Sophia Challenge in Palma, Majorca in April, sailing Laser Radial and we wish him every success in that. He is about to become helm on a 49’er for future events.
Ian Moore who is navigator on the irish entry in the Volvo Ocean Race, Green Dragon.
Four Carrickfergus Juniors were chosen for the 2008 RYA Youth Championships, Ryan Wilson in Toppers, Andrew Penney in 4.2 Toppers (1st in Class), Chris Penney and James Waugh in Laser Radials (2nd and 3rd respectively)
Green Dragon
Volvo Ocean 70 ‘GREEN DRAGON’ at the start of Leg 1 in Alicante. All the VO.70’s will be in Galway from 23rd May, with the In Port race on 30th May and start of Leg 8 on 6th June. For further details: www.galwayvolvooceanrace.com
Millar’s
Catering in the Club for Members and their Guests Bar Snacks, Sunday Lunch & a la carte
Friday Night Special ~ Dinner for Two £25
Starters
Smoked Salmon
Ribbons of smoked salmon set on a bed of homemade potato salad and topped with creme fresh and horseradish drizzle
Soup du jour
Homemade soup of the day with crusty bread
Battered garlic mushrooms
Button mushrooms dipped in a light golden batter served with salad, coleslaw and garlic mayonnaise
Main Course
Chicken supreme
Poached Chicken fillet masked in a mushroom and thyme sauce
Salmon hush puppies
Chunks of fresh salmon fillet lightly battered and drizzled with honey and wholegrain mustard
Gammon
Pan fried gammon steak topped with caramelised apricots.
Selection of Desserts
Our Friday Special Menu will be changed regularly
Booking is recommended. Telephone 07871 844 787