Thankyou all for your support at the Dinner Dance and especially to all those who "volunteered" with prizes for the raffle and gifts for the tables.We raised £1200 for the Club. So, well done everyone. Photos

Past Commodore Anthony gave a talk on Racing Rules & Tactics on Thurs ,18th March. This was followed by a naught(ical) quiz won by Mike Alcorn.  Those attending had another chance of watching Andy Seaton's video "St Kilda for the Weekend".

COLERAINE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Our Ref: CMCN/JMCB/03/01414/PCODDO
Your Ref^:
Being Dealt with by: Catherine McNally
20 November 2003

Mr McNeill

Dear Sir

Re: Coleraine Waste Water Treatment Works Ballycairn Odour Complaints

Further to a site meeting with DOE Water Service on 17 September 2003 with regard to the above, this department can confirm that progress has been made.

As a result of further discussions with management for Water Service Northern Division odour control systems are being installed at Coleraine Waste Water Treatment Works. The system should be fully installed and operational early in the New Year 2004.

This department shall be kept informed of progress and I will advise you when this work is completed. In addition any residents who wish to visit the above site may do so by arrangement with Mr D Walker, Water Service, Coleraine. Should you wish to take up this offer please contact this department so that necessary arrangements can be made.

If you wish to discuss this matter please do not hesitate to contact this department. Yours faithfully

Catherine McNally Environmental Health Officer

Cloonavin, 66 Portstewart Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, N. Ireland BT52 1 EYWebsite www.colerainebc.gov.uk

The Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning after three incidents in which mobile phones ignited fumes during fueling operations.
In the first case, the phone was placed on the car's boot lid during fueling; it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the petrol pump.
In the second, an individual suffered severe burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling their car.
 And in the third, an individual suffered burns to the thigh and groin as fumes ignited when the phone, which was in their pocket, rang while they were fueling their car. 
You should know that: Mobile Phones can ignite fuel or fumes Mobile phones that light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition Mobile phones should not be used in filling stations, or when fueling lawn mowers, boat! , Etc. Mobile phones should not be used, or should be turned off, around other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust, (i.e. solvents, chemicals, gases, grain dust, etc.)
To sum it up, here are the: Four Rules for Safe Refueling 
1) Turn off engine
2) Don't smoke
3) Don't use your mobile phone - leave it inside the vehicle or turn it off
4) Don't re-enter your vehicle during fueling
Bob Renkes of Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to try and make people aware of fires as a result of "static electricity" at gas pumps. His company has researched 150 cases of these fires.  His results were very surprising:
1) Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women.
2) Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping fuel. When finished, they went back to pull the nozzle out and the fire started, as a result of static.
3) Most had on rubber-soled shoes.
4) Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished. This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires.
5) Don't ever use mobilel phones when pumping fuel
6) It is the vapors that come out of the petrol that cause the fire, when connected with static charges.
7) There were 29 fires where the vehicle was re-entered and the nozzle was touched during refueling from a variety of makes and models. Some resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station, and to the customer.
8) Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately after the petrol cap was removed and before fueling began.
Mr. Renkes stresses to NEVER get back into your vehicle while filling it with petrol. If you absolutely HAVE to get in your vehicle while the petrol is pumping, make sure you get out, close the door TOUCHING THE METAL, before you ever pull the nozzle out. This way the static from your body will be discharged before you ever remove the nozzle. As I mentioned earlier, The Petroleum Equipment Institute, along with several other companies now, are really trying to make the public aware of this danger.

For the last race of the cruiser season (11 October) we hope to raise some funds for disabled sailors as part of the RYA National Pendant competition. First and second place winners of the race will receive ‘RYA Sailability National Pennants’ and be entered into the London Boatshow prize draw. The overall UK winners will be announced from the stage at the London Boatshow Prize draw at its new venue Excel.  Club members have a chance to enter into a prize draw for a Sunsail Holiday for 4 in the Med and win free tickets for the Excel show.  There is a minimum donation of £50 per club -larger donations are welcome!  If each boat that enters donated a minimum of £10, then we will easily reach this target.  Please help with this worthy cause which is our clubs main charity this year.   WINNER  -  Panther           SECOND    - Almeria

See allocation details

 See 8 Hour Homepage.      8 Hour Race Photos

See Sailability Page

While the punters at ‘A Night At The Races’, held at Coleraine Yacht Club on Saturday night, may have been better judges of boats than horse flesh, this didn’t stop them risking their cash in support of a good cause.  The evening was held to raise funds to provide opportunities for disabled children and young adults, from the Causeway Trust area, to take part in the sport of sailing. 

Club Commodore, Anthony Clendinning explained, “As an RYA Training Centre we provide sail and powerboat training for wide range of ages and abilities.  However, because we are not able to cater for some individuals who experience physical disabilities, we felt that we could at least arrange for them to experience the thrills and excitement of sailing at Carrickfergus Sailing Club.  As the Northern Ireland centre for Sailability, which is the Royal Yachting Association charity for disable sailing, Carrickfergus has specially modified boats and a wheelchair lift.  In addition, it is hoped that the funds may also be available to provide a bursary for one or two disabled young people to sail on the tall ships of the Jubilee Sailing Trust.”

The fundraiser was well supported and raised  £750.  After the last race, punters were entertained by the excellent local duo, ‘Blown Town’, rounding off an evening to remember.

Club member Andy Sloan has now been registered to teach the RYA’s First Aid course.  It is hoped to run a course on a Saturday during the month of June.  The course is designed to provide a working knowledge of First Aid procedures for injurys and illness that might be experienced when afloat in small boats and windsurfers.  The qualification is valid for 3 years, with a possible extension for a further 2 years. The sylabus is designed to cover boating inland and up to SIXTY miles offshore.
If you are interested In attending this course contact Andy at, andy@coleraineyachtclub.co.uk
This course will be limited to 12.  Book your position now!  Places still available

Dear Andy & all,   Received the following email from a friend. I sometimes, like others, use the club microwave for heating "hot toddies." It has on occasions "boiled up" on me. This article seems to explain why this happens. Perhaps, taking into account "Health & Safety" within the club, we could publish the following on the club website and also draw to the attention of all bar staff before someone has any practical experience of this. What do you think? I don't think that this would be an over kill. David, what do you think. Did you draw up the original club H&S policy? Perhaps bar staff could be informed in the next bar rota.

Regards Lenny

A 26-year old man decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before). I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he wanted to bring the water to a boil. When the timer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the water was not boiling, but suddenly the water in the cup "blew up" into his face. The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand, but all the water had flown out into his face due to the build up of energy. His whole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face which may leave scarring. He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is a fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in a microwave oven. If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc. (nothing metal). It is however a much safer choice to boil the water in a tea kettle. General Electric's RESPONSE: Thanks for contacting us, I will be happy to assist you. The e-mail that you received is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach the boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it. To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds before moving it or adding anything into it. Here is what our local science teacher had to say on the matter: "Thanks for the microwave warning. I have seen this happen before. It is caused by a phenomenon known as super heating. It can occur anytime water is heated and will particularly occur if the vessel that the water is heated in is new, or when heating a small amount of water (less than half a cup). What happens is that the water heats faster than the vapour bubbles can form. If the cup is very new then it is unlikely to have small surface scratches inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to form. As the bubbles cannot form and release some of the heat that has built up, the liquid does not boil, and the liquid continues to heat up well past its boiling point. What then usually happens is that the liquid is bumped or jarred, which is just enough of a shock to cause the bubbles to rapidly form and expel the hot liquid. The rapid formation of bubbles is also why a carbonated beverage spews when opened after having been shaken." If you pass this on ...you could very well save someone from a lot of pain and suffering.

Would you like a Yacht Club email address ?  eg.  anthony@coleraineyachtclub.co.uk. The Club is now offering to all members a free email forwarding facility.  Simply use your new Club address and all mail is automatically forwarded to your existing email address.  Contact -   andy@coleraineyachtclub.co.uk

With its strong tides and often rough weather, the North Coast of Ireland is a challenging sailing area.  However it has many compensations.  We are only a short hop over to the Highlands & Isles of    Scotland with its sheltered & scenic waters.  We also have some of the most  stunning coastline in the British Isles and of course the friendliest people!  As a sailing club we are very fortunate in having the   facilities of Coleraine Marina, Seaton's Marina, Portstewart and Portrush harbours all so very close.  Let's all get our boats out early this year and make the most of the 2003 season.

Coleraine Yacht Club notched up another great success on Saturday night when Ivor Paul, past commodore of CYC was presented with the Volvo Champion Club award by Maeve Bell, double Fireball World Champion and Deputy Chairman of the Royal Yachting Association.

The presentation was made at the Club Annual Ball in the Lodge Hotel and was attended by over 150 members & guests including the Mayor, Mrs Olive Church, Sandra Logan, Chairman of Coleraine Sports Council, Anthony Clendinning, Commodore CYC & George McNicholl, Commodore of Lough Neagh Sailing Club.

The entire event was organised by Rear Commodore James Burnside & his wife Heather, well-known local sailors.

Mrs Anne Clendinning, wife of the Commodore, presented prizes to Jim Millar, Alan McCann, Alan Cunningham, Anthony Clendinning, and James Burnside for their successes during the 2002 sailing season.  This year, Jim Millar is taking part in a 2,400 mile race to the Azores & back and we wish him & his crew, good luck & a safe voyage.

The club has a busy programme planned for the year ahead and welcomes all people who would like to have a go at sailing to come along on Sunday afternoons for a taster session.

As part of its drive to increase the number of clubs providing high standard junior and youth race training programmes, the RYA is developing a new partnership with Clubs.  Volvo Champion Clubs enjoy the support and help of the RYA in achieving its aims and are entitled to a new set of tangible benefits created for Volvo RYA Champion Club.  Coleraine Yacht Club has now attained this status and is providing a complete training programme to allow development from complete novice, right up to advanced level in both Power boating & Dinghy Sailing.  We also run Yachtmaster courses for offshore sailors.  We are equipped with single-handed & two hander dinghies Toppers & GP14 along with ribs for rescue & training purposes so we can cater for all interests.  In the sheltered waters of the River Bann, we can provide training & dinghy sailing throughout the year and in the summer months, there is offshore yacht racing.

We have now added the category of Social membership to the Club.  This will broaden our base and open up the club facilities to others who will hopefully develop an interest in our great sport of sailing.

Our thanks go to Stevie Bolster and all his crew for the hard work and long hours put into decorating the Clubhouse entrance, lounge and main hall.  If you have not seen his efforts come along some evening for a quiet drink in the new surroundings.  The next project scheduled for this 2003 will be the renovation of the club bar.

This is the quickest & most efficient method of communication within the club.  Please send your e-mail address to Mike Atwood, our membership secretary.  Mike is compiling a list of all members' e-mail addresses.  This is for your benefit as you can be informed of up coming club events and what's happening.  Contact Mike at mike@coleraineyachtclub.co.uk

Please contact Mike Attwood regarding payment.

Joe Slater is now offering up to-date Race and Series results for all Dinghy Sailors participating in the current Winter Series.   Simply follow the link to see how well you are doing.  

Victor Hamill, Chairman of the River Bann & Lough Neagh Association, gave a very interesting & informative talk on the inland waterways of Ireland at the clubhouse on Thursday, 20th March. Ireland has a vast mileage of potential navigable rivers & canals and it is now possible to take a boat from Lough Erne right to Limerick and also through the Grand Canal network right as far as Waterford. The only "Missing Link" is the Ulster Canal which would link Lough Neagh to The Erne, thus allowing boating traffic to complete the trip from Coleraine to Waterford and in some parts, work on this has already started. Our club, formerly the River Bann Boat Club has had many trips from Toome to Coleraine & in future years we intend to renew this event. Many thanks to Victor & his wife Jackie for coming to present the talk

The irish inland waterways talk was the second in a series of "Third Thursday" evenings we are holding in the clubhouse. The next will be a seminar on the Racing Rules of Sailing also to include a showing of the video of last years Rathlin Race and will be held on Thurday, 17th April.

As you all know, we are increasingly being controlled by EU Regulation. In the case of yachting, RYA has been seeking to reduce the impact of these on small craft. However there are a number of regulations which now affect all of us.

Regulation 19.2.1.7:
All yachts must have a radar reflector for 9 and 3 GHz. The words “if practicable”are used but in effect if it is possible to mount a reflector you must do so.
Regulation 29:
An illustrated table describing life-saving signals shall be readily available on the yacht. MCA should have leaflets on those signals and many yachting magazines are expected to carry the necessary information.
Regulation 31:
Yachts must communicate navigational dangers to MCA, or by International Code of Signals! Hazards include dangerous obstructions or un-forecast winds of force 10 or more.
Regulation 32:
This describes the information required in danger messages and gives examples of typical messages.
Regulation 33:
Vessels are required to respond to distress messages.
Regulation 34:
This is perhaps the most controversial. All vessels that go to sea must have a “passage plan”. The MCA guidance note states that “for small craft and pleasure vessels, the degree of voyage planning will depend on the size of the vessel, its crew and the length of the voyage”.

The Annex to IMO Resolution A.893(21) “Guidance for Voyage Planning” should be followed by all vessels. The key elements of the passage plan are:

• Appraising all relevant information
• Planning the intended voyage
• Executing the plan taking account of prevailing conditions

Monitoring vessel’s progress against the plan continuously. Obviously all Club Members plan their trips even if it is the simplest trip from the Bann to Rathlin. However a question may arise if something untoward happens and a member has to submit an insurance claim. Is it possible that an insurance company will ask for sight of your Passage Plan?

For further Info.  www.mcga.gov.uk/publications

Twenty two youth sailors have been offered places on the RYA NI Youth Squad 2003
Nine are newcomers to the group. They are:

Gareth McCormac CSBC, Ian Slater CYC, Nick Maybin CYC, John Beatty EDYC, Jenny McCready EDYC, Rachel & Osmond Morris CLYC, Kylie McMillan SLYC and Kathryn McCartin CSBC.

Returning from last year are:

Fergal Connan CSBC, Stephen McLernon CSBC, Michael Norris LEYC, Ed Cody LEYC, Duncan Halliday BYC, Joni Swanston, BYC, Bob Espey BYC, Michael Gunning BYC, Patrick Adair BYC, Richard McCullough BYC, Stephen Knox EABC, Helen Doig EABC, and Gretchen Lennon EABC.

Youth Squad Training began on 15th and 16th March at Ballyholme Yacht Club.

From the beginning of May 2003 the new Sanda Tavern and Restaurant will be open. They have real ale on tap, fine wines, whisky and good food. There will be an opening on 31st May, 1st June. 2nd June with a wine tasting and other festivities on the Saturday.
NB Cottages only £75 PPPW for all of 2003. Book early

Contact:  Dick & Meg Gannon   Tel: 01586 553 511 eve.

On Saturday, 12th April 2003, Denzyl Dinsmore and Lenny McNeill ran an RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course at CYC.  There were four students, keen as mustard and rearing to go. They were Seamus Mulvenna, Andrew Bolster, Thomas Wray and Fergus Whiteside.

The weather was not exactly great with a few spits of rain, but this didn't dampen their spirits. The course started at 9am in the clubhouse with Admin and some theory, but everyone was eager to get on the water and as the instructor was feeling an unusual draft it was decided to terminate the theory at that juncture, allowing this instructor to return home for a new  pair of trousers. The students were then shown over the boats, engines trailers and their various components. Then they were shown the correct method of launching by the club bosun.  After that it was all on the water up to lunch time, when the drizzle started.
After lunch students were instructed in the IRPCS, an essential part of the course even though it is a "dry" subject. (Please excuse the pun)  Then it was back to the boats. All the students were so good and accomplished in all that Level 1 required of them that we were able to introduce them to portions of the Level 2 course.  All in all an excellent course with excellent students all of whom passed their Level 1 with flying colours. Lenny McNeill, Club Principal

Every Third Thursday the club will be running a number of talks and presentations by various guest speakers.  The first presentation was given by Ivor Neill, on the voyage by the traditional curragh, ‘Colmcille’ to France and Spain in 2002.  Check the Social page for presentation details

Have you ever wanted to go sailing on a Sunday afternoon but didn’t want to sail a Laser or Topper?  The club has just purchased a GP14 for use by all club members.  If you would like to sail, the Dinghy Section meet every Sunday all year round.  Racing starts at 3pm sharp.

The past few years has seen quite a change in the club.  Many of the original members have gone on to bigger things with offshore cruising.  A new generation has now sprung up and the club, under the guidance of some senior members, has developed a thriving junior section, sailing Toppers & Lasers. Sailing in the protected waters of the River Bann and summertime in Portstewart Bay, the juniors are getting the flavour of competitive racing in one design classes.  Some of these young sailors have shown great skill and recently, we have had 4 members on the Ulster Youth Squad & an Irish Topper Champion.

Make a note in your diary of the events that have been organised by this years Committee.  Help support your club by attending as many of these events as possible.      See social page

The replica Captain Cook vessel, Endeavor, is berthed at the Odyssey Quay till next weekend. It's worth visiting. See the website www.barkendeavor.com/au for details. Those of you who are fit and energetic might like to take part in the Belfast Sponsored Rig Climb to be held on Saturday 18th 1830 hrs.  Members of the public are invited to climb the 22 metres to the fighting top.  Anyone who would like to take part will need to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship.  The cash raised will be equally divided between the Macmillan Cancer Charity and HM Bark Endeavour Foundation.  Please phone 08707 458958 for more details.

The Lord Rank, Northern Ireland’s only 68 foot sail training yacht is looking for young volunteers for the annual October Small Ship’s Race around Cowes.
Operated by the sail training charity Ocean Youth Trust (NI) the Lord Rank needs crew aged between 16-25 years who can spare a few days to form part of either the race or delivery crews on the 300 mile round trip from Belfast to Cowes and back.  The race is on 9th October and up to 45 small ships will be taking part from all over Europe.
The small ships race is open to vessels with a minimum length of 7.3m (24ft). At least half of the crew must be between the ages of 15 and 25
The sailing experience and training and even the racing will be conducted in the spirit of fun and goodwill, rather than cutting edge competition.
We would particularly welcome young people either contemplating going off on their gap year or who have not yet started third-level courses.  A modest cost of £120 per voyage will cover all accommodation, participation and travel costs.

More information can be found from OYT (NI) at 028 9023 1881 or the website.  For further information please contact Gerry Brennan on 028 9023 1881.

The Seaton Trophy passage race to Moville will start at Portstewart at 10.30am.  Anthony has kindly agreed to start the race. The finish line is between an outer limit mark off Carrickarory pier and the pier itself in line with the lamp posts on the pier.  John Okane of Moville will take times. I apologize for being unable to go.
The usual Sat afternoon races will continue on the following Sat.  Please can someone let me know if the two inshore marks at the beach have survived the last storm. I hope that those who go have a good passage to Moville.  Don't forget your euros.

The Club Regatta was on Sat 28th August 04, held as part of the Portrush Festival of the Sea events.The racing was held in the East Bay at the Skerries. Congratulations to Mike and his crew in Delphine on their win.  Mike edged out Mahuri in 2nd place and Panther in third.
 

ANNUAL  GENERAL  MEETING
Tuesday, October 12th 2004, 8 pm, at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club.

RYA Instructor Courses are scheduled for the Autumn. If you or anyone you know would like to take part. To register interest  email or telephoning our Development & Training Manager, Eamon Masterson at 02890 202305.

Dates
Senior Dinghy Instructor 11th & 12th Sept & 9th-10th Oct
Dinghy Instructor Pre entry Sept 19th Course dates: 16,17 Oct, 6th, 7th Nov, 13th & 14th Nov

Strong north-westerly winds and overcast skies greeted the competitors at the start of  Coleraine Yacht Club’s annual 8-Hour dinghy race, which took place over a one-mile course on the River Bann on Saturday.  The starting maroon was launched, at 11 am, by the BBC’s Sarah Travers.

Most of the entrants, both local  and visiting, exercised caution by starting the race under reduced or reefed sails.  Unfortunately, this wasn’t  an option for Sean McMurtry, with his spectacular 29er, ‘Old Yeller’, from Carrickfergus.  Despite being considerably over-powered, the team demonstrated courage and tenacity by starting the race with the rest of the fleet.  After several repeated capsizes the team were forced to  withdraw until conditions moderated later in the day, thus putting them out of the running for the trophies.  

Other teams also had problems with the challenging conditions and the safety boats were kept busy attending numerous capsizes during the first couple of hours.  Surprisingly, the only gear failure during this period was a broken tiller-extension on Rab McCurley’s Laser, which was quickly replaced.

The pattern of the race was set early on with two local Lasers, ‘The DBs’ and ‘The Oddballs’ vying for the lead.  As conditions moderated during the afternoon a battle was developing between the two Topper entries, the ‘Fergus Fliers’, from Carrickfergus Sailing Club, and the girls from Coleraine Yacht Club, the ‘Bacardi Breezers’.

At the finish, the ‘DBs’ took first place, followed by ‘The Oddballs’ with the ‘Fergus Fliers’ in third.  The Lodge Hotel Challenge Prize was won by the Fergus Fliers. 

Next Saturday, 26^th June, will see the ‘big boats’ competing off Portstewart in the Coleraine Yacht Club Cruiser Regatta.

1.The DBs:  Winners of the Coleraine Yacht Club 8-Hour Race, Kyle Brown, Ricky McArthur and David McFarland.

2.The Oddballs: Runners-up in the CYC 8-Hour Race, Bruce McFarland and Ian Slater.

3.Fergus Fliers: Third place, and first junior team, Matthew McMurtry, Chris Penny, Simon Martin and Lauren McMurtry.
Many thanks to all the members who contributed to the organising and running of the event.

We have enjoyed some excellent weather and good racing during the Spring Series.By the closest of margins. Panther beat Mahuri in the Spring Series. They both won 3 races, with Panther having a 2nd to Mahuri's 4th. Congratulations to Ivor and his crew.
 
The Innistrahull Race saw an excellent turnout of 12 or 13 yachts start the race. It was great to see so many cruising boats join in. Please keep coming. Well done to Jim Millar's Mahuri which was the only boat to beat the tide and make it to the island under sail.
 
This Sat 26th June is the cruiser Regatta Day in Portstewart Bay.There will be 3 races beginning at 11.30am.  Joel McBride in Grundel has generously and bravely agreed to do committee boat. After the racing we will have a barbeque at teatime at the Yacht Club. I hope that you all will come.
If anyone would like sirloin or fillet steaks for their hardworking crew,can they please ring or email me with their orders as early as possible. *****POSTPONED UNTIL AUGUST*****

During the 12th fortnight a number of the boats will be cruising in Scotland.If anyone else would like to go at the same time,please get in touch.

                        Finally,please note the following change to the racing calender:-
The Rathlin Race will be held on the 21st August, which is the week before the Bank Holiday weekend, rather than on the 28th.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Sat for the Regatta.

Coleraine Yacht Club was standing room only when John Leigh MALLORY gave a talk and video presentation in memory of his father who disappeared climbing Mount Everest in 1924.  His fathers body was discovered 5 years ago by an expedition below the summit. Question time with John centered on the still unanswered question, Did he make it to the summit? Proceeds from the event went to the RNLI.

The Innistrahull Race will be held this Sat 12thJune.The start will be from Portstewart Bay at 10.30am.Please listen on channel 10.Please encourage anyone with a rib to do the run,if only to help us get ashore for a while.
I am looking forward to seeing not only the "racers" but more especially the cruising boats on Sat morning. Finally,the cruiser regatta is on Sat 26th June.Everyone is welcome.

Many of you will be aware of attempts to restrict the consump­tion of alcohol on yachts, and the requirement that yachtsmen should prepare a Passage Plan before undertaking any voyage. European Regulations designed to protect the environment are now being considered by UK regulators with a view to control­ling many aspects of our sailing activity. In addition the possi­bility of a levy on yachtsmen to help pay for buoyage and light­houses is under review. It is also proposed that within a few years duty will require to be paid on diesel for yachts (fuel is currently free from road tax for fishing vessels and yachtsmen i.e. we use red diesel). All of those developments are very con­cerning as State control creeps into our sport. The RYA are keeping abreast of those changes and will lobby where possible to limit the effects. However those of you who are interested are encouraged to keep informed, and to help oppose many of the current proposals which can only be extremely damaging to our currently un-regulated recreational activity. Why not drop your local MP a letter or telephone them regarding your concerns?

Spring Newsletter now available online.  Download

RYA seeing red over diesel

Club Merchandising  As a Club Member, what would you like to see the club supply?

On Saturday 13th March 2004 a number of Club Officers and Members attended the RYA Clubs and Classes Development Conference, hosted by the Royal Ulster Yacht Club, Bangor.
The conference was opened by the Chair of the RYA NI Mr Doug Smyth who introduced the conference speakers.
Mr Paul Stephenson
Child Protection in Sport Officer, NSPCC. - Putting Child Protection into Practice

Maeve Bell, Vice Chair RYA NI, Mervyn Lyttle, Vice Commodore, Coleraine Yacht Club, Claire Burgoyne, BBC, Michael Clarke, J/24 Class, Newenham de Cogan, Newtownards Sailing Club, Betty Armstrong, RYA
Publicity for Clubs, Classes and the RYA

Peter Ronaldson, Vice Commodore Royal Ulster Yacht Club, RYA NI Executive.  Rob Burton, Maritime Leisure Research Group, Southampton Institute, Consultants to the RYA ‘On Board’ Initiative.
Volunteers - Where to find and how to keep them.

Further information regarding the conference will be posted on the Club notice board.  Photos