Dear Member –
I trust that you had a very enjoyable Christmas and New Year and that the cobwebs will be well blown away in time for the AGM. This year the AGM has slipped back to 2 February and consequently these papers are late in going out to you. For this I apologise sincerely. As well as the usual business, budgets and elections we have a very important issue to deal with at the AGM – the update of the Club constitution and Rules and it was important that we got the issues around this sorted out before presenting it to the members for consideration.
In essence the current legal claim against the Club’s insurers has highlighted deficiencies in the present constitution that would render Council members and officers personally liable should there be any future claim against the Club. This is an unacceptable position for any club official to be put in and one that would potentially deter members from serving on the Council. It was considered imperative to the future running of the Club that this was addressed. David Hutton, who has done the bulk of the hard work, will present the amendments at the AGM, however I must re-emphasise the importance of the issue and would encourage you to read and consider carefully the proposed amendments. The proposed changes can only be carried by a two thirds majority of the voting members present at the AGM. This is VERY important to the future of Troon Cruising Club and therefore I strongly urge you to attend the AGM when you will be able to have your say in this and the other matters of the Club.
The annual Dinner Dance and Prizegiving was held on the 28th of November and was a resounding success though somewhat disappointingly numbers were fewer than usual. The South Beach Hotel supplied an excellent meal and entertainment was once again enthusiastically provided by the Loudon Ceilidh Band. Trophies and Prizes were presented by Sheila Lamont MC’d by Arran Cameron. Thanks go to Izzy for organising the whole event. Thanks also to members and businesses who donated raffle prizes.
2015 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Club which we will be celebrating in May with a number of events – info and publicity material will follow.
I look forward to seeing you at the AGM – in the meantime happy sanding!
Doug Lamont
Newsletter Racing Report
The Silverware and whisky were presented to the racing winners at the annual dance, thanks to Sheila Lamont for doing the needful. The season winners are noted below and a full round-up of all winners will be included in the AGM Racing Report.
Wacky Series: Green Kestrel
Spring Series: 3rd Incitatus, 2nd Green Kestrel, 1st Argento.
Autumn Series: 3rd Hydra, 2nd Incitatus, 1st Argento.
Offshore Championship: 3rd Green Kestrel, 2nd Hoodlum, 1st Argento.
Club Champion: 3rd Hoodlum, 2nd Green Kestrel, 1st Argento.
We introduced the following successful initiatives this year and look to continue these and expand with others in the 2015 season.
- Wacky Handicap – Monthly adjustment to result in closer pursuit race finishes.
- Wacky Monthly Prize Giving – Well attended BBQ on the last Wednesday of the month where the monthly medal was also presented.
- Fast Cruising Awards – Record your own time to muster destinations, starting when convenient.
A draft race programme is already in preparation by your racing sub-committee and we would seek to share our thoughts for the 2015 racing season at a Boat Owner’s Meeting to be scheduled shortly.
I would like to thank Doug Lamont for efficient posting of notices and results on the club website and the racing sub-committee of Robin Ferguson, Jonathan Dickie, Jimmy Short and Stuart Powrie for their efforts through the season and look forward to racing again in 2015.
A L Cameron
Arran Cameron
Hon Racing Secretary
CRUISING IN THE AGEAN
We have already booked our flights from Edinburgh to Athens 4 to 11 October, and there are at least five of us reprising our trip for the fourth time. If any members are interested, we can organise charters upwards of 40’ to accommodate up to six, or larger yachts depending on demand. The estimated cost for flights and charter is around £400 approx. per person, only add-ons being end cleaning (approx. 80 Euros per yacht) and re-fuelling (whatever it takes to replenish the tank at the end of the holiday). There is a 10 Euro return charge for the bus right outside the airport to the Marina where we pick up the yachts, a journey of about three quarters of an hour.
Contact John Woods on 07955853558
Club’s 60th Anniversary
This year the club has its 60th anniversary – our Diamond Jubilee!
We are planning an open day on Saturday 6th June, with entertainment, food and other stalls in the compound. The day will start with a parade through the town to the cruising club accompanied by the Boys Brigade Pipe Band, then an opening ceremony by Troon round-the-world yachtsman Gerry Hughes. During the afternoon there will be events on and off the water, hopefully including the Troon Lifeboat and the Prestwick search and rescue helicopter.
Volunteers are needed to run the stalls, barbecue and teas. Any other ideas are welcome.
A dance is planned for the evening, with a buffet meal included (subsidised by the club).
The next day will see the 60th Anniversary Race (for the 50th Anniversary Cup) with the entrance fee donation to the lifeboats.
We are getting souvenir embroidered polo shirts, rugby shirts and fleeces made, and hope to have samples at the AGM or Lift-In if you want to place an order for you and your boat crew.
There may also be a special birthday party with celebration cake and publicity photo in March, possibly to coincide with the boat owners meeting.
Watch out for posters with more information nearer the time.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse has been recently painted and is looking much brighter, thanks to Ian Gordon.
There is now Wi-Fi in the clubhouse. The access code is posted on the notice-board. The range does not reach the boats in the harbour.
John Haston
Social News
Lift out was busy as usual John Woods firing up the start of many sausages, bacon and anything else you can throw in a roll, after his shift the ladies duly continued with supplies for the busy, and also very wet guys.
Agnes, as always was at her station, with her usual wide smile when asking for money, she is a credit to the club.
Dance numbers were down considerably, which was a pity as the food, hospitality and the band were wonderful, and members who did attend thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
I was very disappointed, it takes a lot of effort and time organising events, if I look at the list of members who did attend its always the same names who come to all socials and this in turn helps the club financially.
I’ve mentioned this before, please consider attending an event this year, it’s a great time for to catch up with like-minded people, for a blether and a laugh, you might even enjoy yourself!!!
For the first time in Troon Cruising Club’s history we had to cancel the Children’s Christmas Party, only one person phoned to come and then Santa had to be told he was not required this year. It was very sad.
On a brighter note, the Burns Supper is being held 6th February, we have three invited guest speakers organised by our own David Lacy, to whom I am very grateful , I know we are in for a very entertaining evening. Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing tickets.
This is my last Newsletter, I am retiring as social convenor, please give a great deal of thought and support the club
Izzy McGowan
Compound etc
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who took part in the preparatory work in the compound, mast stations and the members who kindly made their boats available and also everyone who contributed their time and effort on a very long and inclement lift out day, and especially those members with appointed duties.
Compound
Could I remind everyone over the winter period to be particularly vigilant about security, ensuring gates are locked along with ladders and no oars are left with dinghies, all of which I find on my weekly check!
Sanders
It is very disappointed to find that our stock of abrasive discs has now been depleted and unfortunately there is nowhere near enough money in the honest box to buy replacements. It is quite clearly stated that the discs are priced at 0.70p each. This is to allow for replacements, dust bags and servicing. The club financed the money to buy the originals and makes no profit. No other discs have to be used with this equipment, except the correct festool pads. If this trend continues we may be left with no other option but to relinquick the use of the sanders!
Sail Development
Going forward into the new year, and sailing season, it is our intention to continue with the programme that we had initiated last year. It was well supported and considerable interest shown. We are indebted to our members, who along with their boats and considerable knowledge, volunteered, were there to assist and teach and fine hone different skill sets. Here’s hoping for some good sailing weather this season. Anyone interest please contact me
Kyle Stewart