October 2011

Well, here we are at the start of the new ROC year - our 41st year! I hope everyone in the club had a great 2011 despite some adverse weather conditions yet again!

As your new Commodore, I am looking forward to all that your past Commodore, John, and the committee have already organised for the coming year. Examples of planned activities include our  laying-up dinner, a skittles evening, and our regular Christmas walk.

This year, ROC have undertaken to do some serious fundraising for the new RNLI Lifeboat station at Cowes. This is very dear to all our hearts as most of us sail - or have sailed, the Solent area regularly for a number of years and appreciate all the good work carried out by the RNLI volunteers. Even if we haven’t needed to use them (and we thank God for that), we have most certainly heard rescues taking place over the VHF.

To start the club’s fundraising campaign, we are putting the profits from this year’s laying up dinner towards the fund. To assist us, we have a very kind offer to do all the catering at cost. The ticket price has remained the same at only £30 each for what is always an excellent dinner followed by a disco. In addition to this, we are intending to make the annual walk a sponsored event for ROC, who will donate the sponsorship monies to the RNLI Cowes appeal. I will send out forms to all members, and hopefully all participants will approach close friends and relatives to sponsor them.

Speakers for the coming year include a representative from the Rona Trust (The London Sailing Project), a Scuba diving expert and a Chartering company. Rallies are being organised for the summer (Easter weekend) through to the autumn, which this year has proved to be excellent sailing weather. These are likely to be in the Solent again to include Lymington and also travelling further West. Other initiatives we would like to pursue in the coming year are:

• The ’Silver Sailors’ impromptu rallies - all interested parties please let one of the committee know, there is a form to complete with your details.
  (The form will also be available here on the website soon)
   
• Providing more crewing opportunities for non-boat owners and new members.
  (A link to more information & an opportunity to Register here soon)
   
• Organising First Aid and VHF/DSC radio courses for members.
  (A link to more information & an opportunity to Register here soon)

So, happy sailing for the 2011-2012 year. I look forward to the next 40 years of ROC - your committee and I will do our best to ensure the 1st of those 40 years is the relaxed, welcoming and sociable organisation it has always been - with thanks to all the members who continue to support it.

Jacky Bignell
Commodore