Lock up?

The club's socially distanced Flying Fifteen racing sorry, cruising in synchronicity is off to a cracking (literally in the case of Copestake vs Osborne last weekend) start and the season, for all its uncertainties generally, could see a record turnout, numbers not seen on the water since the Flying Fifteen heyday.

Eight boats, and to be precise, eight competitive boats are now cavorting around the loch of a Friday, Saturday and even Sunday (those of us who don't go to church).

Of club news in general, there's not much to report. The club is still closed, the shed lock has been changed (someone messed with the combination, and it had to be cut off). Donald alone has the Key to the Underworld, in whose dark recesses lurk strange objects of dubious worth, the odd Seagull outboard, many pots of solid paint, rope, fenders etc.

The club house roof has still to be fixed, but never fear, it's not going to fall on your head, and someone has been tasked to expedite things (which usually means nothing's been done). But who needs a clubhouse when we have boats to sail and the water upon which to sail?

This post was suggested by the Commodore, by the way, as nothing much has been said since lockdown, but then there's little to be said.

Other than, if you do go down to the Wee Pier today, please keep your distance. It is by no means over; young people are now being hit hardest; your best friend might well be the one who kills you and, as Janey Godley says (or should that be Nicola Sturgeon?) WEAR A F***ING MASK.

Sailing on Hold?

No one knows how long we will be in isolation or when sailing can start again. The advice to members is exactly the same as that given by governments and scientists: be brutally conscientious in avoiding risks, and we all know what they are by now.

The club remains open, but quite frankly there's little point in suggesting anyone goes in until work on the refurbishment recommences. The ceiling's down in the clubroom, and the changing room choc a bloc with stuff. We'll be in good shape, however, to get cracking again as and when with much of the work either planned or completed.

In any case, it would be nigh on impossible to keep surfaces, handles etc disinfected. As for the loo...

There might be scope to launch a few FFs before too long but the advice seems pretty clear: avoid all activity in close company, and unless you can be sure your crew is clean, then you'd be a bit daft to launch and might even draw down the wrath of those ashore.

The club officers, rest assured, are as much in the dark as anyone, and in the same boat (albeit 2m apart!)

One thing that is clear: despite no AGM to date, the Commodore, officers and committee remain in place for the time being.

Keep an eye on Facebook for news which will, inevitably, be few and far between.

And please, keep posting on Facebook if you have anything to lift spirits, or get off your chest.

Time now to brush up on the racing rules: NB there is no Mast Abeam Rule

THERE WILL BE (VIRTUAL) PRIZES...!

Club Update

This weekend saw much activity and progress as the new distressed oak vinyl floor was laid by a team of skilled craftsmen, volunteers from our very own ranks (NB it's much easier than it looks).

Reactions have ranged from "it's a little too dark" to "it's far too light", with some people even suggesting we'd have been better just replacing the old carpet. You can't please everyone, but most have expressed approval, and once the furniture is chosen, the club room will come alive; bright in the summer with sun streaming through the windows, and cosier in winter when we hope to have more social get togethers, curry nights, lectures and one suggestion, for which the new floor will be admirably suited, a ceilidh.

We also have acquired a (fairly) large screen TV for the watching of Scotland being thrashed by Wales, or England being slaughtered by Ireland (next time that is), France walking over Italy, or any combination thereof.

We might even watch some yachting, or play sail training videos (but probably just the rugby...).

There is much more to be done, namely reflooring the rest of the club, excluding the changing room for the time being, renewing the ceiling, electrical work and stripping out the kitchen. We are also planning to have an outside hot shower plumbed in for those suffering from imminent hypothermia, or simply to wash off salt from wetsuits and hair.

Other structural work includes a temporary fix to the leaking S/SW side/corner of the roof, once the weather makes that possible, a rack for the skiff oars and a secure locker for LBSC members' oars.

If you have a skill that can be employed, do step forward as there is much to be done before the season, fast approaching.

LIFEJACKETS AND WETSUITS

NOW, PLEASE an appeal to all members. Could those who have lifejackets and junior wetsuits at the club claim them as soon as possible. Some are worn or otherwise past their sell by, but others look serviceable. In every case, the lifejackets need checking, but first they need to be claimed.

And for those few who have yet to change their subscriptions to reflect the new increase, now's the time.

NEW 2020 SUBSCRIPTION FEES NOW DUE

Just a reminder to those who have not yet responded: LBSC's annual fees go up for this year.

For 2020 they are on average just under 10% higher, which means changing your standing order, or whatever your payment process, before it is due in March.

SEE TABLE BELOW

Those who don't respond will be giving the unfortunate  Membership Secretary and the Treasurer, the miserable, time consuming task of rounding up those who are in arrears, when they would far rather go sailing.

So please, please make their lives easier by logging into your bank account in good time before payment is due.Old figure in (brackets).

FAMILY (WITH SAILING CHILDREN) £100 (£90)

FAMILY (NO SAILING  CHILDREN) £70 (£65)

FAMILY (OVER 65 NO SAILING CHILDREN) £60 (£55)

ADULT £55 (£50)

CONCESSION £45 (£40)

JUNIOR £25 (£25)

LOKI ROWING ONLY £30 (£30)

RATIONALE

At the  2019 AGM, the membership authorised an increase in the 2020 membership in line with the 10% inflation since the last fee increase in 2014. Using the membership numbers in 2017 (available), the overall increase is 9.6%. No changes are proposed for any day or weekly memberships or Junior and Loki categories. All others to nearest £10 or £5.