Latest Minutes



      Loch Broom Sailing Club
Minutes Saturday 18th March 2017 at 4:20 pm


1.                  Present: Adrian Morgan, John Osborne, Kate Copestake, Nat Wilson, Dave Maxwell, Paul Copestake, Sandy Osborne, Gill Wilson, Donald Buchanan, Paul Driver
Apologies: Gilly Meighan, Jason Leon, Alison, Bobby and Siobhan Osborne, Craig Maddock.

2.                  Minutes previous meetings

2.1.              28th January 2017: Accepted as read
2.2.              22nd October 2016 (Last full committee): Accepted as read
2.3.              4th March 2017 (Draft AGM Minutes): Have been circulated, to be approved at next AGM.

3.                  Officers' reports

3.1.              Commodore:  Focus on offering value for money to members – how can this be realised when most have their own boats? At present those who seem to benefit most are junior sailors using club dinghies, those who sail the club’s Flying Fifteens (only one operational at present), and rowers. Need to encourage members to crew for private yachts and Flying Fifteens.
3.2.              Treasurer: bank balance stands at approx. £11k, with membership subs largely received, and no major expenses as yet this year (main expenses known are insurance ~£1500, and roof repair (see below)). At present, each Champion has a spending limit of £100 per year, with anything over this requiring approval by the committee. The guideline budget for each Champion is £300 – if this figure is spent across the board, the club would make an annual loss of around £250, which is sustainable in the short to medium term. Paul and Dave to review spending guidelines.
Post AGM Rollick: 53 paid £17.50, 53 attended (51 paying and 2 guests) charged £15.00 by Royal, £100 given as quiz prize, leaving surplus of £32.50. If those who paid and didn’t attend want a refund – break even. Donald’s raffle raised £150. Only gripe was lack of pudding; coffee was available on request. Repeat event next year.

4.                  Champions' Comments

4.1.              Cruising (John O):  Dates on programme remain unchanged.
4.2.              Flying Fifteens (Adrian):  Sandy is looking at handicaps – likely to remain much the same. “Freedom” in good shape. Discussion about second FF centred on its colour – Nat and Gill to look at adopting this boat, with a budget of £300 for bringing it up to spec.
4.3.              Youth (David-Paul D-Alison):  Dave reported that 14 are signed up for Pico Week, which has Robyn as instructor as per last year. Emma is around in the summer, and hopes to be available to help with sessions.
4.4.              Skiff (Paul C):  In summary, regular rowing sessions continue, new oars made over winter, and in training for Coigach and Ullapool Regattas.
4.5.              Clubhouse and surrounds (Donald):  Clubhouse roof is leaking above clubroom. Sandy to obtain opinons/advice and quotes from local contractors. Paul D to make temporary repair to prevent further damage. Could also consider fibre glass roof with fall.
New combination lock bought for shed, following loss of key.
Clubroom heater left on on several occasions, evidence of smoking and drinking – culprits unknown. Donald and Adrian to fit combination lock (that we have) to clubroom door [note: overtaken by events subsequent to meeting].
Donald has offer of kerb stones etc from Royal works. Royal’s contractors unlikely to be able to help with placement on club hardstanding. Job for forthcoming Work Day.
Wee Pier: Some pipe fendering fitted, but bolts still protruding elsewhere. We have pipe to fit. John to obtain studs and nuts; Sandy to obtain grout. For work day.
New water heater needs to be turned down to Frost Protection setting after use – notice required.

4.6.              Trailer: Has new wheels, and is finished mechanically. Frame needs sanding/rust treatment, and painting with Hammerite. Paul C to draw up conditions for use. Noted particularly that those driving must have trailers included on their licence, and have motor insurance that covers trailers. Tailboard to be provided by those borrowing trailer – needs to be full width. Only for use of club members. Fee for borrowing to be decided – around £10. Never to be put in seawater. Decided not to include under club insurance – theft is only risk. Keep in John’s field. Lock needed – John to investigate.

4.7.              Review of Champions – remain as last year.

5.                  Work Day and Curry night Afternoon Tea, 25th March

Tasks: Fit fenders to wee pier, paint trailer, prepare for surfacing of hardstanding, general tidying, and more.
Time: 11am start, with tea at 3 pm.

6.                  AOB
Clash noted between Coigach Rowing and Isle Martin event – both dates set, unfortunate.
Nat mentioned fundraising – need to continue despite healthy funds. Decided to organise an “Outdoor Activity Jumble”, with date around 22 April (check on other activities). Charge £10 per pitch. No public advertising of event due to licence requirement. Adrian and Gill to take forward.
Noted: Inverness Boat Jumble taking place North Kessock, 29 April, in aid of RNLI.



2017 Committee

Commodore:               Adrian Morgan
Vice Commodore:       John Osborne
Treasurer                    Dave Maxwell
Secretary                    Paul Driver

Members
Paul Copestake, Robert White, Siobhan Osborne, Bobby Osborne, Alison Osborne, Sandy Osborne, Anthony O’Flaherty, Donald Buchannan, Gilly Meighan, Nat Wilson, Jill Wilson.