LOCH BROOM SAILING CLUB: 2013 Programme and Minutes of Committee Meeting 23 03 13

2013 Programme and Minutes of Committee Meeting 23 03 13

Dates will be added to the Calendar

2013Programme
16^th March	AGM
Sat 23^rd March	Work day and committee meeting
20^thApril	Launch of Flying Fifteens, first race on the 20^th April.
27^th April	Spring tides, good date for launching Cruisers
11^th May	Pico Shakedown!
11^th May	FF Cup Race number 1 – spring BBQ
18th May	Coigach Skiff Regatta
31^st May to 3 June	4-day shakedown cruise
8^th June	FF Cup Race number 2
15^th/16^th June	Chanonry FF Match Racing with John Simpson
1^st to 5^th July	Pico Week
28^th June to 10th July	13-day summer cruise
8^th to 14^th July	World Skiff Championships Wed Over 50s; Friday – over 40s; Sat – Fun day at Pier
18^th to 20^th July	Maritime festival Stornoway
27^th July	FF Cup Race number 3
Late July	Summer Isles Cruise?
16^th to 18^th August	LBSC Regatta Includes FF Cup Race no 4
14^th September	Final FF Cup Race
20^th/21^st September	Loopallu
Late September	Storm Cruise
Mid October	Agreed haul-out weekend

In addition to regular events which include: Flying Fifteeens – Thursday pm and Saturday lunchtime; skiffs – Saturday am/Sunday am; Picos – Saturday am

Loch Broom Sailing Club

Committee Meeting 23 03 13

Club room 12pm

Minutes

Present: Paul Copestake, Mike Connor, John Osborne , Jill Bruce, Adrian Morgan, Donald Buchanan, Paul Driver, Rona Johnson

Previous minutes 01 12 12 approved.

Clubhouse and surrounds

Roof to be fitted when weather improves; a day’s work. Scalpings needed on perimeter of hard standing and concrete coping. Club refurb suggestions include: Carpet to be shampooed, walls painted and floors, if time permits.

Wee Pier

Minimal maintenance within the club’s abilities and budget to keep the pier operational, with more fendering if a cheap source of blue pvc can be found.

Flying Fifteens

Launch date 20 April. Club boats need general maintenance. Jill has antifouling for all three. Maintenance priority includes fixing sloppy tillers and continuing to improve sail controls. Black boat tiller repaired.

Suggestion that some sort of regular post- race beer and sandwiches/soup/BBQ to be a feature of Saturday racing, but would need organising from week to week.

Race fees to be cancelled. Too difficult to monitor and cash minimal.

Mike to take on Beige ‘n Blue. Jill and Julia to take over Black or Red, depending on access.

Martin Shairp and Murdo Urquhart to take over the third boat. AJM to send application form.

Ladder to be revived for 2013, but sailed in club boats only for fairness and put private owners into club boats from time to time to see what they’re up against.

LBSC Match Race with Chanonry, 15^th/16^th June, with John Simpson tuition for crew in the mornings. Details to be worked out nearer the time.

RIB

Chris has sorted out seat. Outboard does not require service this year. Fuel costs were discussed, but considered too low to warrant a levy. Pico Week fuel bill wa only arund £60.

Picos

Picos to meet Saturday mornings, organised by Paul Driver, with help from Emma and Beth. Children to be encouraged to sail solo. Paul to email Gerald in Stornoway re Pico training. Donald reiterated the need for an intermediate boat, if the right boat/price could be found. Deferred, as not considered urgent.

Pico Week set for first week in July.

Loki

Oars and maintenance. Bung!!

Finances

At the AGM, the treasurer’s report showed a healthy bank balance, which stood at £4,882.32 on 31 December 2012.

Members are reminded of the LBSC discounts to be had at Gael Force and Caley. Purchases to be paid for, then invoice claimed for from Paul Driver, Treasurer.

Donald will maintain beer and wine stocks. He suggests one size of can, not stubbies and tinnies.

AOB

Members to be urged to launch boats on the same weekend, to free up space. FFs on 20 April (plus first race); cruisers on 27 April.

Skiff-only fee. A discretionary one-off fee suggested to cover training up to and including the Worlds for those who simply want to row in the Worlds (or have been invited to make up crews), not sail. Little enthusiasm for a “skiff-only” fee, as this is against the “one fee use of all assets” philosophy adopted in 2012.

Folk only wanting to row would be better with UCRA.

The LBSC is a club to promote sailing, with a skiff as a bonus for its members.

General LBSC Safety Guidelines to be pinned up on notice board. Comments welcomed. AJM

It was suggested that the club appoints a Junior Committee to meet from time to time and pass on suggestions from the younger members to the club officers. Paul Driver to pursue.

A membership book to be kept in the clubhouse with a record of casual members and their details. Rona/Paul Driver.

Guidelines for Pico use (Paul D); Loki use (PC) and FF use (AJM) to be drawn up and posted on notice board.

Ends 1.20pm

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Self reliance rather than certification is a strong tradition in the Highlands, both afloat and ashore. We may appear to be among the most laid back sailing clubs in the country, which doesn't mean that we take safety lightly; far from it: you soon get bitten, sailing up here, but we rely on commonsense and the expertise of members, rather than an over reliance on certificates.

Take advice from an experienced sailor if in doubt about going afloat. Less confident sailors should stay in an area where you can be easily seen and quickly reached.

Do not sail in a boat or in weather conditions that are beyond your competence.

In short: respect the weather conditions, which can change rapidly, and the advice of those who know the area from many years’ experience of its moods.

Welcome to the Loch Broom Sailing Club. Our club is one which has traditionally had a fairly informal and non-disciplined attitude towards its running. As membership and facilities continue to grow there is, however, a need to be more rigorous and structured in our approach with safety being paramount and we do demand that certain safety standards are adhered to at all times.

The club was founded on the competitive edge of racing in largely single class boats. From there it developed into cruising/racing and thence to long distance cruising. Currently, the fleet of Flying Fifteens and more recently Picos has stimulated the competitive edge and we now see a resurgence of interest in racing in general - and this is to be encouraged.

The club is run by an elected committee and it has generally been the case that a regular core of committee members have been the mainstay of annual maintenance and repair to the clubhouse and its assets. We currently have a desire to improve the clubhouse and its surroundings, to maintain and look after the club boats, to organise training, to organise racing, to supervise Pico sailing, to be race starter, to chase grant aid - to name but a few of the ongoing requirements. We therefore welcome assistance from members who feel that they could help with, or perhaps take ownership, of any of these roles. We welcome new blood on the committee. If you would like to volunteer for any of these roles or feel you could contribute in any way to the running of the club we would be pleased to hear from you. Alternatively, please feel free to attend any of our committee meetings and offer your assistance.

The club occupies a very prominent position and we are under scrutiny from locals and visitors alike. It is essential that we maintain the appearance of the club, its environs and its assets - and for this we rely mainly on the enthusiasm and commitment of members. We would encourage you therefore to take your share of work during the many work parties that we intend to convene over the summer and winter periods.

Work parties unfortunately (or fortunately) have to fit between summer racing and cruising commitments and between winter training and boat maintenance - and that is before even considering the demands of normal family life - such is the life of a sailor.

SAFETY

Loch Broom Sailing Club recognises that there are always risks associated with sailing. The club policy is based on the following principles:

Responsibility for the safe operation of the club rests with the members.

The guidelines will ensure, as far as is reasonably practical, safe conditions are maintained within the clubhouse and compound, and minimise the risks associated with activities on the water.

Club members have a duty of care to take all reasonable steps to avoid injuring other club members and water users or damaging others equipment.

Members participate in all activities, which are not club training events, at their own risk.

Children are the responsibility of their parent, guardian or a supervising adult during these activities. The club does not carry out risk assessments for members taking part in these activities; it is the responsibility of individual members to make their own assessments of risk, taking into account factors such as weather, tides, skill, experience, equipment etc.

Members are free to use club facilities and assets at any time, subject to the individual rules for the club’s Picos, Flying Fifteens and St Ayles skiff. However they should remember that safety cover is only available at organised club events and therefore they are sailing entirely at their own risk.

A fundamental principle of maritime law is that the skipper is responsible for the safety of his vessel and crew. It is the skipper's responsibility to decide whether to start or continue a race.

The club has only one Rule covering all water activities at all times: Life jackets or buoyancy aids (appropriate CE approved, eg min.150N life jackets or 50N buoyancy aids) must be worn by all those on or in the water.

Fair Winds!

LOCH BROOM SAILING CLUB

We may appear to be among the most laid back sailing clubs in the country, which doesn't mean that we take safety lightly; far from it: you soon get bitten, sailing up here, but we rely on commonsense and the expertise of members, rather than an over reliance on certificates.

We have a number of members who have qualified as safety boat drivers, and coaches at various levels, and some of the older ones also have qualifications ranging from level 2 powerboat to Yachtmaster. RIB drivers must have level 2 Powerboat, minimum.

But self reliance rather than certification is a strong tradition in the Highlands, both afloat and ashore.

Nevertheless we are constantly debating our approach to safety, anxious however not to spoil the ethos of a club that prides itself on being not only laid back but responsible.

Members and other users of our facilities must take responsibilityfor their own safety both afloat and ashore. The club will do its best to provide on-water safety cover, but that does not alter individual responsibility. The safety boat is not always deployed for races, which puts the onus on fellow racers to assist if another boat is in trouble. Acceptance of this policy is a condition of going afloat.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

As a club member or visitor, you have a duty to both yourself and to other club users as regards safety. This duty means acting responsibly whilst on club premises, including in the use of the boat park andin the supervision of your children.

You can improve your own on-water safety by adopting the following:

Take advice from an experienced sailor if in doubt about going afloat. Less confident sailors should stay in an area where you can be easily seen and quickly reached.

Do not sail in a boat or in weather conditions that are beyond your competence.

In short: respect the weather conditions, which can change rapidly, and the advice of those who know the loch from many years’ experience of its moods.

But above all, enjoy your sailing, within your personal limits.

FACILITIES

Picnic Tables and Barbecue: The club has two substantial picnic tables in front of the clubhouse and a basic barbecue. These are used for social events and are available for use on an ad-hoc basis.

Club Room and Kitchen: The Clubhouse has a main meeting room and kitchen which is equipped with a kettle and microwave.

Noticeboard: Events and matters of interest are posted on the noticeboard on a regular basis.

Access to the Clubhouse: A key can be obtained from the treasurer for a small fee. Keys are controlled and should be kept secure and returned in the event of membership being discontinued.

Whilst the Club does not have a formal non-smoking policy, it is requested that those members who do smoke take the wishes others into consideration at Social events and meetings in the Clubhouse.

In recent months the club has been given a much-needed makeover, and a changing room made from the old storage room.

Improvements are ongoing, and now include a new galley bar.

The club room is available for a modest hire fee for functions and barbecues. Its aspect, overlooking the harbour, is one of the best in the village.

LOCH BROOM SAILING CLUB

Flying Fifteens, Picos, cruisers, skiffs -

Flying Fifteens, Picos, cruisers, skiffs - we welcome all those who enjoy messing about on the water. LBSC is a friendly club that welcomes new members.

Loch Broom Sailing Club is open to all with an interest in the sea and sailing. You don't have to own your own boat or even have much experience.

The Club owns some Flying Fifteens, 22ft keelboats which are ideal for racing and regatta events. Newcomers to sailing can get a good taste of the pastime by crewing a Flying Fifteen, without much danger of getting too wet (or traumatised!).

Private FF owners number around 10, making a potential fleet turnout of a dozen boats. There are a range of larger cruising sailboats which undertake trips to the Summer Isles, the Western & Northern Isles and further afield.

There are a growing number of children in the club who enjoy sailing accompanied in the Flying Fifteens and on the larger boats but also have fun on their own in the in the Picos, an ideal craft for small beginners.

The Feva is a high performance dinghy for those who have graduated from Picos and can also be sailed by adults.

Use of the Club House

Keys are available to purchase at cost. The Club House has a small lounge area, small store, toilet and small kitchen. There are no showers.

Club Discount

Members of the Club are eligible for 10% discount at Caley Marine Chandlery Inverness. Bulk purchasing of items from other suppliers, such as wetsuits has been organised and members can enjoy discount of up to 30% on this type of order.

Grants

The Club endeavours to obtain grant aid for group training and has been successful in obtaining a 50% grant for children's' training in 2003 and 2004.

Training

The Club is not an RYA accredited training centre, but has organised various training courses using visiting instructors and endeavours to give junior members every encouragement to learn to sail.

Ullapool UHI can organise RYA shore based courses such as: RYA Day Skipper, Yachtmaster, Competent crew, RYA powerboat level II, First Aid, Liferaft and lifejacket use and safe use of flares.

We have close links with local clubs which can offer formal training for those working up their RYA qualifications.

Use of Club Equipment

Members of the Club are eligible to use Club owned assets (including the Picos, Feva and the Flying Fifteens). Use of all Club equipment should comply with club safety requirements.

Flying Fifteens

The Club has two Flying Fifteen classic racing dinghies afloat during the summer, moored just off the Wee Pier. Each boat is available for use by club members. Racing takes place most weekends, and on Friday evenings weather permitting, and Saturdays, 3pm.

Picos and Feva

The Club owns three Pico dinghies and a Feva. These are launched each summer weekend, with safety boat cover, for the use of adults and children in the Club, weather permitting. Although the club is not a recognised RYA sailing centre informal instruction is given. Parents of children using the boats are expected to help out with launching, recovering, shore support and safety boat cover on a rota basis.

Every season a week, Pico Week, usually the first or second week in July, is set aside for more formal junior training.

General Information

www.ullapool.com

Navigational Points Click here for a map of the village

See the Ullapool Harbour web site here

Moorings

There are eight moorings at around £15 per night payable to the Harbour Assistants any time day or night. To get in touch the boats should either use the VHF channel14 or 16 or telephone 01854 612091 (24hrs). The harbour is trying to keep the outer steps clear so yachts can come alongside for water and stores etc.

If visitors wish to come to the pier they should use the same contact arrangements.

CONTACTS

Where are we? Follow this link for a map. The Wee Pier and Clubhouse are at the junction of Mill Street, Garve Road and Shore Street.

Loch Broom Sailing Club, The Clubhouse, Garve Road, Ullapool, Ross-shire

Harbourmaster

Mr Kevin Peach - 01854 612091

Banks

Royal Bank of Scotland, Argyle Street, 01854 612112

Bank of Scotland, West Argyle Street, 01854 612693

Doctor

Ullapool Medical Practice 01854 612015 (night and day)

Swimming Pool

Lovely indoor 25m pool Quay Street 01854 612884

Public Toilets

At the rear of the ferry car park on West Argyll Street

Fuel

Marine diesel is available at Ullapool Pier. Contact Harbour Office for details 01854 612091.

There is a petrol station on the Garve Road just by the Wee Pier

Groceries

Tesco Latheron Lane, Ullapool. Open 0800 - 2100 Mon - Sat and 0900 - 1800 Sunday

LOCH BROOM SAILING CLUB

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2013 Programme and Minutes of Committee Meeting 23 03 13