Congratulations to Kieron for qualifying as an RYA Dinghy Senior Instructor. 

On the sad news of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, our thoughts and condolences are with Her Majesty The Queen, RYA Patron, The Princess Royal and the Royal Family.

We are delighted to say that, if all goes to plan, the club will be open for members from Monday 29th March. The committee have been working hard to obtain clarification on what we can do in conjunction with the RYA. As we know things can potentially change at short notice but I am sure you will be pleased to learn that the committee is planning positively. The government is due to release further guidance on 22 March and any changes will be communicated.

The club has a duty of care to all its members and we need to ensure that we take appropriate precautions to try to keep our club Covid secure. Please note link to RYA “road map” 

So, what can you do at the club from 29 March:-

Recreational use of the water is allowed in line with guidelines – rule of 6 or two households.

Racing – the club is currently working with the RYA to see how racing can go forward

Only the entrance and disabled toilet can be accessed initially. Please do not use this facility for changing. Hand sanitisers are placed both outside and inside the facility. All clubhouse facilities will be professionally cleaned before use by members and will continue to be cleaned on a regular basis.

Buoyancy Tests (dinghies)

Could we remind members that dinghies used at OSC must have an annual buoyancy test before going on the water. As we are not able to carry out formal checks until later in the season, could you ensure that you make an honest assessment of your boat’s seaworthiness. The main check is for the airtightness or buoyancy tanks and bags.

For boats with built in buoyancy tanks, check around seams, joints and mast foot for cracks or gaps, missing or damaged bungs etc. On water check can be carried out by filling the boat to the brim with water, waiting for 20 mins and then checking tanks for leaks. For boats with buoyancy bags: check that all bags are undamaged, airtight and their securing straps are firmly attached to the boat. Ensure that rigging is in good condition.

If in doubt, do not go out or ask for advice.

Insurance Reminder

All dinghies, canoes, kayaks, windsurfers and paddle board used or stored at the club must have third party insurance. To confirm you are insured, please log into your account on the club website, navigate to your profile page, click ‘edit’ and tick the box that has been added.

Finally, as restrictions ease, further communication will be sent out regarding the use of club facilities and club activities and events.

Looking forward to a great season and stay safe!

Gill Walton, Commodore

Unfortunately due to the current situation the club is closed to all members. Hopefully we'll be open again in time for the start of the sailing season. We'll update you all as soon as we can. 

See the Upcoming Events section for details and register now for Barts Bash 2020. Maximum 20 boats. Lunch available. Get to the club by 1pm for the big Barts Bash race that starts at 2pm. This is a 1 hour race with silverware for lots of different categories including juniors.

Following the Prime Ministers announcement on Sunday regarding easing of lockdown measures, and with guidance from the RYA, we have revised our policy on sailing and other watersport at OSC during the current period.

Please see the link. If you have any specific questions not covered here, do get in touch.

Health and Safety

If you have a trophy, could you please return it to the clubhouse by 31st Jan so it can be polished and engraved for this year's lucky recipients.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

I hereby give notice that the Annual General Meeting of Otley Sailing Club will be held at the Westbourne House, Westbourne Close, Otley  LS21 3LG on Thursday 20 February 2020 at 7.30pm.

There will also be the opportunity to have refreshments prior to the meeting at 6.30pm; this will be a pie supper and will need to be booked in advance through the OSC website. (An email will be sent when this is open for orders) The bar will also be open for the evening.

Nominations are requested for the Officers listed below and should be in the possession of the Hon Secretary by 31^st December 2019. Any full member of the club [other than a junior member] is entitled to propose or be proposed for any of the positions.

Any proposals for amending the constitution should be sent to the Hon Secretary in writing, duly proposed and seconded by 31^st December 2019.

Nominations for Officers and Committee 2020

Please return your nominations duly proposed and seconded  by 31 December 2019 to:

Eileen O'Grady, Honorary Secretary

26 Mount Pleasant Gardens, Leeds, LS8 4EH or by e-mail to emmmmc@hotmail.com

It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our friend and OSC Lifetime Member, Eric Lee. 

Eric was a club member for over 20 years, and many of you will have known him through his work as a Sailing and Powerboat Instructor. He was also a dedicated Sailfree Volunteer as well as a Trustee and Director of the Club. We will greatly miss his dry sense of humour and presence at the club. He was a true gentleman who made a positive difference to the lives of many people.

Eric's funeral will take place on Friday 22nd November, 12.20pm, at Lawnswood Crematorium.  Club members are invited to attend.

No flowers please, donations will be taken for the RNLI. 

Thank you.

Magnus McDonald

Commodore

Otley Sailing Club 

The Autumn RYA Level 1 & 2 Powerboat training course is now available

Members can enroll on line (Go to Calendar, Up and coming events) 

Any questions contact

Paul Karran on paulkosc@virginmedia.com