Tidal Diamond No. 324

Race Officer Training

Have you thought about training as a Race Officer but been put off because you fear it may be too difficult or too much responsibility? Many of our dinghy races have club line starts and are easy to manage. The club needs more people trained as race officers to support its dinghy programme. Come along on Easter Sunday ay 11am to learn the basics alongside the Easter Egg race, or contact Janice Bell on 07515 395912 for more details or alternate dates.

Janice Bell

Portsmouth Watersports Centre Slipway

Please be aware the PWC slipway suffered some damage recently from the dredger. The end of the slipway was damaged and there are piles of disturbed stones in the vicinity. There is no damage that we are aware of to the Tudor slipway. Please take care in the vicinity particularly around low tide.

Janice Bell

Cruiser Relaunch Weekend

I would like to thank all who helped with the Cruiser Relaunch last weekend, in whatever capacity. Thanks to your hard work, we launched 48 boats despite extremely cold weather and having to move boats around that were not ready for launching. I would especially like to thank George and his team for the planning and those unsung heroes who worked in the Galley and Bar to keep us all fed and watered over the weekend.

Richard Gunn
Commodore

Tudor email Addresses

We seem to be having problems with the club email addresses at the moment, with mailboxes being reported as full on some addresses. While this is being resolved, please use Committee members personal email addresses if you know them (mine is richard), otherwise send it to me and I will pass it on.

Richard Gunn
Commodore

Dinghy Friday & HW Cruise

I write this after just watching Sunday’s (24th March) BBC Countryfile long range weather forecast. For those that didn’t see it a brief précis gives us continuing arctic weather into the forthcoming Easter weekend.

So how do I turn an unremitting atrocious weather season into a good news story for the HW Cruise due on Bank Holiday Monday (1st April – no don’t laugh)… Long pause.

Dinghy Friday 29 March

On a positive note Good Friday, as the last Friday of the month, is Dinghy Friday where it’s customary for the Dinghy members to get together at the club from 8pm and pass tales of sunnier days and warmer weather. I would welcome any of our newer (and older) members to come down for a chat and a drink to discuss the HW Cruise. The following Friday is in the club calendar as the Dinghy pre-season meeting so there will be more detail of the club’s cruises and races for the “summer”.

High Water Cruise – Bank Holiday Monday

Now to the HW Cruise planned to depart for 1330 on a weather dependent cruise in company around the upper reaches of the harbour. For those that have never indulged it’s the opportunity to take a leisurely cruise beyond the usual confines of the racing courses with the sole aim of enjoying the views, security and company that cruising can offer. There will be the Tudor RIB as Patrol Boat cover and a handy place to put your sandwiches for those that have limited stowage on their dinghies. The intent is to stop for a bring your own lunch stop and we normally pull the dinghies onto a shingle shore line or for those that can drop an anchor and let the dinghy swing in the shallows. There will be a briefing at 1300; I can’t promise the sun but it’s a great way to start the season and renew friendships that perhaps our recent weather has endeavoured to put too much time in between.

As a very ad hoc idea if you’re intending to come to the cruise just drop me a short email on my Tudor address dinghies

Phil Bryant
Dinghy Captain

Tidal Diamond No. 324

Weekend Arrangements

PARKING

The barriers will be opened from 6.30 am each day. Please proceed as directed by Marshall’s.

On Saturday we have sole use of the Water sports Centre car park. Please try to park thoughtfully as it’s not as big an area as previously.

On the Sunday there is an RYA conference at the centre so please park at the far end. This will allow delegates to the conference to park nearer the main building.

CATERING

Finally, for those interested ingredients for a hot lunch will be available from the Galley between 12.00 and 2.00 on Friday – usual catering arrangements will be available over the launch weekend.

George Thomson
Bosun

Tidal Diamond No. 323

Cruiser Re-launch

PARKING – The car park at next to Kendel’s is not available this year. Marshal’s will direct drivers to use the Portsmouth Outdoor Centre (POC) car park. Because of the large numbers of boats not launching, parking initially will be restricted to the POC. The small car park North of the North gates will be out of bounds. We will need this to put boats into to allow access to those launching. Late comers may be allowed to use the grass verges, but only as directed by Marshal’s. Emergency access must be allowed at all times.

MANPOWER AVAILABILITY – Everyone is expected to turn up on both Saturday and Sunday. Boats staying ashore must be attended by owners when lifted (likely to be more than once). Furthermore we still require crews to assist in all of the other activities. Remember those who will be giving up their time after the re-launch weekend to assist in launching all the late stayers.

ONCE AFLOAT – The water taxi will disembark crews immediately or shortly after boats have successfully moored. Skippers may need to remain a little longer to check for leaks and secure boats. The water taxi can either be hailed or called on VHF #M1.

BOATS STAYING ASHORE – Every effort will be made to position boats to satisfy individual requirements. This will not be easy and you may find yourself penned in and unavailable to launch until a suitable slot is available based around other boats and subsequent planned lifts.

Once again, please be advised that it is your responsibility to arrange your lift in after the club re-launch weekend. Overstay fees come into force from 1st May. Sick boat status must be applied for in writing and will be considered at the next available Bosun’s meeting. (That’s when I become unpopular !!)

BOATS LAUNCHING – We may at some stage during the weekend adopt a different procedure that involves no water babies. This will involve a dedicated crew of 4 embarking on the slipway to man handle your boat clear of the hoist and to remove/unhook the aft sling. If you are one of these boats, your only crew will be one person to assist going to your mooring. This will be subject to the weather and state of tide. Take time to run up your engines and

LENGTH OF MOORING STROPS – One and a half times the length of waterline to stem head + distance to cleat. It was noted several boats last year had strops too long. This causes clashes with other boats. Please take time to review your set up once you have moored.

IDENTIFYING MOORINGS – The harbour master has requested that moorings are clearly identified. Please ensure your mooring has the correct number clearly marked on it. If you launching later and still have winter marks on your mooring, please also ensure these are clearly marked with your mooring number. We have had a recent incident where wrongly marked moorings resulted in improved moorings being wrongly positioned, thus bringing the whole process to a halt.

I hope to see a good turnout at tonight’s safety briefing. If you are unable to attend then I most certainly look forward to seeing you all at the weekend. I hope it turns out to be a successful weekend, given the huge amount of work involved. It’s not too late to change your mind – GET AFLOAT. Remember we are a self help and not a help self club.

George Thomson
Bosun

Social Secretary

We are very pleased to announce that Steve Francis has offered to stand as Social Secretary and was appointed at the last Exec Committee meeting on Monday.

Richard Gunn
Commodore

Advert

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If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,

Sophie Robson
Marketing Manager

Tidal Diamond No. 322

Cruiser Update

For the weekend after cruiser launch (Easter weekend), the calendar is showing Chichester Harbour. This is a good shake down run and, if staying at the marina, means there is power available for heating if it is cold at night.

There are also some lovely walks from there for those interested. Good food is available at the sailing club or the marina restaurant. I have put a notice on the cruiser board for names of those interested (I will probably need more details for a final booking as “Premier” normally request this).

It may be possible to book some spaces at Emsworth yacht harbour which is great if anyone fancies some good live music at the Lord Raglan on the Sunday night – again I will need details of those interested.

The traditional start of season Folly trip is down for the weekend of the 13th / 14th April so the weather may be a little bit better and the hours of daylight a little longer. Again, there is a notice on the board asking for names etc.

As we are unlikely be in the water, at least for Easter, if there are takers for this trip, it would be good if someone could act as contact / focal point at the marina (we may cheat and come round by car in the evening for the meal).

Roger Smith
Cruiser Captain.

!!! MUG AMNESTY !!!

Could anyone that has borrowed TSC mugs from the galley please return them as soon as possible to the club (and especially before Cruiser Launch on 23rd March). Also, if you have any unwanted mugs that are in tip top condition we would really appreciate them being donated to the club.

Many thanks
The TSC Galley Crew

Cruiser Launch : Galley Opening Hours

FRIDAY 22nd March : 12-2pm

SATURDAY 23rd March

Breakfast 8.00 until 10.30am
Lunch Midday until 3.00pm
Tea and cakes will be served in the afternoon

SUNDAY 24th March

Breakfast 8.00 until 10.30am
Lunch Midday until 3.00pm
Tea and cakes will be served in the afternoon

If you are stuck on the water and would like food to be put aside for later please radio in to request this.

Please note that food serving times will be made as flexible as possible but we will need to prepare for lunches after the breakfast servings.

The galley crew are giving up a lot of their time over cruiser launch weekend so please take time for a smile or a thank you.

Regards
TSC Social Committee

Cruiser Launch 23rd/24th March.

This year we are faced with an unprecedented number of boats (currently 36) choosing not to launch on the appointed relaunch date. This is mainly due to the prolonged cold weather we have experienced, together with a number of boats having been symblasted and requiring remedial work that requires warmer conditions.

It is crucial that we have an accurate account of who is not launching. Please advise Richard Calas on 07811 000752 to CONFIRM that you WILL or WILL NOT be launching, even if you have already told us. If no communication is received prior to Friday 16th March it will be assumed that you are launching.

Whilst every effort will be made to accommodate the specific requirements of those staying ashore, there is every possibly that you may find yourself penned in and not able to launch when you want to due to the numbers involved. We have to clear the summer Dinghy space and leave space enough for the tenders of those who will be afloat.

There will be a lot of delays during the weekend whilst non- launching boats are being moved to a parked area. Owners of non-launching boats MUST ENSURE their boats are ready in all respects to be lifted and be available to move blocks and ladders as and when required. Please remember that all cruiser owners are required on both Saturday and Sunday to be available as and when required for what is an extra ordinary amount of work that we are faced with this year.

I strongly urge all owners to be present at the safety brief to be held next Wednesday 20th March at 2000 in the club house.

Finally, for all of those staying ashore, there will be limited opportunities subject to tide, club sailing activities and availability of Tractor drivers/hoist operators to launch prior to 1st May.

Club policy is that an overstay fee is charged for boats not designated as “Sick boat status”. The latter is not something easily granted. Please all talk to each other and ensure you don’t miss your window of opportunity. It may end up being costly.

I do hope the weather improves and that we all get back on the water ,in the fullness of time, and enjoy the forthcoming sailing season.

George Thomson
Bosun

Tidal Diamond No. 321

CALLING ALL CADETS

You may have seen that Portsmouth Watersports Centre are offering children’s sailing tuition at Easter (March 25th -28th April 2nd -5th and 8th-12th) bookable on a daily basis.

The standard price is £40 per day but to all Cadets of Tudor Sailing Club it is £30 per day or £15 per ½ day if booked before 17 March.

This is a great opportunity to work towards your RYA Stage 1, 2 or 3 qualifications or improve your boat handling with qualified instructors.

We have a great fleet of RS Tera, RS Feva and RS Visions.

Running Along side these days we have Multi Activity days running.

For more information or to book, contact the centre on;

Tel: 023 9266 3873

Email:portsmouth.watersports

This Special Tudor Rate is not available on line so please call or email and mention this special offer when booking.

Tidal Diamond No. 320

New Trustee

As I am now Commodore, I feel that it is in the club’s best interests if I step down from my post as a Club Trustee as soon as a replacement Trustee can be appointed.

Consequently, the Commodore and Executive Committee invite expressions of interest from members who could support the club in the role of Trustee.

The following are extracts from the Constitution regarding the Trustees:

· The Property of the Club shall be vested in three Trustees who shall be appointed by the Executive Committee and shall hold office for five years or until resignation from the Club or withdrawal.

· The Trustees of the Club shall have the right to attend Executive Committee Meetings in a non-voting capacity.

· All property of the Club shall be vested in the Trustees to be dealt with by them as the Executive Committee may from time to time direct by resolution (of which an entry in the Minute Book shall be conclusive evidence).

· The Trustees shall be indemnified against risk and expenses out of the Club property.

· No person shall be elected a trustee or officer of the Club unless:

· He/she has completed one year of membership.

· His/her name and permanent address, shown on a list of Local Government Electors, is within forty miles radius

Further details can be obtained from the Commodore or Hon. Secretary.

Please confirm your interest in writing to the Hon Secretary, Mo Clark, by Friday 15th March 2013.

Richard Gunn – Commodore