An update from BSC Commodore - September 2021

Published 07:43 on 5 Sep 2021

Dear Members,

It's been a while since my last update, so I wanted to take this opportunity to say hello and give you a quick update as to what's happening at our club. A video version of this update can be found here.

Firstly, a big thank you. Thank you to all of you who have joined this year, thank you to all of you who remain ever committed to BSC and making this such a special club. I say this because although we have wonderful staff the club simply could not function without members. Members volunteering to run events, members organising social activities and frankly members performing the critical duties that enable our core activities. I love the fact we have such a varied and capable membership that augments our BSC team to run quality events and racing. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

As the season draws to a close, I thought I'd quickly reflect on the packed year we have had. Put in the context of the uncertainty around COVID and the impact this has had on our ability to do the things we wanted to do, overall it's been a great year. As Commodore I can do a lot of things but controlling the weather and the wind is disappointingly not one of them. This is evident with the Regatta that had to be moved and the mammoth efforts of logistics and volunteering which enabled us to put on some great racing and some cheeky social activity.

Events like the Oppie open with over 100 entries, the Finn Open, the Feva open, Laser Fleet racing and the Masters to name but a few, goes to show the vitality and health of the club is strong. We all know, and the flags and I are aware that this has not been a normal year for the social side of the club. We have done our best to keep everyone as safe as we can and follow all of the ever-changing rules and guidelines! But timing is everything and it would be remiss of me not to mention the hugely successful and well attended BSC Junior Week and Junior week reunion! What struck me was the sheer level of commitment and dedication of the team organising the event, most of whom were volunteers, and their obsession with putting on a good show. Well, they certainly achieved that! With over 120 participants by all standards the racing and the socials were simply excellent

All of these events, in my experience, build lifelong friendships and memories with people in our community coming together to have fun and enjoy all of what BSC has to offer.

Lifelong friendships and memories are poignant with regards to our Bosun. For many members, they have not known the club without Gavin. He has been a stalwart of the club for so long that some of our cadets simply see Gavin as omnipresent. As I mentioned previously, Gavin decided that it was time for him not to work every weekend and to start spending the weekends sail racing rather than patrolling on a rib. I am working with Gavin to ensure he remains part of the fabric of the club and I am looking forward to seeing him on the water in a dinghy! We will be making a presentation to Gavin after the CDB race on September 25th. Should members wish to show their appreciation, and contribute to a leaving present, please advise the office by Monday 20th Sept.

Life is slowly returning to 'normal' and the Flag Officers and staff are constantly assessing and balancing our obligations to members wellbeing with the activities we can offer. Whilst putting into context the heart-breaking impact COVID has had on many families, it has also made this an awkward year for us to operate. That being said, our sailing program was full, and the training side of the club has received new vigour and delivered some exceptional training to many members, both cadets and adults alike.

Not wishing the year away, the flag officers and I are now actively looking at 2022 with a full and exciting racing season and training program. The thing missing this year was certainty around what we could do from a social side. As we go into 2022, if not sooner, RC House is busy planning a renewed and vibrant set of events with favourites like Bridge, Scottish Dancing, Bosham Reach and film nights back on the agenda alongside a refreshed food offering. As we do so, we really encourage members to take part and start using the club as we have done in pre COVID years we need your support to keep sailing running, we equally need your support as we start to fully reopen our social calendar! I look forward to seeing you in the club!

To close, the year is not over with lots of events still taking place over the coming months, but so far it has been a great and exciting year. My thanks to you our members and our staff you folks really do make this the best Sailing Club!

Paddy Mirams

Commodore

Bosham Sailing Club

Last updated 11:51 on 12 March 2024