Commodore's introduction from Richard Lewis

Published 12:56 on 27 Nov 2023

A message from the new BSC Commodore

Dear Members

I have the absolute privilege to be the new Commodore of Bosham Sailing Club and I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. A video version of this message can be found here.

By way of background, I have been a member here for about 20 years and have been an Oppie Class Captain and just spent 2 years as Rear Commodore Dinghies. I have been a lifelong dinghy sailor, learning on the Thames in Fireflies before spending a lot of time in 420s and Fireballs. I was a member of the Finn fleet here for a while (still one of my favourite boats) and am now sailing a Yachting World Dayboat (my new favourite boat) with my wife Laura. My two children Dom and Cossie have also sailed extensively, learning here at the Club, before moving through the youth ranks and on to team racing at university and beyond. Both have also been instructors and Cossie was the Club's Senior Instructor this summer. So I have a real passion for, and I hope understanding of, activities on the water. Sadly I couldn't make a career out of that so, professionally, I spent 30 years as a solicitor based in London.

I particularly want to thank Paddy and his team for an outstanding 3 years and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude for taking the Club from the depths of Covid to the vibrant and exciting place that it is today. In particular, I am standing on our magnificent new balcony (just fully completed with its new spiral staircase) which is such a wonderful addition to our Club and an amazing legacy for their vision and hard work.

So they have set the bar high but, with the dedication and enthusiasm of our new and continuing Flag Officers, and our excellent Clubhouse and Water teams, we will take their vision forward and I am confident that we will continue to see our Club grow and thrive. Bosham Sailing Club is in a really unique position, with its stunning location and views down the channel and up to the Downs, its protected waters, and the opportunities available to all. In particular we are all here to help ensure members can maximise their time on the water through cruising, racing or training, and then to come back to our wonderful clubhouse to share experiences and enjoy the atmosphere.

What I really love about the Club though is its inclusiveness - we have a wonderfully diverse membership connected by a shared passion for the water. We have young sailors taking their first tentative steps in an Oppie, through to those in their 80s out racing on a cold September day, we have ex Olympians, club racers, those wanting a relaxing cruise to East Head, others enjoying a trip to Bembridge or further afield. And of course we have the fantastic more recent addition of rowing and the ever-growing paddlesports fleets. There really is something for everyone, and it is our job to ensure that all that and more continues, and that we respond to members' needs.

And ultimately that is what it is all about - the members. The membership is clearly the lifeblood of the club and we want to hear from you and engage with you so that we, as a Club, can ensure that we move with the times and facilitate your enjoyment of the water and the clubhouse. So, as we formulate our plans for the next few years, please get in touch with me, any of the Flag Officers, the Class Captains or the Office - we would love to hear from you.

Thank you!

Richard Lewis

Commodore

Bosham Sailing Club

Last updated 11:51 on 12 March 2024