The New Season 2022

Welcome to the 2022 season, let’s all hope the COVID-19 regulations ease even more than 2020 and 2021 seasons although as I type the first day’s sailing is cancelled due to storm whoever!!

So far this year we have already seen some great turnouts for Work Parties which have been very well organised by Les.

This year see Tim Bowden stepping down as Commodore, Jayne Rowland stepping down from her role as taking the minutes in committee meetings as well as being in charge of Berthing. Dave Turtle will be stepping down as Sailing Secretary and Mark Heaton stepping down as Membership Secretary.

We thought it would be nice to have some passing comments from our retiring officers

Tim Bowden

I have been on the committee for over 20 years and in that time he has, with the other committee members, steered the club to where we are now.  Most memorable moments for me, include securing funding for our training boats; the biggest highlight must be when we finally were able to purchase the lake! Working with such a dedicated team whose goal is to make Shotwick Lake Sailing Club a friendly and warm place has, been a pleasure. I find teaching people to sail extremely rewarding, especially when they then become part of the Shotwick family.

Tim
Jayne Rowland

I have been on the committee for over 20 years and in that time he has, with the other committee members, steered the club to where we are now.  Most memorable moments for me, include securing funding for our training boats; the biggest highlight must be when we finally were able to purchase the lake! Working with such a dedicated team whose goal is to make Shotwick Lake Sailing Club a friendly and warm place has, been a pleasure. I find teaching people to sail extremely rewarding, especially when they then become part of the Shotwick family.

Jayne

Although we are stepping down, we are not abandoning the club, as we will remain as members and Tim hopes to be able to continue supporting the training and you may even see us on a Sunday at the back of the fleet.  Stepping down allows ‘new blood’ to become involved and we believe that this is essential to maintain the club’s vibrancy. 

We wish the club all the success for the future.

Tim & Jayne

I think we would all agree Tim has done an excellent job navigating the club through the ever-changing COVID-19 regulations, also Jayne as minutes sectary/newsletter editor and berth master,

Thank you both!

Dave Turtle is also standing down as he is moving out of the area, rumours are saying he is planning training for his new lightweight crew.

Dave Turtle

As many of you know, we are moving away from the area to the Midlands to be closer to family.  Exciting times; new house, new town, new sailing club and, last but not least, new grandson!  Plenty to keep us busy.

However, it is also with a tinge of sadness that we are leaving because we have made many good friends over a number of years both on and off the water.   The last couple of seasons have been challenging for all of us but there has been some great racing with a steady influx of new members many of whom I remember sailing against when they were just starting out.  It is encouraging to see more young people attracted to Shotwick and also to see the emergence of a junior fleet.

The club is not all about racing and it’s a lovely place to go to enjoy the lake and take advantage of what’s on offer.  At times it’s been good just to get on the water and we often enjoyed kayaking or joining with the social sailing/paddle boarding groups that meet during the week. 

It will be difficult for us to find another club with such a good range of facilities and where you can enjoy the lake at any time. 

I would like to thank the committee and all the members for their support during my time as Sailing Secretary, it really has made a huge difference.  I also thank Gaz for picking up the ropes and volunteering to take on the role.  I’m sure it will be good for the club to have a fresh pair of eyes.

Finally, I would like to wish you all fair winds and a following sea! 

Dave Turtle

Many thanks to Dave for the excellent work as Sailing Secretary in organising the racing programs over the last few years and your work on the new Course Book which I am sure the Race Officers will greatly appreciate

Last but not least Mark Heaton who has maintained the membership with his hard work reminding people to re-join with a little arm twisting in some cases.

Jayne & Mark

After 6 years service as Shotwick Lake Membership secretary, I am happy to let someone else take over the reigns. My predecessor (Ron King) undertook  the role for well over 20 years, so my stint didn`t even come close to that epic performance!!! However, I like to think I have done `my little bit` for the club where I spend so much time in the company of some great people. I never said I was good at `admin`, and I am grateful for every ones patience and understanding when I wasn`t as efficient as I would have liked to be.

I wish my mate John Purdie good luck in his new role as Membership Secretary, and I look forward to another season at our great club, Thankyou, see you on the water soon

Mark Heaton

Thanks Mark!

Here is to a good 2022, hopefully the weather Gods play their role and give us some fantastic sailing but most of all lets hope we can create some great memories.

Jeremy Cooper