Why?

Last night was again cancelled due to no safety boat!
I was embarrassed as I had brought a visitors to the club (from another club) to crew for me
They had a round trip of 140 miles!

I understand that there was a mechanical problem with the remaining boat and that the replacements are being sorted.

Did the club know before hand or did it breakdown that afternoon?
With the technology available could a message not have been posted on the website?
(today there is news of an event at another club!)
What is the state of play re the replacements?
We are now 5 weeks on

I’ll ask again should our race programme be put on hold?
Will we be able to host the Forts Race?

Glenn

PS the only saving grace - it was great out on the water!!!!!!!

I am replying on behalf of the Hon Bosun, Ian Embry, as he is not on email and does not have access to the internet.

I am very sorry that we have had to cancel two races due to lack of safety boats.  I have been away for two weeks but I can bring you and the members up to date with the present situation.

I am assured that RIB 1 will be repaired and back on the water this weekend as will RIB 2.  The third RIB, which was punctured by a cat, is being repaired on Saturday, a new engine is on order and will be here in a week or so.

We have the use of 2 scout boats and Busters so there is more than adequate back up.  The Forts Race will go ahead and there is no need to put the club racing programme on hold.

I do not know when we knew the boat last night was out of action. Jason Wild kindly offered the use of one of his boats but the race officer took the decision that the boat was not man enough to support cat racing offshore in the conditions.  Mike Fitz is one of the most experienced race officers in the club and we must respect his decision. I really am sorry you were inconvenienced.

In future if any member has any queries about rescue boats would they please put them through Mel in the office. Following theses recent difficulties, we have now set up a system that makes her the point of contact and she will have the up to date situation and has the authority to take any action needed.  In the past we have sometimes suffered from having too many fingers in too many pies.  Hopefully we can learn from this experience.

I hope this clarifies the situation.

John Cooper
Rear Commodore (Sailing)

Thanks John, that is really great news!

Sorry the Forum is bearing the brunt of my frustration

Glenn

Update:

Rib 1 - up and running.
Rib 2 - up and running.

So racing back on schedule.

Thanks to Paul Neilly who worked through his lunch to make it happen.  You all owe him a pint I think!!

Have a good day - nice Force 3 forecast for tomorrow last time I looked.

Mel

Well done Paul and everyone else involved

A proper sailing club again!

Glenn