The 2024 season has ended with a great Winter Series with numbers doubling for both the All-in-Handicap and Laser fleets. Congratulations to Robert Govier and David Figgis in their Tornado for their narrow victory over Joe Barton in his Topper. The Lasers were won by new member Galen Lowney, a terrific result for his first races at WYC, with Laser Radials won by John Phelan.
We have survived Storm Darragh but please can we ensure that boats are secure, with masts down, over the winter period.
WYC Sailing Committee has been asked to support members who wish to free sail or race informally during the winter between the end of the winter series 2024 and start of the early series 2025, including a request to use a WYC safety boat to provide rescue cover.
The SC discussed the request at their meeting on Nov 18th and recommends that members review the WYC General and Sailing Safety Manual:
https://www.wyc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/WYC_General_Safety_Manual_-_July_2024.pdf which clearly states the responsibility of a member wishing to sail:
‘The safety of a boat and her entire management including insurance shall be the sole responsibility of the owner/ person in charge who must ensure that the boat has the appropriate equipment and insurance and that the crew are adequately skilled to face the conditions that may arise.’
The club does not wish to prevent members from choosing to free sail during the winter but would advise against sailing during challenging weather and unless there are adequate numbers to provide mutual assistance.
The club will allow groups of members to use a WYC safety boat to support free sailing providing there is a minimum of 6 boats sailing to allow recovery of the SB, a qualified SB driver and crew and that all normal SB guidance and checklists are followed.
2024 has been a great season with numbers competing and participating up substantially across all of our fleets and activities. We are working on the 2025 programme which will provide the opportunity for further growth, some great sailing and lots of fun.
