Commodore's notices
Boatshed Access
For those who wish to access the Boatshed for Race Management Equipment, boats or masts. The Race Equipment is all kept in the Boatshed now.
The Boatshed small door can be opened using the old Clubhouse key which is housed in a key safe in the ladies undercroft. The key to the double doors is housed with the Race Equipment. If you wish to open the double doors and don't know how to access that key, call any Flag Officer or the Harbourmaster. If you do open the double doors, make sure they are bolted and locked before you leave and that the key is returned to where it came from.
Casual Sailing or Paddleboarding without Patrol Boat Cover.
Club Members are allowed to sail or take part in other water-based activities from the Club at any time but are advised that whilst sailing casually without Patrol Boat availability, masthead buoyancy and the wearing of buoyancy aids are recommended. It is also recommended that when Paddleboarding from the Club, buoyancy aids are worn.
Paddleboarders, please do feel free to let other paddlers know when planning a SUP trip from the Club if you would like some paddling companions. In winter, particularly, it is always safest to paddle with someone else and it's a wonderful season to get out and enjoy the quieter waterways.
Paddleboarders, please do not leave the Boatshed or the Secure Undercroft doors open while you are out on the water. It leaves both spaces insecure and there has been a spate of thefts from riverside locations recently.
Aude Romanet-Campana is the SUP Captain and can be contacted on on 07427 029 034 or by e-mail to mailto:aude.sunyogamoon@gmail.com.
Please ensure that your Board is identified and that it is labelled and its rack slot is established. Once you have established your Board in a rack slot, please continue to keep it in that slot.
Pilates on Monday mornings
On the first Monday of each month, Joanne Zorian-Lynn will be holding a Pilates class in the Clubhouse between 10:30 and 11:30. This Pilates class is suitable for all ages and abilities as each exercise is offered and demonstrated for all levels.
To book a place contact Joanne on -Tel: 07754 686378
Boat Licences
I would remind you that owners of all craft (including Dingies, Canoes and Paddleboards) must have a river licence. Quoted from the EA website:
'If you're paddling on the non-tidal section of the river (Cricklade Bridge to Teddington) yes, you need either a non-powered pleasure craft licence available from the environment agency here or join the British Canoeing here. Either of these entitles you to paddle on the non-tidal section of the Thames.' You might also want to check your insurance.
Car Parking
If you do not have a Club Car Park Ticket, or have mislaid yours, please get one from the stock held at Phil's Bar they are free to Members just ask!
You are asked to put your name on the Ticket and other helpful information, such as Boat Sail No., if you are likely to be out on the water.
Club Boats
We now have a considerable number of Club Boats which are used for training and which are also available for Members who do not have their own boat, to use and to get more proficient. Unlike most other Clubs which charge for hiring Club Boats, we like to provide these free to Members to encourage newer sailors to hone their skills and to support our training courses.
The boats do, however, suffer from wear and tear, damage and bits falling off accidentally. We rely on those who borrow our Boats to let us know if one has suffered any depredations whilst they have been using it so that we can repair it and make it immediately available for the next person who wishes to use it. If any faults develop whilst you were using a Boat, then please record them in the book on the side of the grey steel cabinet in the Boatshed, by the double doors, identifying the Boat and the problem. Also, please pack Boats away properly when you have finished using them.
The Club Boats do incur costs to the Club in the form of Insurance Premiums, River Licences and general upkeep and we rely on you not to abuse the contribution that Club Members make to enable you to use the equipment.
Buoyancy Aids
The Club's Buoyancy Aids are principally for the use of our Junior sailors but can be borrowed by Members who have not brought their own to the Club or Trial Sailors who don't own one. These are loaned free of charge but we do ask that you return them to where they came from when you have finished sailing. It has been noted that, at the moment, some of the Buoyancy Aids are missing and others have been found scattered in random locations. These are not cheap items and we ask you to take care of them.
The wearing of buoyancy aids is mandatory during the Winter Series. The wearing of them is strongly recommended at all times, particularly when there are strong gusty winds.
Club Catering
New appointment expected soon.
Social Saturday
During the darker months of the year the inclination to indulge in Social Sailing will inevitably ebb but we anticipate it picking up again when the Junior Sailing restarts in April and we have the Clubhouse and Bar open. However, should anybody wish to venture out, please read the Social Sailing Risk Statement on the Sailing Notices page of the Club website before taking to the water, and take due appreciation of the weather conditions.
Club Duty Roster
The smooth running of our racing programme relies on rostered Members fulfilling their allocated duties. There have been instances where members have confirmed that they will be attending but have failed to show up on the day without giving any notice. This has resulted in another Member having to give up their sailing to assist with that day's race organisation.
When you receive an SCM duty reminder e-mail, please confirm in SCM Duty roster that you will perform your allotted duty or, if you know that you will not be able to perform a duty on the day you are rostered, please request a duty swap using the swap facility. Should you subsequently find that for some pressing reason you cannot perform a duty you have already confirmed, please contact the designated OOD or a Flag Officer to let them know; also please attempt to find a substitute using the SCM duty swap facility.
To access the SCM Duty roster follow the link on the Tamesis website via the Duties tab. If you have forgotten how to log into or use SCM Duty roster features, please contact Jim Green (jimgreenhcr@gmail.com or 07785 550664).
Site Security
To minimise the possibility of unwanted visitors to the Boatshed, we ask that those who store their Paddleboards in the Boatshed and those who are working on boats in the Dinghy Park but using the Boatshed as well, do not leave either Boatshed door open while they are not in it.
Offshore Sailing
Simon Thompson would like to remind Members that, as a by-product of the merger of Ariel with Tamesis, they potentially have access to the facilities of The Yacht Club which has two boats based on the Solent. Simon has posted a message via the Tamesis Club Sailing WhatsApp giving some details of what is available and a link to further details. Several Members have taken advantage of this arrangement and, if you are interested in some offshore sailing, please follow up by contacting Simon.
Marcus Chavasse
Commodore
Last updated 18:38 on 25 April 2024