Improvement works have started in the Longshed.   The galley store is being repositioned into a more convenient spot which will release space for tenders to be stored by the front door.  A fixed Bar is being constructed and work is being done to the electrics and plumbing.  The lighting is being upgraded.   There are plans to do more improvement work in Spring 2009 to the yard and the bank in the area behind the Longshed .

The Longshed will continue its role as an area for storage but it will be easier to convert it for social use.  With two large championships scheduled for 2009 (National Squib Championship and J92/105 Nationals) and the build up of interest in sailing caused by the Olympics, the Club will need to make the best use of the space that it has.

Improvement works in the Longshed have been started.  The galley store is being relocated to a more convenient spot allowing tenders to use the area close to the front doors.   A fixed bar is being constructed with plumbing and electrics being installed.  The lighting is also being upgraded.  Improvement works are planned for Spring 2009 to the yard and bank area behind the Longshed.

The Longshed will continue to be used for storage but it will be easier to convert for social use when the Clubroom is overcrowded.  With two large championships (National Squibs and J92/105 Nationals) planned for 2009 and the increase in interest leading up to the Olympics, the Club will need to find all the space that it can.

Arthur Savage Insurance have agreed to become a Day Sponsor for the National Squib Championships being hosted by Weymouth Sailing Club 27 June - 3 July 2009. 

Savages, based at 2 - 3 High West Street, Dorchester, are an independant professional insurance advisors who have been in business for 70 years since 1936.  Savages advertise great value Boat Insurance and Yacht Insurance on their website www.arthursavage.co.uk   Barry Shereston, Managing Director, was recently introduced to the Club at a Cocktail Party.  He and his wife Carly have since become regular Club members and are keen to support the Club. 

Other companies already backing the Championship are Dean and Reddyhoff Portland Marina, Dream Cottages, Batt Sails, Hyde Sails, and O'Three.

Interest in the event is very strong in all the Squib fleets around the country.  The large turn-out will cause a lot of interest in the sailing world and be the ideal opportunity for a sponsor to get involved.  Please get in touch if you would like more details.   www.Squibs09.org.uk 

Spirit of the Sea, Weymouth and Portland’s Maritime Festival, took place from 5^th to 13^th July, with the Henri-Lloyd Regatta forming part of the last four days.  Low-key at first, due to the terrible weather, it built up to quite a spectacle by the last weekend.  Those of you that visited the club will have seen the throngs of people enjoying the Seafood Festival on our side of the harbour, the music in Hope Square and the MarinEx trade exhibition on Customs House Quay.  Some other highlights were the colourful Moving Tides children’s procession on Saturday, the music on the beach from local bands each evening and the Thunder Cats Boat Ballet in Newton’s Cove. The idea is to hold Spirit each year and next year’s event should be even bigger and better. 

Put the date in your diary, 9 to 12 July 2009, with the regatta again taking place over the last four days.

http://www.spiritofthesea.org.uk 

Peter Hopford 

Weymouth Harbour was filled with boats over the Bank Holiday weekend.  The pontoons outside the RDYC were 12 boats deep with spectacular fast racing craft from The Royal Southampton Yacht Club who held their two leg race to Weymouth and back.  Crews enjoyed a meal at WSC on Saturday evening.  The pontoon opposite WSC was full of boats from Poole taking part in a PYRA Pursuit Race to Weymouth.  There were upwards of 100 racing yachts in total.

Weymouth Clubs have a full racing programme with the Saturday 1 series for all classes and the Vice Commodore's Cup - an All in Handicap Average Lap Race - on Bank Holiday Monday.