Report by Veronica Falat
With the Dinghy Show behind us and 2 opens already done and dusted, the 2016 Streaker sailing season is definitely underway. The RYA Dinghy Show is always a good place for meeting friends and acquaintances and plenty of Streaker sailors found their way to our stand to chat about their boats and the season ahead. What was particularly encouraging was the number of people who are new to the class but have taken the step to buy second-hand boats and in some cases to order brand new boats. Saturday was very busy, Sunday was quieter but that gave us the opportunity to chat with people on other stands and start make plans for future events. For example, we are in contact with clubs that might host events for us in 2017. Royal Torbay Y.C. at Torbay is a possible venue for our Nationals next year; it's not definite but we're talking to the club and we'll keep you posted.
So back to this year. Membership renewals are coming in well. Please note that Ian Bradley, while staying on the SCOA committee, has stepped down as Membership Secretary. Peter Cogill will temporarily combine the roles of Treasurer and Membership Sec but we are on the look out for a new Membership Sec. Contact Peter if you would like to learn more before volunteering!
The two open meetings held so far (Staunton Harold and Tamworth) have had rather disappointing turnouts. Normally Tamworth attracts a good entry but only 7 boats competed this time. The forecast for very light winds seems to have put some people off but those of us who sailed had a pleasant day even though the wind was very tricky.The reports of these events can be found elsewhere on this website. In terms of the Paddle series results, as both events counted for both series, I can tell you that Veronica Falat is the early leader of both series as she's the only person who has sailed all the races so far!
Next month (April) is particularly busy with opens at Bough Beech, Elton, Hornsea, Hickling Broad, Burghfield and Rotherham. Then it's the Inland Championships at Welton on the weekend of May 7th-8th which promises to be a really good event. The club has already sent me details of the catering they're offering for the weekend and I'll try to get this on the website as soon as possible; for the time being, please be reassured you won't go hungry!
