April Newsletter
Published 08:13 on 29 Apr 2021
Dear Member,
Isn't it great that so many of us are now following the Covid-safe protocols and getting back on the water again
No April Fool
In many ways the month of April can be seen as having been phenomenal. Not only did we experience the
warmest day in 53 years, with little or no rainfall and a high number of morning frosts. Indeed, it even snowed.
Following on from the very high numbers of members who used the sailing club last year, post a very busy safe
distanced Easter Bank holiday weekend, numbers increased further. We reached an all-time high where we
experienced upward of 60 boats on the water Sunday 25th April.
By the third Wednesday of the new season, 21 st April, we reached an outstanding complement of over 40 boats
on the water. Let us see if May will be as kind weather wise and numbers of sailing members continues to rise.
Extended communication
The club has recently invested in two WI-FI extenders. For a very reasonable outlay in hardware by the club,
Budworth members can now enjoy greater WI-FI coverage throughout the club house and dinghy park. The
extended WI-FI offers faster speeds to increased number of users at the same time. Many thanks go to Stephen
Potts for voluntarily commissioning this system extension for all our enjoyment.
Enhanced sign-on facility
Members that race will have noticed that the automated sign-on facility has been greatly enhanced in recent
weeks. Sailors now have the opportunity to check out their competition and to see who else has entered to sail.
Our thanks go out to Chris Hearn for all his work in making this possible.
New Neighbours
Subsequent to the fields around the club being put up for sale, we can now advise that 'Groobarbs Wild Farm'
have purchased the land. Groobarbs have stated that it is their intention to grow fruit and vegetables for their
vegetable box scheme in the surrounding fields to the club. Check out www.Groobox.co.uk to read more about
the history and origins of our new neighbours.
Floral decoration
Many members will have noticed that the clubhouse is now sporting two colourful hanging baskets. Both have
been tastefully created by one of our members wives. We are greatly appreciative of this donation that
welcomes guests and brightens the frontage of the clubhouse for members to enjoy. Would all members feel
welcome to give these thirsty beauties a little drink of water whenever they pass by.
Environmental Support
We were recently approached by United Utilities to allow them to install an automated, solar powered weather
station above the veranda on the clubhouse. It is there for the purposes of environmental research over a
period spanning the next six months or so.
Webster appointed Alex Cleaver
The club is indebted to Alex Cleaver for volunteering to take on overseeing the club website and Facebook page.
Keeping them current and up to date with many interesting articles. It is incumbent on us all to assist Class
Captains in their endeavours to keep Alex supplied with news and information. Please write a few sentences,
and if possible send with a photograph to Alex summarising the sailing activities in which you have participated.
It is especially important that we cover both sailing at home and away from the club.
Racing ahead on Zoom
For ALL racing, remote sign-on is mandatory as members will not be allowed to enter the club house to enter
races. The Race Management System Zoom presentation on Thursday 29 th April opens 7pm for 7.30 start of
session. This zoom session will begin with a walk-through of the Sign-On process for all members.
The session follows the process and steps an Assistant Race Officer needs to take to capture all of our successes
throughout the days racing. It shows how the ARO can easily capture and input race positions to minimise
delays between races. It is an interactive session which will not only be sound training for those who are new to
the system, but also a great reminder to those who are already familiar, and a super update for those who
haven't used it in a while.
Book your zoom slot at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMscOuurjguG9OcyoN4rCgZl6b-eNdfvfT1
Whistling for a Bosun
We are still seeking a Bosun. This role ensures uninterrupted availability of our rescue boats. We need
someone to plan and co-ordinate maintenance of our rescue boat fleet. Your sailing relies on these boats. The
ribs provide rescue cover and carry the race management teams who organize your racing. Being part of our
club sailing infrastructure enables you to have the satisfaction that you are doing your bit for your club. Please
contact me to discuss how you can help: comm@budworthsc.org.uk.
Back to Sailing
The return to sail group will continue to monitor. It continues to review how we must respect and apply both the
government recommendations and RYA interpretation as we unlock. It aims to keep us all sailing safely and will
make any changes to recommendations as necessary during this transition to freedom.
Bits and Bobs
It has been so nice to see so many of you bring your boats to the club and watch them being rigged in the dinghy
park. Our club Chandlery has proven invaluable as flat trolley tyres, missing tie downs and bent Burgees have all
been able to be replaced without the need to wait for an on-line delivery. Visit the club website to see what else
is available at the club Chandlery.. Payment for goods is by card only at time of collection at the club.
It thus remains only for me to say "I look forward to seeing you out on the water".
Best Regards
Bill