Annual Report 2011-2012.pdf - Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club

expectations and under the circumstances thesupplier was not prepared to supply the Club.Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff ClubFollowing this decision the sub-committee met,reviewed options available and proceeded withthe purchase of an Arvor 20 Series III. Deliverywas taken on 17 February 2012 and an officialnaming ceremony was held on 30 March 2012when over 100 donors, club members, and LaneCove Councillors enjoyed drinks and canapés atthe clubhouse to celebrate the occasion. Ted’sdaughter Robyn officially named the new boatwhile son David filled us in with some of thefamily’s long history of association with the Club.The fundraising through the Australian SportsFoundation was well supported by club sailorsand supporters past and present, however,particular mention should be made and thanksgiven to our major donor Ms Helen Molesworthwhose generosity made this whole projectpossible with minimal effect on club finances.The name Molesworth is synonymous with LaneCove and with sailing. Helen sailed at the Club in12ft skiffs in the Ace and Viking with her brothersBruce and David between 1935-45.On Water OperationsGreat anticipation of the arrival of our new fastresponse boat during the 2011-2012 season, afterthe planning and development over the previoustwo years, was the highlight of the season for theResponse volunteers and myself. However, inFebruary this year, a misfortune in the eventualityof the custom built boat, caused the ClubCommittee to switch back to the only othersuitable boat available in Australia, the Arvor 20.Well equipped, well trained and ready to go.It is also fortunate that we have gathered togethersuch an enthusiastic, dedicated and capable teamof volunteers operating these boats to offer a‘safety net’ available to our sailors when criticalcircumstances arise. To the ‘harbour‘ boat crewsand to the parents who ensure the safety of ourJunior fleet sailors, we all owe a very big ‘Thanksfor being there!’It is hoped that those who might still be availablewill continue to serve with more who would like tojoin in and learn ‘the ropes’, ticking the box on themembership form when renewing next season.There have been very few hiccups with thereliability of boat motors and equipment this pastseason and normal servicing during winter willhave them all ready to go again for anotherseason in 2012-13.The VHF radio communication trialled last seasonwas in use in parallel with the 27MHz andprovided excellent communication between boatsand the Club-based operators, Claudette Ronesand Al Kenney. Thank you both from all of us.With much fanfare and excitement, this boat wasnamed the ‘Ted Griffith’ and joined the responsefleet at a Club ceremony at the end of March2012. Our thanks go to James and Peter Francisfor their efforts in the interest of the Club and ourmembers.This Club and its sailing members are veryfortunate, thanks mainly to the considerabledonations provided by members past and present,to be able to field a fleet of support boats greaterin ratio per racing boat than any other club west ofthe bridge and, with the exception of major yachtclubs, than possibly any in Sydney.A dedicated team of volunteers provided exceptional support to all theClub’s on-water activities.www.LC12ftSSC.org.au Page 9