Newsletter 10 09 25
Published 16:06 on 10 Sep 2025
Welcome to WKSC Newsletter |
| A round up of Club news this week... including sailing, training and upcoming social events. Also included are links to the Galley on Friday menu and current boats for sale. .. |
| A View from the Bridge |
| A busy week at the Club, some blowy days over the weekend put the kybosh on some of the Sailing. Good to see the ICs and the GPs out.
The RYA selected WKSC as its Northern Venus for its 150th year celebration. A talk on the History of the YRA, BRA and the RYA by Dougal Henshall was well received and WKSC members got shout outs (Gareth Owen and Liz Potter). The Tuesday night Lasers tucked up and tucked in, in the Macdona Room where pizza was served - Alan Jenkins swooping in to hone his considerable cheffing skills at the last moment, due to Bob taking a good chunk out of his leg. When I say good chunk, it didn't stop him from sitting down and eating his pizza before a much needed sojourn to A&E. Re the Sweep Stake on the stitches, I reckon 6. People get medals for that level of stoicism in wartime. Respect. The Last Night of the Proms is being shown at the Club this weekend, along with a table served three course dinner. Anyone wishing to join please get your tickets before Friday. The Ceilidh is coming up next weekend. Please make an effort to come along, it was such a good event last year. Dancing, food, conversation and wine (beer, whatever!). Tickets behind the Bar. Chris |
| News & Notices |
Sheelagh Weir Sheelagh was for many years the Assistant Treasurer with Roger Glover as the Hon Treasurer. During this time Roger remembered spending many happy hours in the then downstairs corner Office. By his own admission, he fondly recalls, 'In truth, most of the time she led and I followed'. Together they installed an accounting system on the computer which produced the Club accounts and she did the important job of looking after the Club's cash and making sure there was enough money in the bank to keep the Club afloat. Roger went on to say, 'We were very fortunate that she took this task seriously and efficiently and, I believe, had enabled the Club to weather a crisis or two in the past', he went on to say 'She was also fun to work with which always helped'. Sheelagh was also a keen sailor; as a Sea Ranger in Stars and later in Hilbres. She also sailed, again with Roger, and Dick Uren in a National Eighteen on the lake for the Club's Centenary Celebrations. During the race, she had to tell Dick to stop talking and avoid the lake wall. Sheelagh always had a plan when the Club was in need. As a Girl Guide Commissioner she arranged for several Wilson Trophy teams to be billeted in Guide Huts which was much appreciated by all. All in all, the Club owed a great deal to Sheelagh and showed this by honouring her with Life Membership. Sheelagh was always known for being fair and considerate to all members young and old, an easy smile and a quick wit, she will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Helen's Sunday Roasts are back!!  Thursday afternoon RC sailing at WKSC - come and join us!  Your House Committee are planning next years events. If you have any requests or suggestions please pop a note in the box in the foyer, or email the House Team - house@wksc.org.uk Tim James planned absence commenced Saturday 6th September 2025. From this date Ben Shoebridge will be Acting Bar Supervisor, and thus take full responsibility for the running of the Bar. AR Dangerfield Hon Treasurer Merchandise Some of our older stock is currently on sale. Pop down to the Club and see if anything takes your fancy. |
| Galley |
The Galley on Friday Smash Bros is providing a fabulous menu this week. Click here to view the menu |
| Sailing Matters |
It was a hectic week-end just gone. A fresh south easterly breeze greeted sailors for the IC Open and the GP Open plus tidal racing for members. IC & GP Open Events plus Dinghy Tidal Handicap Racing 6&7/9/25 The ICs had the best of it on Saturday but only just. The first race was started in 22 Kts, but eased back later to under 20 Kts but the wave pattern wasn't to the ICs liking. Of the seven competitors entered two were gambling on lighter conditions as they were carrying injuries that prevented canoe sailing in anything energetic ! This wasn't the weather for testing a new canoe - that was another one out of the picture. Four left - all visitors. Three with experience and one novice IC sailor. He gave it his best shot but after three capsizes in quick session and a shackle disintegrating holding a stay, enough was enough. It would be just two races to determine that Sam Barker from Castle Cove SC, Weymouth won the open. James Hoffman from Grafham Water SC came second - an amazing result as this was his first time out sailing a new rules IC. Alistair Warren from Aldeburgh YC, Suffolk (he used to race ICs at Dee SC some 20 years ago) came 3rd. He had an OCS in the first race which deprived him of second overall. Sam Barker IC Open Winner  James Hoffman 2nd IC Open  Alistair Warren 3rd IC Open  Only two races decided the GP Open on Sunday held in even more challenging conditions; the wind had more easterly in it and the wind speed was up another notch or two from Saturday. Mark Platt and Chris Jonson from Bolton SC won with two firsts from Keiron Inman and Paul Jenkins (WKSC). Jean-Louis Simons and Hollie Marston came 3rd in JLSs newly acquired GP from Ireland (would you look at that !). Again the conditions were such that two races were enough for the competitors from the scheduled three. Five dinghies competed in the Tidal Dinghy handicap racing on Sunday. The first race was won by andy Bell in his z Laser from Steve Jardine also in a Laser. Liz Pottef 3rd (Contender). The second race Liz won from Steve Jardine and Pete Jones 3rd. No tidal class boats raced though Jonathan Atkinson and Lee Matthews cruised their Falcons around the estuary. (More pictures from IC and GP Open will be on the website) Tuesday evenings Solo, Laser and Illusion racing was another energetic affair!   In the Solos, Steve Ferrington had two wins, Martin Hartley had two seconds and John Dixon had two thirds. In the Lasers, Jonathan Behan had two wins, Tom Green two seconds and Gavin Roberts two thirds. In the Laser Radials, Glyn Purnell two wins, Ioannis Koutsokeras two seconds and Stuart Dawson two thirds. Stop it all if you this must be a joke ! Tidal Cruise For those of you with telepathy you will be receiving a clear picture in my mind of Mondays Tidal Cruise. The challenging conditions of the weekend gave way to a lovely day, perfect for a cruise on the calm Dee Estuary. You will see see in my minds eye picture, two stars clearing the northerly moorings in a light breeze with a clear blue sky, the Welsh hills in the background and the coastline running towards the Grest Orme in the far west. The Stars were skippered by Nick Leadingham and John Dowler. Tony Martson Sailing Secretary |
| Sailing and Club Calendar |
| What's on this week: Thu 11 Sep 14:00 Radio Sailing Class Thu 11 Sep 18:45 Spare GP 14 Club Racing Lake Thu 11 Sep 18:48 Spare Lightning Club Racing Lake Fri 12 Sep 11:00 16:00 S Weir Wake Fri 12 Sep 14:00 Illusion Class Fri 12 Sep 18:00 Z5 & Z6 Coached Racing - Feva Club Racing Lake Fri 12 Sep 18:03 Z5 & Z6 Coached Racing - Optimist Club Racing Lake Sat 13 Sep PRICE PLATTER Team Racing Sat 13 Sep 10:00 13:00 Training Training Sat 13 Sep 10:00 12:00 Introduction to Racing 2025/6 Training Sat 13 Sep 11:00 12:00 Boat Hire Familiarisation Training Sat 13 Sep 19:00 23:00 Last Night of the Proms Sun 14 Sep 11:00 Autumn Lake 5&6 Fast Handicap Club Racing Lake Sun 14 Sep 11:03 Autumn Lake 5&6 Novice Handicap Club Racing Lake Sun 14 Sep 11:06 Autumn Lake 5&6 Slow Handicap Club Racing Lake Mon 15 Sep Galley Fuse Board Upgrade - All Day Tue 16 Sep 18:45 Spare Solo Club Racing Lake Tue 16 Sep 18:49 Spare Laser / Laser R Club Racing Lake Tue 16 Sep 18:52 Spare Illusion Club Racing Lake Wed 17 Sep 12:30 14:00 Gentleman's Lunch Wed 17 Sep 18:45 Spare Fast Handicap Club Racing Lake Wed 17 Sep 18:48 Spare Novice Handicap Club Racing Lake Wed 17 Sep 18:51 Spare Slow Handicap Club Racing Lake |
| Training |
Adult Training at WKSC  |
| Events |
Last Night of the Proms - THIS Saturday 13th September Thursday 11th last day to get your tickets. A three course dinner, served to your table, while you watch the Last Night of the Proms on the big screen. Tickets on sale at the bar - £20 pp  Ceilidh - Sunday 21st September - 4 pm - Get your tickets NOW!! This was a fantastic event last year. You don't need to know any of the dances as the caller talks you through it all. It is a great way to meet new people in the Club, but also please bring friends and family along to enjoy the event. Paul and Helen will be providing fabulous food, which is included in the ticket price. Whether you just want to come and watch the fun, or join in with the dancing, it's a Sunday afternoon, so let's get together and finish the summer on a high. Tickets on sale at the bar or contact house@wksc.org.uk  Annual Ball - Saturday 4th October - Please note - last date to purchase tickets 17th September. Everyone is welcome. A lovely evening to dress up, enjoy good food and great company. Music and dancing after the meal. Tickets click the link (tables seat 10 people) - https://members.wksc.org.uk/event/1161547 - You will need to login.  WK RNLI Fish & Chip Fundraiser - Saturday 11th October Please come and support your local Lifeboat Station. Tickets on sale at the Bar.  |
| Other Information |
| Boats for Sale |
Boats for sale - NEW - Laser 2000 - West Kirby Star Number 11 Mars - Hunter Duette 23ft Racer - GP 14 Click here to view Boats for Sale |
| If you would like something added to the newsletter please contact newsletter@wksc.org.uk |
Last updated 08:18 on 11 September 2025