September 2022
Adam’s September Anecdotes...
You will have noticed that this month's edition of Club Room is a little later than normal, as we paused to reflect on the sad news of the passing of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen. We hope that you received the tribute that we shared with our members and the wider boating community. Our thoughts and condolences remain with The Princess Royal, RYA President, and the entire Royal Family.
I hope you’ve had an enjoyable and busy summer and are returning to a routine. Personally, it has been an incredibly busy summer, and I am happy to announce the birth of my second daughter ‘Nell Elizabeth McGovern’.
Since returning to work, it has been fantastic to get out and about visiting clubs, hearing of all the great summer activities delivered, and how you have worked together against the challenges of low water.
In the last few weeks, I’ve been to Budworth Sailing Club for filming ahead of this year’s affiliated club conference. I was also able to borrow a GP for the day, so I managed to get out on the water whilst there, which is always a nice bonus.
I’ve also been to Waterside lodge to finalise plans for this year’s Affiliated Club Conference, and I am pleased to advise that bookings for the conference are now live. Please do encourage committee members and volunteers to come along; there are lots of different workshops to support club activity and a lovely lunch over Southport marine lake to boot.
The 2022 RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference season gets underway at 7:30pm on Wednesday, 5 October with an online evening hosted by Olympian and broadcaster Shirley Robertson. This national ‘RYA Live – Club Show’ will set the scene for our regional conference throughout the winter and is ideal for club committee members, staff, and volunteers.
Book your FREE place for the RYA Live Club Show today.
Back to my monthly travels, I was pleased to attend Delph Sailing Club’s annual Open Day and West Pennine Windsurfing Club, where I’ve been learning all about their SUP trial with United Utilities. The low water levels have been a challenge this summer, but it’s great to see everyone working together to make the best of a ‘dry’ situation.
I am looking forward to visiting more clubs and centres over the coming months, and working with you individually, whether this is a general chat or support on the ground. If you would benefit from this support, please do reach out.
I would also like to extend a particular offer to all Onboard sailing and windsurfing clubs that want an onboard development day. The development day is an opportunity to introduce you to the Onboard resources and a host of new games and activities for junior clubs. If you are interested, please do get in touch.
We are quickly moving into the autumn and winter training programme, and kicking off the Autumn programme, is the Advanced Dinghy Instructor Endorsement at the Anderton Centre on 1st & 2nd October, followed by the Dinghy Senior Instructor at Water Park, Coniston 8,9,15,16 October. If you are interested in attending these courses, don’t forget to book. October will be here before we know it!
Thanks again to everyone who completed the census; we hit our target submission by the 10th of August. Although we are still processing the date, the early indications suggest that as a region, we are 800 members up compared to last year – our highest overall membership level for over six years. Go Northwest!
Whilst this is fantastic, the challenge is to retain that membership level from now on into the Autumn and Winter months. We are in challenging economic times, and I would encourage everyone to start planning their winter programmes so we can keep these new members engaged during the colder months.
October, of course, will see the conclusion of the Junior traveller series, which has been back in full swing with over 40 boats at the Redesmere event. Whilst we still have a few events, the final event will be at Leigh and Lowton on the 15 October, where the prize giving will take place. Seeing a bumper turnout to celebrate the season and recognise all who participated will be great. Junior Results
Whilst we are talking events, we can’t forget the e-sailing championships, and it’s been great to see our regional sailors performing well in the e-sailing world. During the colder winter months, sailing at home can be appealing. If you are intrigued by sofa sailing, find out more here or drop me a line, I will be happy to introduce you into the virtual world! E-sailing
Happy sailing,
Adam