Whitsun Regatta: With this issue of Shortwave, you will find full information on the RBYC Whitsun Regatta. Dates are Saturday 26^th, Sunday 27^th and Bank Holiday 28^th May. This is the tenth Whitsun Regatta and is very much the regatta for all classes represented in the club.

As ever, entry forms submitted early always help with administration. We look forward to seeing you all out there on the water, and in the bar.

Details and entry forms can also be found at Whitsun Regatta Notice of Race

The RBOD parties are going well – to say the least … the cocktail parties are causing quite a splash. However, it is particularly pleasing to see such a strong fleet out on the water for this 75^th year. Congratulations to Jo and Steve Adams on winning the Chandler Candlestick over the Early May Bank Weekend in particularly challenging conditions.

Expanding fleets: It’s great to see our fleets grow and expand. Congratulations to Judy and Jason Payne-James on their launching of the new ‘Heartbeat 3’ We have no doubt that J and J will be into the choccies this year and started their EAORA season with a 3^rd in class in the Ralph Herring and 3^rd in class in the Pattison Cup.

It’s also very exciting to see the Elites going from strength to strength with new boats joining the fold.

Our Feva fleet is expanding too. The Pitcher Fund has been used to purchase three secondhand boats from Highcliffe Sailing Club. The boats have been sold on to three RBYC members, making a welcome addition to the sizeable class here is Burnham.

EAORA: A special thank you goes to Jon Sturmer, our Offshore Class Captain. Jon acted as Race Officer for the EAORA Ralph Herring, bringing together a team of new blood including Nicky Geaves providing the Committee Boat. Sailed back to back with the Pattison Cup, Jon stepped back onboard to his usual position on ‘I say … Ding Dong’ for the Sunday, and contributed greatly to an overall win for Robbie Stewart’s thoroughbred.

Want to go offshore?: Bob Kirkby looking for crew for Sherpa, his She 36, particularly for the EAORA Medway Race on 9^th and 10^th June. Bob and Sherpa have many miles under their belt, and it would be a great experience, whether you are a ‘salty dog’ or a ‘young pup’. Please leave your details with Helen in the office, and she will pass them on to Bob.

Race fees and dinghy park: Please ensure that you have completed your Race Fees for if racing, and your Dinghy Park form if keeping your boat at the club , so Helen can issue stickers for the year. If your boat is in the dinghy park and does not have a current sticker, it will be removed or disposed of. Be warned …

Could I also remind members that Yardleys Shed is now on its last legs. Soon it will disappear for good. If you have gear stored there, please remove it sooner rather than later, otherwise we will assume that you do not want it. Once the containers at the far end of the car park are cleared of furniture from the accommodation block, we hope to be able to offer a more formal storage area for sails, dinghy rigs and the like.

We are discouraging the storage of trailers in the car park this year due to the fact that we are filling our car park with cars of those going sailing!

Insignia: Don’t forget with have a number of items of insignia available to members. A look around the store enlightened me to the availability of ties for both adults and Cadets, burgee stick pins for ladies, logo-ed melamine tumblers for those cruises in company and waterproof placemats, amongst other items. If you are interested in purchasing items, contact the office on 01621 782044 or email info@rbyc.org.uk

From Rear Commodore Sailing Lizzie Brown