Commodore's Challenge

 Commodore's Challenge - 2022

The Commodore has issued his Challenge for this year.

You are challenged to build a 'Club 300' electric racing boat. This is basically a Club 500 type boat, but with a smaller motor and standard, non-racing, propellor.

All entries are to be built to a single design, the plans for which have been drawn by John Goddard. Free plans will be supplied on request.

Basic Specifications are:

Single design - Must be built to hull outline of supplied plans.

Brushed motor - size not to exceed 380.

Propellor - standard 3 blade, 35 mm diameter maximum.

Battery - 7.2 V maximum, NiMH

John Goddard has built a prototype, which he will demonstrate at the next Club night on February 09, and also offer advice on construction, and tips on how to achieve the best performance.

Judging will take place on a date to be determined later in the year, but not before the middle of August, so you have plenty of time to get building.

The Commodore's Challenge Trophy will be awarded by the Commodore for the best entry, based on build quality, finish, sailing performance and 'Wow' factor.

Prize Giving

 Annual Competition Awards for 2021

David Lee has sent some photos of the presentation of trophies and awards to the several winners of last years sailing and construction Competitions, which took place on Wednesday January 26.

Clubhouse Update

 Clubhouse Update

We have been informed that the clubhouse now has a larger fixed generator, so power supplies are pretty well back to normal, and the electric heating in the clubhouse is working again.

On the down side, we have also been told that the water supplies to the clubhouse were cut off last Thursday - we have no more news at the moment.

This week's club night should be able to go ahead, albeit possibly with emergency water supply arrangements for loo flushing and the like, but we will post any updates here as soon as we get them.

Prize Giving

 Annual Club Competition Awards

Somewhat later than usual, the awards for last year's competitions will be presented at Club Night next Wednesday, January 26. The delay is mostly due to the engravers running late with trophy engraving.

For the record, the competition winners are:

    Steering                             Terry Miles

    Fiesta Racing                      John Berry

    Club 500 Racing                  Mick Street

    Derek Bingham Trophy         Philip L. Davies

    David Swain Trophy             Terry Miles

    Semi Scratch Build              Dave Holland

    Kit Build                             Chris Platford

    Scratch Build                      John Senior

    Graham Harling Trophy       Trevor Redford

    Commodore's Challenge      John Senior

    Cyril Driver Trophy              Terry Miles

Congratulations to all !!

Exhibition Cancelled

 Exhibition Cancelled

We have just been informed that the model railway exhibition, due to take place at Chapel Leisure Centre on 26/27 February, has been cancelled, presumably because of COVID.

The club had been invited to attend and put on a display of boats, but this will obviously not now happen.

If this exhibition is rescheduled for a later date, we will aim to attend, if possible. 

Sunday Sailing

 Fiestas and DF65s

A gentle view of yesterday's sailing session. A good turn out, but not much wind !

Photo by Ken Jones

Avian Bird Flu - Update

 Avian Bird Flu Update

Since the last post on 7 December, Avian Bird Flu has become widespread among the wildfowl population at Etherow, and the RSPCA have had to cull a significant number of birds.

The risk of transmission of this disease to humans is low, but not zero and, so far,  the authorities have not imposed any restrictions on access to the park or our lake.

However, if you are sailing, please observe hygiene precautions and make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after sailing.  As far as possible avoid contact with the lake water any any other objects, especially bird faeces, around the lake and landing stage.

Especially, do not approach, or attempt to help, any birds which appear to be sick or in difficulty.

Make sure that your boats are thoroughly cleaned after sailing.