Firstly, this is being written for the newer members of the club, or those who are not participating fully and getting the full benefit of being a member of Courtown Sailing Club.
Like many sailing clubs we have two sections. Dinghy’s and Cruisers (moored boats).
With this in mind, and the fact that cruiser members tend to be longer in the club, we will start with the Dinghy section.
Many families join the club wishing to put their children onto a sailing course during the summer. Many turn up for their course and don't reappear until next year, and this is a loss to both the member and the club. There is so much more to do.
The Club is set up to encourage the enjoyment of sailing and provide training in many aspects of the sea. This training is for the whole family to assist during the season, and importantly, be prepared for many situations within and outside the club environment. Dropping Children for their summer course is only part of your membership and below, we will explore some of what is in it for you as a whole family.
Sunday sailing, pending weather conditions, is available from May to August. There are Rescue boat placed on the water in case of difficulties, a beach-master to watch from shore, and OOD (Officer of the Day) to run a racecourse with as many races as possible, generally, 2 or 3. You don’t have to race, take your boat out under the cover and watch of club rescue, staying in the designated area. Adults too...
Friday evening sailing during the summer is a free sail, where the club encourages any member to take their boat out to practice or just have fun. A regular feature is the Bar-b-q where it was designed to be nourishment for the children between finishing the days course before Fun-sail, it has become a regular social gathering for all members. Neither of these sessions is limited to children, and indeed many older sailors avail of the opportunity.
Power-boat courses it is essential that a number of members have powerboat courses to enable the club to run the events, be it Friday, Sunday, Regatta etc. without these members, no sailing would happen. Have you thought about doing a power-boat course? One must be over 16 so this is certainly not aimed at the children on sailing courses.
First Aid courses the club tries to hold water based first-aid courses specifically aimed at the Sea requirements. This is necessary for some of our more senior dinghy sailors who intend to do sailing instruction but is a good course to have in general.
VHF courses This is a radio course, for those who may need to use marine two-way radio. It used to be a requirement for dinghy instructing but would be an essential course for those intending to take out larger boats. The club does run its own “mini-vhf” course intended to help members who are using them as beach-master or on rescue.
OOD guidance the club runs evenings to help members become familiar with how to run different sections of the club. OOD, beach-master etc. these “guidance” courses are intended to make members feel more familiar with the club and how it works and to get to know one another.
Cruiser Sailing: Have you thought about it? This is definitely for the older members. Get involved with cruiser sailing. Many of the larger boats will take crew to help them sail on Wednesday and Saturday races.
Wednesday Cruiser Racing is scheduled each Wednesday from 7.00pm (first gun) to navigate a short course “around the cans” (flags) finishing around 9.00pm
Saturday Cruiser racing Generally held at 2.00pm there are races and trophy events with the occasional two-day event to another club.
Communication
The club has a website www.courtownsailingclub.com where you can find out what is scheduled for the coming months. It is also an access point for membership and other items you may wish to organise. The club is also present on Facebook and Instagram which for those who use these, it is a great way of being kept informed of upcoming events notices. The club uses email and WhatsApp to inform and remind members during the season. The season is quite short, and we would urge members to make sure you are in receipt of communication and contact the club if you are not as you will be missing out on events.
So, who does run the club?
There are four trustees of the club. There is an elected committee of 11 who guide the club and decide on general requirements and organisation throughout the year. However, sailing unlike many other pastimes, requires a huge amount of effort from its members and to this extent, help to run the club is essential from the members, to keep the equipment in good order so that sailing happens. The answer to the very first question “What’s in it for you”, is lots. Speaking particularly to parents, if you are a new member, remember you too are part of the club, much enjoyment can be gained by joining the others on the beach to assist with launching, watching, rescuing, or even trying out sailing yourself. There are club BBQ from time to time (after Sunday races) and these are great social occasions. Even if you don't have a power-boat licence, each boat needs a second crewmember to assist. One person cannot rescue alone.
The club is here for you to enjoy. Help us to help you enjoy it.
Contact details
Club – mobile:- 089 494 1404
email:-
website: - www.courtownsailingclub.com
Commodore – Joe D’Arcy
Dinghy Officer – Mary Louise Doran
Cruiser Officer – Mark Chambers
