It is incredible to think that we are at the end of 2008 already. This year has been fantastic for the club, the biggest 'win' has been that the lake has been  either filling or full with water all of the year. This is the first time in the last couple of years that we have been able to plan the next years Winter Sailing season and been prepared to market it to class associations. 2009 looks like it is going to be an even bigger year, with what will hopefully be an absolutely enourmous Winter Season.

Last weekend was another big weekend of sailing for Albert Sailing Club on the lake. On Saturday 6th December we had the conclusion of the 8 week Basic Skills Training program in the morning and the Memorial Trophy Race in the afternoon. All 16 participants completed the Basic Skills training program. It was great to see all of them out on the water sailing in our Laser 4.7, Pacer and Minnow club boats. Well done to our new members who undertook the course, and thanks to our volunteer training instructors.

The afternoon race had a smorgasbord of winds from every direction on the compass, with wind strengths across the full spectrum. The weather in the latter stages of the race after 4pm was particularly interesting. The wind dropped right out, swung around the compass, threatened a thunderstorm, then came in us a strong gusty wind from the south. There were some big gains and losses in placings late in the race. For those wondering about Ken Brain and his damaged finger, after visiting the Alfred Hospital it was confirmed that he has broken his finger and will be spending the next couple of weeks out of the boat.

During the week the General Committee had its December meeting. There were reports on the successful Spring racing and training program; assets acquisitions, club security, government grants and planning for events in the first half of  2009. The Minutes from the November general committee meeting were finalised and will be placed on the noticeboard in the club foyer.

On Saturday 13th December we have our 60th Anniversary Life Members Trophy Race in the afternoon, commencing at 2.30. The intention is that this will take the format of a number of short races in the northern half of the lake. The traditional ASC Christmas Breakup function will follow with a bring your own BBQ on the club upstairs decking followed by Christmas cheer and a visit from Father Christmas. 

The final event at the club for 2009 is a Twilight Race at 6pm on Tuesday 16th December. The Spring Twilight Races have again proved popular, and a good fleet is expected for the pre-Christmas twilight sail.

Club Racing in 2009 commences on Saturday 10 January with heat one of the three week Commodore Series. On Sunday 1 February Albert Sailing Club and Kiwanis Bayside are hosting another Community Service Day at our club. This  will be for a group of children with disabilities – contact our secretary Bill Avallone if you can help out for three or four hours around the middle of the day.

Of course 2008 isn't finished, with most of us celebrating the Christmas and New Year holiday's and a few of us preparing for national titles. For those of you lucky enough to be sailing, I hope you have fair winds and fantastic finishes, for those who are going to spend the break in the company of family and friends I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable time. Thanks to everyone for making this a fantastic 2008, and I am sure that 2009 will be even better. 

Thanks

 

Luke & Rod

(Vice and Rear Commodore's)

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