Well, I suppose that the bright side of this year's weather so far is that the water level at the loch is well up. The gales in January caused a bit of damage in the dinghy compound, not thankfully to boats although some were thrown around a bit. Some fencing was damaged but that was quickly repaired, thanks to Mark Mc Guigan and others. Members are well advised to take down their mast over the winter to reduce windage on their boat. All the same, it was some of the heavier boats that were blown around - those winds were howling.

Security
An additional padlock is to be installed on the main gate at the Club. This will be a combination number type of padlock, the number will be issued to members on renewal of their membership this year. Do not divulge the number to non members.
Boat trailers should be immobilised or better still stored at home. Trailers and trailer wheels have disappeared over the last year.

Dates for your diary.
The monthly regatta series for the Club Championship is as follows:
Opening Regatta - 21st April
May regatta - 12th May
June regatta - 9rd June
July regatta - 7st July
August regatta - 4th August
September regatta - 1st Sept.
Closing regatta - 6th October

These dates are all Sundays, racing starts 2pm latest. The format for the regattas is of two races on each regatta day - a total of 14 races for the season.

The best nine results are counted, the winner being the boat with the fewest points.
Each race win counts as one point, second place is two points, third place three points.... and so on.
All boats sail together in a mixed fleet, the results being calculated on standard dinghy class handicapping tables.
Last year's results are on the Club website, our virtrual noticeboard on the Internet. Taking part in even a few races gives you a place in the running!
Midweek sailing will be on Wednesday evenings, as last year.

Weekend Trips
A new venue for us is to be the isle of Luing at the May holiday weekend, Sunnybrae Caravan Park has accommodation, a slipway, a mooring and a superb situation. Places available.
Dates this year will be
3d - 6th May (Luing),
12th - 15th July (Tayvallich),
27th - 30th September (Loch Creran)
Final details of trips to be confirmed nearer the time.

Audit of Boats and Equipment
Some unidentified equipment has been removed from the spar shed and dinghy park.   Abandoned kit will be disposed of unless claimed.
(Your membership code is included on the label with the newsletter mailing.)
The AGM agreed a disposal policy for abandoned property after 2 years lapsed membership.

Committee

Members of the committee this year
Malcolm Riley (Chair)
Jim Conley (Vice-Chair)
Neil McVicar (Secretary)
Ian Waugh (Treasurer)
Janice Fuller
Mark McGuigan
John Peter
Mairi Mc Millan
Allan Mc Call

Please encourage any visiting prospective members to take a membership form from the clubhouse and contact Neil McVicar for enrolment, keys, etc.
A letterbox has been fitted to the main gates to allow enquiries to be left at the club.
Fees remain unchanged this year: Family Sub. £55, Single Sub, £50 Students £30, Boat Berths £10, Entry Fee for new members £20

The website for the club at www.lochside.org has been greatly expanded and improved by Colin Scott. It now includes an archive of Club newsletters as well as current information. There are links to our site from Scottish Sailing Clubs page on the web, and also from an increasing number of sail related organisations.. It is a means of contacting the Club for prospective members. Thanks to Colin Scott for the web wizardry and Janice Fuller for the photos here and on the website Any ideas and contributions welcome. There are links to our site from Scottish Sailing Clubs page on the web, and also from an increasing number of sail-related organisations who trawl the Internet looking for like-minded It is a means of contacting the club for prospective members. Thanks to Colin Scott for the web wizardry and Janice Fuller for the photos here and on the web site.

The webmail account at www.hotmail.com is still active with name lochside_sailing_club   We are copying the newsletter and other notices here, in case you lose your paper copy.