Avast Shipmates,
Hopefully this finds you well, I trust those first tingles of the approaching sailing season have you scraping the barnacles off those well worn oilskins, removing the rodents that over wintered in your sea-boots and testing the zip on your sleeping bag for the forthcoming nights on the briny!
In this newsletter we’ve got stuff about the good people at Visa-gb HQ, the music has stopped and we have some new faces and some bums on different seats. We’ve got an update on the sailing program and the possibilities of some fun in the sun later in the year.
First off let me update you on who’s doing what. As many of you might know Anil had to step down as chairman towards the end of last year, personal stuff and business pressure forced his hand. There needs to be a stand-up round of applause as we thank him for his leadership through a very the tricky period we’ve all had to endure – thank you Anil, great job. Before the tears start falling fear not, like Arnie, he’s back in the fold as you’ll find out later.
The next question on your lips is of course ‘who’s at the helm now?’. Well we’ve got fantastic news, roll of the drums, yes we are delighted to announce that we have a new hand on the tiller and that’s Dee Jones. Dee has taken over the roll of chairman, many of you will have met Dee during Sea Vision, Scotland or way back in Majorca. Dee has her own business called Sense Adventure, walking for visually impaired in the beautiful Malvern hills, why not give it a go, and brings a wealth of experience as the head of our team. Dee is the first women to take the chair at Visa-gb, it’s a tribute to her excellent business and personal skills and, just as important, it is a great reflection on our membership, I could be wrong but I don’t think there are many sailing associations that can boast such a high percentage of women sailors as we do. So, back on your feet and give Dee three loud ‘Hurrahs’!!
On top of this there’s a new kid on the block. A man with the financial dexterity of a concert pianist, a keen sailor and devotee of the digestive biscuit, Mr Stuart Curl, we welcome you to our board of Trustees as our treasurer. Never before have our spreadsheets looked so neat and our columns so finely balanced. Mind you, just between ourselves, we’ll need to up our game on getting the trip expenses logged properly or I fear they’ll be time in the Brig awaiting any slackers! Welcome Stuart we look forward to getting you aboard a trip or two.
Talking about notes, how about that as a link, bank notes, get it! Young Karina has stepped up and is now firmly in charge of all matters agenda’s, meeting minutes, action plans and all things secretarial. It means when we say we’re going to do something, it’s noted and reported, and we’ve got to do it, no excuses. Great stuff Karina, a massive help to all the Trustees.
Let’s talk trips:
Trip 1, May. UKSA boat – bit of a change of plan for the first part of this trip in May. We’ve got lots on new volunteers onboard and we are using the first four days for training, that’s you training our sighted crew. The Day sail on Sunday 08.05.22 is a great time for anyone who would like a day trip, first timers, old hands all welcome, you’ll need to get to Southampton for a 10:00 o’clock start. There are 5 spaces available and it’s just £25 for the day.
The second part of the trip, you’d be able to join the boat on the evening of 08.05.22 in Southampton, will give you a great opportunity to cruise the Solent, perhaps a beer in Yarmouth or tea in Lymington along the way. You’ll finish the cruise in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, with easily accessible travel back to Southampton. There are four spaces available and it’s just £200 for the four days, this includes all your food onboard. Interested? Please contact Super Sue on membership@visa-gb.org.uk or call on 07767717440.
Jumping forward to Trip 4, Round The Island Race, we’ve had some great news thanks to Lofty Sims who has secured sponsorship from Strategic Solutions. It is terrific that Strategic Solutions have stepped in to support us and make this amazing event possible for us, well done Lofty! So if you fancy taking part in the biggest yacht race in the world you can bag a space for just £330 a head for the four day bonanza which kicks off in Gosport on Thursday 23/06/22 through to Sunday 26/06/22. Get in quick – call Sue on 07767717440 or email: membership@visa-gb.org.uk.
Trip 5 is our Cross Channel Trip – the channel Islands and beyond are beckoning, Starting and finishing in Cowes, it starts on Sunday 24/07/22 and you’ll return with smiles and a suntan on Sunday 31/07/22. Cost is £350, this includes all your food onboard and there are four berths available. You know the drill, get in quick to membership guru Sue Hogge on 07767717440 or email: membership@visa-gb.org.uk.
Quick shout out to our sighted crew, we have space for mates on our two boats going to Blind Week, dates are 02/07/2022 through to 10/07/22. You’ll remember I mentioned Anil was back, well here he is running our splendidly wonderful volunteers! Yup, you lovely people make our sailing possible so check your diaries and get in touch with Anil at: volunteers@visa-gb.org.uk
Trip 6 – September, starting and finishing in Plymouth – a cruise to the heavenly Scilly Isles starting on Friday 16/09/22 and finishing on Sunday 30/09/22. Fabulous chance for some West country cruising, just £500 secures you one of the two remaining berths. You know the drill!
What of Trip 2 & 3, Royal Escape Race and Milford Haven Sailing Week, these are both fully booked, but if you’d like to put your names on the reserve list please do as things can change, all you’ve got to do is email Sue.
Finally it’s possibilities, do you fancy a sailing holiday in and around the beautiful island of Menorca? If you do then Eddie Kitchen wants to hear from you. Dates are not confirmed but we are looking at early October. Get in touch with Eddie, email him on charter@visa-gb.org.uk, and the conversation and planning with swing into action.
That’s it for now Shipmates, let’s get our sea legs back and start knocking the weevils from our biscuits, we hope to meet you on the water. Anchors aweigh!
