In this issue

 New members in committees

Following the AGM on 30th November, the composition of the main committee and sailing committee have changed. In the sailing committee, Gary Austin has taken on the job of sailing secretary; Jim Powell remains in the group and will be there for the events planned in 2009.

The main committee has 2 new members, with the new sailing secretary joining the debates, as well as Giles Dawborn who hasn't been allocated any task yet, but will be very soon...

After running the show for two years, Jerry Hone is now rear commodore while John Taylor has been voted vice-commodore unanimously. The job of commodore comes to Isabelle, who's going to try her best to gets things going, trust me...

The Committees 2009 page gives a breakdown of who's doing what for the coming year. If you would like to get in touch with someone, click on the little email icon following people's job.

Alternatively, you can email the webmaster who will forward your message, thank you.

 Last series in the season

With a windchill factor of minus plenty, only a handful of hardened sailors went afloat on 14th December for the latest installment of the winter series. The current leader, Jack Tattersall, was in the box, giving someone else a chance to win. The Lasers made the most of it with Craig Palmer blasting through the first race then deciding that enough was enough and coming ashore. Despite still suffering from recent acrobatics, David Trout won the second race, proving that sailing is a great healer.

If you have a look on the series results board, you'll see it's very hot at the top and, with 4 races to run and a few discards, there could be changes coming.

All will be revealed after the last race on Boxing Day. Don't miss it!

 Having a ball at the Dinner and Dance

Following a good feedback from last year, the Dinner Dance and prizegiving 2008 took place in the Burlington Hotel in Worthing. The social committee did a grand job at organising the evening.

After a tasty meal and short speeches by Jerry Hone and his guest, Crawley Mariners YC commodore Dónal Roche, everyone gathered to see if they'd won the raffle prizes. With a variety of quality prizes, the raffle was very popular and gave a chance to the DJ to set up his kit.

A mixture of seventies and eighties music got everyone (or almost everyone...) dancing, even if it meant taking a short rest before the last dance (see photo, he jumped up on the dance floor later and we couldn't stop him!). A photo-gallery on the evening is on the Galleries page on this site. Have fun looking at the pictures!

 Christmas party at the club

Take 15 excited children of assorted ages, add games and music and dancing and food and face painting and laughter. Don't forget the vital ingredient: a very special person's visit, carrying good cheer and presents. What do you get? A good recipe for a great Christmas party!

There's a gallery of photos on this site, showing the fun we all had that day. A great big thank you to everyone who helped, especially Sue and Michael Kent (and Robin), who saw their duty in the kitchen extended a fair bit, as well as Kay and Tony White and all the parents, grandparents and big sisters (yes Elodie, you did great, thank you xx). Same time next year? It's a date!

 What's coming this winter

First of all, Boxing Day will be the last sailing day of the year. Even if you don't fancy a sail, come along to the club, bring family and friends for a refreshing walk on the beach. Jan Hone is going to serve mulled wine and mince pies, as well as hot soup for the hungry sailors. What is it going to be? A re-run of "The Sound of Music" on telly or a day out with good friends? See you there!

Of course, life in Lancing Sailing Club doesn't stop on the last day of sailing. In January and February, we'll have the traditional Sunday lunches (dates to be confirmed, I'll keep you posted).
March is usually a busy month, with bosun Bob Trevis organising work parties for a couple of Sundays. Finally, we'll have the bike ride which proves every year to be a great day out! Keep an eye on this site and on the forum for dates and contact details.

All I have left to say this year is a big HAPPY CHRISTMAS and thank everyone for your continued support during 2008.

Isabelle