NEWSLETTER WINTER 1999

Both the end of the year and the end of the century are nearly upon us so now is the appropriate time to reflect on how the Royal Dorset Yacht Club has changed as we go into 2000. Although the Club and the local regattas are no longer supported by Royalty, there is still much enthusiasm for racing in the Weymouth Area. Having gone through some quiet years, hopefully the turn of the century will herald a resurgence of racing within Weymouth Bay helped by the RYA being in the vicinity. We are still optimistic that there will be 'J' Class yacht racing in 2001 when several Yachts are due to return to Weymouth during the celebrations for 150 years of the Americas Cup.

In addition to the sailing members, the number of members who own Motor Cruisers and other types of powered boats is steadily rising. The coming of the new marina to Weymouth opened up the opportunity to many locals and visitors, and we have been fortunate to increase our membership as a result of this.

Perhaps one of the biggest changes has been in the role that the ladies now take; both in boating of all kinds and in the running of the Club. It is because of this that the General Committee has decided to change some of the events in the Social Calendar. We consider it very important that although we must move with the times, we must not relinquish all the Club's traditions, because once lost they are very difficult to re-instate. There are four major social events in our Calendar, Burns Night in January, Casino Night in March, Regatta Dinner in October and Ladies Night and Prize Giving in November. Unfortunatley the only event at which the Club Silver is displayed and an after dinner speaker is invited is the Regatta Dinner for gentlemen. I have also decided to open the Clubhouse on New Years Eve as normal. However, with so many other hostelries closing early in the evening it may be necessary to close the outer door to the Clubhouse. Please see the details published later in the Newsletter if you want to come to the Clubhouse to celebrate the arrival of Year 2000.

The decision has been take that the Ladies Night and Prize Giving will be divided into two seperate events. The event in November will be the Annual Prizegiving and Dinner Dance. Ladies Night will be a Formal Dinner at the Clubhouse in March to which all Members are invited. An After Dinner Speaker will be invited - so if anyone has a request for a particular speaker please let us kow before the end of the year.

Finally I would like to take this oppoortunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year. I look forwad to greeting you all in the Clubhouse, firstly for the Christmas Carols and my Punch Party but also on many occasions through the next century as possible. The Club can only be what we the members make it, and we all want it to be successful.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Having maintained subscription charges at the same level for many years the time has come to increase the Annual Subscription charges from 1st January 2000 for all categroies of membership to the R.D.Y.C.

Please read the notice enclosd with this Newsletter. To maintain the eficiency of collecting the subscriptions, members are encouraged to pay by Direct Debit (Direct Debit Mandate forms available from the Secretary). Those wishing to pay by other means are requested to do so promptly. The secretarial effort incurred in chasing members for their subscriptions only serves to increase administrative costs and hence will cause further increases in subscription Rates.

The Social Calendar

The last Ladies Night in November was a sell out with 114 members and guests having an excellent evening at Swansons. We hope all members will do their best to attend the events listed in this newsletter, as much effort goes into their organisation, and all those that do attend always have a super time. If you do want to attend any function or find out more details please conact Maxine (01305 786258) who runs the Office in the Mornings. The plans for New Year's Eve are still being formulated, but we do expect to put on a hot buffet. Numbers for this are required urgently so that catering can be arranged, so please call Maxine.

Commodre.

SOCIAL PROGRAMME FOR THE WINTER AND SPRING TERM

1999

15 December Carols and Supper - Christmas Mulled Wine and free mince pies

18 December Commodores Cocktail Party - Lunchtime. Punch and Sparkling wine.

21 December Weymouth Sailing Club Carols and Pies

31 December Impromptu Celebrations for the end of he 20th Century.

2000

22 January Burns Night Supper with Piper and Haggis

13 February Valentines Sunday Lunch Carvery and Fun.

26 February Weymouth Cruising At Home.

4 March CASINO Night at home

17 March RNLI COMMS GMDSS at Weymouth Sailing Club

25 March Ladies Night Formal Dinner

3 April Mothering Sunday Lunch

7 April Annual General Meeting in the Clubhouse