Monthly Archives: December 2021

Incoming Commodore statement: –

Good evening,

As I write this, parties are being cancelled and we are being asked to consider social situations we attend due to the rapidly evolving Omicron variant. Who would have thought, as a society that we would still be in this position nearly 2 years from the initial reports from Wuhan? Certainly not our outgoing commodore, Helen Brown I am sure. Over her tenure she has maintained the club in what has been the most unusual situation in is 60 years, regrettably having to spend as much (if not more) of her time considering COVID in the context of sailing than sailing. I and the rest of the committee thank her for her sterling work and hope that over the coming season she has the opportunity to enjoy recreational sailing at the club.

I have been a member of the club for around six years now (and secretary for much of that), over that time what has remained a constant is the friendly and approachable members FSC is blessed with. It is this, I believe that sets our small club apart from larger ones. It enables us to respond to our membership rapidly and while we offer a sailing programme, with notice and planning we can offer other activities in response to our members. I would encourage you all to be a part of this and if there is something you feel is missing from the program – let one of the committee members know if you have an idea for a special event (club members only or open to others in the community) – again contact the committee. While we encourage you all to consider joining the committee what is also important is that you communicate with us so the club can adapt to the needs of the membership. What is always a surprise to me is the number of Forfonians (and surrounds) that are not aware that sailing occurs on The Loch, so please tell your friends and family, bring them down (liaise with the committee if you would like help enabling them to get out on the water) – our most valuable recruitment tool is you and your word of mouth.

Over the next few months while the boats rest the committee will be developing a program and ensuring the club is ready to go next spring. The University will be out on the water, in their new fleet, team racing – a very different type of racing to club racing they are an approachable bunch and if you are out for a walk over winter and see them sailing stop by, say hi and they a generally happy to explain what is going on. The Skiff project will also be moving forward – watch for further updates of this exciting evolution of water sport on Forfar Loch from our very own Tony Walker. It looks like this Christmas will not be quite the pre-COVID Christmas we all hoped for, but dream of warm waters and fair winds – tell us what you would like from the club next year, stay safe and have a very happy Christmas.

I am sure I echo all members of the club when I thank Helen and the outgoing committee for all their work over the last year and I look forward to working with the incoming committee over the forthcoming year.

Mark Kimber

Commodore