2017 Report
Firstly I must thank the maintenance team at Blyth Park for the sterling work done on behalf of the club to make sure the site was tidy and presentable for the membership, just cutting the grass on a site of that size is a mammoth commitment!! Away from the grounds the club house, cottage and cadet block plus the showers and toilets all need regular cleaning, a pretty thankless task and those who do not help on site should be aware of the gratitude they owe this band of members. When it comes to sailing we are fortunate to have knowledgeable members who give a lot of time to make sure the tractors and ribs are in good shape and ready for action.
To all these volunteers I say a huge heartfelt thank you.
Although we have such a marvellous site the apathy amongst the racing fleet has not improved on 2016 but once again as we move to the 2018 season I am full of optimism.
Kevin Porter has almost completed a realistic racing programme and several of the stalwarts have said they will be taking to the water again, even Martin Pye has been tempted back to the Dart 18’s. I am also delighted to welcome back Mike Woodhead who is keen to get racing so let’s not disappoint him. I believe with a bit of enthusiasm and a bit of commitment we will see racing activity at Blyth once again
The weekend of June 2nd and 3rd is also seeing a visit by the RYA windsurfer trainers who will be carrying out a masterclass with about twenty surfers (could be well worth seeing). I also understand we will once again be hosting a Dart 18 TT. So it is not all doom and gloom.
Another bright spot is the amount of weekend activity with the cadets. Kevin Porter, Chris O’Connell and Leigh Trowsdale have spent hours with the cadets on the club’s Picos, kayaks and windsurfers, which has resulted in some potentially excellent sailors. With the lack of berths in the harbour Blyth Park remains the one area where we can expand our activities. For this reason the club has continued to invest in the site and it is up to every member to do their bit in promoting Blyth Park and its facilities to the sailing fraternity.
Please note that everyone should be welcomed to the site and even if you do not know the person they should be treated with respect. First ascertain whether they are actually members, if they are, help them if required! If they are not, are they potential SAILING members? and if so give them the tour. If they are just looking for parking explain politely that it is a members only facility and point them to the park and ride.
I am very proud of Blyth Park and all I ask is that everyone shares my desire to make it the best sailing venue on the east coast.
Steve Stanton