To be approved at the Spring General Meeting.
FORTH CRUISING CLUB
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
THURSDAY 28 OCTOBER 2010
The Commodore called the meeting to order at 19:30
Agenda Item 1
APOLOGIES
| Kenneth Bellini Helen Crossley Derick Crossley John Johnstone Jack Thomson Robert Peebles |
Colin Primrose John Bowie Ian Maul Gavin Carter John Harris |
There were 33 Club Members present, including all committee members
Agenda Item 2
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Spring General Meeting 2008 Minutes were adopted [Nem. Con.]
Proposed by Eva Brockie
Seconded Sandy Thomson
Agenda Item 3
OFFICE BEARERS’ REPORTS.
COMMODORE – Captain Denis Sullivan
Well how was your season? Not as good weather as anticipated but most planned events took place and a lot of very favourable comments from the public as to what a great Club we have
Thanks to Committee
As always I wish to record my heartfelt thanks to all our committee members for all the work that they do
I would also like to ask you to show are appreciation to the members who are moving away and who will be sadly missed, although hopefully we will see them from time to time. These are
- Rodger and Alison (Richard) who have worked tirelessly for the Club
- Helen (Crossley) who is moving to Inverness shortly
- Mandy and John (Harris) who are also moving further north.
Thankfully Nan has agreed to take over from Mandy as the web site guru who you will agree has done an excellent job in getting the site up and running and which has become a very useful tool for most members
Sail to Walk
Sail to Walk was a big success with more than 30 visitors taking part in the sail and walk aspects of the day. The day was very misty and wet but thanks to Alastair getting hold of a marquee we were well protected. Also, thanks to the folk who went to take the marquee down before it blew away.
Six Boats took part.
The day was well organised a special thanks to Ken and Russell on the safety boat taking people out to the boats and Sean on the VHF coordinating the trips and everybody else who spent the day organising ashore.
The catering was a big bonus and very much appreciated by our visitors. Thanks Kirsty.
All the visitors who took part filled in an evaluation form and they were all very favourable, mentioning the friendliness, Club Facilities and generally being surprised that such a lively Club existed in Limekilns.
We were even sent thank you letters from the families who were on our boat. I put these up on the notice board.
As a result of the day we have had many enquiries for new membership.
Planned improvements
Further to my report at the S.G.M., the contractor who was to do the work decided to give up the landscaping business. Quotes were not sought from different contractors because the committee felt that the cost of replacing the boiler was sufficient expense for the current year.
However we now have a very kind offer from Kenneth Bellini of sufficient slabs to complete the patio extension. Hopefully this will enable us to do the work ourselves on winter work parties once we arrange delivery of the slabs
Phil will give you details but we now have plans to improve access to the starter’s box and fit a handrail at the lower garden steps.
Ladies Race
The Ladies Race was cancelled this year officially due to lack of support, however the ladies involved feel that this was not the case and the race should have been cancelled due to bad weather. Perhaps we can discuss this further under AOCB
Unsung heroes
As you know high water at crane out this year was very late in the day, as a consequence a lot more boats than usual were lifted directly from the mud. This meant that our volunteer “mudskippers” put in s much longer shift than usual. I hope to join them at some time in the future but in the meantime I would like to offer heartfelt thanks for their efforts.
Finally
Phil will be talking to you about the winter work parties. They are a very important part of the work done around the Club and without them our fees would be much higher.
We have also made them a social occasion with a lot of fun with myself falling in the mud often and Sandy digging for victory. We finished off last year in the Club with coffee and homemade cakes mostly by courtesy of Eva but I have been known to supply the odd cake myself.
VICE COMMODORE – Joe Swankie
The Season
The season can be split into two parts, over the first half the weather was favourable, and attendances were generally good. For the second half the BBQ summer never materialised, the weather went down hill and the attendances dropped even faster. For comparison, the first 7 scheduled races in the season, including the regatta, had a total entry of 54 starters, whereas the 8 scheduled starts in the second half had a total entry of 15, with four races cancelled.
Members appear to turn out when a trophy is at stake but are not interested for the rest of the events. Unfortunately most of the trophy races take place in the early part of the season (to avoid the holiday period) so it may be time to spread them out.
Club races
The Club series of 6 scheduled starts was poorly attended and half the races were cancelled.
The results of the races are posted on the web site but for those with no access to the site the results are set out, under.
Results
Rae trophy – for the first race of the season, attracted an entry of 8 boats, which must be the best start to a season for many years, went to Cerberus.
Driftwood trophy – bilge keel class (no entry in the fin class), went to Joint Venture
Regatta, Pa Billings trophies Bilge keel class Cerberus
Fin Keel Class Stella Maris
Hafway cup Joint Venture
R Masson trophy Katie Mor
Blackness Dash Joint Venture.
(It should have been won by Solitaire If he hadn’t managed to wrap the finishing mark around his rudder. At least there was no dispute whether he touched or not!)
Club Series ` One up
Hornet trophy Joint Venture – Awarded to the Club champion for results over the season
Handicaps
We carried on with the rolling handicap system this season. The early races were sailed in Light conditions which favoured the lightweight fins which resulted in the bilge keel handicaps going up accordingly but in the windier conditions over the Regatta, most of the bilge keel classes posted faster corrected times than the fastest fin indicating handicaps had become distorted. To overcome this it was decided to adjust handicaps in future, when races take place in F3/F4. A number of yachts have shown that they could compete to the FYCA number so it was decided that CERBERUS, KATY MOR and ONE UP on the FYCA number for the rest of the season. Hopefully this will bring some stability.
Scoring System
Changed from Minimum points to a system based on the number of boats that you beat. This produced a close finish for the Club championship, with Joint Venture scoring 28 points to One Up’s 27.
Observations
1. Due to the small number of races to count this season (4) by taking part in all of the trophy races and by getting reasonable results, one could win the championship series without taking part in any of the Club series. So this will require a rethink for next season.
2. The OOD receives points equivalent to third place. We could possibly increase this to = first,but only one duty to count. towards the title. For example, if only three boats take part, the OOD would be awarded 2 points which is not even a reasonable discount whereas if they were awarded points equivalent to = 5 points which would be a reasonable average over the whole series. Alternatively we could use the average entry of the three best supported races in the series and award the OOD points equivalent to third. And this figure given to all who undertake OOD duties. This may encourage competitors to volunteer to do duties when they decide that they have no intention of sailing. This may all be irrelevant if we have a full time OOD, as rumoured.
CRUISING CONVENOR – Alastair Bullions
In his review of the past season the cruising convenor detailed various elements:
- There had been 12 cruises programmed throughout the season.
- The programme started on the 17th April and ended on 26th September.
- There had been 5 single tide and 7 either overnight or weekend cruises.
- No one participated in the cruise planned for Fisherow.
Elie was a new destination for A.B. this year and their club proved to be very welcoming with full access to all the facilities of their clubhouse, the use of their lounge on the Sunday evening being very welcome in light of the rain outside.
He also wished to single out Cramond sailing club, again for the access to their clubhouse and bar but also their willingness to lend tenders and to allow visitors to moor up against their boats rather than against the harbour wall, yet again they made us feel very welcome.
Excluding the BYO barbecue cruise which had 11 club boats involved the average number of boats per cruise was three. It seems the way to get members to turn out is to involve food in the planning of the cruises, perhaps we should consider FCC becoming the Forth Chewing Club.
The busiest weekend cruise was the children’s treasure hunt which had five boats taking part, so if not food then bribing the kids seems to work.
Looking ahead
1. The new programme should be ready by the spring general meeting
2. A.B. plans, if things work out to go through the Caledonian Canal and back through the Forth and Clyde during the summer holidays next year.
3. He would be up for suggestions over possible destinations and durations of stay for next year.
4. Having combined with PEYC in the past, should we try to it again for a possible trip to Eyemouth, if so what time of year?
5. To look at opportunities for overnight cruises
6. Noted the support for a combined cruise with PEYC.
R.C. (PIERS AND MOORINGS) – Philip Whetton
P.W started his report by detailing the work that had been undertaken during the season,
1. The replacement of the two power supply plinths on the pier
2. The craning out of 44boats; unstepping 3 masts and the lifting out of two pontoons
Although there was some trepidation relating to their usage, including the crane operator, this year spreader beams had been deployed to assist in lifting and were found to be most helpful.
He once again asked members to guard against annoying our neighbours by allowing their halyards to frap against their masts. He asked that rather than pull them back to the standing rigging using bungee strops that the halyards be removed.
Phil continued by detailing the work he hoped to complete over the winter.
Starting with the easier tasks of:
- Removing davit ropes.
- Removing depth Boards
- Disposal of dirty engine oil.
Winter Work Parties
| Pontoons | v Replace south pontoon steel tubes v Replace south pontoon fender rubbers |
| Basement | v Replace roof v Increase size of inflatable storage racks. v Replace door stops and latches. v Repair hose bracket. |
| Garden | v Lay new Patio slabs v Manufacture Mast Racks v Manufacture Hand rail for steps |
| Starters Box | v New steps & Handrail |
| Middle Pier | v Possible extra sinkers v Design dinghy fixing arrangements |
| Odds and ends | v Paint garden power box v Paint davits v Remove steel garden seat to end of pier and affix v Set up power winch on North davit v Cement around Anchor v Examine pro’s and con’s of opening up garden side door |
P.W finished by saying that work parties would begin on Sunday 31 October and he looked forward to seeing a large turn out.
R.C. (CLUBHOUSE) – Russell Kelley
R.K. Recorded once again his thanks to John (Dougal) and Sean (Cunningham) for helping out over the year in and around the Club the year. Singling out Sean for replacing a broken light fitting in the staircase. He also thanked them for their kind offers of a wee dram” believing that the sun is over the yardarm somewhere in the world.”
Work completed this year
The main Item of work this year was the replacement of the boiler and he extended his thanks to Denis (Sullivan) for obtaining a highly competitive quotation and subsequently organising his ‘tame’ plumber to undertake the installation work.
Should we get cold spells similar to those experienced last year, he intended placing the boiler on a timed, low frost setting.
Again he thanked Moira (Hoyes) for working her magic on the Club grass during the growing season and arranging for a gardening contractor to undertake the preparation and grassing of the new area of the garden.
He noted that Sandy (Thomson) had brought the Club into the recycling age and that we now have bottle and can bins, with associated crusher, so the Club can do its bit for the planet.
Further thanks were due to Jack (Thomson) for our beautiful new garden wall sign at the south entrance and for refurbishing the sign at the road entrance.
Similar thanks went to Ian (Girvan), George (Scrivener) and John (Hoyes) for designing and installing the harbour identification at the pier end
(Post meeting note by the Secretary; Murray Ovens should be added to the list for his work, expert electronic input and provision of various items)
Thanks also to George (Scrivener) for fitting anti theft bolts to the garden hut.
As members will possibly have noticed, redecoration has taken place on the ground floor both internally and externally. There are a couple of damp patches showing through with efflorescence, we will monitor the situation over the winter to see if further work is required.
It was brought to the committee’s attention that some members that security in the Club was a bit lax. To address that concern the codes on the south door and the basement have been changed.
It was also agreed in committee that we should look at fitting a key padlock for the door separating the stairs from the toilets, this code only being issued to members. However, since this was proposed he had received some strong feedback from some members that they don’t agree with this being done. He felt that he would like to ascertain the views of members over the proposals.
R.K. proposed an option i.e. that the lock be fitted and the combination only given to those visitors, who were known and who a member would vouch for.
Future works proposed
R.K. reported that while no major works or expenditure were envisaged in the immediate future, There was however an intention to assess whether it would be possible to make the Brucehaven Road entrance accessible from the outside.
R.C. (CLUB BOATS) – George Scrivener
Recorded that 5 Club members had been put through the power boat course and were now deemed to satisfy both the technical requirements and moreover, are now also covered by our insurance. The training of coxn’s had been held back by the understanding that only a nationally recognised certificate would attract cover by our insurers. This was however erroneous and allowed the Club to train people up to the Club’s satisfaction. G.S had been doing this throughout the season and intended to continue doing so next year.
It was discovered during the season that there were problems with the wires that controlled the steering but G.S. was confident that this would be resolved prior to the next season
There had also been a problem with the cooling water ‘tell-tale’ indicating that no cooling water was reaching the engine. On investigation however it was found that the discharge port was blocked by a plug of salt which when removed solved the problem
TREASURER – Christian Scrivener
C. S had, prior to the meeting passed out copies of the audited accounts for the financial year to the 31st August 2010, certified as being correct by S.J. Burton on 19/10/2009
Continuing with her report, Christian pointed out that, as of the year end to 31st August 2010, the finances are in a satisfactory position, although there has been a small loss of £54.33.
This loss is mainly down to paying 2 years worth of Clubhouse insurance this year. She explained that the Club’s financial cycle does no coincide with that of the Broomhall estate meaning that sometimes we don’t pay insurance in a financial year but twice the following year.
Over the year we have had some extraordinary expenses which are noted on the handout .i.e.
New central heating boiler;
Power distribution plinths on the pier;
Work done to our new garden area.
Christian gave her special thanks to Eva (Brockie) for collecting most of the money at crane out which was very much appreciated.
SOCIAL CONVENOR Kirsty Maguire
Began by saying that over the last year there had been nine events, one of which had been organised by Jenny Sullivan.
The numbers attending have increased steadily which is an ongoing challenge when it comes to catering. There was no Haggis evening; however there have been requests for this to return.
We had a new event in the form of the Sail 2 Walk day. The support from Club was unexpected and caught us unaware in terms of catering. The day was intended for the public, and from their responses they thoroughly enjoyed it
Support from others from the Club has been offered for the majority of events and I would like to thank those who have helped out. I am always looking for people to come and give those who have continued to give their time and energy a well earned break. The more the merrier.
There are two more events coming up
1) the Dinner Dance Sat 13th November. At the Pitbauchlie Hotel in Dunfermline, starting at 7.00 p.m. Kirsty is currently looking for names of those who are intending to go to give numbers to the hotel. She said that she would be available after the meeting to that end.
2) the other event is the mulled wine evening on Saturday the 4th of December, which should be a good night.
SECRETARTY – John Hoyes
Acknowledgements - Before starting his report the Secretary said he wished to thank those who had helped him throughout the past year, primarily his wife without whom, he said, it would not have been possible to do the job.
Additionally he wished to thank both the Terris brothers for their individual donations of stamps and cash, both of which were very welcome.
Membership Numbers
J.H. gave numbers of members by category, these Comprising:
17 in number A1 Members
53 in number A2 Members
0 in number B1 Members
5 in Number B2 Member
4 in Number C Members
4 in Number D1 Members
1 in Number D2 Member
1 in Number E1 Member
85 Members giving a total membership income of £ 9,612
3 recently having applied for membership.
Before leaving the subject of Membership he pointed out that this income represented our main revenue stream, and while these monies were adequate to sustain day to day expenditure. Any sudden major unforeseen capital cost could seriously threaten our finances. He therefore supported Phil (Whetton) and others in their efforts to encourage members to assist in various projects to minimise costs, wherever possible.
Agenda Item 4
ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS.
At this point of the meeting the chair was ceded to the President who traditionally oversees the election of Office Bearers. In each case the President called for nominations. There were no candidates for any position opposing sitting officers.
| Office | Present holder | Proposed | Proposer | Seconder | Outcome |
| Commodore | D Sullivan | D Sullivan | P Whetton | A. Bullions | Unanimous |
| Vice Commodore | J Swankie* | ||||
| Cruising Convenor | A Bullions | A Bullions | G. Scrivener | K. Maguire | Unanimous |
| RC Clubhouse | R. Kelly | R Kelly | S. Thomson | A Birrell | Unanimous |
| RC Piers and moorings | P Whetton | P Whetton | E Brockie | J.Hoyes | Unanimous |
| RC Club Boats | G Scrivener | G Scrivener | A. Bullions | J Sullivan | Unanimous |
| Treasurer | C Scrivener | C Scrivener | E Brockie | I Smith | Unanimous |
| Social Convenor | J Sullivan | K Maguire | W. McAlpine | D Paterson | Unanimous |
| Secretary | J Hoyes | J Hoyes | J Sullivan | D Sullivan | Unanimous |
* This appointment to be referred back to the committee as no volunteer could be found.
The President congratulated those re-appointed and , subsequently returned the chair to the Commodore
Agenda Item 5
Member’s agenda items
1. Duty O.O.D.
Sponsor – J Swankie Vice Commodore Racing
Joe opened the debate by sketching out the History of the function saying:
“When I took over the event the position of O.O.D. was filled by seeking volunteers and cajoling others.
Last season I changed the selection from individuals to allocating it to a racing yacht. This season I expanded this to include a number of those who are mainly interested in cruising.
To their credit a number of turned up for their duty but a few were not prepared to do it.
Racing is one of the Club’s organised activities so I feel that it is not unreasonable to include non racing members.
He questioned what the level of support should a club expect from its members and what action should be taken when it is not forthcoming?”
In an open discussion that followed, members commented:
| Sandy Thomson | He personally found the duty daunting and suspected others found this also. Ian smith concurred with this |
| David Patterson | Agreed with the above but reported that he had found it necessary to shorten the course and felt that it went smoothly. He believed that those fulfilling the duty would profit from a refresher course because it was only by accident he found out details of the rules on the Club’s website. |
| Alex Birrell | Stated that there was no requirement to participate. |
| Russell Kelly | Believed that Members should not be burdened by this imposition. |
| Will McAlpine | Suggested that on joining, new members should be made aware that they will be expected to undertake various Club tasks. |
| George Scrivener | Proposed that volunteers should be sought and thereafter be given training. (This was seconded by the Secretary, but no vote was taken.) |
| Jenny Sullivan | Said that she didn’t feel confident to undertake the duty when people took racing so seriously. |
| Eva Brockie | Concurred with J.S and admitted to getting things wrong |
| Jim Simpson | Was of the opinion that all those who raced should do it |
After some further discussion wherein it was asked if starting could be done from a boat (too difficult) it was eventually agreed that the membership should be canvassed over the matter and thereafter training given, irrespective of who ended up doing the O.O.D.’s duty
Agenda Item 6
A.O.C.B.
Jim Simpson said that it had been noticed by the FYCA over the number of the Club’s boats taking part in other clubs’ activities in and around the Forth.
The proposal to secure the door in lower passageway was referred back to committee.
The appointment of a Vice Commodore. (Racing) to be referred back to the committee as no volunteer could be found.
The discussion over the subject of The Ladies’ race generated more smoke than light including sexism; fear of weather conditions; rescheduling; responsibility and rationale for cancelling the race under any given circumstances.
Eventually, it was proposed by George Scrivener, seconded by Ian Smith that the matter should be carried forward to next year’s AGM and a view taken after the outcome of next year’s race. Motion Carried
The Commodore closed the meeting at 21:20 hours
