ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:
Please note that the AGM for the election of the officers of the club will take place On Tuesday June 1st 8.15pm.  Nominations forms will go out next week. It is essential that we continue to have fresh blood involved with the running of the club in order for Wakatere to be the vibrant place that it is.  If you feel that you can contribute in any way then feel free to contact me to have a chat about what you can offer, there is always plenty of advice and support available so you won’t get thrown in the “deep end” immediately. Dean Coleman 021 771 824 The AGM is also the official forum for any issues, suggestions, improvements from members. Please mark your calendars.
 
PRIZE GIVING:
Annual club prize giving will be on Friday 11th June 6.00pm. This will be a mid-winter b.y.o. fish ‘n chip night so bring the whole family and celebrate the season’s achievements. Each year the club awards a number of “prestige” prizes which are by consensus of members and we would appreciate receiving your nominations for the following awards:-
Junior Sportsmanship- The junior sailor that has exhibited consistent sportsmanship over the season.
Most Helpful Senior member- Needs no explanation.
Meritorious Junior- For the junior sailor who has shown outstanding merit over the season.
Meritorious Skipper- This is the clubs yachtsman or woman of the year based on performance on the water and representation of the club.
Please email nominations to Kevin Whitehead kevinw@solutionm.co.nz and another date to mark on your calendar!
 
WAKATERE CHAMPIONS:
Wakatere sailor Stefan Goldwater won the Keelboat Nationals last weekend. Congratulations. http://www.rayc.org.nz/
 
WINDSURFING LESSONS:
For those sailors wanting to give windsurfing a go then we will be starting a Wakatere group with lessons at Lake Pupuke with the Mad Loop Windsurfing School. The lessons will be each Sunday from 12pm to 2pm and cost $40 per session starting on the 16th May. All the gear is supplied including wetsuits so all you need to do is turn up and sail. Mad Loop caters for all ages and sailing experience so don't think you are too young, too old or don't have enough sailing experience. If you are interested or want more information then get in contact with Roger Wanless on 4456163.
 
BACKYARD LEGENDS:
Sunday June 13th there is a one day coaching conference for those that coach the youth age group (5 - 18yrs) in any sport. It will be held at the AUT campus in Northcote. If you are interested in up-skilling for the benefit of Wakatere please contact Dean Coleman dean.coleman@xtra.co.nz
 
HELP WANTED FOR FUNDING APPLICATIONS: Morag Fryer (Wakatere funding rep) has asked if there is a club member willing and able to assist her with a few of the smaller funding applications she is currently dealing with. Plenty of help provided. Contact Morag morag@vinetowine.co.nz
 
LOCKER SPACE IN HIGH DEMAND:
This is a busy time for the selling of boats and moving to other classes. A reminder to all current locker holders that when you sell your boat, please inform the new owner that the sale of the boat does not come with a locker space. The boat will need to be removed when sold and the key returned to Simone Nicholas at 52 Lake Road, Devonport for reallocation.
If anyone is planning to a move to a larger locker contact Simone to put your name on the request list asap. Simone Nicholas mone@clear.net.nz
 
BOATS IN THE COMPOUND:
Storage of boats in the compound is now allocated as per the locker system. Over the winter months of May - September, you can request a space within the compound to store your boat. There is a charge for storing your boat in the compound. You will be issued with a wooden tag to be attached to your trailer at all times. This then lets all members identify which boats have authority to be stored in the compound. This space is limited and once allocation has been filled, you can request to be placed on the waiting list. Please note: Over the summer months, October - April, depending on the space available, we cannot guarantee this option to be available as there is so much activity at the club.
 
WINTER OPTI COACHING: Our winter opti coaching programme will be bigger than ever this year with approx 60 hardy juniors showing interest. This will be run on Saturday afternoon and is for those already in our coaching programme (this is not a ‘learn to sail’ course). Be advised that Saturday afternoons will continue to be a busy time at the club.
 
LAKE PUPUKE:
Winter sailing continues on Lake Pupuke. See their website for the winter programme www.pupuke.org.nz
There is racing most Sundays starting at 1.30pm with a non-member entry fee of $5.00 on the day. Note the Freshwater Champs May 15th/16th is for senior monotype centreboard classes only.