June 2010 newsletter

Hello everyone,

CLOSING DAY (what closing day) seems a long time ago. hanks to all that contributed to make is a hugely successful BBQ rounding off such a big season. Although looking at the number of kids participating in winter opti sailing on a Saturday afternoon - one would be forgiven for thinking the season is still in full swing.

Our AGM has been and gone. I would like to thank the committee again for their massive support and their willingness to support again this season. Prize giving has also been and gone. For those of you who couldn't attend, all prize winners are on the Wakatere website. Special mention and congratulations to John and Pauline Ellingham for gaining life membership. We are truly lucky to have such wonderful people involved with our club. Also to Chris Steele for winning the Wakatere Yachtsman of the Year trophy

We currently have the following club members COMPETING OVERSEAS:-Jack Collinson, Logan Dunning- Beck, Finn Drummond, Sam Schofield, Jack Simpson and Paul Snow-Hansen. You can follow their progress on our website.

After about four years of hard work and soul searching, the long awaited BASEMENT UPGRADE HAS STARTED. We will have new toilets, showers and changing rooms at the south end and a new self draining training room at the north end. Some disruption is inevitable. Thank you to those members who have made their lockers available for storage. A container will take up residence on the grass area of the compound to accommodate the balance of the boats and equipment. We will keep you informed of progress as the new season approaches. Finally, I will end the season the same way as it began, advising that the sea slugs are once again a hazard at Wakatere. Keep warm, Dean Coleman

PHOTOS OF PARENT/CHILD RACES: There are some great photos of the parent child races held during the morning sailing with some very colourful entrants. Have a look in the club photo gallery.

OPTI SCHOLARSHIP NEEDS YOUR VOTE: Wakatere’s Markus Somerville is in the NZ Optimist Worlds Team. They will represent NZ in Malaysia in December. They have applied as a team for the Toyota "I Believe" Scholarship and the team is now in the final 3. To win, they just need the most votes... that's where you come in. It will cost you nothing - just the click of a mouse, no strings attached. Please click on the following link http://www.believe.co.nz/node/127 to vote. Enter once with an email address at the bottom of the page. Please pass this on to all of your friends and colleagues and don’t forget to vote from your second email address (office or work). One vote from each email address.