Over those years the club has performed differently at different times. For a time it held a range of sailing events. The 'Two Day Event', now hosted by Quoile, was in the past sponsored by KPMG and hosted at East Down. For many years East Down was perhaps the social centre of the Lough. Our pontoon, spectacular clubhouse, central location and welcoming membership made EDYC the obvious choice. Throughout changing times one thing has remained consistent - we can boast the best club racing on Strangford Lough. The enthusiasm of the membership who turn up Wednesday & Saturday, rain or shine, is fantastic but lets not forget the OOD and support team - members who unselfishly give up their sailing for the benefit of the rest of us. This generosity is born out of the self-help ethos on which our club is founded and stands us apart from most other clubs. Well done everybody.
Long live EDYC for another 40 years and more.
2007 saw a considerable investment in our clubhouse and attention paid to the social calendar. Towards the end of last season a member said to me that he used to worry if there would be anyone to talk to after sailing - now he is hurrying to get a seat! The amalgamation of the bar & tea facilities has been a success, no longer are crews split because some want a hot cuppa and others want a drink at the bar.
The repainted interior is great - particularly, in my opinion, the changing rooms and shower areas, which will get a lick of paint again this year to maintain the standard. On the subject of showers - the main hot water system is a very old gas boiler heating big hot water tanks. A few years ago this system was supplemented with point of use heaters that are more suited to our requirements, though these could be inadequate during larger events. The main system is now so old that it no longer satisfies safety standards; for a few years we have managed to keep it going but last year the Corgi gas safety people condemned the system which has forced our hand into a decision we should have made anyway. This season we will expand the point of use heaters so that all the showers will work this way.
The 'Members House Rota' (by the members for the members).
The duty rotas are critical to the ability of the club to carry on chosen activities. OODs are needed to manage the races, boat drivers are needed to ferry and look after on the water safety. Those members whose names appear on the Members House Rota are needed to help and serve refreshments in the Clubhouse. Failure to turn up for your duty means someone will have to fill in for you and if no one can, this will result in disappointment for everyone. Most of us only need to do one duty, very few more than two; it's not much to ask. Please study the 'Sailing Calendar' carefully, identify your duty and ensure you attend or arrange a substitute to attend for you.
The success of the 'Holm Bay Bar' in the Hamilton room is evident; producing much needed revenue for the club. Using the now redundant main hot water tank room beside the bar, the House Committee intend to install a small kitchen, which will enable us to provide hot food and soup within the health & safety guidelines.
The 'Functions & Entertainment' calendar is full again this year and the BBQ will continue to be lit every Saturday for members and their friends to enjoy. The Mid Summer BBQ is scheduled for Saturday 5th July. This year we are promoting it as 'The mid summer celebration of 40 years of sailing on Strangford Lough'. An important date for everyone's diary. After the Kircubbin Regatta, perhaps we can encourage other sailors to join us. It has been suggested that we cook a pig on a spit - The old fashioned way- really on a spit! What do you think? Let us know.
The Committee Lunch is held every year prior to the start of the sailing season. To my knowledge this has never be held at the club. This year, in recognition of '40 years of sailing on Strangford Lough', the Executive Committee would like to invite all members to join them in the clubhouse to celebrate our birthday. After all, we all could and may serve on a committee in the future and 40 years ago there was no committee lunch. Come on everyone lets get together and enjoy our birthday. The cost is only £20 each and we are bringing in professional caterers to look after us. Should be a great event - our ability to cope with huge numbers is limited so places will be on a first come first served basis so get your reply off today.
We are in exciting times; our club is 40 years old and still 'Probably the best club on Strangford Lough' as our Carlsberg posters tell us. The club is only as good as its membership and will not exist if we don't use it. Come on - call in, even just for a drink, bring your friends - remember - it's your club you are entitled! Introduce yourself, come sailing: boats are always looking for crew and there is always room for someone interested.
EDYC the best yacht club with the best club sailing.
Celebrating '40 years of sailing on Strangford Lough'.
Brian
Rear Commodore -House.