Commodore Message
Year in Review 2007
The 2007 sailing year is in the rear view mirror, the white
stuff has settled on the lake, and one can reflect on the events of the past
season, and dream of open water and good winds.
The Cold Lake Sailing Association started the 2007 year with man overboard
rescue training at the JJ Parr Sports Centre. Classroom theory and hands-on
in-the-water training was conducted by 417 Squadron Search and Rescue Team
Leader Sergeant Lance Tieghrib. Sailors learned survival techniques for persons
in the water, proper fitting and use of lifejackets and personal floatation
devices, signals, tow lines, and other safety eqiupment. The course was a great
safety education opportunity, and we were privileged to have it conducted by
someone with such expertise and experience. Safety on the water will be a high
priorty for those sailors who participated. Many thanks to Mick Ellenwood for
organizing the event.
The Summer Racing Series was a success in that we were able to complete 14 out
of 15 scheduled races. On the evening of the last race Cold Lake was covered in
white caps and spum, the winds were howling, and thunderheads were swirling in
the area. Sailors made a prudent decision to cancel the race, and headed for the
local eatery for supper and a brew.(It was a wise move as the storm continued
into the evening). The three open regattas (Icebreaker, Charlie Callaghan and
Prairie Endurance Challenge) during the season were fun events with good winds
and great sailing. Unfortunately the scheduled Family Cruise weekends did not
materialize, and I believe it is time to review these events and perhaps plan
other activities instead. Maybe we could use these weekends to promote sailing,
by offering, on a voluntary basis, free orientation sailboat rides to the
public. This might raise awareness of sailing in general and even entice crew
for race nights. Think on it. Any suggestions are welcome. We will discuss it at
the Spring Annual General Meeting.
Prior to the Annual General Meeting in the spring of 2007 the Cold Lake Sailing
Club became an incorporated society under the Societies Act of Alberta, and is
now the Cold Lake Sailing Association. The Association has official Bylaws (which
are posted on the website) and Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P.). Copies of
the Bylaws and the S.O.P. are available from the Secretary Treasurer. Members
are encouraged to become familiar with both documents, as the association must
be governed accordingly.
Many thanks to the excutive members for their support, and time and effort in
processing the mountain of necessary paperwork to obtain society status. Also,
many thanks to Janet Dixon for her expert legal advice.
At the Fall Meeting in October 2007 the Association Executive was re-elected for
another term. Gerrie Sibbeck served notice that 2008 would be her last term as
Secretary Treasurer. Gerrie has done an excellent job for several years, often
taking on duties far beyond her official responsibilities, and we are pleased
that she has agreed to stay on for another season.
I would be amiss if I did not offer sincere thanks to the many volunteers who
contribute personal time and effort to Association events, from setting and
retrieving race marks, compliing race results, technicial support, placing buoys
for special events, taking photos, and all the other behind-the-scenes
activities that ensure a great season. Hats off to all of you......your
comtributions are much appreciated.
Have a great off-season, and we will meet again in the spring!
Joyce Foreman
Commodore
Cold Lake Sailing Association