Christchurch Sailing Club

Dear Members,

Water quality in the Stour and the Harbour has become a matter of serious concern. The Water Regulators safe level for inland waterways is 1000 cfus (Colony-forming Units) of e coli per 100 mls. Martin Stewart has been taking readings throughout the year which have now been published. Last week there was a massive spike in readings to 370,000 cfus in the River Stour. By last night that figure had come down to 9133, still nine times the safe level.

As a result a consensus decision was made by the Board and the Junior Core Team last night that water-activities should not take place during Junior Week which starts today. Instead, the JCT is working hard to find alternative sailing venues and land-based activities to make sure the Juniors can still have a great week.

We will continue to monitor the situation so far as we are able and make members aware of the information we have. However, an important caveat is that we do not have data about levels in the Harbour where sailing takes place.

As always it is for adult sailors to make their own decision whether to go on the water. Considerations will be wind-conditions, health vulnerabilities but also water quality. That remains the position for Club organised events. We do not want to cancel racing programmes unless absolutely necessary. The fact that a race is taking place does not necessarily mean that water quality is safe. We will do what we can to pass on what we know about water quality but please do your own research and make your own decisions. You might decide to go out in a Force 5-6, but you wouldnt in Force 8-9. You might apply similar thinking to water quality.

If you do decide to go on the water at times when water quality is poor or unsafe, please do take mitigating actions which might include:

avoiding unnecessary contact with the water
covering cuts and grazes
no capsize drills
washing your hands regularly with hot water and soap following contact with the water or ropes that have been in the water
washing down your boat and equipment after use.
Regards,

Graham Smith - Commodore

Need an excuse to party? 🥳

Come and join us on Saturday 18th July to raise money for the Ellen MacArthur Trust.

With live music, cocktails and the best view in Christchurch…plus, you’ll be helping a great charity too!

MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CSC club member.

Please RSVP by email to Stuart Percival ASAP.

Tonight we have Rockley visiting the club for a talk. Please join us if you or your children are interested. Starting at 6pm prompt.

This talk will be relevant if you are:
• A parent who would like to understand more about sailing and are thinking about getting their level 1 & 2. Perfect if you want to join in with open sailing organised by Dave Evans.

• A parent who is thinking about becoming an instructor themselves, like Annie Hazell, to enable them to be more involved on the water.

• Thinking about kids clubs in the summer holidays - Rockley take childcare vouchers! They do summer camps for kids. Speak to Kate James – her kids have been and loved it.

• A child who is new to juniors and would like to get more experience prior to Junior week in August.

• A child who is wanting to improve generally and gain RYA qualifications.

• A child thinking about racing (moving up from Adventurers) – Rockley offer an RYA Seamanship and Racing course

• A child wanting to move up to double handed sailing on the club’s 420 Dinghy. Rockley offer a Performance sailing & Sailing with Spinnakers course

• A teenager over 16 years thinking about becoming an instructor

• A teenager thinking about post 16 options – Rockley College offer a B-Tec Extended Diploma in Sports & Physical Activity

• An older teen – thinking about doing an Apprenticeship as an Outdoor Instructor.

One week to go until 10 of our juniors take part in their first offshore race! The RORC Cervantes Trophy Cup.

They are all registered and now just keeping fingers crossed for good weather and a nice breeze.

We have one week left to reach our target of £1200. That’s just over £100 more to raise! So if you have a few bob to spare please click the link below.

Thanks you for all your support.

https://gofund.me/c2af77eaa

http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/295232/Christchurch-SC-Junior-Fundraising-Mission

https://sailracehq.com/boatdetails2/1ccad67b-674b-411a-87dc-79b3e336189e/cb58de5a-3cb8-4560-af9d-faa7d2b91388/55fa3a3f-3d64-4e59-9385-4a29fe365107?t=2

https://sailperformance.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooxjyn5KbQJXD6TbI1kmZXPvYOnso4gvrN2v0eF6yKYtWpEZ-SH

Come along to tonight's winter talk at 8pm from Hengistbury Head Outdoors…

Something special is taking shape just along the headland. The much-loved former Marine Training Centre is being brought back to life as Hengistbury Head Outdoors (HHO), a community-owned hub for sailing, watersports, outdoor learning and wellbeing on both land and water. Thanks to a group of determined volunteers, a government grant, a 99-year lease and extraordinary community support, the renovation is now in its final phase ahead of reopening this spring. Future members will benefit from affordable access to watersports, community activities and a welcoming hub, while helping protect this unique site for future generations.

Come along to learn more about the exciting plans for HHO at Christchurch Sailing Club on 25th March.

Hear the story so far, learn whats coming next, and find out how sailors and local residents can be part of it.