Dear Nefyn Sailing Club Members,

As seems to be traditional, I write to you from a Bank Holiday break in Nefyn with a backdrop of heavy drizzle and cloudy skies.  Occasionally it appears to be clearing, encouraging thoughts of a ‘slightly less wet walk to the pub’ before reality sets in (and we walk to the pub anyway). 

I would first like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to our 2025 Members Survey. The feedback was very helpful in shaping our priorities for the season ahead and I’m happy to share some upcoming changes and trials for 2025 based on direct member feedback.

Social Programme Initiatives

There was overwhelming support for trialing a new approach to the Sherry Party, which has previously been held on bank holiday Sunday when many members are back in the real world!  It has always been a great event but we’d like to try something that opens the occasion up to more of the membership, so this year we will trial a new ‘Commodore’s Welcome / Sherry Party’ drinks event held after the first race of the season on Sunday 27th July at 4pm.   This will be a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and get the season started with a glass of Pimms!  Note that any races run after the dinner this year will have trophies presented post race at the club hut. 

We will now run the raffle at the Hog Roast, with tickets available to buy at the Commodores Welcome drinks and at the Hog.  Please remember to bring any raffle prize donations to the club hut a little earlier this year, all gratefully received on behalf of the club. 

A strong theme in member survey feedback was enjoyment of non-sailing events when organised by the club on days where racing is not possible due to weather conditions (too good or too bad!).  Although not easy to plan in advance – we will endeavour to organise rounders, relay/sup races and a mackerel race this year, should the wind not play ball.  Keep an eye on the whatsapp group for updates throughout the season.

I’m pleased to confirm that we will return to the Woodlands Hotel for our annual dinner dance this year, on Friday 8th August.  More details and ticket information coming soon, however I can confirm that quiche will not be on the menu. 

Racing Initiatives

NSC is at its core a sailing club and we continue to explore avenues to get more boats on the water and taking part in our fun and friendly racing program.  This year we will try to run two ‘get on the water’ mornings, open to all ages but particularly aimed at younger members who may be interested in sailing and racing.  Experienced sailors will be on hand, along with sufficient rescue support to help members gain confidence in their boats and have fun on the water!  We will pick mornings with light breeze and better weather so will need to be flexible – keep an eye on whatsapp and social for updates!

On the theme of taking advantage of good weather windows, this year we will try proactive ‘Double Header’ days where we will run two races on days with particularly good conditions.  This should allow us to get further through the racing program in 2025 – these will be communicated in advance across all club channels but please do keep an eye on the whatsapp group for the very latest updates and race schedule.

As ever, the club cannot operate without volunteers to cover Officer Of the Day and Rescue Officer duties. From survey feedback we recognise that many are keen to support the club in these areas but may not have the confidence or knowledge to run a race or operate the rescue boat.  This year we will run a buddy system whereby members who are keen to help out will be paired with a more experienced member to run a race or cover rescue – please message me directly or catch me on the beach if you’d like to take part.

Member News

We mark the sad loss of three members over the past year.  Rodney Garside, a devoted life long member who introduced three generations of his family to sailing at Nefyn, had a wonderful send off with many NSC members in attendance.  Pat Harman, who along with her late husband Don were longtime supporters of sailing events and familiar faces on Nefyn beach from the 1970s through 1990s.  Roger Jones, who many will fondly remember for his warm smile and orange speedboat “Microwave” that was a beloved fixture on our beach throughout the 1990s. Our thoughts are with all family and friends. 

Final Thoughts

As a relative newcomer to Nefyn (this will only be my 15th sailing season!) I am still surprised by the level of camaraderie and friendship that exists among the members of Nefyn Sailing Club.   I look forward to seeing you all on the beach and hope for a good couple of weeks of weather, sailing and fun!

Best Wishes

Chris D’Arcy-Burt

Commodore 2025, Nefyn Sailing Club