Just a short note this week as I’m joining the boat for the next two voyages so you won’t get a sailing bulletin for the next couple of weeks.
JOHN LAING has been out of the water this week having her steering gear and mainsail fixed. All went well and Craig says that the yard at Universal did a great job.
Yesterday’s weather wasn’t what anyone would have chosen for putting the boat back in the water but fortunately things improved for just long enough to get the job done. Thanks to everyone involved for their help and support.
A few shore-based activities coming up:
Helpers are needed at the Southampton Boat Show 10th-19th September. We have a stand at the show which we can use to attract prospective crew, sea staff and other supporters, but we need a lot of volunteers to staff it. Ideally we want a good mix of people, from experienced sea staff to keen new young crew members, so that we can give a good impression of the range of people who might enjoy getting involved. JOHN LAING is also open for visitors on September 16th-19th and we need people to help on board as well. You can always spend part of the day helping us and then go round the rest of the Boat Show – very well worth seeing, for those of you who haven’t been before.
On Friday 17th September there will be a fundraising dinner at the Royal Southampton Yacht Club for OYT South and CHASE Children’s Hospice. Tickets are £65 per person.
There’s a mates’ training weekend October 22nd-24th with spaces still available. This is suitable for new as well as more experienced sea staff, as it’s an ideal opportunity to practise and to get familiar with the boat without having to supervise a watch at the same time.
And there will be open days on board JOHN LAING on November 8th-10th – an ideal opportunity for anyone who is considering an individual or group voyage in 2005 to come and have a look round.
Do keep sending me items to be included in future bulletins, stories about your recent voyages, requests for help and information you want circulated, and any OYT South-related gossip or scandal you may come across.
And contact the office 0870 241 2252 for information about vacant crew and sea staff berths.