Weather? Who cares about the weather, and today the sun is shining and the club can look back on some notable achievements already, despite the weather.
Among others, cruising boats have to date ranged as far afield as the Flannan Isles, St Kilda, Barra, Plockton and Rhum, as well as the usual hot spots: Gareloch, Loch Ewe, Badachro, the Tanera(s) and Lochinver.
From rounding the Butt of Lewis, albeit in benign conditions, to diving the wreck of the Politician, members have been pushing the boundaries.
A successful Campbell's Cup and a few closely fought Flying Fifteen races attest to the competitive spirit among some of us. The winners will be announced at the Winter Party on Saturday 17th December at the Ceilidh Place.
The younger members have benefited hugely from Emma Copestake's sessions and the Pico Week itself was nothing short of a triumph, with Robyn - small of statue but large of personality and expertise - proving a big success.
The jury's still out on whether we can get our new RIB back in action in time for more sessions. Perhaps we should reconsider keeping it afloat all the time, especially if bad weather is forecast. The cause of the problem - water in the fuel - is something of a mystery, but great minds are working on it and all will be well.
The Summer Isles Regatta [sic] turned more into a social event at Isle Martin with the first contingent of Hestur, Raingoose and Sally leaving just as the Usual Suspects, Romairi, Twister and Lucky Jim arrived. Word has it that bottles were emptied that day and evening. What else was there for it on a weekend that blew and rained buckets?
Still to look forward to is the Summer Regatta itself on 27 August and the skiff racing in Queensferry, for which new oars are being fashioned. Four oars, different makers. May the best oar win, or at least not break.
And then the final FF Trophy races, plus a Storm Cruise. But haven't we been there and done that already?
JSW
We are sailing...