By an overwhelming majority, the proposal to extend the present forecourt to double the boat parking capacity and provide a new slip and crane at a cost of  1.9M was agreed by the large turnout of members at the Extraordinary General Meeting in the Clubhouse on Thursday 9th October.
After an introduction by the Commodore, more detailed presentations were given by Michael Murphy, Chairman of the Development Committee, Roger Cagney and Simon Knowles. After only one question from the floor, the show of hands in favour of the proposal underlined just how essential the development was viewed by the members. That the development will involve no increases in membership fees or levies was considered a major plus factor and it is estimated that the expanded area can generate an income of approximately 70,000 per annum.
The proposal is to extend the existing forecourt in an easterly and northerly direction with a concrete slab suspended on piles over the water and existing slipway, which will be replaced with a purpose-built slip to facilitate the launching and recovery of a larger number of dinghies. The extra space will accommodate more dinghies, dry-sailed keelboats and keelboat winter storage. It will also allow the club host major sailing championships in the future, which in turn are revenue-earning events. Negotiations with the relevant authorities began in 2005 with Derek Bothwell to the fore and the lease was signed earlier this year. It is planned to start work on the project next month with a scheduled completion date of March next year. |