MSC Newsletter      January to June 2024

The year started routinely enough with our Winter Walk and roast dinner at Annie’s in January. In February Helen led us on a very interesting Blue Plaque Walk around Christchurch followed by refreshments in The Snug, near the Priory.

In March as Gillian and Rowena were preparing a social talk on the History of Mudeford Sailing Club, for the newer members, the Dutch Barge, our Clubhouse, Vrouwe Johanna, sprang a leak, requiring daily pump outs.
A hole in the bow was discovered and patched up. Unfortunately further holes were discovered so daily pumping was still needed. This problem turned the History of the Club talk into a following discussion into the Future of the Club. It was unanimously agreed that, sadly, the Barge had to go before she was unable to be towed away.
We were extremely lucky to find Quest Salvage from Portland who agreed to tow her away at no cost to us and they would keep the proceeds from any scrap metal.
At the same meeting it was decided that the best way forward, for now, was to put a hut on the concrete just behind the jetty. This was duly ordered, delivered and erected after a level base was built up. The first coat of protective coating was then applied to the outside and to the floor inside, before any wetness was walked “aboard”

On Saturday 8^th June Quest came to collect Vrouwe Johanna, arriving two hours earlier than expected (and 2 hours before High Water) but, with Nic towing VJ across to Quest 2 in the main channel, she was handed over and they were on their way. We gather they had an interesting trip back to Portland pumping out all the time but, thankfully, their arrived there safely.
Meanwhile Social Saturdays continued apace when tides and weather allow. The next ones are due on the 7^th and 21^st September.

The Pilates on Paddleboard Sessions with Michelle are on every Saturday, again, when tides and weather permit. Please ask to be put on Michelle’s WhatsApp group if you wish to join in and to be kept updated.

Mudeford Sailing Club.  Newsletter June to the present
On Sunday 4^th August Mudeford Week Regatta started with two fleets starting one after the other and three races enjoyed by all. We entertained 30 boats in a handicap fleet and a further eight Comets, for an “Open Meeting” who arrived from as far afield as Merthyr Tydfil and SE London. A Stanpit Creek “Treasure Hunt” amused the kayakers, paddleboarders and rowers while the racing was taking place.
On Monday it was the turn of a Scow Open Meeting, all from Christchurch Sailing Club, and another handicap fleet, followed by a late lunch BBQ on the MSC beach
After sailing on Tuesday, we all retired to Avon Beach for a variety of Beach Games, and café supper
On Wednesday, after two more morning races and a highly entertaining afternoon Pursuit Race, in quite strong winds, we were very pleased to be able to use Highcliffe Sailing Club’s Clubhouse for another Treasure Hunt, a Fish and Chip supper and a Quiz Night. The whole evening was very well attended with the Clubhouse virtually full to capacity.
Sadly the weather put paid to racing and evening open air picnic on Thursday so we retired early to The Nelson pub for prize giving and a couple of anaesthetic drinks.

The week started in very gentle breezes and concluded in some very exciting sailing.
And throughout the week everyone was well reenergised with food and drinks from the galley in our new Clubhouse.
Great work and thanks to all the Regatta’s volunteers without you it would not have happened!!

Dates for 2025 were immediately demanded from all involved.
Mudeford Week Regatta 2025 is planned to commence on Sunday 10^th August 2025
with the Comets once again attending.

Sailors, don’t forget the Autumn Inter Club series:
Sunday 8^th September start 10.30hrs
Sunday 15h September start 10.00hrs
Sunday 29^th September start 10.00hrs

Kayakers and Paddleboarders, look out for Social Saturdays 7^th and 21^st September and Pilates Sessions.

Our Social Committee are also planning a Guided Walk around Hengistbury Head followed by lunch or tea at the Hiker Café in October and early in the New Year a Winter Walk is on the cards and an early season Annual General Meeting so keep your eyes open on the MSC website, emails and various WhatsApp groups.