Thank you to everyone who came down to the club in Saturday's gloomy weather - and especially to some of our brand new members, who were ready to be put to work!

We made a solid start on the season despite the chill. Our large winter visitors (keel boats) have left for the summer, all the Albacores and Lasers are on their dollies, and only a few remain to be rigged. The cats are going together, but we're waiting for some shrouds and shroud anchors to make sure they're ready for the season.

However, work remains to be done before lessons and racing starts! Boat Captains need to finish rigging their boats - and boats which have been rigged should be sailed before lessons begin. Boat Captains should also check their Every Day sails.

With our boats ready, we also need to get the property set-up and spiffy. Picnic tables need to be set out on the lawn, garbage collected, and other season opening tasks remain to be completed - just see the front of the members' fridge to find out what needs to be done.

We're hosting an Open House on Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29 -- come down to meet prospective members, and help get the club ready for another great season.

Playcat Catamaran Regatta - May 12-13

This is your chance to sail like the pros -- bring your gear and the dealer will supply the boats!

Race: A fleet of Playcats will be supplied for some one-design racing. Racing will be 2-up, with jib and a single trapeze. For more about the Playcat:
http://www.nacra.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Item...

Location: Wellers Bay, near Consecon, in Prince Edward County

Wellers Bay on the West side of Prince Edward County is surrounded by history. Separated from Lake Ontario by the Bald Head Peninsula, this 12-kilometre sand spit is similar to Sandbanks Provincial Park with its dunes, sandy beaches, marram grass, poplars, wormwood and star-flowered Solomon’s seal. In the 1940s, the Department of National Defence used the Bald Head area as a bombing range. Much of this stretch of sand is now the Wellers Bay National Wildlife Area.

Where to Stay:
Billy Bowman's campground -- reserve a cabin ahead of time.
Website: http://www.billybowmanscamp.com/
Phone: (613) 392-4280
Address: 568 County Road 39, Consecon, ON K0K1T0

RSVP: Anyone who is interested in attending please rsvp asap directly to Dave at 416 450 1806 or dave [at] nacra [dot] ca

PS - Dave says you can bring your own boat.

A small but enthusiastic group was at the Toronto Hydroplane & Sailing Club for the Commodore's Ball on Saturday night - and some stayed well into the morning. More than just a party, this annual dinner is an opportunity to reflect on the past season and to acknowledge the efforts of all members/volunteers by highlighting the achievements of a few. Each year, Westwood recognizes:

• Al Ostachoff Mariner of the Year – someone unselfishly dedicated to the sailing community in general; demonstrates initiative and leadership to make things happen and build a strong sailing community
• Spirit of Westwood – demonstrates a positive and enthusiastic spirit; a member who supports a variety of club activities; takes initiative to do what needs doing
• Skipper of the Year – a skipper who participates in a range of club activities, and is particularly helpful with White Sail classes and taking new members out sailing new members
• New Member of the Year – someone who despite being new to club is enthusiastic and participates in a wide range of club activities (e.g. sailing, racing, social, boat and property maintenance), and generally helps out when needed
• Racing Skipper of the Year - by participation and results (five best Fridays, three best Harbour Masters, two best regattas (one must be Westwood))
• Racing Crew of the Year - by participation and results (as above)

This year, Westwood honours:

• Al Ostachoff Mariner of the Year- Mary Free
• Spirit of Westwood - Julie Postil and Fred Koke
• Skipper of the Year - Stavros Stavropolous
• New Member of the Year - Josianne Ruffa and Val Jamouille
• Racing Skipper of the Year - Kevin Smith
• Racing Crew of the Year - Kerry Munro

Congratulations to all!

At Saturday's AGM, the club elected its Board of Directors for the 2012 season:

Commodore – Gregg Horne
Vice-Commodore – Kevin Smith
Treasurer – Margaret Cyrzan
Secretary – Gemma Kerr
Membership – Terry Aldebert
Social – Kass Gibson & Sarah Ashley
Clubhouse – Laurie Siegel
Property – James Gewurtz
Race – Bill Shore
Communications – Jen Kowalski
Director – Norah Murphy
Fleet – vacant

On behalf of all members, I'd like to thank everyone for volunteering their time and effort for the next year. I'd also like to thank those who are finishing their service: Leon Belov, Allison Conliffe, Charlie Macchia, Gord Sparrey, Bill Walden, and Jen Yap.

NEW DATES (when the weather is expected to be more co-operative):

Sun Down will be on Saturday, October 22. While this is a key date for Boat Captains - who have to take apart boats and prepare them for winter storage - there will be plenty to do around the property for everyone. Please drop down to help! 1000hrs would be great, but there'll be people there earlier.

Our Annual General Meeting is held in two parts. Part I addresses summary reports on the current year and election of your Executive Board for the next season. Part II addresses the formal financial report and general business. Part I will be held in conjunction with Sun Down on Saturday, October 22. The meeting will begin at 1400hrs. The date and time for Part II will be announced once we know when our financial reports will be ready (year-end is September 30, and reports are prepared by an accounting firm).