Welcome to the opening of the 46th year of sailing at the Westwood Sailing Club. The 2013 sailing season officially opens on Saturday 13 April, and with more lessons, new boats, new members, clubhouse upgrades, and more special events, this year will be sensational.

For new members, or those thinking about joining, please look at the calendar for all of the lessons and special events, including the club regatta and our famous pig roast. We have fun on and off the water. Sailing is a great way to learn a new skill and meet new friends.

For all the returning members, welcome back! There's lots happening this summer and as always we look forward to your participation. Two new Ovington Albacores are on order and should be arriving early in the season. There's a new race training program in the works. And, as a volunteer club, we need your help to make things happen. Remember that you must register as a 2013 member and pay your membership fees before you start sailing.

On behalf of the 2013 Westwood executive committee, I am pleased to declare the season open, and look forward to welcoming everyone at the club.

Jason, Martin & Rest of the Executive

The Canadian Albacore Association will be hosting the Assistant Race Officer (Level 1) and Club Race Officer (Level 2) courses through the Ontario Sailing Association on April 20 & 21.

The Level 1 course will be held on the Saturday and the Level 2 on the Sunday (if you do not already have Level 1, you will need to attend Saturday and Sunday to receive the Level 2 certification). The cost of the course is $50 (plus HST) for the 2 days or $35 (plus HST) for one of the days, which is payable to Ontario Sailing via their website. The location of this Toronto course is still to be determined. Please more information about the course or to reserve a spot email Anna at annasepko [at] gmail [dot] com

Westwood will be pay the course fee for two members who make the commitment to volunteer with race committee this year. If you are interested in a subsidized/free spot, then email Tai race [at] westwoodsailing [dot] ca for more information.

The content of the courses will be as follows:

Assistant Race Officer (Level 1) Theory

• Duties and responsibilities of:Recorder / Timer / Flag Officer / Line Judge
• Basic compass skills
• Setting and maintaining start/finish lines
• Plus some practical experience

Prerequisites: None

Club Race Officer (Level 2) Theory:

• Duties and responsibilities of leading a Race Management Team
• Regatta Organization
• Compass Skills - Calculating race course

Prerequisite: Level 1
(link for the application form: http://www.ontariosailing.ca/Racing/Regatta_Officials/Race_Officers/Forms.php)

We hope everyone had a good winter off, and although it doesn't feel like it, spring is here. Which means it's time to get the docks in the water and the boats ready to sail. We'd like to ask all Westwood members to come out to one of the following volunteer days:

Docks In - Saturday April 6 We need a dedicated crew of workers to do repairs and assemble the docks. We also need a crew to help start the change room renovations - we've heard you all complain but now we need members to step up and help us with the renovations. The crane is starting at Mooredale at 8am and will make it's way to Westwood. Please be at the club by NEW TIME 9:00 am or earlier to help.

Sun Up - Saturday April 13 We'll need a large team of volunteers to help get the boats and get the clubhouse back in working condition. Sun Up starts at 10am but it will go on for most of the day so drop by and lend a hand.

We'll provide coffee and lunch on both days. And there'll be membership forms on hand so remember to bring a cheque so you can take advantage of the early bird special.

Notice: If you left anything in the clubhouse over winter, you need to take it away. Only after the changerooms are painted will you be allowed to store your gear back at the clubhouse. All unclaimed gear will be sorted into two piles: Garbage or Items to be Auctioned.

Sign up for your 2013 Westwood Membership at the Early Bird Pub Night - Saturday March 23 from 7-10pm.

Get together with the Westwood crew for the last off-season event. We'll have the new membership forms on hand and most importantly - a good selection of alcoholic beverages. We have booked the games room for a night of pool, ping pong, pin ball and other amusements. We will also bring some games of our own to add to the mix and hopefully add a sailing theme.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME!! For slightly less new members it is should be a nice opportunity to catch up with your sailing buddies as well as being a great opportunity for you to sign up and pay for your annual membership. Bring along your cheque books to make it offical.

The Pacific Junction Hotel is a great new bar at 236 King St East. Just half block east of Sherbourne. You can take the 504 King Streetcar or it's walking distance from King Subway Station.

Website: http://pacificjunctionhotel.com/

On March 9-10, I will be attending offshore safety and sea survival training. You might want to join me if you plan on doing any 'big boat' sailing!

The course is endorsed by Sail Canada and leads to the award of an ISAF personal offshore safety certificate of competence (in accordance with ISAF's Special Offshore Regulations). The international certificate is valid for offshore racing for five years.

For more info: www.seasurvival.ca

While the course material is serious stuff, keep in mind the unusual joy you might experience by watching me flounder around in the pool with all the grace and skill of a drunken elephant. You'll be amused and entertained - and you'll learn why I believe the two most important survival rules are: 1. Always Wear Your Lifejacket; and 2. Don't Fall Out of the Bloody Boat!