I’m going to stick my neck out and say we’re through the worst, at least in Bermuda, of COVID and I want to take the opportunity to thank staff, members and their guests for abiding by our policies. While inconvenient at times, we elected to take a more conservative approach than many other establishments in order to protect everyone. With the gradual easing of restrictions, we’re seeing increased usage of The Club and it’s pleasing to see so many of you coming back to Mangroville. Again, our thanks for your understanding as we have tried to flex and be responsive to the changing situation.

The Club’s Anniversary Weekend came and went, with fun and sailing. We had 6 teams racing in Granaway Deep on a very windy Saturday, followed by our anniversary regatta on the Sunday. A super weekend. Nico is running multiple adult sailing classes in our new RS21’s, demand is growing, and he even has “before work sailing lessons” at 0700 hrs on weekdays. We are also keen to build a women’s program and are interested in hearing from new sailor’s who would like to take the step into racing (men & women). We are building out a schedule, beginning Sunday’s in December, of short course RS21 racing designed to get as many people on the water as is possible. Interested? Let us know!

The Fall Junior Sailing program has over 100 sailors registered, and the October Camp was full with over 40 juniors coming to The Club each day. Despite lousy weather, our sailing team was able to accommodate them all and keep them entertained. The outcome of the busy program, which we’ve managed to keep going all through 2020, is a team of Green Fleet and Championship Fleet Opti Sailors being joined by a new group of Laser Sailors heading the Orange Bowl in Miami between Christmas and the New Year accompanied by three coaches. It’s important for sailor development for our juniors to sail in competition regularly and we hope that Orange Bowl this year marks the return to regular overseas travel to regattas.

We are reframing our High-Performance Junior Program, which includes regular overseas travel and dedicated coaching with defined goals and objectives. This provides a pathway for our advanced Optimist sailors to be able to compete at the highest level in IODA regattas and provides a springboard into performance boats as they age and size out of the Opti and move to Nacra’s, 505’s, Lasers and RS21’s. The program is designed to ensure that no Juniors get left behind, and they continue to develop and sail competitively.

I also acknowledge that there may be some of you who want to be involved, but are not necessarily interested in getting wet or pulling ropes! Race Management may be the answer – please get in touch, we are always looking for volunteers to assist in running racing and grow the pool of available hands.

We are rapidly approaching the holiday season, and I note from the Office that the function book is starting to fill up. If your company is looking for somewhere to host a holiday party or gathering, please think of RHADC. You’ll have seen from Wendy’s weekly emails Remembrance Day is being observed on the 11th (we have poppies for sale at the bar), Thanksgiving is around the corner and the Members Christmas Raffle will be held on Dec 6th. That’s only a month away! I can also confirm the Governor’s Luncheon will return and is scheduled for December 17th. It remains to be seen what our allowed capacity will be in December, but we’ll keep you informed. It does feel like we’re getting back to normal somewhat and I’m pleased to report that The Club is in good health.

Finally, we have maintained, through the pandemic, a solid pipeline of prospective new members. This is the result of a combination of our awesome location, continually evolving food and beverage service and the facilities and activities we offer, such as sailing, the boat share and the marina. Can I remind sponsors of new members that they have a responsibility to introduce their prospects to the Flag Officers and Membership Committee either informally at The Club and preferably at one of our regular “meet and greets”. Wendy does send out invitations, so please watch out for them.

That’s all I have for now,

Fair winds,

Neil Redburn
Commodore