South Cork Sailing Club

Notice of cancellation of race series

10th June 2020

Dear SCSC Members,
Since I last wrote the COVID pandemic is waning and all areas are coming out of lock down in a stepwise fashion. Ireland is doing relatively well and has reduced its originally planned 5 phases to 4 with increasing sporting activity, removal of domestic travel restrictions and domestic tourism restarting from the 29th June. There is as yet however no timeline for the resumption of foreign tourism and the requirement to self-isolate on arrival in Ireland from all countries bar Northern Ireland for 14 days remains. This, together with the need for continued social distancing, unfortunately makes the running of a sailing race series with participants from several countries untenable. Regretfully the executive committee of the SCSC has therefore decided to cancel the 2020 sailing fortnight.

I realise this will be disappointing, particularly for those members in Ireland for whom travel to Castletownshend will now be possible. However organisation of race officer teams, safety boat issues, restrictions affecting meetings, gatherings and sailing crews would I fear present more difficulties than enjoyment and the negatives appear to outweigh the positives for this year. I am sure this is the right decision.

Several families are however hoping to be in Castletownshend over the summer and I am sure there will be opportunities for recreational sailing in a more informal capacity, particularly for youngsters who have already had a number of valuable activities cancelled in the last few months. Any members that are around will be more than welcome to join in, with of course the appropriate social distancing caveats that we are all getting used to. No doubt communication nearer to the time via private Whatsapp chats will be invaluable*

It is quite possible that by 20th July the requirement for self-isolation after arrival in Ireland for 14 days will be lifted, possibly through the testing of everyone for coronavirus on entry to the country as recently mentioned in the Irish press, but this is by no means certain. There is yet no information regarding this on the gov.ie website and I would encourage everyone to review this before making any travel plans.

Looking forward to 2021 it is anticipated that the sailing programme will commence with an all-comers race on Sunday 1st August with the pre-race meeting that evening and mini and multiclass championships commencing Monday 2nd August, the AGM being on Thursday 12th August 2021. Full racing programme to follow but save the dates in your diary. I believe the weather forecast for next summer is looking excellent and there will never be a better opportunity to challenge the Honourable Member for Broadland for the championship cup!

Clearly with no racing in 2020 all SCSC members this year will be non-sailing members the sub for which is 10 Euros per person. The Club does have some funds in the bank but with continued expenses (predominately insurance for cups, safety boat and indemnity) we do require this income to maintain our position. Please find the details of the club bank account below, can I ask members to pay their family’s subs by BACS (details of account below) prior to August so that the Hon. Treasurer can draw up the accounts for the year.

Yours Sincerely,
Seán Cochrane, Commodore SCSC
South Cork Sailing Club

BIC: BOFIIE2DXXX
IBAN: IE09BOFI90295229000039
Address: Bank of Ireland, Market St., Skibbereen, Co Cork. Eir code P81 K261

SCSC Member and past club champion Emma Horler is dusting off her running shoes and entering the 2020 London Marathon. And she has a very particular reason…

In November 2017 my sister Alex was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. She is an inspiration to us all about how to cheerfully and stoically endure (physically and mentally) all the treatment, in such a way that she is currently managing to live a reasonably normal life and keeps incredibly busy looking after her large family. Alex is receiving regular chemotherapy and has had radiotherapy too.

I therefore feel that if she can cope with all the treatment then I should try and raise money for the much needed research and support for this horrid disease. I have been lucky enough to get a ballot place in the Marathon and am dusting off my running shoes once again. It’s 11 years since the last one so it’s going to be tough and training has already begun. I have forgotten how cold and wet it will be and how long 26 miles is!

Pancreatic cancer is a tough one but we’re taking it on.

It is tough to diagnose, tough to treat, tough to research and tough to survive.

For too long this disease has been sidelined. We want to make sure that everyone affected by it gets all the help they need.

We are supporting those affected by the disease, investing in ground breaking research, lobbying for greater recognition of pancreatic cancer and being a voice for everyone involved in the fight.

Together we are taking on pancreatic cancer.

Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity’s behalf where the donor is eligible for this.

I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.