Jane writes –
On 24th January I was appointed as the first female Commodore of Arnside Sailing Club, a great honour. I take over from Alasdair Simpson who has been our Commodore for the past 6 years and I am very pleased that he has agreed to stay on Committee to help with funding and impart his extensive knowledge. I would like to thank him for the immeasurable amount of work he has put into the club to make into the success it is today.
I have been a member for the past 3 years, taking an active role on the committee as Secretary. After reigniting my love of sailing I have trained to become an Assistant Instructor encouraging people of all ages to take part in our exciting sport of dinghy sailing as well as sailing as often as I can. At 65, I love encouraging those that might think ‘their ship has sailed’ and that it is too late to try out the sport and I love seeing all abilities having a go!
In October the Club nominated me for an RYA Impact Award for my voluntary work, enthusiasm and promotion of sailing and it is with surprise that I am to be awarded a National Award by the RYA as a Guiding Light. Judy Dench aka National Treasure watch out!
I have been working on plans to build a more permanent changing facility on the dinghy park as a Water sport hub so members can gather in more comfortable surroundings and swap experiences of missing the windward mark as the tide changes! And have a brew. It is also hoped to open a small Heritage display in the club house to promote the rich maritime history of Arnside.
The Club has recently become a Paddle UK club affiliate offering Paddle Boarding activities and trips to other destinations with a group led by trained leaders and instructors. Whilst I do not feel comfortable on a paddle board this is an exciting area of expansion and enables many more people to get out on the water.
I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can over the forthcoming season, whether that be on dry land or in your wake on the water.
Jane Caldwell
(Photo Victoria Sedgwick)