Update

Published 18:35 on 4 Nov 2026

Dear Member,

The clocks have changed and so has the weather! I can't believe it is November and we are looking at bonfire night this Saturday. It's always a great event - please try to attend and enjoy the atmosphere.

Make sure boats are snug and tied down over the winter.

We have several plans for work over the winter including a boat wash. Northumbria Water are paying for this to prevent the spread of invasive species amongst water sources. Everyone should wash their boat, paddle board etc when they leave the club grounds if they are planning on using it somewhere else (not on the sea). And likewise you should wash it before putting it on the reservoir if it's been on another inland water. The wash will be set up permanently for use anytime and the 'wash off' will be filtered. Please encourage people to use it.

We plan to hold the AGM on the 13th of December in the clubhouse. Please come to ask questions and to help plan for the clubs future.

I am stepping down as Commodore after 2 years. Many people have put a lot of work in to running the club on behalf of the membership and we count on you coming forward to help with vital roles. Please get in touch by email : commodore@drsc.co.uk if you can help in any way. We will publish a list of roles that need filling in a few weeks along with the AGM agenda. We particularly need a welfare officer, sailability officer, social secretary & marketing officer. Not all roles mean attendance at council meetings or taking on a directorship, but rather working with a smaller subcommittee to make things happen.

I need to remind members about making sure you have adequate insurance for any vessel you use. This needs to be a minimum of 3rd party liability in case of injury to others or damage to others vessels. Please ensure you a familiar with 'the rights of way' and collision rule. These apply to all water users not just those who are racing. Our sailing secretary Dave Shilling (sailing@drsc.co.uk) would be happy to run an online session if sufficient interest. We also need to remind all members about civility to others. As a council we have the right to exclude members for breaches of the club rules these can be found in the members handbook:

We are planning some minor amendments so please review them when implemented.

I have applied to HRH Princess Ann to attend the club next year as part of our 60th year Jubilee. We are planning a regatta weekend 22/23rd May and other events over the season. Please get in touch if you can help with some of this planning or wish to run something at some point.

Best Wishes

David Coady

Last updated 18:35 on 4 November 2026