[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Well, Guys and Girls, the year is nearly done, and the turkeys are purchased no doubt.
It is time that we started getting out news letters on a more formal, and frequent basis instead of just relying on social media that not all of us participate in———–especially us “silver backs”
So here goes on the last one for the year.
Fishing News
The dorado have really turned on at Cape Vidal and Mapelane, with daily reports of boats getting 10s and 12s.
There have been reports of our anglers getting amongst these fabulous eating fish as well, so hopefully we will have a lot of bending rods off NO ONE reef and around the ships over December and January!
We also live in hope of the cuda making a Christmas appearance. The story goes that when we have heavy rains that flush out the rivers, history has shown it is followed by a good cuda season. Let’s hope we are right
For the bottom fisherman there have also been so good hauls of cracker and geelbek reported.
As for the recent weather, long may it last, except please can it turn on for the weekends!
Commodores Lunch
As you know it is tradition is that this well looked forward to event takes place at year end. For many reasons——–all unacceptable to our “Senior Rods” ——this will be carried over to February so please accept our apologies.
We will make it up to you, big time, in February, and thereafter December will be the month, and at our new premises in 2020.
In fact, we will be putting out a calendar early next year that will make your committee focus on these special dates, from Juniors to Ladies day etc. No more Last Minute .COM.
The move to the new Club House
This is a much talked about topic, as it should be, and with this comes a huge amount of speculation around timing issues, so let’s lay it out as we see it unfolding.
- We are targeting being in-situ by end of March 2020. This important in that it will give us a few weeks prior to our Festival that will take place over the 24th to 27th April 2020 to sort out operational snags.
- Our architects are hard at sorting out layouts, and ensuring we have proper bars as all fishermen understand—–we are good at sitting at tables, although we don’t mind if it is for a short while only!
- For those that participated in the “walk around” with the committee, we thank you for your input. Just so you know about 30 members pitched up for this feedback discussion/ideas session.
- We have also had an information meeting with PWC members who have registered their interest in the fitting out the “new” shell club house, and where possible, and obviously subject to price, and the usual Ts&Cs we will be supporting our members.
- Beach Protocol. This is a very important part of moving into our new premises. In summary it will set out clearly the safety rules of launching and beaching, how we park on the beach, and how and where we park after trailering our craft. The latter is critical so we can boast about our catches before going home.This document is in the process of being signed off by different authorities, from the Port Captain, to the City officials to the DPWMA (Durban Point Water Management Committee and others. As you can appreciate, we can expect more people enjoying the promenade, and the beach and we need to make sure we apply simple but effective controls, even though where we operate will be an “operational” beach. The big plus is that our members, both DUC and DSBC have always stepped up to the plate and given Skinny and his team fantastic support.
- Obviously the moving of kitchens, freezers, equipment and many other items will take time, so at some point we will probably be closed in certain areas as this takes place, and we will keep you updated closer to the time.
Father Christmas
He is apparently arriving at 11.am on Saturday the 14th December—————more detail to follow.
Wash Bay
As we all know the wash bay is up and running, but needs more support. Please note that this is not a money spinner operation——–more the other way.
What is important, is that it has proved to be very professional, works well and has created employment for 3 to 4 people. The young guys who are operating the wash bay are neatly turned out in club colors, and are very proud of the work they do.
The bottom line is we need more through put to keep the operation at break even.
Also, looking ahead, we will have to operate a professional boat cleaning system so we need to make sure we give this our full support.
Once again, we ask our valuable members “to step up to the wash bay” so to speak.
Skippers Group
This initiative has recently been launched and all skippers and crew from DUC and DSBC boats are invited to participate. Once again, this forward-thinking initiative will deal with operational issues. Maybe this is best described by some examples;
1. Tractor winch not working
2. Bait scarce off No 1 but found at barge
3. North pier busy with visitors so take care
4. How many launching tomorrow so we can provide a mid-week boat wash?
It is not a general chat group, so we don’t discuss how the parrot beat up the budgie!
Boat Inspection.
As a reminder it is this weekend. Please make life easy for the inspectors by having your paper work in order. Just remember our boat inspectors are here to help you, and remember they have given up their weekend to serve us. There will be a fire extinguisher service on site.
Security
If you are not aware, we had a vehicle stolen off the beach last weekend. Our thanks to Adrian Ash who had the vehicle recovered within 40 minutes. This was a bit of a wake-up call so we are stepping up beach security with immediate effect.
It remains to say to all our members, DUC, and DSBC have a safe Christmas and also be patient with the up-country visitors as they indicate going to the right but turn left!
Tight Lines and warm regards,
Your Committee[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]