Belwood Lake Sailing Club
9th Street N0B 2M0

February update from the Commodore We are nearing the end of February and warm weather promises to be here sooner rather than later. I hope you are staying safe and healthy through this pandemic winter. It is encouraging to see things opening up again after a month and a half of lockdown since Boxing Day. Lower numbers of cases is a positive sign. I will attempt to bring you up to date on where things appear to be headed. The executive recently met and decided to keep the...Continue reading

Winter learning activities as we look forward to spring Each day now is getting longer, and we are all looking forward to being together again at Belwood Lake. With winter still firmly here now is a great time to engage in some winter learning activities in preparation for the boating season. Until 1999, anyone could operate a boat, regardless of boating safety knowledge, experience or training. A lot has changed to make our waterways safer since then. One important reason fo...Continue reading

Club Closing Day and Race Awards As part of the AGM Racing Results the club also recognizes the most improved skipper or sailing team and the member or members who have done the most to support the racing program at the club. This year's winner of most improved is Derin and Jordan and their 420. The Brian Searle Trophy goes to Colin K in recognition of his flexibility in running five different race formats and to Richard V for his tireless work in keeping all the engines and... club motor boats and trailers working. My thanks to all the members who came out Saturday, Oct. 31 to winterize their boats and help close up the club. Special thanks to Bruce M who spent his birthday being very busy with heavy equipment moving dirt, improving boat parking spots and covering roots. Richard V and Frances N were busy with putting away signs and getting equipment ready for winter. Member Ashley W came and picked up his winter wood projects - the club is very thankful the signs and wood handles are getting a refresh for 2021. Brian V was very busy closing up the buildings and working on the orange fencing that is now installed across the gate for extra security for members boats and the club's buildings. The lock on the gate has been changed to the winter lock. It was dark by the time the closing crew installed the "Sorry, we're CLOSED" sign at the turnoff to the club. Road and club access is now closed and will remain closed until May 1, 2021 as per the license with the GRCA. I again want to thank every member of BLSC - each of you made this season a success as we all learned together to do things in new ways. And now please join me in welcoming Jim C as the Commodore of BLSC beginning today. I know he and the 2020-21 executive team are ready to continue making the club the special place we all enjoy. See you in 2021! Denis Neumann, Past Commodore

AGM Summary and reminder Oct. 31 is the last day My thanks to all the members who came out Sunday, Oct. 18 for the AGM at the club. During the past 3 years as Commodore membership has increased so that the club is full and on good financial footing, which has enabled all the buildings to be refreshed and dock improvements to occur. The club has also diversified its membership and I'm pleased to see many young families and children at the club - they are the future of this org...Continue reading

Busy week at the club What an action packed week it has been at the club. In the past 7 days the club held its fall AGM, the abourists were in to remove dead trees, much work went into the brown dock cable replacement and Saturday saw the new galvanized cable installed and docks removed for the season. Many members were also out to winterize their boats. My thanks to all the members who came out last Sunday, Oct. 18 for the AGM at the club. The weather was cool but it didn't ...rain. I will share an AGM update later this week including introducing the new executive. And a special thanks to Bruce and his dock team who worked all week doing the many steps involved to replace the broken cable that had been securing the brown dock. The cable had lasted 27 years so it had certainly done its duty. A new galvanized cable was purchased and the team braved a chilly and windy Saturday to install it using 2 power boats and the reconfigured black dock as a platform for the cable anchor. Then the team was busy all afternoon removing both docks and the swim platform. Thanks also to both Brians who did a host of maintenance items on Saturday including shutting down the water system. The washrooms are now closed and there is no running water at the club. All the BBQs and chairs have been moved inside the club house for winter storage. The electricity remains on and the snack fridge is still stocked with cold drinks and snacks until Saturday, Oct. 31. A reminder to members that this is the last week to access the club to either pickup your boat and/or equipment or to winterize your boat. Members are strongly encouraged to secure their boat trailers with a hitch lock and take steps to deter the small animals that make the club grounds their home. A nicely wrapped boat can look like the Hilton hotel to them so removing anything they could nest in is recommended. The club will close late afternoon on Oct. 31 and remain closed until May 1, 2021 as per the license with the GRCA. The lock on the gate will be changed to the winter lock. For those who come out on the final day there will be some Halloween treats. Denis Neumann, Commodore

View this email in your browser AGM reminder, other important Oct dates This year’s AGM will be on October 18 at 2pm. Members are asked to bring their own chair and dress for the weather which currently says 40% chance of showers and 12C Sunday afternoon. The washrooms in the clubhouse will be operational until the weekend of Oct 24. The AGM package was updated today on the webpage to reflect the club's financial position as of Oct 14. Members may also reply to this email to... request the AGM package be emailed to them. There will be no handouts at the meeting or physical presentation of racing awards to respect COVID precautions. I would like to thank the nominating committee for their work in speaking to many members to develop a slate of directors for 2021. Al S and George L will be presenting that information at the meeting. Having seen the members being nominated I'm pleased that they represent the diversity of the club in age, gender, number of years of belonging, type of boats and they bring a wide range of skills to the club from their work experiences including mechanic, educator, web design, student, office manager, heavy machinery operator, millwright, supervisor, etc. Members who have been to the club recently have noticed that repair work is ongoing as the cable that secures the brown dock has broken in several places. My thanks to all those who have been working on the cable replacement which is now tentatively scheduled for the weekend of Oct 24 as well as the winterizing of the club's plumbing. The electricity will remain on in all buildings until Oct 31. Please note that Oct 31 is the LAST day to remove your boat or winterize it. As it is also Halloween that will be the last day for takeout snacks and drinks in the clubhouse. At the end of the day the winter lock will be put on the gate as per the conditions of the GRCA license. Members have asked why this condition of the license is needed and it's a risk reduction management strategy. The GRCA, like the club, has to manage risks, navigate complex insurance requirements and take steps to manage assets in a time and cost effective manner which has lead to changes from past practice. Local BLSC members may be aware that the GRCA ended its agreement with local snowmobile clubs when they declined to accept all the license conditions and as a result there is no snowmobiling permitted on GRCA lands. BLSC has been on the GRCA land for 46 years and to continue that relationship means both parties have to uphold their part of the license, which includes the closure of the access road and club grounds from November 1 to April 30. The executive and I look forward to seeing members at the AGM on October 18 at 2 pm and during the few remaining weeks of the season. Denis Neumann, Commodore

This year’s AGM will be on October 18 at 2pm at the BLSC as communicated in the official notice sent to all members on Oct 6. The meeting will be held outdoors and in the back open field to comply with the requirements for physical distancing. Current provincial requirements permit outdoor gatherings of up to 100 persons at locations that have COVID precautions in place and can maintain requirements including physical distancing. As such the AGM attendance will be limited to... no more than 100 persons. Members are asked to bring their own chair and dress for the weather. The washrooms in the clubhouse will be operational. The agenda for the meeting is brief this year to reflect the fact that no bylaw changes are occurring, last year's minutes will be presented for approval, racing awards will be announced, the pro-tem projected budget is being presented, and the nominating committee will present candidates for the directors positions. This short agenda also respects that the meeting is being held outdoors and that cool and/or wet weather is a possibility. The AGM package that contains the agenda, the 2019 AGM minutes, director reports and the pro-tem budget is available for all members to review. Members may respond to this email to request the AGM package be emailed directly to them, or members can find the package on the AGM webpage no later than Thurs, Oct 15. There will be no paper handouts at the meeting or physical presentation of awards to respect COVID precautions. Members are encouraged to read the package and submit any questions they may have prior to the meeting. This helps the executive to come to the meeting with the information requested by members. It will also help keep the meeting focused to respect the outdoor setting, cool temperature and the time of all attending members. I would again like to thank members for their continued flexibility as together we have been able to enjoy many things at the club for the past 6 months. I look forward to seeing members at the AGM on October 18 at 2 pm. Denis Neumann, Commodore Email to [email protected] Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list This email was sent to [email protected] why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences Belwood Lake Sailing Club PO Box 1572 Guelph, ON N1H 6R7 Canada Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp

Fabulous Thanksgiving weekend at BLSC It's going to be a great Thanksgiving long weekend at the club! Come enjoy the warm weather and two days of racing. Members out sailing and paddling today had a super time enjoying the summer like warmth while viewing the autumn colours. Members are encouraged to come and enjoy lake and fall colours or join the "top of the hill gang" for a great vantage point to watch the race action. New this year is the Thanksgiving regatta - a 2 day e...vent held Sat and Sun Oct 10 and 11, with the first race beginning at 2 pm each day. Racers are asked to be onsite and launching well before 2 pm in order to be at the start line for 2 pm. Draw prizes for all racers and race volunteers on Saturday - pies from Fergies. Race awards based on 2 days of results will be presented on Sunday - more fabulous apple and pumpkin pies from Fergies. The drink/snack fridge is well stocked for the long weekend and the Kids & Classics Boatshops Museum will continue to display and sail/paddle a number of their heritage wooden boats. Just a reminder that the club's fall AGM will happen on Sunday Oct 18 at 2 pm. This year the meeting will be outdoors at the club to permit physical distancing. The executive and I look forward to a long weekend of outdoor fun at the club and wish members a very happy and relaxing Thanksgiving. Denis Neumann, Commodore

Traditional racing returns to kickoff fabulous fall fun What a great weekend at the club! Wonderful to see the club busy with many members, all spread out, enjoying sailing, paddling and on Sunday the Pursuit Cup. Congratulations to all the racers who participated. Amy D and son Sam sailing a Buccaneer placed first, John F in his Laser was second and Calum M was third in his Phantom. This Wednesday traditional racing, with COVID precautions in place, returns to kickoff a fab...ulous fall full of fun events for members. Racing will be happening Wed evenings and Sunday afternoons so members are encouraged to come and race or join the "top of the hill gang" for a great vantage point to watch the action. New this year will be the Thanksgiving regatta - a 2 day event held Sat and Sun Oct 10 and 11, beginning at 2 pm each day. Draw prizes for all racers and race volunteers on Saturday - pies from Fergies and race awards based on 2 days of results on Sunday - more fabulous food from Fergies. Also this fall Casual Cruising Mondays continue at 6pm, the drink/snack fridge will be stocked and the Kids & Classics Boatshops Museum will continue to display and sail/paddle a number of their heritage wooden boats. The club's fall AGM will happen as scheduled on Sunday Oct 18 at 2 pm. This year the meeting will be outdoors at the club to permit physical distancing. More information on the fall meeting will be sent to members in October. There will not be a closing party at the club this year. Instead the club will keep the docks in the water for as long as possible and endeavor to keep the washrooms functional as far into October as the temperatures permit. The club will slowly wind down operations as the weather and water levels dictate in October. The last day of access to the club will be Saturday, October 31st which is Halloween. Weather permitting there will be self serve treats and members can come in costume for one last day at the club and ensure their boat(s) are put away safely for the 6 month winter shutdown. As per the GRCA license there is no member access to the road or club from Nov 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021 so members are asked to plan their boat winterizing plans accordingly. The club strongly encourages anti-theft devices (ie hitch locks, bike cables, locked storage boxes) throughout the year but especially during the winter. The executive and I look forward to two more fabulous months of outdoor fun at the club and hope to see many members during these last days of summer and well into the fall. Denis Neumann, Commodore

Fun weekend of events at the club! The club is hosting the Kids and Classics Boatshops Museum, located in Glen Williams. Like BLSC they are a not-for-profit volunteer organization. They are dedicated to preserving and continuing the artistry and craftsmanship of heritage watercraft for the general benefit of the community. They reach out to at risk kids helping them learn to work together towards a common goal be it building an 8 ft wooden Sea Flea or learning to sail. They h...ave an extensive collection of heritage boats in various stages of restoration. Four of the restored boats are currently at the club - cedar strip canoe, a Snipe, a Lightning from 1960 and their own rescue boat which is also a restored wooden boat - a 1965 Richardson Aqua Craft cedar strip, 14’ long, powered by the 1958 Johnson 18 outboard. Several of our members already have a connection to the museum in that they are volunteers and/or have donated boats. Come see the boats and meet fellow sailing and paddling enthusiasts this weekend. The museum is also planning to bring up some of their paddle carving stations which is a fun activity for kids and adults. Also happening this weekend is the Pursuit Cup on Sunday, Aug 23 with an on water start time of 2 pm. Our thanks to Colin and Richard K for organizing this and being on the water in the committee boat to run this series of races for the Cup. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as well as a random draw for all entered racers. Prizes are a variety of foods from Fergies Fine Foods in Fergus. A pursuit race has boats starting at a designated time after the start gun that is based both on the boat's handicap (speed while sailing) and the wind conditions. A sample possible start series, for winds above 29 km, is shown here. Winds are forecast to be 20 km from the SW for Sunday afternoon but the actual start sequence will be determined the afternoon of the race based on wind conditions. This race is being run by Race Captain Colin and pre-registration is requested so that each type of boat's start time can be calculated. Please register with Colin via email at [email protected] My thanks to members for their continued cooperation and understanding as we adjust to this unusual season. The drink fridge is fully stocked with pop, sparkling water and snacks for takeout with a request that members take home any cans or food packaging from the snacks/drinks. The club has had to adopt new procedures and change some activities so thank you for accepting the new normal. We are more fortunate than many other sporting organizations that have seen their summer activities cancelled. Enjoy a great warm weekend at the club and I hope to see you this Sunday at the Pursuit Cup. Denis Neumann, Commodore

Paul Rowntree It is with great sadness that we share the news of Paul Rowntree's passing on July 27. Paul loved coming to the club and sailing his Prindle catamaran. He often shared his passion for chemistry and weather. He always had an interesting story or insight. Paul assisted the club with several maintenance issues and acted as PRO for racing.... We are thankful for Paul's time at the club and have fond memories. Our condolences to Anne and family. Denis Neumann, Commodore

We need your help and exciting new hospital news It's been a wild weather week at the club that has kept executive members very busy dealing with multiple issues including docks and the grounds. My thanks to the executive who spent multiple days dealing with these challenges and trying to have everything ready for this weekend. Following an unusually dry July, between 50 to 100 mm of rainfall fell across much of the upper Grand River watershed over the first week of August le...Continue reading

After careful consideration the BLSC will not be hosting the Commodore's Cup races and dinner this year. Instead on Sunday, August 23 the Pursuit Cup will be held. All interested racers must register for this race with name of skipper and crew (if applicable) and type of boat no later than August 16. This allows for the planning of the pursuit starts and time to receive race instructions. The club executive extend their thanks to Colin and Richard King who will be the race PR...O for the day and therefore not racing. We encourage members to come watch this exciting racing format and have a cold drink from the self serve fridge. Awards will be presented for top 3 places plus one random draw for all racers in the Pursuit Cup. The prizes will be a selection of delicious food from Fergies Fine Foods located in Fergus. Members may email race captain Colin, [email protected] to obtain more information about pursuit racing prior to the August 16 registration deadline. My thanks to members for their continued cooperation and understanding as we adjust to this most unusual season. Enjoy a great long weekend at the club. Denis Neumann, Commodore

Fun things to do at the club With summer in full swing there are many fun things to do at the club. Right now each evening the comet Neowise is visible plus regular stargazing. The shore and docks make an excellent vantage point to view the wonders of the night sky. The mosquitoes can be a bit "friendly" so insect repellent is recommended. The club has a fire pit complete with a fire ring and a large supply of small branches and cut logs to have a fire. A fire can be had any ...time of day or night with chairs, picnic table and assorted stumps to sit on. Members just need to bring their own newspaper or fire starter and lighter, plus marshmallow or hot dog sticks for additional fun. There is a pail by the fire pit that needs to have water in it during the fire, and members are asked to extinguish their fire before leaving. Swimming continues to be a very popular activity at the club. Members are asked to use the swim platform and to stay in the designated swim area. The black dock is for boats to be tied up when not sailing while the brown dock is for the launching of boats only. Members should not be tying their sailboats up to the brown dock as this impedes other members launching their boats or returning to the dock at the end of their sail. Very close to the club, about 1.6 km from the front gate, is the entrance to the Elora Cataract Trailway system. Members go by the two entrances as they drive to the club.

Stage 3 updates BLSC is located in a stage 3 area (Wellington County) for Ontario's reopening plan. What this means for the club is only minor changes to the competitive sailing program currently being offered. Ontario Sailing has provided guidance to all clubs on this and race captain Colin will meet anyone interested in racing this Sunday at 1:30 pm in the race stand area to further explain. Moving to stage 3 does permit more things to open but provincial and local PHU requ...Continue reading

Allan Hilborn It is with great sadness that we share the news of Allan (Al) Hilborn's passing on July 12. Al (known as Al 3 - Al Sullivan Al1, Al Morgan Al2, Al Madden Al4) joined in 2000. Brother Doug joined in 2002. Al's wife, Karen, passed away in 2006. Al and Doug did the maintenance for several years, and they ran the Junior Championship whenever there were competitors, lending their Sunfish sailboats. Al's Sunfish continues to be sailed at the club by membership captain... Frances. We are thankful for Al's many years at the club and have fond memories. Our condolences to Doug and their families. More details are available here. Denis Neumann, Commodore

Some frequently asked questions Thank you to all the club members who continue to use the club responsibly and follow all the new and existing requirements as per the club's bylaws, policies, GRCA license and public health. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we have been receiving. When can we start camping? The written request has been submitted to the GRCA and we are waiting for a decision. As per the club's license, the GRCA does determine if camping ...Continue reading

July competitive sailing update The racing season has been like no other we have experienced at BLSC. The same is true for all competitive sports around the world as we adjust to a COVID influenced world. Like many clubs BLSC embraced virtual racing and had 18 participants during the May and June races. Congratulations to overall winner Brett G, Jim C placing second and Steve C third. With the return to being on the water virtual racing is suspended for the time being.... As of late May the club moved to having time trials on the lake. For the results May 31 to July 3 Amy D and Warren F both have two first place finishes but Amy leads the series as she also has a 3rd place finish. Moving forward the weekly time trials will continue with the format being to sail the course as many times during the week as you want, and submitting the best time, along with wind speed and direction, to Colin via email. Please send that result to [email protected] no later than Friday evening. The race week runs from Saturday am to Friday evening (ie we are in week 6 which is July 4 to 10). The course starts at the red marker buoy, sail around Gull Island counter clockwise, and back to the red buoy. These weekly time trials will be considered the club’s Wed night race series for the 2020 season. Beginning on Sunday, July 12 BLSC will be running competition practices using a rabbit start on the water. Under multiple government restrictions racing is not yet permitted. This was confirmed again in the July 7 email from Ontario Sailing to all member clubs. As racing is not permitted there is no insurance coverage. The club does carry regatta insurance for when racing is permitted to resume but the situation right now is just like driving on a closed road - it invalidates your car insurance. However, as earlier communicated, athletes may now participate in training and practices while adhering to requirements such as physical distancing. BLSC invites those sailors who want to train and practice to have their boats on the water between 130 and 2 pm to ensure physical distancing during launching. Race captain Colin will lead the competition practice including rabbit start and explain how timing of practices will be done. These series of practices will be considered the club’s Sunday series for the 2020 season. Note that practices are held under the Collision Regulations, not the racing rules. If/when racing is permitted those racing results will be added to the timed practices to determine the overall Sunday series results. The club intends to offer the best boating season possible that acknowledges both the current situation and the safety of our members. Ontario is working towards successfully navigating through a pandemic that has cost thousands of people their lives and more their health and financial stability. We encourage everyone to continue to be patient. Denis Neumann, Commodore

Long weekend news for members June has flown by and July is fast approaching. As we prepare for a long weekend and Canada Day on July 1, here is some news for members. Ten new "deluxe real comfort" Adirondack chairs, complete with a cup and cellphone holder are now at the club. They are the "tranquil turquoise" chairs on the deck - members may take them and use them anywhere on the grounds of the club. Members are asked to stack them in at least a group of 2 after use so that... the winds that blow through the club don't pick them up and damage them. A reminder that overnight camping is still not permitted at the club. Members may bring a tent, sun shelter or camper for day use. If/when this changes, members will be advised. There will be member services available this Sunday afternoon including membership stickers and a variety of sweet and salty snacks. Members interested in racing are invited to meet with race captain Colin anytime after 130pm - weather permitting there will be on water activities with safety boat services available. July 1 members are invited to come to the club in the afternoon and enjoy a variety of cold drinks and frozen treats. While the club can't offer its traditional BBQ it can provide takeout food and encourage everyone to come dressed in red and white to celebrate Canada Day. BBQs continue to be available for member use but members are reminded to bring their own BBQ utensils. On Mondays throughout the summer cruising will be taking place anytime after 6pm with cruising captain Doug. Members are invited to come paddle or sail and enjoy an evening on the lake. Hope to see some of you cruising on Mondays or out for a competitive sail on Sundays, or out during the week this summer. It may not quite be "business as usual" but we are truly fortunate to have such a great club and lake to enjoy. Please remember to close and lock the gate as you enter/exit as the club continues to have many non-members trying to access the club and lake. Denis Neumann, Commodore

Black dock and gangway installed; Father's Day June 21 It was a great and busy weekend at the club with lots of members working on boats and going sailing & paddling. The lake was uniquely deserted as the ramp at Belwood was closed. We did have a few people show up hoping to launch their boats so keeping the gate locked is a good idea. It was a busy Sunday afternoon for the dock team (Bruce, Colin & Richard K, Perry, Paul L) that got the big black dock in with its amazing s...table gangway. It got its first official use (and thumbs up) from Life Member Derek Street and Margaret Hull. Also now in the water is the swim platform. Sunday June 21 is Father's Day and the first day of summer. We invite members to come anytime to unwrap their boat, get on the lake, use the BBQs, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs. We will be providing member services from noon til 4 pm with executive members (look for the orange shirts) on hand to assist members. We will have membership, racing and cruising captains available. So if some members wish, for safety or learning purposes, to cruise or head out to see how fast they can sail from the red buoy around the island they can with assistance from our respective captains. Assorted "Sweet and Salty" treats will be spaced out around the club (individually wrapped, single serve, fun snacks, no nuts/peanuts). While the club can't run the BBQ that was scheduled for Father's Day, we can assist members and offer a wide variety of member services including outdoor "takeout" food. We look forward to another great day Sunday as members enjoy the boating season. The club intends to offer the best boating season possible that acknowledges both the current situation and the safety of our members. Denis Neumann, Commodore