Nationals Notes

Looks like we have 24 Scottish Toppers heading to Pwllheli next week. Sorry I have not been in contact but it has been a very busy time both at home and at work.

Things you might need to know:-
1. There is now a nationals mico-site which amongst other useful things has all the event documents incluing the welcome booklet http://www.sailracer.us/eventsites/home.asp?eventid=39676. You will get a paper copy in your welcome pack but the info will be useful to review in advance.
2. As wedecided at our parents meeting at Helensburgh I have made arrangements to have our own ITCA (Scotland) RIB and coach to be in attendance to support ALL the Scottish competitors during the week. I see this as also being part of our contribution by way of in kind support to the event. There are over 350 youngsters going afloat each day and this needs 35, YES 35! RIBS and 70 crew every day. RYA Scotland is sending our Topper class coach (Robin Paris) and one RIB but with 24 entrants we all felt we should be able to provide at least one more "Scottish RIB".
3. The RIB in question is being kindly provided by the Wilkie family as we were unable to secure the loan of a club RIB as most clubs are very busy just now. I will collect the RIB from Largs and tow to Pwllheli and back at no cost. Our ITCA Scotland coach will be Emma Wilkie who will be available to all the Scottish competitors, provide daily briefings and feedback and be providing on the water support for our team.
4. As I am sure you will appreciate all this will cost us and there is not enough in our Scottish funds to cover these costs so as agreed I am hoping that each sailor will be willing to find about £20 towards Emma's costs for the week. (More would be welcome if you feel able - the equivelant Youth Squad support is costing us £75 this year and will be £100 each at Garda)but please try and find at leat the £20. I will collect these contributions during the week.
5. The RYA squad sailors will also be being watched and coached by Robin but I hope will be willing to contribute equally as our RIB will be an essential part of the rescue fleet and we are all taking part and the RYA has not asked for a contribution to the RYA RIB costs.
6. We will need a volunteer to crew for Emma each day. I am working on a rota and will e-mail about this or catch you at Pwllheli.
7. Thursday is our day for Area duties, shared with the NE. We need a beachmaster, a beach crew of at least 6 parents, two people for the clothing stand in the marquee, a blogger and two people to distribute packed lunches in the morning amongst other things. Again I plan to e-mail about this to those for whom I have addresses.
We are also charged with running the Topper's got talent evening entertainment on Thursday in the Marquee. Help!
8. We still plan to provide pasta each day to our 24 sailors before they go afloat.
9. Fiona has arranged Scottish Toppers abroad clothing and hopes to have some available for purchase at the event. there may be an opportunity to place orders for the worlds..

Thats all for now.

More by e-mail.

See you all at Pwllheli.

G.

PS North Berwick has big rocks as Joanne found out at great speed this afternoon. One broken Topper, fortunately not the brand new one!