Dear Fellow Members,

As the year draws to a close, it was really heartening to see members come together once again to help one another following the recent damage to the club. With everyone juggling busy lives, it was a wonderful reminder of our resilience and community spirit.

It’s been another active — and at times challenging — year. Thanks to the commitment of our volunteers and the Sailing Committee, we delivered a varied and enjoyable sailing programme despite the weather and changing circumstances.

Highlights included the Icicles series, an insightful members’ lunch with Laura, the Leisure 17 Big Weekend, our summer Regatta, a memorable Commodore’s Cruise, and a very colourful AGM. Wednesday Series racing and Friday Night Sailing also continued to run safely and consistently throughout the year.

Our RYA training programme had another strong year, with a dinghy training week, Friday night coaching, and VHF courses all delivered. Strengthening the link between youth training and club sailing remains an important focus for the future.

Membership has remained stable, thanks to the ongoing efforts of our membership officers and the Secretary. Considerable work has also gone into site development and studies to improve the pontoon, and I’d like to thank the Executive for their continued dedication to these projects.

As always, the club relies on its volunteers. Whether it’s race duties, bar shifts, or grounds maintenance, your willingness to step in whenever needed is what keeps EDYC running smoothly. Thank you all.

At Christmas, we also pause to remember the friends from the club who we lost this year, and the many ways they helped make EDYC what it is today.

Finally, on behalf of the Executive, I’d like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. We look forward to seeing you on the water in 2026.

Yours in sailing,

Liam Kelly

Commodore, East Down Yacht Club