Obituary
We are sorry to report that Mike Broatch passed away on Sunday night in hospital.
Not everyone will have known Mike, but he was a stalwart of the Solo Class for many many years. Sailing on the flash dating back to pre amalgamation days at Lowton sailing club.
When he was not taking an active part in the racing he would often cox the rescue boat and was a highly respected race officer. In earlier years he was also an active instructor and coach.
He and Ken Lawrenson did safety pretty much every weekend for the Tipsy Icicle series until about 6 years ago when health problems forced him to hang up his sailing boots.
However, he still maintained a connection with the club turning up on Sunday to watch and give sound advice ( and friendly abuse) to Solo sailors.
He was also, in his younger days a keen biker with a particular interest in classic motorcycles. In recent years he rode a Harley.
Many of us will remember Mike’s warm friendly welcome to the club on the foreshore when we were new members, often followed by helpful verbal advice about following the rules of sailing once on the water, especially if you were in his way.
He was a true Character, the likes of which we unfortunately don’t see so often nowadays. Everyone who knew him in sailing will have an anecdote relating to Mike on the water. His real Character was his determination to keep sailing competitively despite advancing years up to his 80s. Setting a fine example to all of us with dodgy knees and joints.
We will of course pass on details of his funeral arrangements once we receive them from the family. Which is likely to be in mid December.
We extend our sympathy to his family.
He will be sadly missed by us all.
RYA Community Award
Our very own Dave Eccles received a community award from the RYA on 10th November, presented by Princess Anne.
Congratulations Dave, a much deserved award.
The Revett Series commences on Sunday 12th November with a Race Briefing at 1115 and the first start at 1200.
Prizes for Asymmetric, Laser, Solos, Juniors and Handicap.
Racing is scheduled for every Sunday from 12th November to 17th December 2023.
Registration: from 10.00. Those who have entered online do not need to register.
Briefing: 11:15 (first 2 weeks only – thereafter please raise any questions at Registration)
2 races are scheduled per day.
Races 2 is scheduled to be after lunch, although this may be changed on the day.
For full details please visit https://webcollect.org.uk/llsc/event/winter-open-series-2023-24
Open Water Swimming at Pennington Flash recommenced on from Saturday 21st October from Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club
The Sailing Club will be providing a safe swimming environment on an interim basis until a permanent provider can be appointed. Sign up to webcollect and book online via the link below. https://webcollect.org.uk/llsc/event/open-water-swimming-2023
So, why join Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club?
Great opportunities to either start to learn, to improve or to test advanced sailing skills.
Good value annual Membership structure with staggered payments available and No joining fees!
At 160 Acres/64.5 Ha – the Largest inland sailing area in the Cheshire/Lancashire/Greater Manchester/Merseyside areas. Soft shorelines surround the race areas and the water is largely unaffected by tree induced wind shadow.
Fast road links from all directions
Suitable for a wide variety of monohull sailing dinghies from Optimist to 49’er
Wide shoreline launching facilities
Friendly members who are always happy to help or advise.
Heated changing rooms with hot showers available daily all year round.
Comfortable heated clubhouse facilities with large wetroom/galley/bar and separate lounge area for viewing the sailing action through panoramic windows – includes TV and free fast wifi.
The Galley is widely regarded by local sailors and national visitors to be one of our greatest assets, fabulous food available.
Huge, organised, secure and flood lit dinghy park.
Tarmac car parking – means clean boat packing areas
On site camping facilities for open meetings.
Simple computerised race control.
Organised Sunday racing all year round (no winter closure), Saturday afternoon and Wednesday evening racing during summer months. Friday evening training for Junior fleets – Parental enjoyment of the spectacle whilst BBQ’s are used to prepare dinner is highly recommended!
Regular Open Meeting and Class Championship hosts
Best attended winter dinghy racing series in the North of England
Informal general sailing (without rescue) available at all times.
Modern fleet of rescue ribs.
Comprehensive fleet of well maintained training boats – some available for hire.
Deep water launch ramp for disability boats
RYA High Performance Centre
Also RYA Sailability, RYA Onboard & RYA Training centre – Helping to promote sailing for all
Training Classroom separate from the clubhouse for privacy
3.42 mile circular walk on footpaths around the Flash – for the non-sailing visitors.
