Newsletter No. 9

CUHK Newsletter peak period for sailing. During this period, 60 to 70 people take to the sea each day, and Mr. Yip can go off duty only on Wednesdays and Thursdays. In the winter months, things tend to relax at the centre. Few people sail because of the cold wind and sea. Club members usually visit the centre either to carry out maintenance work on their boats or just to chat. During this period, Mr. Yip has a bit more time to help with other duties in the Physical Education Unit. We asked Mr. Yip if accidents had ever occurred in the four years since the centre was established. He answered with a smile, ‘Accidents are day-to-day occurrences. They happen all the time, but they are usually minor ones, such as a boat capsizing and people getting scratched. The worst so far is occasionally having to tow a boat back to the centre when the winds are gusty and the waves are high.' However, he reported, there had been two incidents on land, when the motors of two lifeboats (valued at $30,000) were stolen. The University immediately stepped up its security measures and introduced constant lighting throughout the night. The Staff Boat Club In the early 80s, a few colleagues who were deeply interested in sailing kept their boats at a water sports centre at Tai Mei Tuk. These colleagues suggested to the University that a water sports centre be established on campus so that more colleagues could share in the joy of sailing. When the Water Sports Centre was created in 1986, they quickly followed with the founding of the Staff Boat Club. They also organized a training course on sailing to cultivate an interest in the sport on campus. Dr. Michael S.C. Tarn of the Department of Physiology, a co-founder of the club, told us that when the club was first formed, there were only a few boats, but after the training course, more than 20 colleagues became interested and joined the club, with more than 10 purchasing boats of their own. Membership At present there are more than 30 members in the Staff Boat Club; of these, 80 per cent are male. Few female members really sail: their membership tends to facilitate their spouses' interest in the sport. There are two categories of membership: full membership and associate membership. Full members are full-time employees of the University, whereas associate members are those having close ties with theUniversity, such as alumni. Full members must pay an entry fee upon joining the club: $1,000 for terms ‘ A’ staff, and $500 for terms ‘B' and ‘C’ staff. There is also a monthly fee of $60 for boat owners and $50 for others. The entry fee is waived for associate members, but they have to pay a monthly fee of $100. Activities As the name implies, the main activity of the Boat Club is sailing. Sam Pui Chau and Lai Chi Chong are frequent haunts. Members sailing to Lai Chi Chong often reserve accommodation in advance so that they can spend the night there and then return the next day. The club organizes three to four major activities each year. Typically members sail together and return to the centre for a barbecue after the trip. The club also publishes an occasional newsletter for members. Future Development The Staff Boat Club often organizes activities to promote sailing and to attract new members. Dr. Tam told us that the club plans to improve its facilities and to purchase a boat for members' use. In future those who love sailing but do not own a boat will also have a chance to enjoy the sport. If you are interested in joining the club, give Dr. Tam a ring (ext. 2878) to get more information. 5