A bit about the club.

The club was set up in 2003 with the aim of providing the local community with the chance to take part in a growing sport, . Over the years we have grown from just one to currently having 5 .

Len White, Whitford and Verbena are our three wooden boats, made of Cornish yew and a source of pride for the club. They are our racing boats and will glide through the water beautifully if rowed well. Costing around £30,000 each, with each oar costing £500 each, they are important assets and must be looked after well.

Our other two boats, Siren and Margaret James, are our training gigs, made of GRP (plastic) which are much hardier and used to enable us to train all year round. These are our daily use gigs, which cost us £9,000 and take less maintenance than our racing boats.

Appledore is a racing club, which means our first priority is to support our members in training for and ultimately competing in racing events throughout the summer racing season. We also have social members who are an important part of our club, who don't compete, but enjoy rowing socially with other members of the club.

This guide is designed to help you as a member of the club to navigate the world or rowing, but please don't be afraid to ask questions too!

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Contents page

Chapter 1 - Getting started as a rower Page 4

 The basics  Knowing your way around the boat  Key language  Novice sign off sheet  Intermediates sign off sheet

Chapter 2 - Use of the pilot gig boats Page 13

Chapter 3 – Rowing preparation Page 15

Chapter 4 - Breakdown of the Gig Rowing Stroke Page 18

Chapter 5 – Being a member of APGC (Appledore Pilot Gig Club) Page 24

 Fees  Types of membership  The calendar  Communication  Classification of rowers  Rowing kit  Crew selection  Regattas  Behind the scenes  Captains/coxes/coaches

Chapter 6 - “The Scillies” Page 32

Chapter 7 – Club Roles Page 35

Chapter 8 – Club Rules & Constitution Page 38

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Chapter 1 - Getting started as a rower

The Basics - (Your first row, enjoy it!)

Where the gigs are kept and where do we meet to go rowing?

The gigs (boats) are kept in a section of the car park next to “The Seagate” pub in Appledore (see page 5) It is here that we have our Gig Shed. We keep two of our wooden gigs in the shed and the third wooden along with our two GRP gigs are kept alongside the shed. When we are preparing to go out we will either be in the car park getting the boat ready or on the slipway, which is part of the public car park (Churchfields), if the boat is coming in from another rowing session.

What should I wear?

We recommend weather appropriate sports based clothing. We also recommend footwear that you don't mind getting wet.

In the winter we advise welly boots as they keep your feet dry and so warmer. If for any reason you need to buy kit to row, then it may be helpful to know that we normally wear predominantly black.

What should I expect?

You will have an hour-long session during which the Cox (who is the person steering the boat) usually in a ‘Social’ boat with existing club members. These sessions are for you to get a feel for rowing and to see if it is for you.

How do I get booked in for the next session?

Speak to, text or email the novice coordinator who will book you in for the next available boat. An email can be sent to [email protected] if you are unable to speak to the right person or do not have a note of their number.

If it's for me what do I do?

If you enjoy the rowing, then after 3 free of charge rows you will need to become a member. Speak to the novice coordinator and they will give you the details of the online form that you need to fill in. Membership currently costs £75.00 and can be paid online direct to the club bank account. If you are unable to pay online an arrangement can be made for you to pay by cheque or cash.

If it's not for me what do I do?

That's ok, just let the novice coordinator know and they will take you off the novice list.

How do I progress?

Having joined the club you will start to go out in Development boats. This is where you will learn the basics of rowing alongside other existing club members who are improving their skills. You will learn about timing, develop core skills, learn commands and phraseology and to work with your fellow crew members. This is an important stage and you will stay in these development boats until an experienced cox feels that you are ready to progress. This may take a while, and different people take varying lengths of time, it's harder to master rowing than you may think!

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When you are ‘signed off’ from the development boats the next step includes social boats, mixed boats and crew boats. Depending upon how you would like to row you will get a chance to “go for crew”, which means your relevant captain (either male or female) will assess you with the help of the coxes and will place you in an appropriate crew to allow you to develop, or you may wish to just row socially. The Clubs Captains will ask you what you would like to do.

If you do decide to go for crew boats you are still free to sign up for mixed and social boat in order to ensure you get a regular chance to row. When you are skilled enough and fit enough your captain will let you know to put your name down for racing at regattas. (Though it never hurts to ask if they have not said anything yet!)

Key Locations

The boat park/gig shed - this is where the boats are stored and it is situated next to the Seagate hotel in Appledore. You can find it by going to the Seagate Hotel, The Quay, Appledore, EX39 1QS.

The Container – what and where is this? This is a shipping container that the club owns and is located at Knapp House. You can find this by going to the Knapp House campsite, found on the way into Appledore from Northam on Churchill Way on the A386. Opposite the Marshford Organic Foods Shop turn park up and walk down the private road overhung by trees.

Blue lights Hall – This is the hall were most club meetings are held. This is on Vernons Lane in Appledore. In order to get there, you need to park on the quay or in the car park then walk back past The Seagate and the Coffee Cabin, take the first right after the Coffee Cabin and walk up the alleyway about 100 yards up until you reach the hall on y your left.

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Frequently asked questions.

How long do we normally row for? 1 hour is the usual length of a rowing session.

When do we row? Simply put it depends upon the tide because we must have deep enough water to row on. We can normally row for up to 3 hours either side of the high tide unless it's a neap tide which means it's only 2 hours either side. We can only row in daylight for safety reasons. In the summer we often have evening rows. However, in the winter we are mostly limited to weekend rows.

Where do we row to? On a daily basis, we will normally go in one of two main directions; either up to Bideford New Bridge to “visit the mermaid” or out to sea past The Cannons and the green buoys that you can see if you go for a walk on Northam Burrows.

We also travel all over and to take part in regattas, rowing in some beautiful locations such as Clovelly, Port Isaac, Rock and Dartmouth. We also have our yearly trip to the in which we compete in World Pilot Gig Championship. This takes place on the first bank holiday of May each year and it's a huge event!

A few general rules that we follow when scheduling boats and making choices in the club. The general rule for safety on this is that you row against the tide going out and with it coming back in so that even if there were to be a problem we would be able to drift back in with the tide.

When getting the boat into the water, using the boat on the water, recovering the boat and putting it away, the cox is in charge. They must be listened to for safety reasons. If you are unable to this you will not be able to row in our club’s boats.

Our weaker crews will always be given the easiest water to row in, meaning that they will often be given times to row when the water is at the top of the tide.

On a very high tide we may have to cancel weaker crew boats. This is done for safety reasons. A cox may also cancel a row if the wind is seen to be making conditions dangerous. It is ultimately their decision and they will make it based upon whether they feel they could safely take a crew out and back without risk to them or the boat. You will have access to our club calendar which you can use to put yourself forward for rows and to see events going on. You are advised to check this regularly ahead of a scheduled row in case for any reason it has to be cancelled.

The cox of you boat will always have the final decision as to safety choices.

Should you have any problem with a club member, cox or coach, please speak to either your sex relevant captain first or the Welfare officer, the Chair or the Vice Chair.

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Knowing your way around the boat

Rowing positions: rowers sit on the starboard side in positions 1, 3 & 5 and stroke rowers on the port side in positions 2, 4 & 6

The Oar

Blade is also called the ‘spoon’

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Key language

Key term Meaning

Blades up Lift your oar vertically with spoon in the air

Blades down Place the oar horizontally with the leather halfway between the pins

Back up Row from to bow with square blade

Front stops Sitting forward with the blade out of the water

Back stops Sitting back at the end of the stroke

Safety position Back straight, arms out, knees bent (spoon) flat on the water

Square blade Spoon of the blade is at right angles to the water

Feather At the end of the stroke rotate blade (spoon) 45oC

Easy up Stop rowing and sit in the safety position

Take off the Continue to row but no pressure pressure

1 or 2 up Short stroke, arms only power stroke

Tap it up Short stroke, arms only no pressure

Leathers Band of leather towards the top of the blade

Inside arm Arm that is in the inside of the boat

Outside arm Arm that is nearest the gunnels

Grip Inside hand with knuckles to sky & outside with hand knuckles to the water

Spoon End of the blade that goes in the water

Handle End of the blade that is held by the rower

Pins Black goes towards the stern/white towards the bow

Hard wood pin This is as strong and heavier pin that is not made to break, we paint the tops of these white and they go towards the bow.

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Soft wood pin This is the lighter and weaker of the pins and made to break. We paint the tops of these black and they go towards the stern of the boat.

Stern Back of the boat (where the coxswain sits)

Bow Front of the boat

Gunnels Edge of the boat, where the pins go and the leathers sit, (try not to lift wooden boats by these as it damages them!)

Ready to row Sitting at front stops, square blade and straight back

Stop Emergency stop, square blade, lean forward & brace

Skimming On return the spoon sits at 45oC on the water

Hard Drive down fast and powerful with the legs on the catch

Catch When the squared spoon dips into the water at the start of the stroke

Wax blades Apply a film of wax to the leathers on each blade

Store blades Lay the blades down the side of the boat stroke to the right/bow to the left, handles towards stern

¾ stroke A shorter stroke, with very little lean back

Return The part of the stroke when the blade in travelling out of the water

Stretches Are the pieces of wood you push your feet against

Crab When your blade goes in sideways (not square) and gets dragged down into the water

Fend off When you use the bamboo stick (best practice) or end of a blade (in an emergency) to stop the boat from hitting something when stationary

A block A wooden block that goes over the stretcher upon which you can place your feet if the stretcher is to far away on one setting but too close on the next one.

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Novice sign off sheets

Checklist for new rowers

Topic: You should: Coxswain’s initials/date

Rowing terms Be familiar with the vocabulary used by the coxswain.

Parts of the boat Be able to name parts of the boat, blades and identify which side is which.

Lifting the gig Know how to correctly lift the gig, on and off the trolleys.

Using the trolleys Be able to use the trolleys to manoeuvre the gig from the carpark to the slip and vice-versa.

Rowing technique Be able to complete the 3 parts of the rowing stroke – catch/drive/finish

Back up Be able to back up the boat when needed.

Emergency stop Be able to perform an emergency stop when rowing.

Row-both sides & Experience rowing on both bow and stroke, and row different positions in a range of positions.

Catching a crab Know how to respond when you catch a crab.

Stroke lengths & Be aware of the different ratios and stroke lengths ratios using in the boat.

Racing start Be able to do a racing start.

Buoy turn Be able to do a buoy turn from both sides.

Name: Signature: Date:

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Development sign off sheets

Checklist for development rowers

Topic: You should: Coxswain’s initials/date

Different strokes Be able to transition between different stroke lengths and rates. lengths and stroke rates strong square blade Able to make a strong square blade at the catch

Control blade depth Be able to control the depth of the blade (spoon) on the catch and through the stroke

Drive through water Be able to alter the speed of the blade through the water to increase or decrease the power.

Finish Be able to ensure that the blade is feathered at the correct angle – no more than 45Oc (fast hands)

Recovery Be able to control the speed of the body on the return of the stroke.

Racing start Be able to do a racing start.

Buoy turn Be able to do a buoy turn from both sides.

Rough water training Have spent time with a more experienced crew rowing on rougher water conditions so you and your cox / coach feel confident prior to being passed out for crew boats

M.O.B. Be aware of the procedure for Man Overboard.

20 minutes continuous Need to be able to sustain technique for a 20 minutes row continuous row

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Chapter 2 - Use of the pilot gig boats

Preparing the gig 1. The boat needs to have the cover taken off, so undo all of the ropes and then with another person fold the cover back 3 times and then place it on something, perhaps another boat not being used, but somewhere other than the ground 2. Place the leather guards on the gunnels and insert the pins, white pins towards the bow of the boat (pointed end) and the black towards the stern of the boat; they always go in pairs; 3. Place the blades in the boat. Listen to your cox or captain as to which set of blades you should take out. You should place the 1,3,5 blades on the bow side of the boat and the 2,4,6 on the stroke side of the boat with the spoons facing to bow of the boat 4. Use the wax to put a thin film of wax on the leather of the blade and the leather guard; 5. Line up the trolleys with the end of the boat with the rope between them.

Launching the gig

1. Teamwork is essential, and at least 7 adults are required to a gig. Please be reminded that a gig costs a lot of money, so it is important to take good care of the craft. 2. When asked by the cox, lower the legs (that supports the boats on the trailer) and then push the boat out steadily on the trolleys keeping hold of the boat to stop it from tipping. 3. When walking down the slipway be careful not to let boat run away, hold it firmly and make sure it goes down the slipway under control. 4. The Bung - Locate and firmly screw in the drainage bung ensuring that the rubber washer is in place. If the bung is not secured properly, the gig will sink! The gig is now ready to lift for launching 5. Lifting the Gig - Gigs are heavy and lifting one can potentially cause back injuries. One person (preferably the Cox) must take charge of the lift and be responsible for “the count”. When lifting a gig, it is important to stand straight facing the hull with feet slightly apart and with your weight evenly distributed. Hold on to either a thwart (seat) or strengthening strut (never the , as this is not strong enough) to lift. During the lift, take the weight and use your legs and arms to execute the lift; try to keep your back straight and try not to twist your body whilst lifting. 6. Moving the gig – ensure hands are on the at all times, minimum of two rowers each side and listen to the cox as you leave the boat park and cross the road into the main carpark. Be aware of moving vehicles. 7. If holding one of the trollies be vigilant as to how much space you have when leaving the boat park and the entrance to the carpark, i.e. don’t squash rowers or scratch cars. 8. When at the water’s edge, unclip the rope (check bung is in) and then as the cox asks you to lift boat off the stern trolley (move the trolley out and put to the side). Walk in the boat or pass it hand over hand to get it floating. 9. Lift the boat off the bow trolleys and walk in the boat or hand over hand until the whole boat is floating. 10. Place the trolleys far enough up the slip that they won’t get washed away during the rowing session. 11. Crew order for getting the boat – important that bow rower hold the boat securely until ready to move off the slip – cox, 6, 5, 4, 3, ,2 and then on the coxes instruction 1 pushes off and gets into the boat.

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Recovery of the boat

1. At the bow of the gig, hold the boat by the gunnels or seats in a plastic Gig or in a wooden gig the support beams; then 2. Lift onto the trolley when asked, using your legs not your back; 3. Lift the boat hand over hand until in the keel touches the slip; 4. Lift stern up hand walk up the slip until the stern is out of the water; 5. Lift the boat on to the stern trolley as asked and attach the rope; 6. Walk the boat back up to the gig store and place it upon the trailer level with the legs being put back up to support it; 7. Strip the boat of all personal kit, blades and pins, putting them back in the blade rack and bucket accordingly; 8. Place the wooden frame on the gig and then the cover; 9. Tie the ropes by putting them under the boat, through the hole in the other side of the cover and then pulling it down tight; 10. To tie the knot, make a loop and tuck it through behind the rope. Then reach through the loop and pull making a second loop pull it through tight. all ropes must be tied.

Pilot gigs

 Pilot Gigs are 32 feet long, no wider than 4 feet 10 inches wide (at the widest point) and are planked in Cornish Small Leaf Elm or GRP (a type of fibre glass).  They are built to weigh approximately 7cwt (355.6kgs).  There are 8 thwarts (seats); one for the Coxswain, 6 for the rowers and 1 (the “Seagull”) for the Pilot.  There are 3 rowers on each side of the gig.  All gigs are built to the same specification and the Cornish Pilot Gig Club (CPGA) inspectors monitor each new gig during the construction.  All modern gigs are built to the measurements of one gig – “Treffry”, which was built by Peters of St. Mawes in 1838.  The old oars (sweeps) were usually made of ash and would measure up to 18 feet long but now closer to 13 feet.  Modern oars are made of silver spruce and differ in size according to the position in the gig. They can also be made of Carbon Fibre if used for training purposes only. The stroke and bow oars are shorter because the gig is narrower in these positions.

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Chapter 3 – Rowing preparation

Remember - the Cox is in charge, so it is important that you do as the Cox commands as quickly as possible!

Getting into the gig  It is advisable to walk along the centre line of the gig to your rowing position.  Remove sand from feet as it acts like sandpaper on the floorboards and stretchers.  The Cox should get into the gig first and if possible with dry feet!  The rowers should get into the gig one at a time in rowing order (Stroke first (position 6) and Bow last (position 1)).  If there is no one else to hold the boat, position 1 must hold the boat until the cox tells them to get in.

Preparation of the boat.  Place the oars in the boat: 1,3,5 on the starboard side and 2,4,6 on the port side  The pins locate within the pair of holes in the gunwale on the opposite side of the gig to your seat. The softwood pin goes in the aftermost hole with the hardwood pin closer to the bow.  Remember Soft to Stern (S to S).  It is important that the pins are put in the correct holes. Do not push them in firmly.  Sit down in your rowing position facing aft (towards the Cox) as quickly as possible.  Check that the stretcher is in the right position for you before you start rowing.  When instructed by the cox, lift your oar into a vertical position and wait for further instructions from the Cox.  In windy or rough weather, the Cox may ask you to fend off or back water as soon as you are in the gig and before you have adjusted your stretcher; in these circumstances, it is important that you react as quickly as possible to the Cox’s instructions.  If you are asked to fend off, you should use the shaft of the oar (never the blade)!

The Stretcher  The stretcher is a wooden bar upon which you rest your feet and this is used to push against whilst rowing.  When sitting in your rowing position, your feet should be on the stretcher with your legs slightly bent.  If the stretcher is not in the right position for you, remove the metal pin at the end of the stretcher by pulling it towards the bow of the gig. Lift the stretcher up at the pin side and slide it out of its fixing. Reposition the stretcher and replace the pin, making sure that it is secured properly.  If you cannot find a comfortable stretcher position, it may be necessary to place a block over the stretcher.  After a few rowing sessions, you should become aware of your preferred stretcher position.

Your Oar The oars are long, heavy and your responsibility!  Each oar is individual and has a number on the shaft close to the handle. You must make sure you have the correct oar for your rowing position. Page 15 of 41

 When you are in the gig and the cox instructs, locate your oar and lift it into a vertical position, when instructed to by the cox with the blade uppermost. Sit in your rowing position while holding your oar firmly with its shaft between your knees. This is “blades up”.  As soon as the Cox commands, “blades down” place the leather part of your oar between the thole pins with the blade in the water.

Holding the Oar  Hold the handle of the oar with two hands.  The hand nearer the end of the oar should be under the oar with the palm facing upwards.  The other hand (nearer the centre of the gig) should be on top of the oar with the palm facing downwards and knuckles in line with the spoon in the squared position (90o to the water).  Your hands should be approximately one hand width apart.

Ready to Row  Hold the oar with the blade out of the water with the curve of the blade facing the stern.  The middle of the leather on the oar should be on the gunwale.  Straighten your arms pushing the oar handle away from you.  With a straight back, lean forwards as far as possible but with your hands no further forward than your feet.  Tilt the top edge of the blade towards the Cox so that it is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees.

The Stroke  Place the blade in the water so that the whole blade is covered with water; this is “the Catch”.  Keeping your arms straight and pushing against the stretcher with your feet pull backwards; this is “the Drive”.  Breathe out during the Drive.  The blade of the oar should now be vertical in the water.  Lean backwards and then pull the handle of the oar towards your chest.  At the end of the stroke, lift the blade out of the water “the Finish”.  Push the handle away from you, straighten your arms and lean forward this is “the Return”.  Breathe in during the return.  Make sure the “Leather” on the oar is always in contact with the gunwale (never row on the wooden part of the oar)!

DO NOT RUSH THE RETURN AS THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO BREATHE AND RECOVER

Holding Water The purpose of hold water is to slow or stop the boat.  Put the oar blade into the water so that it is vertical.  Hold the oar so that it is at right angles to the side of the gig.

Backwater This enables the gig to move backwards.  Turn the oar so that the curve of the blade is facing the bow.  With the oar blade vertically in the water push the oar handle away from your body and lean Page 16 of 41

forwards.  Lift the oar blade out of the water and lean back.

Catching a Crab This is when the blade of your oar becomes horizontal when it is in the water. It usually happens for one of two reasons: 1. Your blade was not vertical when you put it in the water. 2. You have tried to “feather” your blade before it was lifted out of the water.

If this happens, you need to act quickly to avoid breaking a pin this is known as the “crab drill”.

1. Lift the handle of the oar upwards (so that your hands are vertical “hands up robbery style”) and out of the thole pins. 2. Allow your blade to wash out to the side of the boat and at the same time feed it, hand over hand, back into the boat in front of you and over your shoulder. 3. Lift and place back in-between the thole pins. 4. Push the blade out, ensuring that your do not obstruct other rowers and come back in on next stroke.

Feathering your blade.  We feather the blade to stop the wind drag on the blade as we recover and to stop the blade getting caught on waves when the conditions are choppier.  This is when you rotate the oar so that the top edge of the blade is tilted no more than 45 degrees towards the bow of the gig during the return of your stroke.  The method is that at the end of the stroke, roll the top of the oar handle towards your body for the return.  Take care not to feather before the end of the finish of your stroke, whilst your blade is still in the water (otherwise, you will catch a Crab!).  The top edge of the blade should be tilted towards the bow of the gig so that when you go to take your next stroke the blade goes in square at 90 degrees.

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Chapter 4 - Breakdown of the Gig Rowing Stroke

Seat, Hand and Oar Position The body position is a key element, not only to the rowing stroke but also the balance/drag of the boat itself. A poorly balanced gig will run far less efficiently than that of a gig that is balanced which is a big disadvantage to its unbalanced crew when competing or training.

The correct positioning at the beginning of the stroke is shown in the diagram above. The inside hip coincides with the centre line of the thwart and thwart support. This ensures that the rower’s body weight is kept as close to the centre line of the boat as possible and is to be maintained all the way through the stroke. Being seated in the correct position will help the rower reduce twisting and the possibility of back problems.

Positioning of the hands is shown in the diagram to the right. Please note the outer hand being turned upside down on the oar handle.

Holding the oar: Note that the outer hand is upside down. The way in which a Cornish Pilot Gig is rowed differs to a normal rowing boat or sliding seat style craft.

The hands in the above position allow the rower to increase their length of stroke as the outer hand passes over the chest, finishing with the outer hand’s thumb sitting next to the inside chest/nipple of the rower, whilst also feathering the oar at the end of the stroke.

Feet Positioning

Silly as this might sound but the position of your feet will make a big difference in which direction your body will transfer the power when implementing the explosive catch from your legs.

If the rower is using the arch of the foot on the stretcher it will drastically limit the rower’s ability to angle their leg drive in a backward direction resulting in some power being lost in an

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Using the arch of the foot causes the heel to be away from the bottom boards making the foot pivot on the stretcher. The pivot action on the arch of the foot occurs as the leg straightens making the initial catch a slightly upward movement rather than a straight back one. In this position the heel of the foot is also unsupported which restricts the ankle in adjusting the direction of the catch.

Using the ball of the foot on the stretcher, with the heel of the foot on the bottom boards gives the rower the ability to push with a firm footing spreading the load over the ball and heel area of the foot. This allowing more muscle groups in the foot to be used and using the ankle to angle the power from the catch.

The correct foot stance is shown by the yellow footprints, on the diagram to the right. The heel of the foot on the bottom boards and the ball of the foot against the stretcher. The feet should be no more than shoulder width apart as this helps the rower drive from both legs equally.

The red foot prints show the rower has spread their stance, far past shoulder width and has used the arch of the foot, with the stretcher being very slightly angled. This promotes the leg drive (catch) of the stroke being driven from one leg more than the other giving far less power.

Blade work: The oar position never changes with the top third of the leather being used to pivot on the thole pins as in the diagram.

The illustration below shows the entry/ exit of the blade during the stroke.

Note the blade returns fully to the start position before being dropped into the water. The blade enters the water (the catch) at 90 degrees to the water line and remains at this angle until the blade reaches the very end of the stroke, where the blade is feathered to the surface. The time taken to exit the blade from the water is normally referred to as the pause or end of the stroke. This gives the rower the appearance that the oar has stopped at the end of the stroke when the blade is constantly moving in the water but the feather of the blade allows the blade to spill off any water before the start of the return.

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This action combined with the rower’s body weight pausing behind the seat allows the boat’s speed to remain at its optimum for a longer period. Once the blade has spilled all the water it then remains feathered until a couple of inches before the oar is fully returned and ready to be dropped in for the catch at 90 degrees.

The Body position throughout the stroke

Position one: The body start position with arms straight, back and body core taught. Make sure that the lower back has a curve projecting the shoulders back. This is known as the ‘strong position’, when the body is at its strongest. At this point your bottom should be at the front of the thwart, positioned just offset from the thwart support. If rowing stroke side your left hip will be in line, and on the bow side your right hip will be in line with the seat support. Legs bent ready for the start of the stroke. Position two: The catch. This is when the body and legs use their potential energy making the legs explode from the stretcher and the body core pulling backwards into an upright position which starts pulling the blade through the water, ensuring arms remain locked straight.

Position Three: At this point the body is now at an almost upright position and has used most of the power stored from the legs muscles. The rower must use their body weight and back muscles to force the body square backwards increasing the speed at which the stroke is pulled through the water, giving the stroke sustained power.

Position Four: The oar will be at a 90o angle to the side of the boat. This is at the point when the blade is at its most efficient allowing the delivery of the most power at any time throughout the stroke. Your body should be at full acceleration to deliver maximum power into the stroke.

Position Five: The boat should be at optimum speed and the body has used its full potential of power. The body and legs will almost be straight. The body stays back past the thwart as the rower starts to relax the power off the oar handle.

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Position Six: The oar travels through the water with the rower ready to angle (feather) the blade at the end of the stroke allowing the blade to rise to the surface of the water. (Feathering of the stroke is done with no effort on the oar and at the very end of the stroke). The blade is allowed to drift to the surface at the end of the stroke keeping the inner elbow (elbow on the inner most of the boat) alongside the body. This will help guide the oar handle toward the side of the trunk area of the body.

Position Seven: The inner hand has twisted the oar handle backwards fully turning the blade into a feathering position (Min 25o) which causes the blade to float on the surface efficiently. The outer hand has moved across the chest with a loose grip on the handle allowing the oar to move in an arch around the pins, also stopping the oar being pulled into the boat.

Position : The finish position of the stroke, the body and the oar are in a stopped position. This allows the blade to totally free itself from the water and the boat keeps its momentum as the blade isn’t acting as drag in the water.

Position Nine: Return with your hands. First allow the body to stay past the thwart then slowly move the body to an upright position leading with your hands and the leg starting to recover into the bent position. The oar should still be in the feathered position and the blade about 6 inches (15cm) above the surface of the water.

Position Ten: The hands start to move away from the body with the blade of the oar still feathered. Between positions ten and eleven the speed in which the hands move away from the body increases.

Position Eleven: The arms are almost fully extended moving away from the body. Legs are fully recoiled ready for the start of the next catch.

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Position Twelve: The body is back in the power position with the taught abdominal and back muscles shoulders spread ready to start the next stroke

What am I trying to achieve?

The theory behind the style in which we currently row is to try and make the boat move forwards at the fastest speed possible with the least amount of effort. To achieve this there are a few factors that need to be considered.

These are:

1. Boat length and wet area. 2. The trim of the gig. 3. The shift of weight/movement of the crew.

The above image shows the water length. The water length equates to the physical speed that can be achieved by a gig. A very basic overview would be that the longer the boat is, the faster the speed it can achieve.

As the image above shows when the boat is moving the waterline will decrease meaning that the boat speed will reduce. Keeping your body past the seat at the end of the stroke forces the bow down lengthening the boat’s water line length and allowing it to run faster for longer.

A another way to increase the boat length is to load the boat so the heavier crew are in positions, 2, 3 and 4 with lighter rowers in 5 and 6. This means when stopped the gig is bow heavy and with momentum levels out, maintaining the faster boat speed with less effort.

Remember the cox is in charge from the moment the boat leaves the trailer to until the moment the boat is returned to the trailers, it's a matter of safety.

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Chapter 5 – Being a member of APGC (Appledore Pilot Gig Club)

Club fees The club is a non-profit organisation, all the money we raise is spent on the looking after the club equipment and covering the costs of running our club, such as insurance. The Membership fee of £75 covers you for one year’s membership. It is renewed in January of each year by all members. We offer a discount on membership after the main regatta season at the end of August. The fee will then be £50.

What does this cover? Basically, it covers Insurance for you to row and a little bit towards the cost for running the club and essential boat maintenance. This means that any row you then turn up for will not cost you per session. We try to keep the cost low so more can row but this does mean we also need to fundraise throughout the year too. If you wish to donate to the club above the sum of £75 that is always welcome but not a requirement.

Making Payments to the club We accept payments online, cheques and cash as payment of subs, for club kit, camping pitches for the Scillies, etc. The preferred method for the club is to have an online payment made to directly into the club account, the details are:

Bank Name: HSBC, The Quay, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2AF. Reference - Please include your name and a reference such a s Subs or camping Sort Code: 40 10 17 Account Number: 21377388

Due to the way the club works we can’t give you instant confirmation of funds going into the club account, however, if you do wish to have confirmation then please send an email to our club email address and we will get it to you as soon as we can.

Membership After your third row, for insurance reasons, if you wish to continue rowing, these are the 3 options: ● Full member – If you are an adult and wish to row either socially or competitivity you will need to complete a full membership form annually and pay a fee of £75, renewable each January. From September, after the main regatta season the cost £50. ● Associate member - these are people who wish to be part of the club but are not able to row themselves. They may support the club at events and attend social functions run by the club. The cost of this is £15 annually. ● Junior member - If you are an under 16 and wish to row then you require a junior membership which will mean an annual fee of £25 together with completion of the membership form on an annual basis each January. ● Under 18 – between the ages of 16 and 18 the annual fee for membership is £50. In this category you are able to row and compete within the adult crews and the option for rowing are greater hence the increased fee.

The calendar

This is a key part of our club organisation! It's a way that we all communicate together within the club to arrange boats, meetings and social events. This is run using joint access right to one calendar which is based upon Google. Page 23 of 41

To gain access you must first sign up for membership with the club, this will then result in access being shared with you through the email you have provided. I would point out at this point that having a Gmail.com email account makes this much easier, it is totally free and you can set one up very easily.

How do I set up my calendar access?

PC, Latop or Apple Mac: Try to download google chrome as your web browser as it works best with everything google. Once you have logged on to your email account you should be able to access a calendar function, and to add in a shared calendar at which point you select [email protected] and add it to your own.

For an Android phone: Download an app such as “S planner”, and then sign into it with the email address you have told the club about. You should then be able to find the club email from there.

For Apple devices: Download ‘Tiny calendar’ and then sign into it with the email address you have told the club about. You should then be able to find the club email from there.

Any problems please speak to Rich Kavanagh by emailing him on [email protected]

How should I use the calendar?

When you are a member you will be given access to the calendar and may start to put your name on different boats (except Novice rows) development to start, then social boats and crew boats.

You should seek to put you name down a few days in advance, normally a week if possible. You will start off by putting yourself down with ‘available’ next to your name. The captain will then pick the crew from the available rowers.

It is worthwhile checking the calendar the day before any row and the day of any row.

If you have to pull out of row for any reason with more than 48 hours you can simply put a comment next to your name apologising and saying you cannot make it. If less than 48 hours beforehand you should seek to let your cox and your captain or crew organiser know as soon as possible.

Things do change e.g. the weather can deteriorate quickly and a row may be cancelled, so please check the calendar on a regular basis to ensure that you are up to date.

WARNING!!! Please be careful when using the calendar that you do not delete events or people and do not sync it with any personal calendars.

Communication Below are the main means of communication (other than the calendar) that we use within the club. All members should receive copies of meeting minutes, if you are not, make sure we have an up-to-date email address for you by contacting the club through the main address. ● Email – the main address being [email protected] ● Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AppledoreGig/ ● Website - http://www.appledoregigclub.com/

Classification of rowers ● Junior – members whom are aged 16 or under are classed as a junior. Races are normally set for Under 14 and / or under 16’s. An under 14 year old can row in an under 16 boat if needed Page 24 of 41

and if they are capable enough. Equally an under 16 year old can row in an adult boat if capable. These members are legally required to wear a life jacket regardless of the crew that they are rowing in. ● Under 18 – members aged between 16 and 18 who row and train with adult members ● Adult – anyone over the age of 18 who rows in the club and has a full membership. ● Novice – a person just starting to learn the core skills and build their strength as a rower. ● Intermediate – a person developing their skills and stamina so that they may then enter the more advanced boats. ● Crew rower – a person whose skill level and fitness level makes them suitable to enter race crews. ● Social rower – a person who chooses not to race but to row only in non-competitive crews. ● Vet – a rower over the age of 40 years. ● Super Vet - a rower over the age of 50 years

Rowing kit We have official club kit, but to train and row socially you don't have to have this. Subject to the weather, (which can be unpredictable at best) most rowers would keep the following kit in their wardrobe. Below is a list of kit that you may choose to wear/use. !

Lycra shorts or Jogging Bottoms Vest Top Training Top Light Weight Coat leggings

Trainers Sandals Sun Cream Dry Bag Cap

Gloves Vaseline Plasters Water Bottle Hand Towel

THE ABOVE EQUIPMENT IS A GOOD STARTING POINT

Our current kit (2019) is available to view and order through a company called AGAME.

Follow this link to view and make your selection:- Page 25 of 41

https://agamesports.co.uk/section/531/0/appledore-pilot-gig-club

Alternatively we are able to use a local firm ‘In Stitches Embroidery’ – Littleham EX39 5HN – 01237 478373

They are able to supply various kit, polo shirts, sweatshirts and add our logo to these items.

Crew selection

This happens based upon a few things:

Firstly, whether you are deemed able to compete in a race based upon your skill and fitness level. This is decided by your captain and is based upon your captain’s assessment of your readiness in conjunction with the feedback from coxes and coaches.

Secondly, the availability of people to row. We are a competitive club and seek for the best possible results by putting best teams out that we can. Yet we also know that we need to give new people a chance to row and so we will often seek to give people a chance to row at regattas that are suitable for people's first few races. The sprint races in the summer are often a good chance for this to happen.

Thirdly, the difficulty of the race itself. Some races are harder than others, with more swell, or tighter turns or simply a lot longer. Your captain will know about these races and will select people to suit the conditions, and that might well be you!

General do’s and don’t

Do’s Don'ts

Do arrive 10-15 minutes before your row to Don’t talk when the cox has asked you to focus or row. get the boat ready Don't do anything that may put you or others at risk. Do allow 15 minutes at the end of the row to put the boat away Don't do anything to cause upset or harm to anyone else in the club. Listen to coxes, do as you are asked, often this is for safety reasons. If (later) you wish Don’t carry more than one blade at a time, they cost £500 to ask why then do so but at the time do as each so need to be treated carefully. you are asked. Pins are placed in the in the holes, but must not be When events, i.e. regattas, are happening pushed in tight. sign up to take part both as a rower and as a helper. Don’t lift the wooden boats by the gunnels as this can damage them, reach further down the boat to do this.

Events Throughout the year we attend a variety of events, both local and further away and we also host a few events ourselves.

The two largest are: Page 26 of 41

 The World Championships for gig rowing. This is based upon St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly which “kicks off the season” and is held on the first bank holiday of May each year. More on this shortly! A full weekend event.  The Newquay Championships – Takes place in September when we once again test our skill and strength against the best there is to see if we have progressed over the season. A full weekend event.

Our frequently attended events include:  Barnstaple regatta  Boscastle regatta  Clovelly regatta  Ilfracombe regatta  Rock regatta  Paignton regatta  Torridge regatta – our local rivals’ regatta.  Zennor regatta  Other regattas also happen but depend upon our invites.

We run both CPGA and Non CPGA events: There is a mixture of events that we run, some are governed CPGA rules which are quite strict, while non CPGA events are not.

CPGA event Non CPGA Event  Our own regatta - a  The History race (stamina race) – long race from the quay out to the standard regatta where furthest buoy and back – only for the boldest at times! every racing crew can row.  The Two Bridges race (stamina race) – Men race from the New Bridge in Bideford to the New Bridge in Barnstaple and the ladies then race the boats back to the anchor on Appledore quay.  Our Super Vet regatta – one especially for the over 50’s, with teams coming from all over to compete for the weekend.  One of the North Devon league competitions – a winter league of races to help the local clubs train out of season for the Scillies.

Cost When it comes to the cost of attending these we ask for a towing fee of £5 to be made by each rower for each event that is not based in Appledore. As far as attending the event itself, often you may share a ride with other rowers and thus share the cost of fuel. If you want more information on these then please speak to your captain or cox.

Behaviour When it comes to behaviour we expect you to behave in a suitable manner, not swearing or insulting other club members or acting in an inappropriate manner whilst wearing club kit.

If you feel that you have witnessed such things please speak to your captain, vice-captain, chair, vice

Page 27 of 41 chair or welfare officer. For a more detailed statement of what is expected please read the club constitution which is included in this handbook.

To put it as simply as possible please aim to be a considerate and helpful person, doing nothing to bring the reputation of the club into disrepute. Should such conduct occur then the committee will carry out a disciplinary hearing during which we will ask one of the committee who is deemed to be neutral in the matter to look in to the issue and report back to the committee. They will seek to find out what has occurred and then the committee will make a decision as to what action to take. This may be a formal warning, a period of suspension of membership or in extreme cases removal of membership. This is rare and can be avoided by simply behaving in a positive way as you would wish to be treated by others. For more details please see our constitution.

Commitment This does vary, as different members are able to offer varying levels of time and energy. Put simply it means that if you put your name down to row please show up! If you can’t make it please let your cox and or captain know as soon as possible as they will need to fill the seat. We all get ill or have a problem which prevents us doing what we want sometimes but please try to be considerate.

Behind the scenes The club is run by a group of members that have been elected into key roles (see key roles) to form the club committee and along with specific meetings there are also the following regular meetings:  Committee meetings – These are meetings held by the committee members on a monthly basis to enable the effective running of the club. Only committee members are expected to attend.  Members meetings – These are meetings open to all members and we welcome your attendance at them. They are your chance to raise anything and are where the main decisions are made in the club. You as club members are welcome to put items on the agenda. If you do so please put your name behind it so we know who wishes to speak about what.  Coxes meetings – These are meetings to help the coxes ensure they are delivering a consistent training program for the different crews.  AGM (Annual General Meeting) –This is held once a year in November and all members of the club should attend if possible. It is at this meeting that the club roles are voted upon for the following year and any changes to the rules and constitution are ratified.  EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) – This can be called at any time of the year when there is an important issue for members to address, i.e. a change to rules/constitution

Fundraising We try to keep the cost down for our members in as many ways as possible because we want everyone to be able to afford to take part in our club. This does mean that throughout the year we will be seeking to raise funds by applying for grants and bursaries or sponsorships. If you know of any, or have a boss who may be will to help out, please let us know!

We also raise funds at our regattas, selling food, running a raffle and by doing quizzes or activities or sponsored challenges. Please get involved in these where you can even if it just to say you have an idea or you have a raffle prize you can spare.

Helping out We have a variety of non-committee roles and committee roles. The non-committee roles tend to Page 28 of 41 require less input of time than the committee roles. We vote people into roles at our annual AGM and we always welcome new people taking up roles. They are listed below for you to have a look at. We will often need help to do something and if you can help out please let us know by email or often there will be an event on the calendar which you can put your name to, so please get stuck in!

Captains – The captains representing the Men’s and Ladies section are elected members who have experience of rowing and are in charge of race crew selection. They will pick people to row in crews based upon the rowers indicated availability, the fitness, skill and level of commitment that the rower has shown. If you have any problems or want something to change then your captains are the first port of call for you.

Coxes – These are the people who steer the boat and give you instructions. Just like you, they may either be experienced or learning. They are giving up their time to help other people to row so please listen to them when they ask you. Coxes may also be coaches or race coxes depending upon their experience level and skill set.

Coxes are vital to getting the gig into the water at the start the session, for the safety of the crew and boat and then getting the boat out and the put away safely at the end of the session. So please listen and do what they ask of you as they are doing it for your own good. If you want to ask a question later please do so; however often for safety purposes you are invited to act now and ask questions later. Should you have any issue with your cox please speak to your captain.

We are all responsible for ourselves in rowing and that means that legally you are liable for yourself and row at your own risk. However, we also need you to think of others, be considerate and seek to avoid letting people come to harm by carelessness. We have quite few “It’s how it’s done” in rowing. The main reason for this is safety of the crew, the boat and the people around us. So please look out for yourself and others throughout your session. If you have an injury please let the coxes know ASAP.

Coaches – Are experienced rowers who help us to develop our technique and stamina throughout year. This may be a coxswain or it may on occasion be a person who just coaches. Please listen to them and have a go at what they ask you to do. Not everything will be clear to you at once and exercises may be designed to help you to solve a problem that you don’t yet know you have or to help a different member of the crew. If you really don’t feel that your coaching is hitting the right spot for you, speak to the cox/coach after the row about what you are looking for and they will try to adapt to include this where possible. If you have a cox and a separate coach in the boat often the cox will be in charge getting the boat out on the water and then when you come in to land with the coach being in charge the rest of the time. If the cox does need to interrupt the coach for safety reasons, you should at that time listen to the cox as they are in control of the boat.

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Chapter 6 - “The Scillies”

The World Pilot Gig Championships is based at St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly. Everyone talks about it! Who can go, how many row? When and how ticket booking works? Expectations? Camping? Price per person or per pitch? Can you share a pitch? Well here is some information about it!

Firstly, everyone in the club can put themselves forward to go! However, the water can be rough and the physical demands of the races does mean you may not get placed in a crew. The captains will make squad selections well in advance of the event and you will be expected to train both in and out of the boat to achieve the standard required to be in the final crew selection.

Clubs from all over the country and some from much further afield will take part. With the world of gig rowing becoming more competitive we can no longer take as many boats as we like. The number of boats each club can enter will (as from 2020) be based upon performance at the previous year’s championships.

It takes place on the first May bank holiday weekend of each year, lasting the whole weekend and there are a series of races throughout the weekend spread over three days. The timetable for the event in 2020 looks like this:-

Friday

Racing kicks off around midday with both Ladies and Men’s Vets (over 40) and Super Vet (over 50) will compete in the ‘Long Race’ from St Agnes back to St Mary’s. This race is approximately 3 miles. From the results of this race crews will be placed into heats to race the shorter race (around 2.5 miles) from Nut Rock back to St Mary’s later on in the day. The results from these heats will decide who goes through to the finals of both Vets and Super Vets on the Saturday morning.

Saturday

So first races today are the finals of Ladies and Men’s Vets and Super Vets

Following that at around midday the ‘Open’ event will start. This follows the same format as the Vets and Super Vets with Ladies and Men’s races first from St Agnes to St Mary’s and then the first round of heats from Nut Rock to St Mary’s. The difference with the Open races is that they are on a bigger scale that the Vets and Super Vets races. You can expect around 40 – 50 boats at the start line of the long race for Vets and Super Vets but for the Open you can be on a start line with around 150 other gigs!

Results for all the races and subsequent placings in heats will posted on the results board next to “the tunnel”. The top two boats in each heat will be promoted to the next group up in the following heat and the lowest two will be demoted a group.

Sunday

On the Sunday, there will be two further heats, one in the morning and one in the afternoon for both the Ladies and Men’s Open. The second will give you your final position and should you win that heat you will gain a trophy for doing so. At the end of the second race the boats will all tie up and watch the higher crews come in with blades raised and a bottle or two of bubbly!

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After that the final race, the boats will be packed and loaded onto their trailers so they are ready for their home journey. All members of the club who have rowed this weekend will need to help with this.

Sunday night, once the work is done it’s time to let your hair down and party!

Forming of crews for the Scillies – To “make crew” for this you need to attend training on a regular basis, both in and out of a boat, starting in the Autumn to give you the chance to gain both fitness and skill needed. Your captain will make squad selections, based upon attendance, commitment, fitness and skill level, with final crew selections being made closer to the event.

Expectations – What expectations do we have of people? To give your best, to be considerate of others and to pull your weight with regard to the work for the event.

Firstly, get your name down indicating that you wish to take part early on.

Secondly, accept the decision of your captains or cox with good grace. This might be in your favour or not but will be done to try and best serve the membership of the club and to maximise both our participation and our results as a club. If you have a problem, then do speak to the captain or if needs be the Chair or Vice Chair if you feel the decision is not fair.

Thirdly, we need people to help whilst actually on the island with moving boats into position ahead and after the event alongside assisting boats in and out during races.

We are all club members so we should all share the responsibility and work.

Fourthly, everyone has trained hard for this event and wants to do well. This does mean that drinking heavily on the Friday or Saturday night will negatively impact your performance and is simply not fair on the rest of your crew or cox. Please hold your nerve and enjoy a few on the Sunday when we all let our hair down!

Travel – there are currently 2 ways to get to the island and may be another soon…

1) To ride over on the Scillonian 3 from Penzance port to St Mary’s. 2) To fly over from Newquay or Lands’ End airport to St Mary’s airport. 3) In the future, there will be a helicopter service but this is not yet available.

Advice here is to book early! As a rowing club, we get discount if we say we are part of a club, so please telephone and book rather than using the online booking service. Those beer vouchers are best in your pocket after all! As soon as the sailing times come out in November /early December they start to sell out quick! For 2020 please all remember that if you are competing in the Vets and Super Vets races these will start earlier in the day than in previous years.

The airplane option is more expensive than the ferry option and limits luggage but it is quicker, and the atmosphere that you get by travelling on the ferry is missing! These are small planes and seats get booked early. Low cloud or fog can stop the flights from going so please be aware of this when booking and perhaps if you can allow for travelling a day earlier that you need to be sure to be there.

Regardless of which you wish to book you should google the “Isles of Scilly Travel Company” and then call them to book your place.

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Accommodation

As a club, we tend to book a block of camping pitches every year up at the Garrison, it works out as an affordable and communal way of getting a place to stay. You will be asked to book and pay for your pitch in November (it’s about £40).

However, there is also a lot of accommodation offered in houses and hotels, it is simply a case of finding a place as a lot of people will book them year upon year. If you manage to find a place, then let other crew mates know and you will often be able to share the cost.

Any other questions? Please ask us

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Chapter 7 – Club roles

Honorific positions Club president – Honorific position awarded to person whom has made a significant contribution to the club over the years. Non-voting position. May be consulted over important issues upon which they can offer advice. This is a discretionary position which is to given for a limited duration.

Role of the committee - To run the club in accordance with the wishes and for the benefit of its members, in line the constitution of the club. The following committee positions include the duty to attendance at committee meetings where they are able to raise issues and to vote after discussion.

Committee positions – Chairperson – Takes a leading role in the club ensuring the club as a whole forms and sticks to the clubs priorities and policies, Chief of which is running the club in a positive manner for the benefit of its membership. At events or in conversations with the CPGA, serves as a spokesperson for the Club or nominates a representative to do so. Chairs the club meetings. In addition, works with the vice chair to ensure that other members of the club with a role are able to work effectively in their position. They should look to delegate tasks to people whose role or skills make them suitable to do so. Also, will take a lead safeguarding role should there be any issues are deemed unsuitable to be handled by the welfare officer or junior coordinator. Voting position on the committee. In the event of a stalemate situation, has second vote that may be cast to break the deadlock. Vice Chairperson – Aids the chairperson in the duties required of the club. Including chairing meetings in the chair's absence, overseeing of nominated areas based upon skills and experience. When involved in major decisions for the running of the club, should present an alternative view to that of the chair to ensure that full discussion is engaged in prior to any voting. Voting position on the committee. Treasurer – Manages the club’s finances and oversees the accounts. Makes regular reports to the committee and club. Considers the financial implications of any significant decisions, challenging the committee where needed. When arranging insurance for the club to seek for the most cost-effective options. To ensure that any and all funds being claimed back from the club are presented with valid receipts, which details the goods and or services which were purchased and to keep a detailed record of this. At the end of the year to present a report which details the spending of the club, broken down into fixed costs, annual costs, one off expenses and unplanned costs, with clear detailed totals of movement of all club funds. Keeping an account of club assets. Voting position on the committee. Secretary – Takes minutes of each meeting, to distribute information to select groups or across the whole club. To be central point for correspondence for the club, in particular handling the incoming messages from CPGA and other clubs. To fact check any points that are raised with regard to past presidents or issues which are related to the constitution. To keep club members informed of club dates/agendas as well as send transcripts to members of all such meetings. Voting position on the committee. CPGA Events Organiser – Organises the CPGA (Cornish Pilot Gig Association) racing events for each season. This includes liaising with other clubs, managing invitations and replies, organising our own regattas/races. Voting position on the committee. Non CPGA Events Organiser – Organises the non CPGA, i.e. the Super Vets regatta, racing events for each season. This includes liaising with other clubs, managing invitations and replies, organising our own regattas/races. Voting position on the committee. Page 33 of 41

Welfare officer – Overseeing and the resolution of any welfare issues that arise within the club. This will include seeking where possible resolution to minor issues and the reporting of major issues to the relevant member of the committee. Responsibility for safeguarding children and young people within the club, should they have an issue that may be deemed a safeguarding issue in relation to a child they will report it to both the Chair/Vice chair as necessary and if necessary the police. Will require DBS check. Voting position on the committee. Health and Safety Officer – Responsible for the health and safety practices within the club, including organising training for the man-overboard exercises, this also includes checking at both the start and end of the season that all safety equipment is in good order and taking such suitable actions should it be required to rectify any problems. Has the ability to cancel rows if the conditions are deemed unsuitable. Voting position on the committee. Juniors Co-ordinator – Organises the junior rowers (age 16 and under) Organises training times with coxes. Oversees the training and ensures that safety procedures are in place consistently, i.e. that each junior member is wearing a working life jacket as well as supervisor and the cox. Ensures that they or a suitable adult goes out with the (16’s and under) during juniors training sessions as the second adult in the boat. Communicate with the parents of the juniors to ensure that they are kept up to date with the activities of the club and any questions dealt with. Will require DBS check. Voting position on the committee. Head Coach - Oversees the coaching for all rowing members, through coxes and coaches within the club, devising training programs suitable for a range of abilities and needs, to develop the rowers of the club from the level of novice through to and including the A crews. Liaises with captains to select crews for regattas. Voting position on the committee. Head Coxswain – Oversees the training of coxes at all levels of ability, makes overall decision on the level of coxes and liaises with captains on the allocation of coxes to crews. Has the right to cancel boats should they deem conditions unsafe in consolidation with inexperienced coxes. Voting position on the committee. Ladies’ Captain – Oversees the ladies’ crews, works with the coach/coxes for crew selection, notifying the crews in a timely manner and ensure that race subs are collected. To actively seek to provide a range of rowers with the opportunity to row and compete. To ensure the best and most suitable rowers are allocated to racing crews whilst facilitating rowers showing potential to experience the next level of racing and training. Also, to bring any issues being experienced by the rowers to the committee for discussion and resolution. To work effectively with all other members of the committee to move forwards. Voting position on the committee.

Men’s Captain – Oversees the Men’s crews, works with the coach for crew selection, notifying the crews in a timely manner and ensure that race subs are collected. To actively seek to provide a range of rowers with the opportunity to row and compete. To ensure the best and most suitable rowers are allocated to racing crews whilst facilitating rowers showing potential to experience the next level of racing and training. Also, to bring any issues being experienced by the rowers to the committee for discussion and resolution. To work effectively with all other members of the committee to move forwards. Voting position on the committee.

Non-committee role – These are minor yet important roles which do not require the person to attend committee meetings unless requested and do not hold a committee vote. Page 34 of 41

Press Officer – Liaises with press contacts to get good coverage in local press including race/regatta reports in order to portray the club in a positive light. Social Events Organiser – Organises social events for the club - nights out, club race days, Christmas party for all club members. Fundraising Organiser – Co-ordinating the club fundraising activities for the year. Researching and applying for grants for the club throughout the year. Novices lead/coordinator – Organises the getting new rowers into boats for their 3 free rows. This will include scheduling boats with the co operation of coxes, contacting novices to inform when a suitable boat for them is going out and to ensure the boat if full with a mix of new people and number of club rowers. On new person wishing to join, providing them with the link to our membership form. Notifies the development coordinator that this person in now ready to move on to the development boat. Notifies Club treasurer and Membership Secretary so they can look out for completed forms and payment of membership fees. Development Lead/coordinator – Organises the Intermediate boats, including scheduling boats, contacting development and club rowers in a timely fashion to secure full boats are going out on a regular basis, with the aim of at least one per fortnight or more when possible. Notifies the Ladies’ or Men's captain when the cox when new rowers are deemed ready to go on into mixed and crew boats. Membership coordinator - manages the membership list and payments and oversees the access to the calendar, granting permission once payment has been made. Forwards list of rowers required by the CPGA for their registers. Facebook supervisor - Manages the club’s online presence on Facebook, posting positive club event based information with suitable images that ensure the positive representation of the club. Will also provide relevant contact details to people who contact the club through Facebook, passing them on to the appropriate club member i.e. the novice coordinator. Will ensure that no unsponsored endorsements are posted or commented upon by the club account. Will also manage the “friends” list to block anyone whom is being inappropriate or felt to be inappropriate. Instagram Supervisor – as above manages the clubs presence on Instagram. Website supervisor - Will manage the running of the website, ensuring that all the information is accurate and up to date, and that a positive portrayal of the club presented at all times. Maintenance Organisers - this will be a ‘crew’ of people who will oversee/organise maintenance.

For a current list of who has which role please check our website as each year this can change at the AGM (Annual General Meeting)

http://www.appledoregigclub.com/contact-apgc.html

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Chapter 8 – Club rules & constitution

1. Name The name of the Club is APPLEDORE PILOT GIG CLUB. 2. Club Purposes The purposes of the Club are to promote the amateur sport of rowing in Appledore and community participation in the same. 3. Permitted means of advancing the Purposes The Committee has the power to: a) acquire and provide grounds, equipment, coaching, training and playing facilities, clubhouse, transport, medical and related facilities; b) provide coaching, training, medical treatment, and related social and other facilities; c) take out any insurance for club, employees, contractors, players, guests and third parties; d) raise funds by appeals, subscriptions, loans and charges; e) borrow money and give security for the same, and open bank accounts; f) buy, lease or licence property and sell, let or otherwise dispose of the same; g) make grants and loans and give guarantees and provide other benefits; h) set aside funds for special purposes or as reserves; i) invest funds in any lawful manner; j) employ and engage staff and others and provide services in accordance with Rule 8. k) co-operate with or affiliate to firstly any bodies regulating or organising the Sport and secondly any club or body involved with it and thirdly with government and related agencies; l) do all other things reasonably necessary to advance the purposes;

NONE of the above powers may be used other than to advance the purposes consistently with the Rules below and the general law.

4. Membership a) Membership of the Club shall be open to anyone interested in the sport on application regardless of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or other beliefs. However, limitation of membership according to available facilities is allowable on a non-discriminatory basis. b) The Club may have different classes of membership and subscription on a non- discriminatory and fair basis. The Club will keep subscriptions at levels that will not pose a significant obstacle to people participating. c) The Club Committee may refuse membership, or remove it, only for good cause such as conduct or character likely to bring the Club or sport into disrepute. Appeal against refusal or removal may be made to the members.

5. All General Meetings a) All members may attend all general meetings of the Club in person. b) Such meetings need 10 clear days’ written notice to members. c) The quorum for all general meetings is five members present. d) The Chair or (in his or her absence) another member chosen at the meeting shall preside. e) Except as otherwise provided in these Rules every resolution shall be decided by a simple majority of the votes cast on a show of hands. In the event of equality of votes the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote. Page 36 of 41

f) Formalities in connection with General Meetings (such as how to put down resolutions) shall be decided by the Committee and publicised to Club members.

6. Annual General Meetings (AGM) The Club will hold an AGM once in every calendar year and not more than 15 months after the last AGM. At every AGM: a) The Members will elect a Committee including a Chair, Treasurer and Secretary to serve until the next AGM; b) The Treasurer will produce accounts of the Club for the latest financial year audited as the Committee shall decide; c) The Committee will present a report on the Club's activities since the previous AGM; d) The Members will appoint a suitable person to audit the accounts; e) The Members will discuss and vote on any resolution (whether about policy or to change the Rules) and deal with any other business put to the meeting. Subject to the exigencies of the business at hand, a quorum shall be at the discretion of the Executive Committee and in the event of equality of votes the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote.

7. Extraordinary General Meetings (EGM) An EGM shall be called by the Secretary within 14 days of a request to that effect from the Committee or on the written request of not less than 10 members signed by them. Such EGM shall be held on not less than 10 or more than 21 days’ notice at a place decided upon by the Committee or in default by the Chair.

8. The Committee A. Role subject to these Rules the Committee shall have responsibility for the management of the Club, its funds, property and affairs B. Property etc i. The property and funds of the Club cannot be used for the direct or indirect private benefit of members other than as reasonably allowed by the Rules and all surplus income or profits are reinvested in the club. No surpluses or assets will be distributed to members or third parties. ii. The Club may provide sporting and related social facilities, sporting equipment, coaching, courses, insurance cover, medical treatment, away-match expenses, post- match refreshments and other ordinary benefits of Community Amateur Sports Clubs as provided for in the Finance Act 2002. iii. The Club may also in connection with the sports purposes of the Club: a) Sell and supply food, drink and related sports clothing and equipment; b) Employ members (though not for playing) and remunerate them for providing goods and services, on fair terms set by the Committee without the person concerned being present; c) Indemnify the Committee and members acting properly in the course of the running of the Club against any liability incurred in the proper running of the Club (but only to the extent of its assets). d) The Committee will have due regard to the law on disability discrimination and child protection

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C. Composition etc i. The Committee shall consist of at least five and not more than 14 other members (including Officers). ii. The Committee members may co-opt club members (up to the maximum permitted number) to serve until the end of the next AGM. iii. Any Committee member may be re-elected or re-co-opted without limit. iv. A Committee member ceases to be such if he or she ceases to be a member of the Club, resigns by written notice, or is removed by the Committee for good cause after the Member concerned has been given the chance of putting his/her case to the Committee with an appeal to the Club members, or is removed by club members at a general meeting. The Committee shall fairly decide time limits and formalities for these steps.

D. Disciplinary Procedure Purpose i. The purpose of the Disciplinary Procedure is to support the Club's Constitution and Code of Conduct. ii. To maintain the required personal and sporting standards of behaviour among members in the interests of the Club and its reputation within the local community. iii. To promote and ensure fair and consistent treatment for all members.

Information i. The elected Committee is responsible for managing the affairs of the Club for the benefit of the members. ii. The members of the Club are expected to assist the Committee by observing the Club Constitution and Code of Conduct. iii. Members who fail to observe the Club Constitution and Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action. iv. The Committee will exercise common sense in all matters relating to discipline and any action taken.

Procedure i. In the event of information or a complaint being received about a member or members of the Club, the Committee will consider whether or not the matter should be subject to disciplinary action. ii. If it is judged that disciplinary action might be warranted, then no further action will be taken until the matter has been investigated. iii. The Club Chairman will appoint a member of the Committee to investigate the matter and to speak to all parties involved (including any witnesses). The investigation must be thorough and impartial. iv. The investigating officer will then report his/her findings to the Committee and the Committee will decide whether or not a breach of Constitution and/or Code of Conduct has occurred. v. If the committee decides that a breach of Constitution and/or Code of Conduct has occurred, a disciplinary hearing will be arranged and the member or members involved will be given at least seven days’ notice of the hearing in writing. This notification, from the Club Secretary, will include the following: Page 38 of 41

- date, time and location of hearing - details of the allegation - the fact that the member or members will have the right to state his/her/their case - the right to be accompanied by a person of the member's choice to act as a witness or representative as preferred - the fact that the hearing could result in disciplinary action and that any previous warnings will be taken into account when deciding the level of action to be applied. vi. The case will be heard by a panel of three Committee members (excluding the investigating officer) and a member of the panel will act as Chair. vii. The panel will study the investigating officer's report and ensure that it has understood the allegation(s) involved. At the hearing, the Chair will explain the charge(s) and allow the member (or their representative) to state their case.

Result of Hearing - Disciplinary Action i. Should the disciplinary panel find that a breach of Constitution and/or Code of Conduct has occurred, then disciplinary action may be applied. The following disciplinary options are available: Verbal Warning If the misconduct involved is judged to be unacceptable (but not unduly serious), a Verbal Warning may be recommended. This warning will be noted and retained by the Club Secretary for future reference. Written Warning If the misconduct involved is judged to be too serious for a Verbal Warning (or has occurred whilst a Verbal Warning is still in force), the disciplinary panel may recommend a Written Warning. This warning will be noted and retained by the Club Secretary for future reference. Final Written Warning If the misconduct is sufficiently serious or if there is a failure to improve following a prior warning for the same type of offence, a final written warning may be given to the member. This warning will be noted and retained by the Club Secretary for future reference. Expulsion/Suspension In cases of gross misconduct that seriously affects the interests and/or good name of the Club, or for misconduct that has occurred whilst a Written Warning is still in force, the disciplinary panel may recommend that the member(s) concerned be expelled from the Club with immediate effect. Depending on the nature and degree of the misconduct, the disciplinary panel will have the discretion to recommend that the member(s) is/are suspended as an alternative to expulsion. In cases of gross misconduct, it is recommended that the member concerned be suspended from the Club immediately a complaint or information about such is received.

ii. Written confirmation of the disciplinary decision will be sent to the member(s) by the Club Secretary within ten days of the hearing and contain the following information:- Page 39 of 41

- the disciplinary decision and reasons for the decision - the fact that there is a time limit after which the warning or suspension may be disregarded for future disciplinary purposes - - the right of appeal and the appeal procedure.

iii. Verbal warnings will normally lapse and be disregarded for any future disciplinary purposes after a period of twelve months. All written warnings and suspensions will normally lapse and be disregarded for any future disciplinary purposes after a period of two years.

Appeals i. A member may appeal against a disciplinary decision, by writing to the Club Secretary within ten days of receiving the decision in writing, and then by appealing to the members through the EGM process. ii. The purpose of the appeal will be to review the decision taken by the disciplinary panel and ensure that procedures have been followed correctly. It is not to re-hear the case in any way, except where new evidence has come to light. iii. The member lodging the appeal may be accompanied by a witness or representative. The Chair of the disciplinary panel will also attend the EGM to explain the disciplinary decision. iv. The member lodging the appeal (or their representative) will be allowed to explain their grounds for appeal and why the disciplinary decision is disputed. v. The decision of the EGM is final. vi. Written confirmation of the decision, and an explanation of it, will be sent to the member by the Club Secretary within ten days of the EGM.

E. Committee Meetings i. Whenever a Committee member has a personal interest in a matter to be discussed he/she must declare it, withdraw from that part of the meeting (unless asked to stay), not be counted in the quorum for that agenda item and withdraw during the vote and have no vote on the matter concerned. ii. The Committee may decide its own way of operating. Unless it otherwise resolves the following rules apply: a) At least 4 members must be present for the meeting to be valid; b) Committee meetings shall be held face to face; c) The Chair or whoever else those present choose shall chair meetings; d) Decisions shall be by simple majority of those voting; e) A resolution in writing signed by every Committee member shall be valid without a meeting; f) The chair of the meeting shall have a casting vote.

F. Delegation etc. The Committee may delegate any of their functions to sub-committees but must specify the scope of its activity and powers; the extent to which it can commit the funds of the Club; its membership; its duty to report back to the Committee. The Committee may wind up any sub- committee at any time or to change its mandate and operating terms. Page 40 of 41

G. Disclosure Annual club reports and statements of account must be made available for inspection by any member and all club records may be inspected by any Committee member.

9. Amendments a) These Rules may be amended at a general meeting by two-thirds of the votes cast but not (if relevant) so as to jeopardise the Club’s status as a Community Amateur Sports Club as first provided for by the Finance Act 2002 and not in any event to alter its purposes (unless the procedure set out in 9(b) has been followed) or winding up provisions. b) The Club Purposes may be changed to include another eligible sport if the Committee unanimously agree and the members also agreed the change by a 75% majority of votes cast.

10. Dissolution a) The members may vote to wind up the Club if not less than three quarters of those present and voting support that proposal at a properly convened general meeting. b) The Committee will then be responsible for the orderly winding up of the Club’s affairs. c) Upon dissolution of the Club any remaining assets shall be given or transferred to another registered CASC, a registered charity or the sport’s governing body.

Adopted at a EGM meeting held at The Church Hall Appledore On 10th May 2010 Name: LEONARD WHITE Witnessed Name: LIZ SLADE Signature: Address: Sherholme, 10 Chudleigh Avenue, Bideford, EX39 4AT Occupation: CLUB SECRETARY 16 May 2003 Bates, Wells & Braithwaite

For and up to date contacts list please check out our website page http://www.appledoregigclub.com/contact-apgc.html

If you have any questions, please ask as the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask!

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