WELCOME FROM THE COMMODORE

It is a real pleasure to begin my term as Commodore, learning from a committed and enthusiastic committee team what it takes to run the Club. Whether you are a long-standing member, newly joined, or considering Clyde Cruising Club for the first time, you are very warmly welcome.

Looking ahead to 2026, we have an exciting calendar that builds on recent success. Highlights include the Scottish Series, which continues to showcase top-class racing on Loch Fyne, our popular Inshore and Offshore Races, Musters, and the Summer Cruise in July, where we aim to carry forward the momentum from the highly successful 2025 cruise with the Cruising Club of America. Working in close collaboration with other Clyde clubs, we aim to enhance the quality, and enjoyment of events across the wider Clyde calendar. Alongside this, our racing, dinghy, cruising, and shore-based programmes offer something for sailors of all interests and experience levels, while helping connect sailors of all abilities between the Clyde and the outstanding waters of the West of Scotland through shared experience, cruising in company, training, and well-supported events.

Keeping the Club relevant and valuable to its members is central to our plans. We are also mindful of the real challenges involved in sustaining a club like ours for the long term, and we will address these openly and responsibly. Over the coming weeks, we will be consulting with members on the strategy and future direction of the Club, ensuring it continues to evolve while staying true to its purpose. That process can start now - a summary of the draft CCC strategy is attached and I am very interested in your thoughts.

Sitting alongside the tangible benefits of membership, in terms of access to events and the Sailing Directions, the sense of community in the CCC is something that sets us apart - the willingness to share knowledge, experience, and encouragement across generations and disciplines of sailing. That intangible culture is one of our greatest strengths and something we are determined to use as a resource to grow.

On a personal note, I am keen to hear from you and to help members make connections. If you are looking for sailing opportunities - whether racing, cruising, learning, or simply getting afloat - please do get in touch.

Lizzie and I are often afloat on Tangaroa in Tighnabruaich or further afield, so please do come and say hello. I look forward to seeing many of you on the water, at Bardowie, and at Club events throughout the 2026 season.

Des Balmforth | commodore@clyde.org

January 2026

Last updated 17:44 on 1 January 2026