Inauguration of Alderney Sailing Club Shipshape Deck
by Ilona Soane-Sands 23 Nov 2014 13:00 GMT
23 November 2014
Alderney SC's Shipshape Deck © ASC
Today is the grand opening of the 'ASC Sail Deck' in celebration of The Alderney Sailing Club's 50th Anniversary. This unusual open air deck was the idea of club committee member Ronnie Cairnduff whose concept and design inspired over 180 people to sponsor the project through his 'Sponsor A Plank' fund raiser with their names etched onto one of the glass panels of the deck.
The end result is a stunning replica of the bow of a large boat that conjures up an image of it setting sail from the grassy slope in front of the club house. With Green Oak timbers imported from France for the hull and a composite deck area with stainless steel hand rails and glass panels the structure will be a welcoming sight for all visiting boats to Alderney.
When asked how he came up with the idea Ronnie explained "I was thinking of something completely different to mark the club's anniversary, something that is not the norm, almost unique perhaps. Then one evening sitting outside the club looking down the grassy slope the boat idea just seemed to be the perfect answer, and why don't I build it as well I thought... it seemed a good idea at the time". After 'floating' his design past the commodore and club committee the project was given the 'starboard light' and with all necessary planning his project was put into action.
The ribbon cutting launch crew consisted of one of the original founders and builders and former Commodore of the club back in 1964, Jurat George Baron OBE, Ronnie Cairnduff and Michaela Scott, a young up and coming sailing enthusiast - thus representing the past, the present and the future. Let's hope the deck will last the next 50 years for Michaela to celebrate the 100th anniversary.
Neil Harvey, Sailing Club Commodore said "we are very grateful to all those volunteers and tradespeople who have made his unique feature possible, but most of all we have to thank Ronnie for his original concept and the incredible energy he has put into realising it ".
This rather quirky structure will certainly bring attention to Alderney due to the interest from the yachting and boating press already and who will all be running feature stories, not to mention the coverage through social media and while it will never feel a wave under its hull it will be the perfect setting for young lovers who can have their very own DiCaprio/ Winslet Titanic moment on the bow rail of 'ASC Sail Deck' - but hopefully not with the same outcome!
Now with new club livery and a revamp to the front of the club house the Sail Deck should certainly put Alderney Sailing Club on the map. Find out more at www.alderneysailingclub.com.