The AGM and Laying Up dinner this year crept up on us silently and suddenly I realised that it has been two years since my appointment as your commodore. I also reflected that much has changed since I joined the club, not only in my life but also for many members and for many reasons.
During the AGM that always precedes the Laying Up diner, tribute was paid to Michael Doctors, founder member and former commodore who passed away at the beginning of the year.
The meeting was an orderly affair, with time for discussion, largely focussed on dedicating 2009 to a new members drive, with a programme that would attract the younger element. It was satisfying and pleasing that a real dialogue developed, and almost everyone present at the meeting had a constructive suggestion, all of which were noted. Moreover, in the days following the “do”, many more ideas flowed through the inter-ether as e-mails. It was very heartening to feel the membership taking onboard a much larger degree of ownership for the club and I thank you all for that.
After the formalities had been concluded, the masses adjourned to the bars, whilst one or two of us plutzed over the high tech issues that would allow the lap-tops to “talk” to the LCD flat screen that was available. I’m not at all sure if it was divine intervention that galvanised it all into action, the Audio-visual guy from the hotel, or, (and this is really most likely) Nigel’s lucky cable.
In any event, well at least this one, all was resolved just as our guest speaker, 21-year-old, GB Laser Radial sailor, Rosie Chapman arrived spot on time. Rosie has been a member for the past two years since she first addressed us at the Little Ship Club. Now a young women, and a most successful racer, Rosie charmed us all during dinner, and looked absolutely the part in her GB Olympic Development Squad shirt and logos.
The evening continued with a short Commodore’s welcome, followed by dinner, and much laughter, and general repartee around the tables, no doubt helped along the way by a liberal amount of wine.
Our guest speaker, young Rosie was an unmitigated success. Vivacious, and confidant, she kept us entertained and captivated for more than 30 minutes presenting a wonderful account of how sailing has become her passion; her struggle and battle to overcome illness and injury, and how she finally turned these difficulties into a positive energy that has driven her from success to success, from sea to sea and from country to country.
I am certain we shall see much, much more of Rosie as we approach 2012, and I for one, can’t wait to see her racing in Weymouth. I feel equally certain that the club will join me in supporting her, and on behalf of all present I offer my thanks to Rosie for fitting us into her very demanding schedule.
The evening continued in a light-hearted vein with humorous yet challenging quiz questions from borne-to-be quizmaster Nigel! I think a touch of help was achieved from the odd Blackberry that flashed under tablecloths, but a certain intellectual quality was certainly added to the event!! Nigel continued to take the helm managing a wonderful auction of Nautical charts, books and other gear, kindly donated by Annie Doctors, and raising money for the Sue Mack fund, and RYA Sailability. Thank you Nigel! You were great.
Finally the Annual awards were announced, surprising and delighting the unsuspecting recipients. Its lovely to watch the faces of the winners as light begins to dawn that actually I was talking about THEM! (See below for list of winners)
For my part, I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, notwithstanding the extreme attack of nerves that befell me in the run up to the weekend. I must also thank Stanley Saffer, Vice Commodore for MC-ing the evening, and for his constant and most welcome support, and to Phil Sugarman, Rear Commodore, for technical back-up. Needless to say, the committee all played their part magnificently and my endless thanks to them.
For more pictures please do access the club web-site www.hssc.org.uk