Captain's Log Dec 2010

New Captains Log, Dec 2010

I am sitting writing this with 6” of snow outside and the sailing season seems a world away. Tearaway Too is out of the water for the winter and the delights of rubbing down and antifouling. Oh what fun!

The AGM and Dinner Dance were a great success. Despite these recessionary times, there were over 260 members and guests and the event was the best yet. The food was excellent, the band got into their stride after the first track or two and the prizegiving was executed with Peter’s usual skill. We even negotiated a 10% discount in the bar so the drinks were just expensive, not eye watering. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Jo Chugg for organising the evening. Negotiations with the Hotel, gathering up the dozens of trophies from the last season’s winners, organising slide show (courtesy of Fiona Cloke) and banners and the mass of other detail that makes the evening look seamless, take a huge amount of work. We raised nearly £1,200 for the RNLI, before Gift Aid, and thanks to everyone for their generosity. Jo, of course, takes the responsibility for counting the money!

The new season is shaping up well and the highlight will be JOG week in Falmouth. Plans are well advanced. We have some reserved berthing at Pendennis Marina, the Falmouth Hotel has been booked for a prizegiving dinner on Friday night and we are expecting one of our two founders, Patrick Ellam to be joining us to check up on his club! Sopranino should be on display and to marvel on just how small she is for a trans-Atlantic. As to the racing, the Royal Cornwall YC will be providing the starts, with a good blend of inshore and passage races, including a race to Fowey with an overnight in port and a return. Notice of race will be out in due course and entry forms but it is not too early to register your interest with Peter.

Like most new Captains, I am a bit daunted at representing the club but also rather honoured. I don’t believe that many clubs can boast an increased race entry for the last season and “JOG spirit” whatever that may be, continues to set us apart. A sincere thank you to the retiring Captain, Paul who has overhauled some of the club mechanics, overseen some updating and technological advances and added to the race programme the Illingworth Challenge. A lot of hard work and effort has gone into his three years as Captain. He has, of course, been well supported by a good committee and thanks to Mark Wynter and Kathy Claydon both of whom retired at the AGM as is our custom and practice to bring in new blood year on year.

On a final note, for the moment, a pause for thought on 3 special trophies presented after careful deliberation and much discussion by the Committee and Flag Officers. Tim Goodhew received Young Jogger of the Year. The under 25’s are our future and life blood. The award, originally presented by Chay Blythe, is to encourage younger sailors to race offshore. We commend the enthusiasm, profile and seamanship but the Trophy is closely contested and it would be good to say well done to all our younger members. Tim exemplifies all that JOG believes in and I hope we can all make a real effort to bring on the future generations.

Andy Hill was presented with the Imperator Trophy by Paul Waxman. In deciding the winner, Andy’s commitment to the club, offshore racing and seamanship were all felt to be in the very highest spirit of the club. He is well supported by his crew, the Hill’s Angels, and stood out this year but another season, another winner, and we will be looking out for that “something special”.

Finally, the seamanship award was presented to Tim and Frances Lester. Their account of losing the rudder off Cherbourg is in the race reports if you haven’t read it! I only hope that, if the worst happens, we would all cope as well. The sea can be unforgiving and perhaps we should all just spend a bit longer this winter making sure that we have made the best possible preparations for the new season.

A happy and peaceful Christmas to everyone and see you next year.

Martin