2010 Diary Dates:

East Coast Rallies are confirmed

Shotley 15th May

Royal Harwich YC 5th June

West Mersea  11th or 25th Sept .  Watch this space.

The day opened just after 10 a.m. When the Chairman, Peter Coy welcomed those attending. Geoff  Lloyd then  taking over as chairman for the morning sessions introduced the first speaker, Denis Bennett , who produced a fascinating introduction to the subject of A.I.S. and Linking/Overlay to Laptop Navigation, utilising data saved from his and Lynda’s summer cruise to Holland. The power and clarity of the material presented was very impressive.

Peter Coy then introduced some catering tips for cruising people, and invited us to contribute ideas for presentation later in the day. He then went on to describe in some detail the repair he had made to Amazon Countess’ rudder when the tangs deformed. “Tangs for the Memory” was well illustrated with photos.

This was followed by  a short ,thought-provoking talk by Terry Corner (RNLI) on the situation regarding the disposal of time-expired flares.

After coffee Dr. Fleur Holt, who had travelled up from Devon, advised us on medical emergencies, how to deal with them on board, and most importantly, how to prevent them as far as possible. Sobered by her down-to-earth listing of the more usual ailments we found Peter’s short  “Boat Show Snippets” quite a relief. Following that, both Designer President Ian Anderson and Founder President Robert Jones fielded questions from the floor.

The Ian Anderson Trophy was presented to Mike and Helen Norris, the owners of Island Drifter. As they were on the way to St. Lucia , Peter accepted the trophy on their behalf. The meeting then adjourned for lunch.

After the AGM Colin Campbell took charge of proceedings for the afternoon session. Jake Baker from Premier Liferaft services gave a verydetailed lecture on Liferaft safety and Upkeep, which included a demonstration inflation of a four-man liferaft. We were by turns informed and amused by his wisdom.

PC Colin Trowles of the Met Police outlined the Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme. The link with sailing is simple. They utilise waterborne training to spice up their work with young people. It seems to be a most worthwhile venture.

This was followed by a discourse by Terry Corner on the “Stop and search” tactics being practised upon us by our noble defenders of the realm. It does seem that the law-makers in Brussels and Westminster are having problems framing non-mutually contradictory legislation.

Peter then went through the eight “Catering Tips” handed in by members.  The day was brought to its conclusion almost exactly on time by a final Q and A session of general topics/cruising isues.


A more detailed account of the Dry Meet will be published in the next Newsletter.