AGM Looks Back At Unique Year

Gunfleet Sailing Club held its 53rd Annual General Meeting last Sunday 6 December with a look back at a very special year, with the major coast protection scheme dominating the sailing season.  Commodore Richard Walker reported on the negotiations that had taken place with Tendring District Council, the Consultant, and the Contractor in formulating an agreement to continue limited sailing whilst the coast protection works took place around the Club.  The relationship between all parties had been excellent, highlighted by the Club hosting the lunch at the official opening of the scheme in October.  In 2015 the Club had invested in a new Rescue Boat engine, plus new windows for the Changing Rooms, complimenting the continuous improvements being made each year to the Club.  The Treasurer reported on the sound financial position of the Club along with the increased membership numbers, compared to 2014, and this was despite the disruption caused by the works.  Vice Commodore Dave Fowell reported on the sailing at the Club in 2015 and was pleased to say that, despite all the understandable disruption, the whole race had been completed.  The cruises had suffered a bit but the Club’s rescheduled Regatta had proved a big hit with visiting sailors, they being particularly appreciative of the fantastic new beaches.  Cadet Week had been very successful, despite the bad weather, and the Club’s younger sailors had continued to build on their skills to become a real challenge to the senior helms.  Rear Commodore Jon Meggison looked back at a busy social programme during the year with a number of events being complete sell-outs; particularly popular had been the walking Treasure Hunt and the Quiz Night where demand exceeded ticket supplies.  He was also pleased to report that the Wednesday evening openings were growing in popularity, the Fitting-Out Supper had been a sell-out and the Laying-Up Dinner and Dance rounded off a wonderful year, with the usual presentation of trophies. 
 
The following were then elected to serve on the Committee in 2016:
Commodore:  Richard Walker
Vice-Commodore:  Dave Fowell
Rear-Commodore:  Jon Meggison
Sailing Secretary:  Paul Davis
Social Secretary:  Rebecca Goodchild
Cadet Officer:  Andy Dunnett
Compound Officer:  Fred Webster