Cadets and Otters Hold Their AGM

It was the turn of the younger members last Sunday 13 December when the Gunfleet Sailing Club held its Cadet and Otter Annual General Meeting.  Cadet Commodore Daisy Swinbourne welcomed all those present and gave a review of 2015, highlighting the winter social events in the Clubhouse, the disruption to the Sailing On Saturday due to the coast protection works, and the wonderful Cadet Week that took place just after the new beaches had been opened.  She went on to report the excellent Cadet Day, with racing in the morning and water-based games in the afternoon, and the number of trophies the Cadets and Otters had picked-up at the annual Club Dinner and Dance and Prize-Giving.  Daisy concluded by saying that one or two of the senior Cadets would be leaving the group as they had now reached 18 years of age but she knew there were a lot of young budding sailors just about to join the Gunfleet; she went on to thank the Cadet Committee that had worked so hard together to make 2015 so special.   

 

The following were elected to serve on the Cadet Committee for 2016:

Commodore:  Daisy Swinbourne

Vice-Commodore:  Harry Swinbourne

Rear-Commodore:  Tom Philpot

Sailing Secretary:  Ross Aylen

Social Secretary:  Beth Elliott

Compound Officer:  Caleb Aylen

 

A report was then given of the many exciting events already planned for the Cadets and Otters in 2016, both on and off the water, and a healthy discussion then took place on further possible ideas.

 

Saturday night saw the Clubhouse buzzing when members dressed-up in their Christmas jumpers to attend the Gunfleet Christmas Party.  With a magnificent spread, supplied by all those attending, there was a mind-teezing Christmas quiz, a raffle, and a visit from Father Christmas.  The party rocked 'n' rolled late into the evening, with a real reluctance for anyone to leave, such was the fun.  The traditional festivities down at the Club really signaled the start of Christmas, and a look forward to a great year ahead.  

 

The previous Sunday 6 December the Gunfleet Sailing Club held its 53rd Annual General 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