Page 32 - Masthead - Salcombe Yacht Club 2019 Yearbook

30 Fleet Reports
YAWL FLEET REPORT 2018
I can report that the Yawl Fleet is in good health. We have had strong turn-outs in all open meetings and the regattas. The sailing has been very good with a lot fewer incidents than past years. I am sure that this is due to familiarity in the various fleets, more experience and time on the water, and good training weekends and an enthusiasm to learn.
All competing boats appear to be in compliance with the specification and there has been more discussion and camaraderie on the water, in the Yacht Club and in the boat park.
The Gold Fleet has settled into a formula which seems to be working well and we are trying to encourage more casual, informal sailing, cruising and getting together on the water when the weather allows. If we can set up a WhatsApp group to encourage this, then all the better.
The Blue Fleet appears very happy with the continuation of the criteria for entry into that fleet and they have seen some good racing with a variety of race winners.
The Red Fleet has had some very competitive sailing and numbers appear to be stable. There is always interest in new boats, but this interest needs to be converted into Red boats being purchased so we get more on the water. Some have changed hands this year, but it is a shame that some still languish in barns without seeing any competitive sailing. There are some bargains to be had for those who want to join in the fun.
We have had new members join this year and they have hopefully been made very welcome. I hope the social events over the year have been inclusive and friendly. The social events seem to have been a great success. A dinner at the Wardroom, a curry at the Oriental Club in London, a New Year treasure hunt, a black-tie dinner at Buckland Tout-Saints and a Beach Boys tribute band all attracted very high numbers and much joviality.
We are looking forward to plenty of events in 2019 and are keen to support the 150th anniversary of the Salcombe RNLI. Details to follow.
We have a very good and active committee who do tremendous work behind the scenes. Our class magazine is an excellent publication and our website has now been updated and is definitely worth looking at for valuable information and news.
The fleet is encouraging cadets into Yawls and we thank Salcombe Yacht Club and all their officers and staff for being so active and supportive. We also thank the bar and catering staff for looking after us so well and, of course, all the volunteers who run the racing. This is all very much appreciated.
We also thank the harbour staff for all their attendance during the racing events and helping us with moorings and boat park administration.
Once again my own thanks also go to all the Yawl owners and their crews who continue to own and look after these wonderful boats. Salcombe Yawls have a very special place in the estuary and long may that continue.
Andrew Reed
Chairman
Salcombe Yawl Owners’ Association