SOCA held a celebration lunch on Saturday the 13th of April 2024
to mark the 40th Anniversary of its inception.
The event was held at the Cowper Arms which is close to Welwyn North railway station.
This also served as the 2024 Fitting Out Lunch.
Also on sale at the lunch, at a special price of £45, were SOCA burgees the ideal addition to your Starboard spreader. These are still available. Contact commodore@socasailing.org.uk
SOCA 2024 Annual Review & AGM was held on Thursday 14th March at RNA Welwyn Garden City
Andrew 2023-24 Commodore
Despite some technical issues (with sound quality) when we tried to conduct a joint, in person and ZOOM, meeting the club did eventually manage to successfully hod the 2024 AGM which again was a relaxed, social evening which gave the retiring Commodore, Andrew, the chance to look back at the past year and for the new Commodore to discuss plans for the next season.
Commodore’s Report
Various discussions took place between Committee members of SOCA and BOSG during the year. The outcome was that the existing BOSG members joined SOCA on mass as Country members.
Talks / Presentations in Previous Year
April :- Sailing in the Greek Islands 2022 The Sporades Flotilla
May :- The Wooden World’ – the inner life of the 18th century navy.
October:- Honfleur returns to the EU.
November :- Sailing into the Electronic Age
January:- “Crossing the Biscay
February. Shrimper‘s East Coast Rally 2023
Social Events & Quiz Events
April SOCA Fitting Out Lunch
June, An informal drinks and chat at the RNA in Welwyn Garden City.
July. A walk followed by a meal at Stewart and Tanya’s.
August. Summer BBQ at Richard and Norma’s house.
September. Due to technical issues the planned presentation was moved to the October meeting. In its place the attendees held a social at the RNA.
November. 2023 Laying Up Lunch
December. SOCA 2023 Photo Competition
Sailing in Company
May Sailing Weekend (East Coast).
Spring Bank Holiday cruise held in conjunction with NOSCA on the East Coast with dinner at Walton and Frinton yacht club.
September Sailing Weekend (Solent).
This event was effectively cancelled due to bad weather. Two of SOCA’s south coast yachts ventured out but then returned to home ports without meeting up.
Links with BOSG & NOSCA
Gliding Event July 23 organised by BOSG
Website Link to NOSCA Newsletter
Attendance at Sailing events
BOSG members becoming Country members of SOCA.
Trophies
Astrolabe :- for members presentation to the club
Presented to Terry for his presentation
Sailing in the Greek Islands 2022
The Sporades Flotilla
Joseph Evanson Trophy :- best log / navigation
Presented to Paul Bragg who gave a talk on “Crossing the Biscay“ a trip to Spain in July returning to France in August 2023.
Kelphil Bell :- for outstanding contribution to the club
Presented to Alex Nicholas for his outstanding contribution over 40 years of membership.
Commodore’s Cup :- Awarded at the discretion of the Commodore
Presented to Geff Briant for all the hard work in keeping the website up to date and topical.
The Commodore then ran the 2024 AGM, going through Apologies, 2023 Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, finalising with the election of new officers.
The new Flag Officers for 2024 endorsed by the membership at the AGM.
Geff Briant elected as Commodore
Terry Branson as Vice Commodore
Stewart Warren as Rear Commodore
The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming events.
“Future Events”
Thursday 11th April. Dave Arnold will give a talk on his trip to the Southern Oceans including the Falklands.
Saturday the 13th of April 2024 SOCA will be holding a celebration lunch to mark the 40th Anniversary of its inception.
Thursday 16th May. Sailing in the Greek Islands 2023. A talk will be given by Terry with Stewart providing additional anecdotes. A talk that is bound to be enjoyable and humorous.