Paul Comley, (Current Rear Commodore) presented, for his first time, at the September meeting.
The talk was about his experiences in sailing the North Norfolk coast based out of Wells next the Sea. Paul spoke with passion, explaining his interest in sailing starting at an early age with his parents to his experiences to date. He shared some very useful tips on what it is like sailing in the shallow waters of the Wash and surrounding areras.
The talk was very informative and well received by both the in person audience and those who viewed via a ZOOM link.
Below in the PDF document is a selection of the viewfoils that he used at the meeting
The meeting at the RNA in Welwyn Garden City was very well attended with additional members joining in via a ZOOM link.
Jeremy Batch presented another of his interesting talks, the topic:- “Slightly pear-shaped: the story of Mapping and Surveying“.
“Earth is pear-shaped” became headline news in March 1958 when the Vanguard satellite’s orbit deviated from expectations, irreparably confusing a generation of schoolchildren and their geography teachers. Jeremy gave answers to all of the questions posed below.
That the Earth is round had been known for centuries; that it might also be (very) slightly oval was long-suspected, although we disagreed with the French as to which way the ovalwent. How did we work it out? Who was Mercator, how (on Earth) did he make his projection, and why is it not always used? How did the Swallows and Amazons make their map of the Walton Backwaters with nothing but a compass and a few sticks; how did the Romans give their aqueducts a slope of 1 in 3,000; and how did the Egyptians align their pyramids? Plus: why, if points had been given for effort, the Prime Meridian really should have run through Paris; how a globe, bought for £150 at a Welsh antiques fair during Covid, then sold at auction for a quarter of a million; and how Gladys West’s model of the Earth allows your GPS to work.
All of teh attendees enjoyed this very interesting talk. We hope to invite Jeremy back for the next part of this tale next year.
Jester skippers are organising an event in Letchworth in 2026, which some of our member may like to attend. It’s a not for profit event to talk mainly about single handed sailing and give an idea as to what a jester challenge is like.
They are an international and eclectic bunch who are very welcoming of all ages.
Below is attached a flyer which gives more details
BOSG, SOCA & NOSCA Members do join BOSG at these events:
# BOSG Air Experience Gliding Friday 11 July 2025 18.00 hrs
Flying at The Cambridge Gliding Club.
An Air Experience Gliding evening. The Cambridge Gliding Club, Gransden Lodge Airfield, Longstowe Rd, Little Gransden, Sandy SG19 3EB is situated on the B1046 Longstowe to Little Gransden Road SG19 3EB. A delightful and relaxing and exciting opportunity to fly quietly in the air, you will be with a qualified instructor. They will allow you to have a go at flying if you wish or you can just sit back and enjoy the flight and the view. The first flight will cost £38.00 with subsequent flights £22.00. This is an experience not to be missed. Numbers are limited to ensure as far as possible all attendees get a flight. Bookings are on a first come first served basis. To book contact Bob Leonard on 01767 260293.
# Dingy Sailing & BBQ
Paxton Lakes Thursday 18:00 10 July 2024
Paxton Lakes Sailing Club, Little Paxton, PE19 6EY
This promises to be the usual happy and most enjoyable BOSG evening. Boats can be sailed, you will probably be able to watch swimmers in the lake, and cook on the BBQ provided, — all in good company.
Yes it maybe warm weather. Just come along, relax and enjoy, BOSG, SOCA, NOSCA Members, Partners, their Children & Partners and Grandchildren are all very welcome – there is no requirement to sail if you don’t want to. Sailing boats ready to go and a fired up BBQ will be provided Free – just bring your BBQ food and drink.
# Sailing The Solent, 20/21 – 23/24 July 2025
BOSG Member Peter Parry Okeden invites you to ‘Sail The Solent’ on S/Y River Song, a Dufour 380 GL.
BOSG Members have priority on this one. We will open up to SOCA if numbers permit.
The boat is berthed at Lymington. Crew slots avail Sunday evening 20 July – Thursday afternoon 24 July.
We can charter a second yacht for these days or even a full week, subject to crew numbers and desires.
If number of crew more than 4 we may do daysailing with AirB&B overnights in Lymington or IoW. or maybe take the second boat.
Costs per crew member will be subject to need or want of a second boat and / or AirB&B, marina fees, etc. — at this stage your costs are a little vague
Please advise me if you want a Provisional Crew Reservation, by 16:00, Friday 23 May 2025 latest. email: sailpeter646@gmail.com
SOCA held it’s 2025 Fitting Out Lunch at the Cowper Arms on Saturday 29th March. There was a very good attendance with 22 members attending the very convivial gathering.
The Commodore, Terry, took the opportunity to thank the attendees and outlined the plans for SOCA events over the coming year.
The outgoing Commodore also presented the Commodore’s Cup to Peter Sackett who could not attend the2025 AGMwhere the cup was awarded to him.
The final action of the Fitting Out Lunch was for Geff to remind the attendees of his choices for the Commodore’s Charity for 2024-2025. It was decided to donate £400, £10 for every year of the 40 years SOCA had been in exsistence. This has been split evenly between the RNLI in recognition of it’s 200 year anniversary. With another £200 being presented to Grafham Water Sailability. Geff presented a cheque to Pauline who is a long time SOCA member and key member of Grafham Water Sailabilty.
The 2025 AGM was held on Thursday 13th March. The meeting was held at the RNA club WGC in addition it was also streamed as a ZOOM meeting for those members who couldn’t attend in person. The technical issues that we have on earlier meetings seemed, in the main, to be overcome and the whole session run very smoothly. This gave the retiring Commodore, Geff, the chance to look back at the past year and for the new Commodore to discuss plans for the next season.
Commodore’s Report
Commodore aboard Mutual FriendPast Commodore’s
Talks and Presentations.
April :- Dave Arnold gave a very interesting talk titled Antarctica and the Falkland Islands which was based on his trip in February 2023 to the Southern Oceans. May :-Sailing in the Greek Islands 2023. A talk was given by Terry with Stewart which contained many amusing anecdotes. A talk that was enjoyable and humorous with many stunning photographs. The meeting was well attended both in person and on ZOOM. September:– The planned presentation had to be delayed to another time due to illness. However in its place SOCA held a RNLI themed evening with videos and quizzes. The SOCA Commodore also made a donations to the Hitchin & District branch of the RNLI October :-Swinging, Spinning and Wobbling: pendulums, gyroscopes and Inertial Navigation A well attended meeting at the RNA W.G. City where Jeremy Batch presented in person. November :- Topic was a presentation on the steam tug CHALLENGE which is the last surviving example of a large purpose-built, Thames ship-handling steam tug, where she was based for her entire working life. January :- Sailing adventure in Patagonia. From Puerto Montt to Puerto Williams and around Cape Horn. Three months in an incredible place to sail. Dolphins and Penguins followed them on their trip. February :- Exploring the Rivers of Western France. Paul Bragg discussed some of the exciting adventures that he & Elaine have had navigating the rivers of Western France, in their Island Packet 380 sailing boat, Jennie B
Social Events, Quiz Events and Training
AprilSOCA 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. The event was very well supported with numerous ex Commodores in attendance. June, As is usual in the sailing season many members were away sailing taking advantage of the good weather. Therefore, an informal drinks and chat was held at the RNA in Welwyn Garden City. July. Due to most members being on holiday or boating an informal get together was held at the RNA in Welwyn Garden City in place of the normal meeting. July. BBQ/ Dinghy Sailing. A BBQ & Dingy Sailing event was held at Paxton Lakes Sailing Club. A very good turnout with SOCA Members & BOSG Members enjoying good weather and with some wind for the sailors. July. A total of 18 persons took to the skies on a Glider Experience event. Very Good flying conditions and it was getting dark before the planes were put away. A very successful evening. August. A social event was held at the RNA in W G City. where future events was discussed. November.SOCA held its Laying Up Lunch at the Cowper Arms in Welwyn North. November. BOSG Laying Up & Christmas Lunch at the Prince of Wales Bedford. December. SOCA 2024 Photo Competition The annual nautical themed SOCA photo contest which included a pre-Christmas social, a Commodore’s fund raffle plus RNLI fund raising with Merchandise sales and donations. The best photos from this event will be in the 2026 SOCA calendar. February. RYA First Aid Course run by Ashley Cato Barton Turf Adventure Centre
Sailing in Company
May Sailing Weekend (East Coast). This was rearranged to later in the year {August}. June Honfleur and Mutual Friend meet up at Ipswich. August.AUGUST Cruising In Company (CIC) Sailing Weekend (East Coast). 4 Yachts joined each other at Levington for a weekend of sailing in company. September Sailing Weekend (Solent). Not officially organised during 2024. October Broads Sailing Weekend organised by BOSG members. OctoberSOCA members sailing in the South Ionian Island.
Trophies
Astrolabe :- for members presentation to the club
Awarded to Paul for his presentation “Exploring the Rivers of Western France” and for organising the excellent talk “Around The Horn” by Judith Jacobsen. Unfortunately Paul could not attend so he will be presented with it at a later date.
Joseph Evanson Trophy :- best log / navigation
Awarded to Alex Nicholas for his trip to Ostend (and back) in the company of other SOCA members.
Kelphil Bell :- for outstanding contribution to the club
Awarded to Dave Arnold for his outstanding contributions over many years of membership. His talk on trip to the Southern Oceans including Antarctica and Falkland Islands, is an example of the numerous talks he has given to the club. He also always has inspiring photos for the calendar and has had many years of service on the committee. Unfortunately Dave could not attend so he will be presented with it at a later date.
Belaying Pin :- For notable contribution at a sailing event
This is an On the Water trophy awarded to a boat rather than a member. It has not been presented for a number of years however the committee decided to reinstigate the award this year and awarded the Belaying Pin to Just Fleur – (Bob Leonard) for Stalwart participation and comradeship at the Summer East Coast Cruise 2024.
Commodore’s Cup :- Awarded at the discretion of the Commodore
Awarded to Peter Sackett for his outstanding efforts in amalgamating SOCA and BOSG. Unfortunately Peter could not attend so he will be presented with it at a later date.
The outgoing Commodore (2024/2025) confirmed his Charity Choices for his year were the RNLI and Grafham WaterSailability.
2025 AGM Proceedings
The new Commodore then ran the 2025AGM, going through Apologies, 2024 Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, finalising with the election of new officers. His last action as SOCA Commodore was to thank all his fellow officers and committee members for their work during the year and for the presenters and organisers of events that made his year as Commodore during the 40 year anniversary an enjoyable experience.
The Commodore then stood down and handed over proceedings to Andrew (President) who conducted the appointment of the new Commodore.
The new Flag Officers for 2025/2026 were then endorsed by the membership at the AGM.
Terry Branson elected as Commodore Stewart Warren as Vice Commodore Paul Comley as Rear Commodore
Left to Right Paul, (Rear Commodore), Stewart (Vice Commodore) and Terry (Commodore 2025-2026)
NCI watchkeepers provide the eyes and ears along the coast, monitoring radio channels and providing a listening watch in poor visibility. When people find themselves in trouble, they are there to alert HM Coastguard and direct the appropriate rescue services to the casualty.
High technology and sophisticated systems such as radar and telecommunications have vastly improved safety at sea, but there is no substitute for a watchful pair of eyes. Accidents do happen and a computer or technology cannot spot a distress flare, an overturned boat, a yacht with problems or children or adults in trouble. That is why their lookouts and watchkeepers are an often-unseen lifeline to all those who use our coastal waters, footpaths and coastline.
HISTORY
In 1994 when two fishermen lost their lives off the Cornish coast near a recently closed Coastguard lookout, local people decided to open and restore the visual watch. When the first station was opened at Bass Point on the Lizard, NCI was born.Today, 2,800 trained volunteer watchkeepers at 60+ stations keep a visual and listening watch around the coastline of England and Wales.
The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming events. “Future Events”
Saturday 29th March Fitting Out Lunch at Cowper Arms. The 2025 Fitting Out Lunch will be held at the Cowper Arms next to Welwyn North Railway Station. Please let the Commodore know if you are attending by Friday 21st March with meal choice. See SOCA 2025 Fitting Out Lunchfor details
Thursday 10th April. Sailing in the Greek Islands 2024. A talk is intended that will tell the story of a group of SOCA members who enjoyed a Greek Flotilla holiday to the South Ionian Islands in October 2024.
This year was a very well attended event held as usual at the RNA Club in W G City, with other members joining us via ZOOM. Despite some technical problems due to Bandwidth issues at the club everyone was able to contribute. Thanks go to Terry for his excellent organisation of the event.
As well as the photo competition there was a raffle with donated prizes from members which added funds to the Commodore’s Charity fund for 2004. Terry brought along some RNLI merchandise that the members could purchase some last minute RNLI themed Christmas presents that contributed some much appreciated funds to the local RNLI branch. At all events this year we, the members, contributed over £400 to the RNLI.
Winning Photographs and Winners are shown below.
1) The Natural World
Paul winner of The Natural World
2) Seascapes
Tanya Winning Seascapes category
3) Night Shots
Terry awarded Nights Shots prize by the Commodore.
4) Boats
Stewart winning the Boats Category
5) Weather and Sunsets
Andrew the worthy winner of Weather & Sunsets
6) Sailing Holiday
George With a fantastic picture winning Sailing holidays
Jeremy Batch presented another of his interesting talks, the topic:- 
Jeremy gave answers to all of the questions posed below.
Awarded to Paul for his presentation “Exploring the Rivers of Western France” and for organising the excellent talk “Around The Horn” by Judith Jacobsen.
Awarded to Dave Arnold for his outstanding contributions over many years of membership. His talk on trip to the Southern Oceans including Antarctica and Falkland Islands, is an example of the numerous talks he has given to the club. He also always has inspiring
This is an On the Water trophy awarded to a boat rather than a member. It has not been presented for a number of years however the committee decided to reinstigate the award this year and awarded the Belaying Pin to Just Fleur – (Bob Leonard) for Stalwart participation and comradeship at the Summer East Coast Cruise 2024.
The new Commodore then addressed the meeting and informed the meeting of his chosen charity. 
