This year was a very well attended event held as usual at the RNA Club in W G City, with the meeting also available via ZOOM for those members who could not attend. Thanks go to Terry for his excellent organisation of the event which was run with his usual professionalism.
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 2025.
Terry also 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.
Winning Photographs and Winners are shown below.
1) The Natural World
Cat 1 The Natural World Winner Paul
2) Seascapes
Cat 2 Seascapes Winner Tanya
3) Night Shots
Cat 3 Night Shots Winner Martyn
4) Boats
Cat 4 Boats Winner Geff
5) Weather and Sunsets
Cat 5 Weather and Sunsets Winner Lesley
6)Sailing Holiday
Cat 6 Sailing Holiday Winner Stewart
Winners at the RNA receiving their prizes
Cat 3 Winner MartynCat 4 Winner GeffCat 5 Winner Lesley on ZOOMCat 6 Winner Stewart
SOCA held it’s 2025 Fitting Out Lunch at the Cowper Arms on Saturday 8th November There was a slightly reduced attendance than we normally have due to conflicting committments and illness. However the members attending managed to enjoy a very convivial gathering.
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.
SOCA held its Laying Up Lunch at the Cowper Arms in Welwyn North. Eighteen members were in attendance for a very enjoyable and convivial meal.
The autumn gathering followed the recent, successful, practice of holding the event at lunchtime rather than in the evening as this suits the majority of the members. In addition the Cowper Arms has the advantage of being very close to Welwyn North Station for those who wish to arrive by train.
This event was scheduled so we could celebrate that March 2024 was both the 200th anniversary of RNLI’s formation and the 40th anniversary of SOCA being formed. The planned presentation on the RNLI had to be delayed to another time due to the presenter being ill, (he has offered to conduct his presentation at a later time). However in its place SOCA held a RNLI themed evening for its September meeting, including showing some videos available on the RNLI website and a few group quizzes,
The main part of the evening was a presentation of a cheque to the Chairman of the RNLI Hitchin & District Branch of the RNLI, John Pearce. The majority of the £260 that was donated was from donations from individual members with a top up from the Commodore’s charity fund. After the actual cheque, (rather than the one in the picture) was handed over John gave a quick speech to the audience highlighting the difficulties that the local branches of the RNLI have had in recent years with falling numbers of people able to organise events that can be used for collecting donations. He made a plea for anyone who is interested and can help to contact him. (pearcej53@virginmedia.com).
Various videos were shown during the meeting. If you click on the images below you should be taken to the Youtube website where the video can be seen
RNLI_200th_Timeline_Film 200 years in 200 seconds, a brief history of the RNLI.A video from 1924 The 100th Anniversary of the RNLI Saved by a motor life-boat – Film made to celebrate the RNLI’s centenary in 1924. Featuring Whitby and Staithes & Runswick lifeboat stations. Youtube version.
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The Tradition of the Lifeboat Service – a cinema appeal Archive footage – from the 1940s? – of the RNLI service. Includes launch footage from the Mumbles down a slipway, and the Robert and Ellen Robson at Whitby being drawn through the streets
A simple Refresher Quiz on the RNLI which you should get 10/10 if you have visited the RNLI website
1. How many times were lifeboats launched in 2010?
223
3,223
9,223
17,223
2. RNLI crew members are all …….
fishermen
men
very tall
volunteers
3. How many crew members are there in the RNLI?
Over 500
Over 5,000
Over 50,000
Over 5 million
4. Where are the RNLI Headquarters located?
Blackpool
Goole
Liverpool
Poole
5. The RNLI was founded by Sir William Hillary in which year?
1724
1824
1924
2004
What is the person in charge of the lifeboat at sea called?
Boat Boss
Captain
Coxswain
Mechanic
The RNLI`s newest class of lifeboat is called what?
Severn
Shannon
Trent
Tyne
How many lives has the RNLI saved since its foundation?
Over 1,400
Over 14,000
Over 140,000
Over 1,400,000
The RNLI`s purpose is to do what?
Paint boats orange
Recruit volunteers
Rescue people
Save lives at sea
The RNLI have how many lifeboat stations around the coast?
Over 20
Over 200
Over 2,000
Over 20,000
This quiz was written by Mr Adrian Boyd from the RNLI.
Four yachts from the extended SOCA fleet meet up at Levington marina on the river Orwell in August 2024. This was the CIC event that was originally planned for late May but was rescheduled due to other commitments.
The yachts involved were Honfleur, Missbehaving, Skylark and Just Fleur.
Honfleur under sail
Just Fleur on the river Orwell
The crews of all 4 yachts meet at Lightship Bar, home of the Haven Ports Yacht Club, where a nourishing meal and a few drinks helped to generate a very convivial atmosphere.
All crew members present were looking forward to the next time we can all sail together.
In the summer holidays SOCA normally organise a BBQ at a members house. This year it has been decided that we would instead join the BBQ and dingy sailing event being organised by at Paxton Lakes Sailing Club, see report from Peter below.
BBQ/ Dinghy Sailing. Our BBQ & Dingy Sailing , Paxton Lakes Sailing Club, Thursday , 25 July, enjoyed good weather and with some wind for our sailors.Very good turnout with SOCA Members, BOSG Members, Members children and grandchildren. Lovely evening. Simon ( Bob’s son) did a great job getting boats ready & packed away, BBQ organised and all the admin – thank you again Simon.
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. 
The main part of the evening was a presentation of a cheque to the Chairman of the RNLI Hitchin & District Branch of the RNLI, John Pearce. 
