SOCA 2026 Annual Review & AGM was held on Thursday 12th March at RNA Welwyn Garden City
As well as the in person meeting was at the RNA club WGC in addition it was also streamed as a ZOOM meeting for those members As well who couldn’t attend in person. This gave the retiring Commodore, Terry the chance to look back at the past year and for the new Commodore to discuss plans for the next season.
Commodore’s Report
Talks and Presentations
April :- A talk that told the story of a group of SOCA members who enjoyed a Greek Flotilla to the South Ionian Islands in October 2024.
May:- Sailing Around St Lucia and St. Vincent. A talk by Terry Branston. He discussed sailing all around both islands, the customs clearance that was involved in sailing from one island to another and the local culture.
June:- Paul Gillions gave a very interesting and informative talk covering the RNLI‘s history and organisation but he focused primarily on the day-to-day operations of the lifeboat and lifeguard service illustrated with filmed footage of actual rescues and the stories that go with them.
September:- Sailing Life in North Norfolk. A Talk by Paul Comley. This looked at North Norfolk Sailing, centred around the area of Wells next the Sea and its neighbouring havens. Covering accessing the ports, Paul’s experiences, their attraction,together with some of the local history that makes them what they are today.
October:- Jeremy Batch presented “Slightly pear-shaped”: the story of Mapping and Surveying“ another of his very interesting talks on the topic of navigation.
November:- Navigating the Crinan Canal. A talk by Andrew Davidson. Andrew presented details of his trip through the Crinan Canal in Scotland. This was a very well attended meting both at the RNA and with several members joining in via Zoom.
January:- Sailing the Norfolk Broads, Narrow Boating and more. A talk by Dave Arnold. The first talk of the year was given by Dave Arnold, who described how he is staying afloat after the disposal of his East Coast boat Joint Affair.
Trophies
Astrolabe :- for members presentation to the Club
Awarded to Andrew Davidson for his presentation “Navigating the Crinan Canal. This was the best attended presentation during the year.
Joseph Evanson Trophy :- best log / navigation
Awarded to Paul Comley for his trip along the North Norfolk/East Coast where he described sailing around around the area of Wells next the Sea and its neighbouring havens.
Kelphil Bell :- for outstanding contribution to the club
This was awarded to Tanya Warren, who we all depend on for the smooth running of the club
The outgoing Commodore (2025/2026) confirmed his choice for the Commodore’s Charity for his year were the National Coastwatch Institution and the RNLI
Belaying Pin :- For notable contribution at a sailing event
This is an On the Water trophy awarded to a boat rather than a member. This was awarded to Honfleur, (Alex Nicholas), for the hard work put in in getting her back on th. water.
Commodore’s Cup :- Awarded at the discretion of the Commodore
Awarded to Geff Briant for his work on the SOCA website informative and up to date and for organising the fitting out and laying up lunches.
2026 AGM Proceedings
The Commodore then ran the 2026 AGM, going through Apologies, 2025 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.
The Commodore then stood down and handed over proceedings to Geff (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.
Stewart Warren elected as Commodore
Paul Comley as Vice Commodore
Tanya Warren as Rear Commodore
The new Commodore then addressed the meeting and informed the meeting of his chosen charity Ocean Youth Trust South
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The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming events.
“Future Events”
Wednesday 25 March BOSG Fitting Out Breakfast & AGM, scheduled at 9:30am, D’Parys 45 De Parys Ave Bedford MK40 2UA GB
Saturday 28th March Fitting Out Lunch at Cowper Arms.
The 2026 Fitting Out Lunch, Cowper Arms next to Welwyn North Railway Station.
Thursday 10th April. Eight Years Sailing the West Coast of France
Since 2017, Paul Bragg and his wife Elaine have been steadily exploring the west coast of France and northern Spain — and this year marks their ninth season cruising this remarkable region.
The meeting then concluded.