SOCA 2025 Annual Review & AGM was held on Thursday 13^th March at RNA Welwyn Garden City

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

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

April 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. 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.
October SOCA 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 2025 AGM, 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

The new Commodore then addressed the meeting and informed the meeting of his chosen charity.  National Coastwatch Institution.

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 Lunch for 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.

The meeting then concluded.