Tag Archives: Flag Officers

SOCA 2025 AGM

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SOCA 2025 Annual Review & AGM was held on Thursday 13th 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

Commodore aboard Mutual Friend
Past 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

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

Left to Right Paul, (Rear Commodore), Stewart (Vice Commodore) and Terry (Commodore 2025-2026)

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.

SOCA 2023 Annual Review & AGM

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SOCA 2023 Annual Review & AGM was held on
Thursday 10th March at RNA Welwyn Garden City

Despite the atrocious weather the club managed to successfully hold the 2023 AGM which was a relaxed, social evening which gave the retiring Commodore the chance to look back at the past year and for the new Commodore to discuss plans for the next season.



The meeting commenced with the Commodore’s review of the past year followed by the presentation of the club’s trophies.
Below are extracts from f the slides used by the Commodore for his review of the year.

“Talks / Presentations”

“Social Events & Quiz Events”

  • April SOCA Fitting Out Lunch at the Crown Aston End.
  • April QUIZ NIGHT. Started with a paper/oral based Quiz (Nautical based) followed by a group discussion on planned sailing/boating for the 2022 season
  • June Fish & Chip Night June Social at RNA Included a group quiz on “Night Lights”
  • July Social at RNA Welwyn Garden City
  • August A social evening held at Tanya and Stewart’s house. The food provided by Stewart and Tanya was much appreciated by all.
  • November The 2022 laying up lunch was held at The Chequers, Bragbury End.
  • December SOCA 2022 Photo Competition Winners were Terry, George, Paul, Tanya, Stewart & Geff, a selection from the entries will form the basis of next year’s calendar 2024.
    A raffle was held which made a healthy boost to the funds for the Commodores Charity.

“Sailing in Company”

  • May 28-29 May Sailing Weekend (East Coast).


    The East Coast rally was arranged based at Foxes Marina,
    River Orwell for berthing and dinner on Saturday 28th May.




  • September SOCA South Coast Sailing Weekend

    SOCA Barbecue at Hythe

    A very enjoyable and well supported sailing event was held mid September.
    It started for most from Hythe Marina on Saturday 10th September,
    Cowes on Sunday 11th September. whereas some of the boats had
    congregated from further afield.
    Attending craft were Ariel Spirit (from Hythe),
    Hypertonic (from Southsea), Jetstream (from Port Solent),
    Saluki (from Chatham)
    & Skylark the smallest and travelled the furthest (from River Crouch).

“Other Events”

“Paul Redd”

 

The 2022 Trophy Awards were as follows

Astrolable
The Astrolabe Trophy (donated to the club by Roy Maynard) for a member’s presentation at a club evening.
 Awarded to Ashley Cato, Barton Turf Adventure Centre for the best attended presentation of the year.
 
See the relevant post by clicking here.
 
Joseph Evanson Trophy 

The Joseph Evanson Trophy awarded for the best log / navigation log description during the year. 

This was awarded to Alan Wolfe,  for his 1 man and a dog trip on Hypertonic  to the Solent.  A description of this can be found in the post 

South Coast Cruising in Company  which details Hypertonic’s Trip to the Solent

Kelphil Bell 
The Kelphil Bell is one of the oldest awards within the club. It was awarded by the Commodore to Geff Briant, for his work on the amazing club website, club talks and assistance with technology.


Commodore’s Cup :- Awarded at the discretion of the Commodore to John Gardener, for his extensive cruising on Shrimper Skylark.


John could not attend the meeting so the cup will be presented to him by the Vice Commodore at the next opportunity.



Following the award of the Trophies, The 2022 Commodore stood down and the President, the previous Commodore, asked for nominations for the 2023 Commodore.
Andrew Davidson was appointed who chaired the rest of the AGM which started with the appointment of new officers. Then the minutes of the 2022 AGM and the Treasurer’s report were approved .

Then the officers for 2023 were elected.

The new  Flag Officers for 2023 
endorsed by the membership at the AGM.
2022 Commodore is  Andrew (Right)
Vice Commodore is Geff (Centre)
Rea Commodore is Terry (Left)

The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming events.

“Future Events”

  • SOCA Fitting Out Lunch Saturday 1st April
    Arranged for lunchtime, 13:00 at The Station Pub at Knebworth.
    Details to be sent out before start of March when the spring menu is announced.

  • Sailing in the Greek Islands 2022 Thursday 13th April
    A talk by Terry on the flotilla sailing holiday that was enjoyed by various SOCA members.

  • The Wooden World’ – the inner life of the 18th century navy.
    Thursday 11    th May RNA Welwyn Garden City




    Presented by local Author Phillip Allan



Followed by a reminder of the club’s Ruby (40 years) celebration

“Founded in 1984”

  • SOCA was first formally launched on 8th March 1984.
  • The Committee has decided to celebrate the 40 year Anniversary of SOCA.
  • There is already a web page set up for this on the SOCA Website “History”

SOCA August Committee Meeting (Plus Two Anniversaries in 2024)

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The August 2022 SOCA Committee meeting was held on Thursday 18th August at the RNA in Welwyn Garden City.
Despite it being the peak holiday season it was a very well attended meeting with only one apology received.

SOCA Committee Meeting August 2022

All members commented that it was good to see the Commodore, Alex, in good health after his recent hip operation.

The committee discussed various topics including new requirements from our bank to stop money laundering??, the future programme of presentations and events, potential training, items for the website, and how to attract new members, plus general chit chat on sailing related topics. One of the new items on the agenda was two significant upcoming events in 2024.

2024 will mark the RNLI’s 200th birthday. It will also mark SOCA’S 40th anniversary.

Credit to RNLI

If you have any thoughts on anything to do with the running of SOCA especially on future events/presentations, training requirements or increasing the membership plus if you have any ideas or information or anecdotes on SOCA in the last 40 years the committee would like to hear your thoughts.

Please contact  us using the email: commodore@socasailing.org.uk with your suggestion.

International Shrimpers Week (ISW) Scotland June 2022

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SKYLARK, skippered by John with Geff as crew, joined the ISW rally based from Largs, in Scotland.

A description of this trip formed the basis of the presentation given by Geff at the September meeting.

Hence this post will for the moment only a short synopsis to hopefuly ensure your attendance.

SKYLARK was towed over 500 miles on July 19th to Largs in Scotland to join another 30+ Shrimpers for the rally,.some  had already been in the vicinity sailing for a few weeks before. We arrived late Sunday night where we stayed at a local B&B and arranged for SKYLARK to be hoisted into the Marina the following morning

SKYLARK was then taken out for a shakedown trip for the rest of the day to Little Cumbrae to check all the re-masting and rigging etc had been performed correctly. In the evening there was a group meal at NARDINI’s OF LARGS, Scotland’s most famous cafe, restaurant & ice cream parlour re-opened in December of 2008 following a multi million pound refurbishment that has seen the landmark Art Deco building restored to its past glory

SKYLARK flying SOCA Flag.

 

The next day, Tuesday,  was the first official day of the rally and consisted of sailing Sailing around Little and Great Cumbrae.

On Wednesday the fleet set out sailing across the Firth of Clyde, passing PS Waverley on the way. whilst continuing onto the marina at  Port Bannatyne on  the Island of Bute, just north of Rothesay, where a few of the Shrimpers choose to berth for the night. The group had an evening meal at the Victoria Hotel in Rothesay.

PS Waverley off Largs Firth of Clyde.

Lunch in Kyles of Bute

 

On Thursday the majority of the fleet then set sail anti-clockwise in light winds around the Isle of Bute, through the Kyles of Bute, with amazing scenery all the way to Tarbet on the Kintyre Peninsular.

SKYLARK set out early Friday morning, into a reasonably strong  headwind, which meant we motored all the way to south of the Isle of Bute, where we decided to seek the shelter by retracing our steps through the Kyles of Bute, Sailing north up the Kyles we were managing 6 to 7 knots on jib alone. We completed the 30 Nm trip in the early afternoon.

Mount Stuart, Isle of Bute

For the next few days sailing was impossible so we resorted to land based activities. On the first day taking the ferry as a foot passenger from Wemyss bay to Rothesay to take a bus to Mount Stuart House, A 19th-century mansion with extravagant interiors and expansive landscaped and wild gardens.

Engine Room of PS Waverley

The next day we decided to have a trip on the PS Waverly around the Isle of Bute. However the weather was too bad for the paddle steamer as well, we had decided to catch Waverly at Largs, but it was impossible for her to berth there so we had a mad rush to Greenock to catch it there, arriving with a few minutes to spare.
The paddle steamer struggled to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, where some of the passengers disembarked to visit the town, we continued to the Kyles of Bute but had to turn back before we reached the end due the weather. The return trip then returned to Rothesay to pick up passengers and then onto to Greenock where she berthed with difficulty due to the offshore wind.

The weather was only beginning to improve so we joined a few of the others and decided to start the journey home the next day.

More details, with lots more photos, were presented at the September meeting.

Jetstream on Shakedown Trial.

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Rear Commodore’s SOCA Pennant flies on Jetstream for the first time in 2022.

Terry, with the help of Geff, completed the task of preparing Jetstream for the 2022 sailing season on Wednesday 14th April and then completed a shakedown trial in the Solent.
Arriving early Tuesday evening the opportunity was taken to install the Genoa as the conditions were perfect for that activity, no wind. Once completed it was time for a nice evening meal at the adjacent Tapas restaurant.


After a quick breakfast on Wednesday it was time to put up the mainsail, again it was possible to do this in the berth as there was little to no wind. Once all reefing lines were installed that just left the canopy to fit and Jetstream was ready to take to the waves.


Leaving at close to high tide through the Port Solent lock gates we entered the upper reaches of Portsmouth Harbour.

After motoring for a while, the time was right to test that the main sail had been rigged correctly, the only item needing attention was rerouting the reefing lines.
There was a bit of excitement before this could be completed provided by two Police Boats and the “SBS” in a rib as they continually practised the boarding of another ship on the move, all armed with machine guns, (assumed to be empty!).

Once the entertainment was finished and the reefing lines sorted, Jetstream left the harbour confines, and it was time to sail.

The wind was a pleasant Force 2/3 with light gusts and the sun shone brightly through a clear sky, sun lotion should have been used.

Jetstream sailed over to near Bembridge then returned to Port Solent, passing 2 unusual craft on the way back, HMS Severn P282, believed to have been recently assigned to Pritti Patel’s channel fleet along with a Whirlwind helicopter that flew low overhead.

Approaching the harbour entrance, the vessel Bravewind, an unloaded Heavy Load Carrier, that usually carries items such as Wind Turbine Blades. passed close by.
Jetstream returned to its berth after 10 hours away covering 25Nm in light winds having had a successful shakedown trial.

The next day, Thursday, Jetstream’s crew awoke to thick mist and zero winds amd called off their plans for a morning sail.

Terry and Geff then decided to have an early lunch and then return home to try to avoid the Bank Holiday traffic, something they both failed to do.

Flag Officers Afloat – July 2019

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This is the first time in our club’s history that there have been three female flag officers, a first for SOCA and probably unusual among sailing clubs.

Commodore Tanya Warren was joined by VC Debby Taylor and RC Dee Hilliard for a weekend sailing Sigma 33 Wabbit on the River Orwell. Along with fellow crew Stewart and Adam the SOCA flag officers headed down river with wind gusting 6, the number 2 jib and 1 reef in the main. Perfecting their tacking towards the Port of Felixstowe cranes the huge bank of dark cloud they were hoping to avoid seemed intent on getting closer. It was time to turn tail and find a buoy for lunch. Too late! Giant hailstones rained down, thunder boomed, visibility was limited, all they could do was wipe the rain out of their eyes and hold a safe position in the river. The downpour didn’t last for too long and was soon followed by bright skies. They hooked a buoy with ease and ate lunch while drying in the sunshine.

On the Sunday they had a delay in the lock when a yacht lost it’s dinghy and recovery was required “pass the dinghy to the right hand side”. There were lighter winds on this day and it was a slow tack and reach down the river. While running back the Wabbit visitors were entertained with the River Orwell Treasure Hunt. Taking bearings on latitudes along the river to spot various treasures, some of you may remember this from the 2017 SOCA Autumn Rally.