CHAIRMAN'S COLUMN

The shortest days are already past; far ahead summer beckons. Surely this year we are due more sun sparkling on water stirred by fair breezes – or must such familiar dreams also be discarded because of climate change?

So far this season, our speakers have reminded us of the delights of the sea, with varying emphasis on the hazards that come too. The condition of the British-owned flotilla yachts in Greece, that Neville Smart told us about in November is a reminder of how some of our fellow nationals jeopardise the currently un-regulated status of our salt water sailing. It should a concern of all to keep a good standard and give the RYA etc, justification for arguing that self-regulation is adequate.

Eleanor Timms is away now having left Southampton in November. Paul Morgan-Owen is making good progress after his attempt to prevent the theft of his work vehicle. Our best wishes to him and to Keith Lurcook, now at home recovering under the care of his wife Pat, from the stroke he suffered a few weeks back.

Adrian Flanagan (he of the vertical circumnavigation who spoke to us last March) did safely traverse the north coast of Siberia. He reached northern Norway in early November and has left his yacht Barrabas there until next season..

If we don’t see you at the Club Dinner, we have a good programme for the rest of the winter season. Look forward to seeing you then.