It was good to see 55 members and guests at our annual dinner in Lowestoft this year; again in fairly benign weather conditions.  Perhaps this is the new normal?  By 6.30 the bar was heaving, with an overspill into the Sun Lounge as people caught up with each other and, perhaps, swapped tales of winter maintenance.  Meanwhile, the committee were slightly bemused (but mostly tolerant) as Margaret dragged them off for a photocall with a boomerang.  It's a parkrun thing.  Send a plain stamped, addressed postcard for a full explanation.

After the Grace, spoken by Vice Commodore Anthony Knights, all sat down to another enjoyable meal, as the chat continued in a great atmosphere.  It was then time for the Commodore's speech, accompanied by the usual sweepstake.  Guesses ranged from 4m 45s to 22m 15s.  It in fact turned out to be 10m 29s, but more on that later.  Despite Bill beginning by asking if the timer was set, he caught everyone by surprise as he started, but was soon asking if we would like poetry or trees as the topic.  After a little bit of introduction and asking us what weighs less than blue (light blue, of course) we were into the poetry.

Bill first asked us if we remembered Rockland, which was well supported by boats kept at Thurne:

Invaders from rivers up north

Came to Rockland to sail for a laugh

They drank lots of beer

Brought banter and cheer

Now they heckle me for all they are worth

After checking the Vice Commodore was still awake, offering again to talk about trees and noting that Margaret would be demanding his script for this write up, Bill moved on to recall the 40th anniversary weekend:

A weekend event to compete with the best

Two races, a lock, then to saltwater rest

A magic event to confuse and enthrall

Great food, great company, will be remembered by all

Bill then gave credit to those that had braved the strong wind to race at Oulton Broad on that Saturday, congratulating Stella Genesta on her win and noting that Glory finished with a very clean outboard motor - lying on the cabin floor, it ended up being completely immersed.  Next, he thanked the committee:

Your committee is busy and smart

They take every comment to heart

They're considered and calm

Causing minimum harm

And when it's all done, wake me up!

He then invited the room to thank our secretary Julia, who received lengthy and warm applause, Margaret for being the detail person and looking after the website, our treasurer, Adrian, our stalwarts Steve and Lisa, looking after the club dory, a quiet thank you for the Vice Commodore, Anthony (so as not to wake him from his presumed sleep) and "don't mention Jimmy in Australia."

Breydon was the next subject, which this year was very well attended by boats from Wroxham.  [It should be noted that the committee are delighted by this increased participation - Ed.]

Open water on Breydon at last

Raiders from Wroxham were fast

Berney Arms was their lair

They sailed with real flair

And took all our trophies to boot!  Flipping cheek!

OK, said Bill. It is time for trees!

Now Coldham Hall is famous for trees

They stand on the bank in the way of the breeze

They prevent cursing sailors from sailing with ease

And quanting is proving real bad for my knees

So I moved to the dark side, and motor wherever I please

The volunteers were then thanked:

The boats win the prizes

The skippers, the applause

We all owe a debt to the volunteer cause

Race officer, assistant, supporters and more

Make events run so smoothly; their effort the core

Bill went on to flag up our summer regatta, which this year is moving from Cantley to Oulton Broad and the Waveney on 18th and 19th July.  As with the Anniversary Regatta last year, this will be hosted by WOBYC on the Saturday and the Ray Perryman will be run to Somerleyton on the Sunday.  It is hoped that by avoiding both TMOR and the upper Waveney trees, this event can be revitalised.

To Oulton we are bound for a race

Rotational sailing at pace

We will sail round in circles

End up at the bar

For the winners and crew, the journey's not far

At this point, Bill decided it was time to wind up.  He mentioned that the original club was founded in Norwich 150 years ago and said it was his privilege to be Commodore: no fancy clubhouse, just 150 years of heritage and a band of people.  We were then invited to stand and toast the club.

It transpired that Jeni Barnacle was only one second out in her guestimate as to the length of Bill's speech (pure chance that she was sat near him) and she won the cash prize.  Before handing it over, though, Margaret had a poem of her own:

There was an old sailor called Bill

Whose mission in life was to kill

Each one of those trees

That blocked out his breeze

Now he'll win every race, so he will!

Jonathan Winterton was then invited to present the Gordon Winterton Memorial Prize for the photographic competition.  This was on the theme of "The gentle art of cruising" and was retained by last year's winner, Michelle Thompson.  The YACS trophies were presented at this event, following on from the cancellation of the YNR, the last race in the series, which prevented them being awarded in September as usual.  This was followed by the club trophies, then the Luna Barometer and Wherry Trophy for the club championship, which both went to Colin Brown's Glory.  The raffle was compered by Anthony, with the hamper going to new member Ben Perks, owner of Sweetpea.

This saw the end of the formal proceedings but, as usual, the conversation and company continued in the bar until late.