Against the backdrop of a glorious sunset Club members, friends and honored guests arrived to enjoy the annual Fitting Out Supper.
Last Saturday, 8th April, saw the Clubhouse fill and buzz. Neil Grimes, Commodore of South Woodham Ferres YC and his wife, Tracey joined fellow guests John Hannock, Vice Commodore of Benfleet YC and his wife Sue, together with Graham and Julie from Wakering YC. They all commented on the warm welcome they received and how much they enjoyed the evening.
Julia, Derek, Alex, Mike Armstrong, Jill Staggs, Carol and Ian Kenlin’s wife received rapturous applause for laying on the delicious buffet.
This was followed by a presentation of random prizes. Neil Grimes was presented with a consolation prize in the absence of the raffle he’d been looking forward to. John Luff-Smith won recognition for his monster 8lb skate which he alleges was caught in the Crouch and not Ramsgate and Dennis Haggerty received the prize for travelling the furthest to paint his bottom/smuggle 5 litres of antifouling through Spanish customs.
“Dance of the Pennants” followed with Alex presenting Ian with his Commodore’s pennant who in turn took delight in presenting Alex with her honorary Rear Commodore’s pennant. Dennis then joined in the fun and confusion and was presented with his Vice Commodore’s pennant.
The entertainment then continued with Ian presenting Alex with a collage of pictures as a gift from Members in recognition of her 2 years as the Club’s 35th Commodore. While rounding of the Club’s version of the BAFTA’s saw Derek’s work and enthusiasm in support of the Club be recognised, especially his more recent role as Rear Commodore House these past 5 years.
Now then, one can be forgiven for associating the cruising fraternity with the Fitting Out Supper. However, Ian paid tribute to our dinghy sailors and in particular to Simon Hopkins, the current national Lightning champion, to Michael Ettershanks and his involvement in the Comet Association, to Mike and Matt Picket for their involvement in the Heron Association and finally to our newer dinghy members, in particular Rob Bodman and Jane Berry for their enthusiasm for sailing throughout the winter months.
