Editor's Ramblings
Welcome to new Members
Diary Dates
For Sale
Chairman - Position vacant
Treasurer - Position vacant
Newsletter Editor & Secretary - Tim Ball
This is really a news sheet rather than a newsletter due to several items that were missed in the last newsletter and a number of house keeping type issues. I also haven’t had any material for articles since the last issue so budding authors don’t be shy.
I hope you enjoy the enclosed MOCRA yearbook, it is one of the benefits of being affiliated to them and I think you will agree it has some useful and interesting information in. You may also recognize an article if you’ve been paying attention.
I am afraid any one wishing to contact me (I expect not) will have to wait until the last week in July as I'm afraid that work is taking me away from home for most of time between now and then.
After last months sad news I am pleased to announce that Vicky Keatly (of Ocean Habitcat fame) has taken on the treasurers role. I’m sure you will join me in thanking her very much for taking on the task and if you need to send her money her address is on the back page.
This brings me nicely onto the subject of the Vacant Chairman’s position. It has been open now for over two years, which I believe is far too long, although the association has continued to run and in fact membership numbers have increased during this time there are areas that need some attention. I have requested on many occasions during my time as editor for someone to step forward but I’m sad to say not a peep from anyone. This is a shame and I find it hard to believe that out of over 100 boat owning members we haven’t got one that is prepared to step forward.
I am personally finding it quite difficult to say on top of IOA maters, my job is demanding rather more time these days compared to when I started editing the newsletter and am in need of some help. The association is I feel in the midst of a resurgence with keen new owners joining each month (or so it seems), add to this Jeff’s web site and the superb ‘Forum’ which has members from many countries discussing their technical issues on an almost daily basis. In my mind it seems a shame to not capitalise on this.
No special qualifications are required, just a keenness to see the association thrive, some understanding of the history and some knowledge of the practical issues of owning a Sail Craft boat. Pay is nil, but judging by the kind and supportive letters I receive your efforts won’t go unnoticed.
Several members have suggested presenting Ken Pack with a thank you gift for his help in maintaining the association for many years and being very much Mr IOA. I totally agree but have no idea of what a suitable gift would be, it had always been my intention to make it the new chairman’s first job. The association is in a good financial position so unless you the members disagree it will fund an appropriate gift. Please write/phone or email your sugestions.
Several members have requested I produce an updated member/owners list. I now have a PC file with all the details on but feel uneasy about producing it as it not only has member names and addresses but also last known owners, non members addresses. There is the none to small issue of the data protection act which I expect we would technically fall foul of in many counts. My suggestion therefore is to produce the list with members full name and addresses but only name and town for non members. As usual if you disagree or have a better idea or even a sound understanding of the data protection act the drop me a line.
Dave Lewis - Hampshire
Ulrich & Elisabeth Wilksmann - Dusseldorf
Eivind Ovrelid - Norway
I’m afraid as it stands there is unlike to be a south coast rally, Alan Bartlett who had offered to host it again this year has had to retract the offer due to work commitments. With the year whizzing by my suggestion would be to arrange something at the end of the season in either September or October. I would really appreciate it if someone would offer to arrange this. Any offers..? My other thought was a shore based meeting, my club (Southampton Sailing Club at Woolston) will hire out the club house including a bar person for I think about £65 pounds to members, drink prices are reasonable, tie this in with either a fish and chip supper or a ‘bring and share’ type buffet…...any takers..? I expect I could arrange a couple of moorings for those keen to sail there.
Several members have expressed a keen interest to attend, I for one will be there. I hope with weather permitting to be heading west during the last weekend of July, although the cruise in company is not expected through the Solent until the following weekend. Any members wishing to attend should contact Mike Millerchip on :- 01252 794330
Pip Patterson is offering 2 nights free mooring at his yard for all those that register in advance so its worth a call.
For those that haven’t been to Plymouth before Pip’s yard is at Foss Quay, Millbrook (first left once you enter the Tamar)
I have no details at present but I expect to be around the same sort of time.
Again MOCRA are hoping to put something on, details as soon as I get them.
Know any one that wants a Hirondelle?
23' Hirondelle catamaran built 1972, recent full survey, easy for single handed sailing, 6 sails nearly new, Johnson 8hp O/B. Owner now has an Iroquois as well hence offers on £5250 required for quick sale. Contact Gordon Mandy on (details withheld from website - Webmaster)