Christmas Cards Stunning full colour print of the schooner Violet, taken from RLYC painting by Fowles presented to RLYC by Andrew Arcedeckne, Commodore 1858 – 1871. Card size A6. Price: £9 for 10 or £1 each.

Asto (Association of Sea Training Organisations) Regatta For many years the Royal London has had the pleasure to support this very worthwhile Sail Training event, when youngsters who have probably never sailed before can get out on the water and enjoy the adventure and sense of achievement. Physical disability is no barrier as there are 2 specially designed square-rigged barques for crew members. The reception and skipper’s briefing was held in the London Room in the presence of BBC television with the finish across the London Line. After an excellent days racing, the Commodore had the pleasure to present the Royal London YC Bloodhound Trophy to Pegasus for the youngest average age crew being 19years and 4 months.

Youth Fund Auction Held after an extremely well attended Laying Up Supper, raised £3500 thanks to the generosity of Members and the fine performance of Auctioneer, Philip Shears.

Britannia Challenge Culminating in a joint first for John and Margaret Young on Crackertoo and Carol Curties, Alan Limer and your Commodore (!) on Saurian. Many congratulations must also go to Rodney Barton as Chief Race Officer and his team for this event. The challenge will be held again next year with our Race Management Team ensuring entrants, being Members with cruising yachts are returned to the Club House in plenty of time for the Curry Lunch.

Cannonball Trophy With the Royal London team coming a very respectable second to the Dutch and in third place to the Irish team. A splendid end of season team racing competition with as much action in the Club House as on the water! An event brought together by Alan Bulmer, Bob Milner and the Race Team with especial thanks to Anne Taylor as Chief Race Officer and for the Dawson family for providing Terpetra II as a most comfortable VIP boat.

Race Officer’s Thank you Party As always a very jolly party and just a small token of thanks to all the Race Officers who give their time, expertise and lend their boats to the Club so freely to enable the Royal London to continue in time honoured tradition, to be a premier venue for yacht racing.

QE2 Farewell Dinner Congratulations to Daphne Bates who made this a truly successful evening which was a complete sell out. Held in the Drawing Room, suitably decorated with memorabilia by David Dyer, the menu was taken from the QE2 maiden voyage and included a dramatic parade of Baked Alaska puddings with sparklers fizzing away. As “Elizabeth” sailed by with her lovely deep three blasts, one or two little tears were shed by our Members watching from the balcony. A memorable moment and of course a great fun evening.

LOOKING FORWARD Included in Dates for your Diary, shown later in this Newsletter, are

Coffee Morning 4th December To be held on the first Thursday of each month; gentlemen please do come along too, you are more than welcome.

Christmas Dinner 6th December To be a particularly special event this year. Always oversubscribed, please therefore complete and return the enclosed booking form to the Secretary as quickly as possible to ensure a seat.

New Years Eve Party The clocks have been turned back for this party, the Royal London as it used to be. A fabulous welcome to Members and their guests; see in the New Year, with supper and dancing, and when you need a moment to recover relax quietly in front of the log fire; THE party not to be missed. Overnight accommodation available at a special discounted price including a leisurely breakfast; relax with the papers or a gentle stroll and then join a slightly later than usual New Years Day Lunch.

Team Members for RNLI inter Yacht Club quiz – please contact David Dyer on 01983 289 909 for details.

Yvonne Wright (Mrs.) Secretary