Chairpersons’s Report for 2004/2005
It is my pleasure and privilege to present the H28 Yacht
Owners’ Association report for the 2004/ 2005 season, this being the 31st AGM
of the Association.
Although the weather has not always been kind to us for
rallies we have had another enjoyable year. For me it has been a learning curve
taking over the helm from Richard Legge (a hard act to follow). I have
appreciated everyone’s support and assistance over the year and for me the
highlights would have to be the Xmas Party at Rocky Bay and a personal trip in
January to Tiritiri Maitangi with Tropic Bird and Monty Python.
To quote Richard in past reports “The Association has
existed for 31 years and continues to enjoy strong membership. In fact it is the
strength of membership that makes the Association what it is. Without the
members’ enthusiasm the Association would simply not exist”
We continue to be one of the strongest yacht class
associations in New Zealand. The H28 Association has enjoyed its first year in
its new home at the Victoria Cruising Club at Westhaven Drive. The pleasant
surroundings and interesting speakers has seen us all enjoy some good social
evenings. Our inaugural PotLuck dinner to kickstart the New Year was a great
success and is set to be an annual event. I would like thank on your behalf our
designated barperson, Roger Woodman for all his hard work manning the bar at
every meeting I would like to recap on events over the past year and take the
opportunity to thank some of the many that have contributed.
Newsletter
I would like to thank Richard Barrington from Le Chat, our
newsletter editor and Sarah Marsden for typesetting the newsletter each month.
There is a lot of behind the scenes work in producing a monthly newsletter. We
are lucky to have on going support from members throughout NZ when it comes to
submitting articles, recipes etc. Please keep sending them in – it is what
makes the H28 Signals one of the best. Particular thanks also go to Ruth from
Rondo, Rowland from Karie and Chris from Tio Pepe for their regular often
humorous and informative contributions.
Membership
We have a strong membership, which continues to grow with now
up to 160 members thanks to Richie Williams. His excellent work in maintaining
our Database is acknowledged with thanks. The Database is the envy of many. His
tireless efforts at maintaining details of all the events and meetings forms a
snapshot of what has happened over the past 12 months. He continues to seek new
members with outstanding success. His knowledge of the history of the H28s is
astounding and he continues to participate in most if not all of the events.
Website
Our website Manager Richard Legge expertly looks after our
WebPages. It attracts many hits from around the world and people often comment
how informative it is. We have had many inquiries through out this year for
Burgees and hats as well as many technical enquiries. Thank you Richard for all
your efforts over what has been a busy time for you with your studies.
Racing
The weather again continued to prove a challenge this year
where racing was concerned. After last years good efforts participation has been
disappointing this season. Thank you once more to Roger Woodman for his input.
It is hoped more will be out on the water in the up coming season.
Open Day
There was an impressive turnout of 8 yachts on display and we
were kept busy for the whole day by visitors. With the purchase of the H28
folders we were able to put together an information pack for interested parties.
Feedback from the day was very positive.
Cruising Programme
Our calendar has been full and proved popular. The weather has
been marginal again on the odd occasion but we have enjoyed good turnouts.
Appreciation goes to those members who have acted as rally co-ordinators over
the past 12 months.
Our members enjoy great camaraderie on the water and at the
foreshore BBQ in the evenings. Our Xmas Party at Rocky Bay Hall was a great
success and thanks go to Colin Southey for the Lamb on the spit, to John
Bargrove for his Santa impersonationwe know what you should be doing after
banking John! And to Paul Leydon for the great carving. We can’t wait for this
year’s.
Secretary
I would like to give a big thank you to Judy Gordon for her
excellent support and effort as Secretary. So much of what Judy does goes
unrecognized outside the committee, (apart from her excellent baking at every
social meeting!) Thank you.
Treasurer
Nigel Trickett our Treasurer has kept our books in order.
Roger Woodman, Bob Gordon and especially Richard Barrington have all organised
on going advertising revenue, which has significantly helped the Association’s
books.
Blue Water and Technical
This section of the Association has been shared amongst the
present committee members since the untimely passing of Kerry Blaymires.
Kerry’s vast knowledge given so readily and freely continues to be missed, but
it is a testimonial to the strength and the depth of knowledge within the
Association that we continue to answer any query that comes via the telephone or
e mail.
Coordinators
I would like to acknowledge David Grant in Christchurch, Dale
Felmingham our Nelson Coordinator and Robin Clearwater our Wellington
Coordinator. A large proportion of our members is based outside of Auckland so
this is a vital connection for us.
The Members
Last but not least I would like to thank all those members who
in some way contributed to the Association. The Association is what it is due to
your involvement.
“The season comes to an end and a new season starts”
Thank you,
Paula Woodman, Chairperson – “Rusty Scupper”
