35 members and guests turned out on a remarkably calm and mild evening for the annual dinner and prize-giving. Plenty of time was allowed before the meal for people to gather, chat and enjoy free drinks, courtesy of Denis Kilner, who had requested that the club should do this with some of the funds collected in his memory.
Once through to the dining room and after a Grace given by the Vice Commodore, Anthony Knights, an excellent meal of venison, salmon or risotto (according to personal choice) was very much enjoyed. The Commodore, Bill Clark, then rose to speak.
He started by asking whether the timer was running (for the sweepstake on his speech length) leading to some confusion as to whether he had actually started, or not. Bill felt anyone opting for 5 minutes was rather an optimist and commented that some members had chosen to be in New Zealand, rather than listen to him.
Continuing, Bill told us that when he realised he was the one who must stand up and speak this year, he looked back at previous years offerings and felt a little daunted when he read that “The Commodore is the most important person followed up by the Vice Commodore…” Reading on, he then found a reference to the Secretary………. “Thank goodness,” he said, “for someone who is ON Tap and actually knows what is going on. However, I will do my best.”
“Now, one of the subjects for tonight is the succession of anniversaries which are coming up. I have brought along a prop for my speech [holding up an old book]. Have any of the historians amongst you heard of G. Christopher Davies?” Many members had. “He is most famous for writing his Guide to the Norfolk Broads, which I think was reprinted in more than 20 editions… And the Swan and her Crew. And also a book about a Norfolk Gamekeeper [Peter Penniless], but I have brought along one of his earlier books; in fact, I have brought my favourite: ‘Boat sailing for amateurs.’”
The Vice Commodore interjected here to say that surely Bill used ‘Boat sailing for professionals’ (referring to his racing successes) to which Bill rejoined that he understood Tony’s handbook of choice was The Ladybird book of sailing.
Returning to his speech, Bill referred to page 49 of Davies’s book, which discusses the Yare Sailing Club, established in 1876 for yachts not exceeding four tons and open sailing boats. “More importantly,” he continued, “the membership fee was a mere 5 shillings when the Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht club, which was more typical, was a full guinea. Oh yes, and the YSC boats could not have a professional helm or crew. No really big boats and no posh club house. So it was a sort of itinerant, pop up sailing club for common folk: sailing for amateurs like myself. So, in the history of the Yare Sailing Club, there was no clubhouse, or fixed headquarters, just like nowadays.
In 1985 the club reformed. That is 40 years ago next year, in 2025, but also, following on from that in 2026 it will be the 150th anniversary of the original foundation of the YSC. Your committee are working on ideas for celebrating these landmarks and would be open to any suggestions.
A lot has changed. Originally, membership was 5 shillings a year, plus for boat owners a registration fee, which included a burgee, at an extra 2 shillings and sixpence. There was also an entrance fee for each race of 2 shillings and six pence.
I note that in the Rules for the YSC, rule 14 stated that no ballast may be shipped or unshipped during a race……. That’s a relief. More surprisingly Rule 21 stated that the use of a quant disqualifies.
Enough of the past……. My sailing career is following a normal trajectory. I used to have a handicap of minus 10 and a problem finding anyone who would sail with me. More recently a handicap of minus 9 and a lack of wind. Remember the Yare Navigation race last year?”
Jeni Barnacle interrupted at this point, saying she well remembered crewing for Bill in that race and describing some of her memories from that day.
Bill continued, saying that Jeni and Nigel were looking forward to the race. “We made a good start in very light winds but stopped, becalmed, for 15 minutes at the end of Train Reach, with no wind.
Concerned by my stressed demeanor and fearing I might self harm, Jeni turned counselor and Nigel started to hide all the sharp knives on the boat. Secretly I think they were more concerned that to qualify for a result we had to finish with the same complement of crew as we started with.
Never the less, it got me thinking… and that sort of prepared me for the change of handicap from - 9 to -8. So I have turned over a new leaf: from now on, it’s not the winning, it’s the taking part. Speed is not everything.
Still, if I’m going to support my delicate sense of self esteem, I’m going to have to try to be competitive. I’ve made a resolution: I’m going to dust off my Ladybird book of sailing. I might even read it; consult my Boat Sailing for Amateurs and polish the bottom of Morning Calm. If that fails, I am going to put a weight limit on my crew and go on a diet.
People have written poetry about my sailing in the past, when I owned Vacuna, my first cruiser, sail number 50; this was in the River Cruiser Class magazine in 1988 and penned by Old Uncle Rat, who I think may well be in this room tonight. If he was old then, can you imagine what he is like now? Following a rather dramatic adventure on the start line of the Waveney and Oulton Broad Yacht Club, the Rat wrote ‘Sonnet number 50’
If numbers on your topsail be
And at reefing you aren’t too sharp
And the wind that howl above force three
And the day be getting dark
Take care old mate when you set sail
Lest the froth blow off your beer
And you crowd into a mooring post
And bust a lot of gear
Now in my defence, I must say I was not steering…. And the rudder was out of the water.
Of particular interest to the smaller boats with no topsail, like my present boat; the Broads Authority have made a start on the trees opposite Langley dyke. To be honest I was hoping for more, but they have taken one large Willow out and they are committed to doing more. They have a five-year plan to get rid of all the willow woodland, but they intend to retain the lower scrub.
It’s a passion with me: I intend to change the attitude of the powers that be to make the progressive woodland destruction of Broadland an issue.
Still, that’s enough from me. Please be upstanding. With no Clubhouse and no great kit; ladies, gentlemen and all, please raise your glasses to yourselves: The Yare Sailing Club.”
After a few moments of tension, while the results were worked out, Joe Farrow was able to announce that Terry and Jean had won the sweepstake, with equidistant guesses either side of the recorded time of 10 minutes and 14 seconds. They kindly donated their winnings to the club.
Bill then moved on to the prize-giving, starting with the Gordon Winterton Memorial Prize for the photographic competition. Joe gave a comprehensive introduction to this, but then was surprised to discover he had won it, with a photograph of a grey heron. [The subject was ‘Flora and Fauna of the Broads.’]
After the individual race trophies had been presented, the Luna Barometer for the Yare Series went to Melinda (Jo Desorgher collecting it, as Paul Howes was not present) and the Club Championship to Morning Calm, with the whole series being decided at the Turkey Race again and Melinda missing out by the narrowest of margins: with ten points each, Bill pipped Paul to the post by having one more first place.
The hamper in the raffle was won by Tracy Riches and, with proceedings concluded, members retired to the bars to continue chatting. Another excellent evening.
