RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Apologies
Lt Gen Sir John Kiszely
General the Lord Walker
Maj Gen Farquhar
Maj Gen & Mrs Ewer
Sir Robert Ogden
ACM Sir Clive Loader
Col Stythe
Col Burgess
Mr Peter Battley
Mr Clive Grant and many more
Attendance:
There were 53 members at the meeting.
Opening Comments
1.1 The Commodore opened the meeting welcoming everyone adding many have travelled from far and wide.
1.2 Army Sailing has once again, despite operational tempo, achieved a great deal and along the way introduced many novices into our sport. To emphasise a few; he mentioned:
a. Both the Royal Signals and Army Air Corps have circumnavigated the world in JSASTC Challenge 67 yachts. These were hugely successful exercises that introduced many new sailors to some very demanding and enjoyable offshore sailing. These exercises generated excellent PR for the Army, in particular the rescue of a sinking yachts crew during the Sydney-Hobart race a year ago. Very well done to all involved in the planning and execution of these exercises. The Commodore congratulated Sgt Windy Gale, the Royal Signals bosun who has been awarded an MBE for his dedication to sailing. Those that know Windy will have no hesitation in applauding this richly deserved award. He is totally professional; hugely qualified and gives all his time to facilitating and teaching our soldiers to sail. Very well done Windy.
b. The Army Dinghy sailors have surpassed all expectations in the 07 racing season. They won the Inter Services Team racing, the Army A & B teams coming first and second in this competition. Col Bruce Burnett won the Gold Cup and the Army Team won the Cunningham Cup at Seaview. Well done to the Dinghy racers.
c. Cpl Lea Herod and LCpl Simon Horsfield from Germany, in their very first attempt at Top Cat sailing came in 14th out of 40 entries in the world Top Cat Championships in Greece. They have promised podium places next year, once they have developed the competitive edge of sailing Top Cats fast.
1.3. Army Windsurfing suffered from deployments and with a relatively new team came second to the Navy in the Inter Service Championships.
1.4. Maj Allan Cross RLC once again organised a National Windsurfing weekend in September; the ‘Fat Face’ event. This is the second year Allan has organised this event. This n turn generated some very positive PR for the Army at National media level. Well done Allan.
1.5 I know Jon Metcalfe the Windsurfing Manager has some very exciting plans for next season. I also know Jon is a superb windsurfer and an inspirational trainer. I encourage you to try this exciting sport.
1.6 Offshore success has not been at the previous years levels mainly due to the uncertainties over the sale of Longbow and crew availability. Nevertheless more people have become involved with Army Offshore sailing; which is very good news.
1.7 The Fastnet had very strong wind predictions and RORC made a first class decision to delay the start for 24 hours, giving the skippers the opportunity to encounter the winds in the Channel rather than the middle of the Irish Sea. Most Army yachts battled on, but eventually retired somewhere on the South Coast with boat or crew damage; Longbows main was damaged just before turning into the Irish Sea. I congratulate all the skippers on their seaman like decisions. The REME, in a JSASTC Challenge 67 was the winning service yacht and the only service yacht to complete the course.
1.8 The SOR once again had the Navy winning the event. However, in the Victoria 34 Class helmed by Lloyd Hamilton RE and skippered by Rob Moyle RE won all but one race by a significant margin a very solid performance.
1.9 Longbow has been sold and a new yacht ordered for next season. I must publicly thank the Nuffield Trust for their contribution of 100K, the ASCB Trust Fund for their contribution of 60K plus a grant towards sails and we anticipate 5-10K from the Berlin Infantry Memorial Fund. Without their help to purchase of this new yacht, it would not have been possible. A big thank you.
1.10 2008 will be a busy year on and off the water. We move from Netley to TIWSC on or before 1st March. 08. Again I must publicly thank the RAYC, in particular Brig David Shaw, Col Mike Manson, Lt Col Paul d’Apice, Maj Chris Hallam, Maj Derek Haensel and Sgt Thisby for all their hard work and positive attitude in getting this project completed. I also wish to thank Col Alex Tucker for his hard work, diplomacy and persistence in driving this project home from an ASA perspective. We will officially open the new centre with a party on the 9th May 2008.
1.11 We are reviewing all ASA clubs to ensure we fit the future Army’s size and foot print.
1.12 We will commission and launch our new offshore racing yacht that will be named ‘British Soldier’ later this year.
1.13 We will review the most efficient and cost effective way to develop all the ASA facilities.
1.14 The Commodore summed up this opening comments by adding 2008 will involve a high level of ASA activity. It is our chance to ensure sailing in all forms is firmly in the face of the Army. This is our year to ensure the youngsters are fully involved in all forms of sailing.
Matters Arising
2.1 The 2 Laser SB3’s have been extensively and very successfully used. A 3rd SB3 has been approved for Germany sailors’ use.
2.2 We have only achieved 300 members who have elected to transfer to Direct Debit payment for their annual £10.00 membership fee. A final reminder will be sent out with this year’s journal.
2.3 Members are reminded of the website address’s; they are:
a. www.sailarmy.co.uk
b. www.army.mod.uk/asa
2.4 DASCB wrote concerning the classification of the Fastnet race and it is confirmed AT status has been agreed.
2.5 The minutes were agreed as a true record.
ASA Council Meeting Decisions
3.1 Any last minute journal articles must be with the editor by the 25 Jan 08 at the latest. It was decided to issue the journal in 2008 to all paying members. In 2009 only those members paying by Direct Debit will receive the journal. The Commodore thanked Sarah Drury for editing a superb 07 journal.
3.2 Patsy Josling the ASA webmaster was thanked for her efforts. The website is an excellent tool, the top sporting page on the Army site. Everyone is encouraged to use it.
3.3 Longbow our Prima 38 was sold in the autumn for 55K. Boatshed kindly brokered the sale at no charge to the ASA. After much deliberation and test sails the Archambault A40RC was selected as the new offshore yacht.
3.4 It was decided to increase berthing fees at the AOSC; increases will be:
a. Regt Corp Yachts - £1.00 per foot
b. Private Yachts - £2.00 per foot
Sec RNSA said Crown Estates were increasing the Mud rent which will result in a slight increase in swinging moorings cost for 08/09.
3.5 The Commodore spoke on the future plans for Army Sailing that will fit the Army’s size and foot print. The main focus will be the inshore clubs. The ADWC at Netley will move its business to the TIWSC on or before the 1 March 08. The Vice Commodore will conduct an audit of all the ASA clubs and report back to the Council in 2008.
3.6 RC Offshore has invited the other 2 services to join the Army at the 08 AOR. The RAF have declined this offer, the RN are strongly considering joining us.
3.7 In future, service exceptions for the Fastnet will be subject to rigorous scrutiny.
3.8 Transglobe 09 – Lt Col Richard Quinlan R Signals is the Army after guard. Transglobe will be the service offshore focus for the 09 season.
3.9 BKYC has a new Commandant’ Major Billy Thompson. UK Sailors are encouraged to use the excellent Helberg Rassy Fleet.
3.10 Management of both the DSTC and MSTC has been resolved. WO2 Myers remains at the Dummersee; WO2 Johnson is relatively new to the Mohnesee. Both are excellent facilities and UK sailors are again encouraged to use these superb clubs.
3.11 Lt Col Neil Curry has left the Army and handed over the RC Windsurfing reins to Major Dave Hinsley. Neil has been involved in Army Windsurfing since 1985.
3.12 Maj Allan Cross was thanked for this huge contribution to Army Windsurfing as the race manager.
3.13 In 2008 the ASA will hold a wave training camp in S’Ireland and a number of windsurfing training camps during the season; some in exotic places.
3.14 A question was raised concerning Kite-Surfing. The Windsurfing training manager, Jon Metcalfe will take this under his wing and establish a link on the ASA website. As it stands Kite-Surfing is in its infancy and attracts no public funding.
3.15. The Army Dinghy Team have surpassed all expectations during the 2006/7 season:
a. A & B teams convincingly won the Inter Service Championships.
b. Col Bruce Burnett won the Gold Cup and the Army Team won the Cunningham Cup at Seaview.
c. The REYC won the Lagos Trophy with RMAS in 2nd place.
3.16 The SB3’s have been a huge exciting success. The Army have 2 in the UK and 1 will be purchased next season for Germany and be kept at MSTC.
3.17 ‘The cost of Seaview’ – Because of the lack on sponsorship has become difficult to manage from a financial point of view. The Commodore has asked for a review on the way forward.
3.18. An excellent Offshore Symposium has been arranged and will be held on the 27 February 08 at Fort Blockhouse, Gosport starting at 10.00 hrs. Sir Robin Knox-Johnson will be the guest speaker. Cost is £10.00 including lunch.
Rear Commodore Dinghies Report
4.1 The Rear Commodore Dinghies report is at Flag 1.
4.2 Good progress is being made concerning the move
of ADWC to Thorney Island, RC Dinghies expects this to happen by 1 Mar 08 with a grand opening of Thorney Island Water Sports Centre on the 9th May 08.
4.3 RC Dinghies formally thanked the following for making the TIWSC a reality: Brig David Shaw (Vice Commodore RAYC), Col Mike Manson (Commodore RAYC), Lt Col Paul d’Apice (Treasurer RAYC), Maj Chris Hallam (SC) TI Station), Maj Derek Haensel (Commodore des TIWSC) and Sgt Thisby (Principle des TIWSC), plus Wing Commander Simon Crockatt (Vice Commodore RAFSA) and Mr Paul Brown (Vice Commodore RAFAS TISC). The Constitution has now been agreed; the way forward is positive and he expects a really good 2008 sailing season at the TIWSC.
4.4 RC Dinghies spoke about his concerns regarding Seaview. It’s a very expensive venue and without sponsorship it consumes a large slice of available funds. The ASA Seaview regatta is down to one day; 3 Sep 08.
4.5 The SB3 has been a real success story. Next season the Army SB3’s will enter Cork, Largs (Scotland), Round the Island and Cowes, plus other exciting events. Crew are always needed.
4.6 The DASCB, General Elliott, thanked Alex Tucker for his work concerning TIWSC; he has made a significant contribution to Army Inshore sailing. DASCB asked if we intend to purchase more SB3s. RC Dinghies said yes providing we can identify a management team for each boat purchased, he added once the 3 services have enough craft it is a long term aspiration to us SB3s in place of Mermaids and move away from Seaview, however he advises not to run before we can walk.
4.7 The Commodore re-enforces comments regarding Seaview. He said we should not be emotional about this, if it is considered a financial hurdle, we should all move on, our youngsters will find the SB3 far more exciting.
4.8 The Commodore reminded everyone about the naming of the new yacht and opening of TIWSC on the afternoon of the 9th May 08. He asked all in the room to make an effort to be there.
Rear Commodore Offshore Report
5.1 The Rear Commodore Offshore report is at Flag 2.
5.2 RC Offshore started by thanking Col Nigel Josling for his huge contribution to Offshore Sailing.
5.3 Both last seasons SOR and AOR were down on entries as previous years. The 08 AOR will concentrate on developing racing using experienced skippers on each boat. Dates are 6th-9th May 08. The prize giving will be at Breakfast on the 9th May at Hornet SC.
5.4 There was a good turn out for Cowes and the Fastnet. The 07 Fastnet was very demanding and only one Challenge 67 with a REME crew managed to finish. The 09 Fastnet entries will be properly managed. Major Peter Crump RA made a point regarding time spent at Sea. As a yachtmaster examiner he regularly examines yachtmaster candidates who have spent less than 3 days at sea during any one period. He strongly recommends making a decent passage to experience time spent at sea and to develop confidence in making use of sea room and watch systems. Having an appreciation of storm force conditions is an important part of your offshore sailing.
5.5 The new offshore racing team hull has been selected, it is an Archambault A40RC. A very well built yacht with no vices and sex appeal. He wished to thank the ASCB Trustees and Nuffield Trust Trustees who have both made a huge contribution towards funding ‘British Soldier’. He said Major Mike Lawrence will run the Inshore and Lt Col Nick Bate will run the Offshore Series.
5.6 He said the AOSC goes from strength to strength, he wished to thank publicly Maj Ian Rawnsley, Capt Bernie Stevens and all the bosuns for their hard work and dedication.
5.7 The Commodore thanked RC(O) and echoed his comments about the bosuns, he on behalf on the ASA members extends thanks to them.
Rear Commodore Windsurfing Report
6.1 The Rear Commodore Windsurfing report is at Flag 3.
6.2 Lt Col Neil Curry said he this time makes his 7th report to the ASA AGM and has now handed over to Major Dave Hinsley RAMC, who will resume his RC duties once he returns from Afghanistan in 2 months time. Neil leaves the Army shortly.
6.2 He said this had been a mix season for Army
Windsurfing. Results have not been at previous year’s standards and due to employment technicalities, Jon Metcalfe started late as the Windsurfing Manager and training results reflected this.
6.3 He said he is excited at next seasons plans, a full program in the calendar and very attractive tours and camps planned.
6.4 Neil wished to thank Major Allan Cross for this huge personal contribution to Army Windsurfing both as a competitor and racing manager. Major Mike Roach who always turns out as the race officer, Steve Myers for organising lots of Rennessa events. Brian Greaves who leaves the Army this year and represented the Army since 1995. He wished Jon Metcalfe every success as the ASA Windsurfing Manager.
6.5 The Commodore thanked Neil Curry for leaving Army Windsurfing in such good order.
Rear Commodore Germany Report
7.1 Rear Commodore Germany report is at Flag 4.
7.2 The Secretary read out main points from the report. The Commodore encouraged members to use all the Germany facilities. He emphasised the BA(G) clubs are under scrutiny, so use them or lose them.
JSASTC Report
8.1 There was no JSASTC representative available. The report is at Flag 5.
Ex Mercury Challenge Brief
9.1 Lt Col Richard Quinlan R Signals gave a first class presentation on the Royal Signals circumnavigation in a JSASTC Challenge 67 yacht. Richard also briefed on Transglobe 09. A copy of his brief is at flag 6.
9.2 The Commodore thanked Richard on behalf of all members present,
Financial Report
10.1 The Treasurer’s financial report is at Flag 7. This year’s grant allocations to disciplines are contained in the report.
10.2 The Treasurer confirmed the Audit had taken place just before Christmas. The Audit was conducted by MASA. It was very thorough, only minor points will be reported and some very good suggestions were made as to how we can improve our overall method of operation.
10.3 The Treasurer wished to thank Major Stuart Moralee, the accountant for another excellent years work.
10.4 The Commodore thanked the Treasurer on behalf of all ASA members.
Colours and Awards
11.1 The following were awarded colours:
a. Colours
(i). Offshore - Sgt Ryan Deane RA
SSgt Rob Moye RE
(ii). Dinghy - Maj Mike Barham REME
LCpl Helen Mason RLC
(iii). Windsurfing - WO2 Steve Myers BA(G)
Capt Burt Curtain R Signals
WO2 (AQMS) Paul Finn REME
Capt John Leng REME
b. Awards
(i) Barry Trophy – Sgt Darren P (Windy) Gale MBE R Signals. Windy was also congratulated for his award of an MBE for sailing in the News Years List.
(ii) The Flag Officers Cup for Outstanding Achievements – Lt Col Neil Curry
Any Other Business
12.1 DASCB made an extremely valid point regarding civilian sponsorship. He said the ASCB runs a database of sponsorship and he felt Sailing was under pitching in particular with the racing yacht and regattas. Sailing is well down the league compared to other major sports. He said most of sponsorship generated by fairly senior people who work alongside industry. The Commodore said we need a sponsorship member on our committee.
Summary
13.1 The Commodore closed the meeting. He said 2007 had been a very good year; we have made a number of decisions that will cement the future of Army Sailing. 2008 and beyond is when we must enthuse the Army with sailing opportunities. We must grow up from the bottom and he encouraged everyone who has been privileged to sail with the Army to put something back in, and to get out young officers and soldiers to a sailing centre, make time for them and if you’re qualified, teach them to sail and give them a good time. These will be our future skippers, instructors and people who make things happen. We have the top cover; you in command positions need to get them enthused.
13.2 He asked everyone to give the journal editor quality short classic articles with good inspiring photographs with youngsters being highlighted.
13.4 The Commodore closed saying 2008 should be made our biggest ever.
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