Laying Up Dinner and Prize Giving 30 Oct 2012

Some seventy diners, including most of the Flag Officers and a complete cross section of the Club’s membership enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the dinner. Many of us had sharpened appetities after experiencing the resurrection of the Marco Polo Trophy on a blustery cold afternoon, so the warm atmosphere was particlarly welcome.

At the end of the meal the Commodore’s health was toasted in fine style before the annual prizegiving which was smoothly presented by the Rear Commodore Sailing, Peter Marchant with Katie Cole giving the prizes.
During the usual round of thanks a bouquet and bottle were presented to Edwin and Pat Buckley who have provided several fleets with fantastic windward/leeward racing from Phoebe this year despite the issues which they have been dealing with for some time. Derek and Dwilla Corless who have ably assisted Team Phoebe with Tolerance of Guernsey were also thanked, albeit they could not be there on the night.

Peter also made thanks to Wendy Eagling, Kim Allen, Mark Eagling, ‘Roger the RIB’ Mant, Peter the launch driver and others, but before he could finish by acknowledging the house staff, Brenda thought she would remind him by dropping an ice bucket much to everyone’s amusement.

After the formalities Wendy Eagling gave a brief resumé of the amazing exploits of Roger Taylor in his tiny junk rigged yacht Mingming, sailing single-handed into the Arctic circle. The Commodore then presented Roger with a framed montage of pictures from his travels to acknowledge his achievements, a second copy of which will be hung in the Trophy room.

Roger told us that Mingming is now laid up and he is starting the fit out of a much larger (24 feet) yacht to continue his even more ambitious travels. A fitting end to a most enjoyable evening.