RCOD Class Captain’s 2008 Report 28 Nov 2008

The year started off with the very sad loss of Ken Bushell, he was always engaging and one always felt better for having been in his company. He bequeathed his boat Cormorant to the class and the proceeds will go towards the rebuilding of another boat.

The social season started with the dinner at the naval club organised by Emma and Lynn was very well attended with great food and a convivial evening. Sailing started in April and was keenly competed for with Bobby Melville showing us the way round but he did not have it all his own way.

The RCOD regatta was held again in June and tightly contested with Corinna winning two Corpo Santo winning one, Corindelle two seconds and Corsair and Coryphee were in close contention. We displayed three rebuilt RCODs during the regatta by the club crane, Corella, Cormorant and Coralie all looking their finest. Corella having been rebuilt by Rice and Coles for Nick Oliver and Victor to launch early in 2009. Cormorant having been rebuilt for Ken by Rice and Coles now for sale from the RCOD class and finally the return from Lowestoft of Coralie after a complete rebuild by the International Boat Building and training college, now looking very sound and ready for out. Coriander has undergone some serious hull work this year and we look forward to Peter Willoughby back on the start line and Ben Riley plans to return Corinthia to the water in 2009. We look forward to having 9 or 10 boats next year.

To support the restoration of the fleet several Quiz nights were held and much enjoyed all who participated these have now become a regular fixture on the club calendar. The 100 club this year was not so well supported although the draw at the laying up supper was very popular. Next year the revised 100 club will start with more information on display and a more positive approach and a lower entry ticket price. It is well worth supporting as will be seen with the fleet of boats on the moorings next year.