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The Victoria Shadow Association |
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We held our Dinner
on Tuesday, 13th January 2009 at the Tai Pan Chinese Restaurant in
Wapping, which we have used for a number of years now.
Anne Grubb joined us
for the first time, making it her first official engagement since
taking over the Chair of the Association on the first day of January.
John Sadler has
enjoyed the Tai Pan cuisine before but, he too, has accepted new
responsibilities and will be auditing our accounts later in the year.
John Cade, our
Honorary Treasurer ever since the Association was formed, was, without
doubt, the most senior Officer present. Despite some earlier
reservations, John does seem to enjoy these Chinese meals! |
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John Cade, John Sadler
and Anne Grubb |
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There were some last
minute apologies. We were very sorry that Brian and Dawn Smith weren't
able to join us this time.
On the other hand,
we were delighted that Simon and Janet could make it. They were to
have been out in the British Virgin Islands preparing their Victoria
34, 'Simoon III of London' for her voyage home but delayed their
departure somewhat. Simon is the person that introduced us to the Tai
Pan originally and it is just not the same when they are not there.
They will be sailing
'Simoon III' home in May and stopping in the Azores to replenish
essential supplies before continuing the voyage.
Later in the year,
they will be taking delivery of their new yacht, not a Victoria this
time but a 43 foot Hallberg-Rassy! |
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Janet Gayler and Simon
Fraser |
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We were all very
keen to meet Chris Harrap and Chris Lott, who are relatively new
members of the Association. Chris Harrap is now the owner of 'Elbe
Lady', one of just two gaff-rigged Frances 26 cutters.
Chris lives in
Eastbourne, at Sovereign Harbour Marina, and keeps his boat there.
Chris Lott is a neighbour and enthusiastic yachtsman, who has his own
boat; a Westerly Tempest.
They have
already had some adventures aboard 'Elbe Lady' that included a quite
slow trip home from Chichester Harbour and an emergency return to the
harbour and lift out, when the propeller seal developed a leak.
Plans for the
coming season include getting to know the boat a little better and
possibly to do some racing! |
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Chris Harrap, Chris Lott
and Janet |
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Wann, who always
looks beautiful, helps John Sadler sail his early Frances 26, 'Maria
Frances' out of Brightlingsea, whilst Jenny is the First Mate aboard 'Jenter',
a cutter-rigged Frances 26 based in Burnham-on-Crouch.
Dick Meloy is always
great fun and keeps his own Westerly Fulmar on the River Orwell, just
below Ispwich.
He and John Cade
often sail together, either on the East Coast aboard Dick's boat or
aboard John's boat, 'Cadenza', a Victoria 33 from Morris Yachts, out
of the River Hamble. |
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Jenny Cosker and Wann
Sadler |
Jenny, Wann and Dick
Meloy |
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We must not forget
our South Coast Regional Organiser, John Tyer, who almost put down a
deposit on a wooden 28ft gaff cutter from Butler & Co, based in Mill
Creek on the River Dart, but then found he had left his cheque book at
home!
John has many plans
for our South Coast members with a Social and guest speaker on the 1st
March, a Rally to the ever popular Gin's Club on the River Beaulieu
(John is a member of the Royal Southampton Y.C. so knows the ropes)
and another Rally to the River Medina and the Folly Inn later in the
year.
That leaves just me
to make our numbers up to twelve for the evening. I can assure you
that the food was excellent and we all had a great time. Perhaps you
might be able to join us next year. You certainly won't regret it.
Best wishes to you all, Peter Cosker, Website Editor. |
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John Tyer and Chris |
This page
last updated on the 14 January 2009 |
