The East Coast OGA held their Area AGM at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club on Saturday 2, November 2024. After gathering in the bar for a drink and chat, 37 members sat down for the meeting at 5.30pm, chaired by Paul Masters, Area President. 14 members sent their apologies and the minutes from last year were duly read and approved. The East Coast OGA has 30 new members since last year’s AGM and several were welcomed to the meeting, putting names to faces: Elizabeth Reynolds, Koren & Robert Williams, Joyce & Trevor Brown and Nicholas Hall. Hopefully, many more new members will join us during the Winter Social Events Programme.
There were no matters arising from the 2023 Minutes so the meeting continued with reports from the President, Paul and Secretary, Pete Elliston. Treasurer, Yvonne Graham presented the annual accounts, thanking Clare Thomas, previous Treasurer for her help in handing over this role. These were also approved by the members present.
There was some positive discussion about the EC Gaffers communications strategies, presented by Beverley Yates, Sarah Adie and Nick Phillips with some suggestions for improvement from the floor but generally a sense of satisfaction with the team’s work. Similarly there was support for the work being undertaken by the Handicap and Racing Committee. Ed Roberts presented their report, encouraging members to check out their handicaps and measure their boats over the winter if necessary.
Only one member of the Committee stood down, Trevor Rawlinson, after over 30 years’ service. Grateful thanks are extended to Trevor. The remaining Committee members were re-elected en bloc. An exciting and full programme for 2025 was presented with plenty to look forward to. Mike Beckett, Association President and an East Coast Member brought news of the St Malo event planned by the French OGA in June, 2025. Paul also noted the need for forward planning as the East Coast is organising the Association AGM in 2026 and OGA65 in 2028. The final item on the agenda was the Gaffling project which resulted in a lively discussion about how to take this forward on the East Coast, with the possible purchase of a third boat.
The meeting closed as supper was served with prizegiving and further discussion about the Gafflings taking place afterwards. Grateful thanks are extended to all the staff at Royal Harwich Yacht Club, once again, for providing us with an excellent venue for the AGM as well as superb catering in the bar and dining room.