Early Days at The Looe Sailing Club

• The First Minute
• The Looe Redwing is proposed
• Uffa Fox's design is proposed
• Results for 1935
• Results for 1936
• Results for 1937
• Results for 1938
• Results for 1939

The above quotation forms the very first entry to the very first minute book of the Looe Sailing Club. The minutes go on to describe discussions concerning such topics as the length of boats and classes to be formed, racing to be held on Thursdays and Saturdays, the adoption of a scoring system, and the permitted carrying of ballast.

The Hambly Cup (which was already in existence but presently in the custody of a Bank) was awarded to the 14 ft. class and Mr. Neale offered to present a cup for the 12 ft. class. This cup was to be called ‘The Eddystone Cup’.

It was agreed at this first meeting that all members should pay an annual subscription to meet some small overhead charges. The fee agreed was one shilling per year. No one was to be allowed to take any part in the sailing unless they became members.

Mr. A. Collings agreed to have marks in position for the first race (Thurs. Aug.16^th 1934) and it was then agreed that for each subsequent event, two shillings should be paid for the laying of the marks and returning to harbour.

Before the meeting concluded twenty-one paid their subscriptions and became the club's first members.

Another meeting was held on October 15^th 1934 to discuss the best means for the presentation of the cups won by "Princess" and "Petrel". It was unanimously agreed that a Dinner should be held for club members and the cups were to be presented during the evening.

The next meeting of the club was held on January 31^st 1935 and was held at "The Imperial Cafe" and it was convened mainly to draw up the rules for the constitution of the club and for the coming sailing season. A full years subscription was to be two shillings. It was resolved that the boat owners should have the power to elect the committee which should consist of ten non-sailing members.

Various "Gentlemen" of the town were to be invited to become Vice-Presidents for a fee of five shillings.

A racing programme was drawn up and rules governing the length, beam, weight, etc. of the main classes was agreed.

The next meeting (Feb. 26^th 1935) was held at "East Cliff" such matters as a special race for "Jubilee Day", the possibility of being allowed to hold meetings in the Lifeboat Tower and the fact that the club should have its own flag was discussed.

The next meeting was held on April 15^th at the Lifeboat Tower. The Looe Toc H movement already rented the Tower but agreement was reached to allow the Looe Sailing Club to use the Tower for meetings at the cost of one shilling per meeting.

At this meeting Mr. Neale (Club President) announced that he would provide prizes of £5 and £2 in value to Looe built boats gaining the most points. These prizes could be chosen (to the respective value) by the winning owners but must be purchased at Looe shops.

Also at this meeting it was resolved that club boats should abide by the "Rules of the Road".

At the May 2^nd meeting further discussions took place regarding sail areas etc. and the dates that the various prizes should be sailed for. Mr. T.H. Martin undertook to be responsible for the club flag and to see it hoisted before each race. The Harbour Commissioners had previously agreed to allow the use of their pier flagstaff for this purpose provided the club used their own halyards.

It was at this meeting that a Mr. Barron of Polperro enquired if the Looe Sailing Club would agree for their boats to sail at Polperro Regatta. Unfortunately this clashed with club racing and so no official resolve was taken regarding the matter but it was suggested that Mr. Barron could get in touch with the owners.

The very next meeting at the Lifeboat Tower on May 6^th was held to consider what appears to be the clubs first protest.

The 12 ft. dinghy "Nymph Errant" claimed that first boat home ("I’m Alone") fouled the Eastern Mark.

"After hearing the evidence of the Principals and an independent witness, the Committee were unanimous that the protest be upheld and the cup awarded to "Nymph Errant".

A second protest was heard on May 16^th.between two 14 footers (‘Scoulton Pie’ and ‘Cheemaun’). On this occasion, and after long deliberation, the committee disqualified both boats on the grounds that insufficient care had been taken by both to avoid a collision.

"One Shilling Forfeited".

The meeting of May 20^th concerned itself mostly with the adoption and application of existing Y.R.A. rules and the committee made it quite clear to all concerned that the rules must be followed. For example:

Protests were again heard on June 8^th, 12^th and 28^th indicating a growing competitiveness.

One entry made for the meeting held on May 20^th 1935 hints at a growing public interest in the races now being held on a regular basis.

"Mr. J.H. Martin proposed that if the weather should be doubtful for sailing, the small committee which had been allotted, should meet in the Lifeboat Tower and decide alone. He thought there had been too much interference from the public when they met on the esplanade the previous Saturday. Mr. W. Neale seconded and this was carried."

An extraordinary meeting of the Boat Owners and Committee took place at the Lifeboat Tower on August 21^st 1935. The reason for the meeting was because at the finish of the race on Saturday August 17^th the committee were subjected to ...."an attack of insulting behavior by the crew of ‘Princess 2’."

The meeting discussed what was clearly an upsetting situation. The Chairman was moved to state:

"....he and his committee did not and would not tolerate such disgusting behavior as they had been subjected to."

A resolution was put forward by the owners that the persons concerned be suspended from the club and their donation returned. On a show of hands this resolution was carried unanimously.

At least one more protest was heard during the sailing season of 1935 and concerned the boats "Streamline" and "Maureen". A pencilled footnote to the meeting indicates that "Maureens 1/- protest money not paid".

Once again a club dinner was to take place at Brians Cafe on November 7^th

"Mr. C. Curtis and Mr. A. Mutton kindly undertook to be responsible for the musical Programme."

November 4^th 1935 saw yet another Boat Owners meeting which was convened to draw up a set of restrictions which were designed to provide a class of boat which cost as little as possible. The restrictions agreed at this meeting were:

• All boats to carry their full sized pair of oars while racing.
• Floor boards to be left in place.
• Crew to be two persons and no inside ballast allowed.
• No decking of any kind allowed.
• Stem to be a fair curve so that waterline length shall not exceed 11’ 7".
• Transoms to be not less than 15 inches deep at centre. Deadwood not to exceed 8 " in depth.

The following to apply to both the 12 ft. & 14 ft. classes. Rule 38 (Means of Propulsion) Competitors found breaking this rule will be liable to suspension."

At the completion of the first full season the clubs Hon. Secretary saw fit to record what appears to be a personal summary of the clubs progress to date.

• Streamline won the Presidents Prize for 14 foot Looe built boats.

• Sunfish won the Presidents Prize for 12 foot Looe built boats.

• During the 1935 season a total of 6 protests were heard, three of which were upheld.

The second Annual General Meeting took place at the Imperial Cafe on April 8^th 1936 and the minutes were read and confirmed for both the First Annual Meeting and the more recent Boat Owners meeting.

It was proposed at this meeting that if the Boat Owners wish to call a meeting in the future, they should invite the whole of the Sailing Committee. Mr. E. Pearn put forward the amendment that the Boat Owners should hold their own meetings and any new rules should be put before the Committee as suggestions or recommendations. The voting resulted in a tie and the amendment was passed on the spin of a coin.

It was reported that 36 Vice-Presidents and 89 Members and Patrons had joined for the 1935 season bringing in the sum of £20. There was a credit balance on the years working of £6 - 13s. making a Grand Total of £8 - 17s. The Club is considered to be in a "Splendid Position."

The Minutes then go on to record a considerable amount of mutual satisfaction and praise.

The next item for this meeting was put forward by Mr. Neale (President) who thought that the club should elect Life Members. " The Club felt very proud that one of its members, Mr. Bert Middleton, had by his gallantry, saved the lives of two persons from drowning on March 24^th and he, Mr. Neale, felt honoured to name Mr. Middleton as the Clubs first Life Member......."

It was resolved to limit Life Membership to three.

Additional items settled at the meeting were:

• Membership fee to remain at two shillings.
• Miss Neale to make three chequered mark flags each to be three feet square.
• Sailing Committee to be empowered to order boats to be reefed.
• Boats started reefed must all finish reefed.
• Committee empowered to curtail a race.
• Twelve footers always to start first.
• Red and green flags to be used on Committee to indicate Port or Starboard hand course.

A meeting of the Boat Owners and Committee took place on May 13th. at the Lifeboat Tower.

Mr. Middleton was welcomed as the Clubs first Life Member and several pleasantries were exchanged.

At this meeting voting rights regarding Joint Ownership were considered and voting rights of "one boat one vote and one owner (regardless of how many boats owned) one vote" were established.

The size of headsail and that only one headsail at a time may be hoisted was agreed as well as the use of a Jib Boom being optional.

The whole of the sailing rules as embodied in the current YRA handbook were now to be adopted.

Mr. Rathbone M.P. offers a cup for the 14 footers but the meeting agreed to write to Mr. Rathbone to ask for two cups of lesser value since the club had two classes.

On July 14^th the Committee held a meeting at the Imperial Cafe where it was learnt that Mr. Rathbone had indeed procured two cups and had had them suitably inscribed. Three protests were dealt with at this meeting one being summarily dismissed on the grounds that it was a verbal protest instead of being in writing.

Mr. A. Mutton proposed that as there were only two copies of the rules in the club it did not give the owners or Committee a chance to become conversant with the rules and that the Secretary order a copy for each owner and member of the Committee. This was agreed.

Three more Committee Meetings were held before the completion of the 1936 season. Most of the discussions were dealing with what now were becoming repetitive matters such as race dates for the Looe and Polperro regattas and where and when the annual presentation dinner was to be held. The latter depended largely upon when Mr. Rathbone M.P. would be available to attend.

One item of interest was the consideration given to resailing a race for the 12 foot class. On Saturday September 5th. "Blue Water" capsized and "I’m Alone"drew out of the race and picked up one of the crew. It was pointed out that under rule 40 if in the judgement of the Sailing Committee a boat " .....had injured her chance of winning a prize through going to the assistance of any boat or person in peril" they could order the race to be resailed. A long discussion ensued as to whether the crew of "Blue Water" were actually in peril since it was reported that the capsize took place quite near the Committee Boat and in the near vicinity of a number of pulling and motor boats. Finally it was agreed that no resail should take place.

The Boat Owners held their final meeting for the year on December 9^th 1936, those being present were: Mr. Neale (President) Mr. R. Martin (Boat Owners Chairman) together with Messrs. S.G.Richards, E.Soady, R.Dan, R. Pengelly, H.Dingle, D.Soady and F.Curtis.

The first Consideration was given to the fact that as there were now two 14 foot registered International Dinghies in the club and the owners ".....were desirous of entering for the Prince of Wales Cup, but would be debarred because the club had no certificate of registration, it was thought that the club should apply for same" Mr. S.G.Richards thought that the YRA be written to asking for full particulars. This was agreed.

It was agreed that Place Flags should be awarded (but paid for by the winners) and that these flags were to be flown at the conclusion of the final race of the season.

It was also agreed that should a Non-Member, at the last minute, be asked to crew at a time when the normal crew was unavailable, a fee of sixpence be passed to the Committee Boat before the start of the race.

14 Footers

12 Footers

• Streamline won the Presidents Prize for 14 foot Looe built boats with a total of 91 points

• Blue Water won the Presidents Prize for 12 foot Looe built boats with a total of 74 points

At a meeting held at the Lifeboat Tower on March 8^th 1937 it was reported by the President, Mr. Neale, that Looe Sailing Club had been accepted as a member of the YRA and would have the ".....privilege of electing a member to send to the YRA Council...........and the club would be entitled to the current YRA Handbook free......The chief object was that the boats would be available to enter International Classes and in races of other affiliated clubs." The annual subscription to the YRA would be two guineas. At this time the normal club subscription appeared to be two shillings. Prior to membership the club was required to send to the YRA a list of officials, details of club premises, description of club burgee and also to advise Lloyds Yacht Register.

Additional matters discussed at this meeting included the thanking of the president for offering to place a spray hood on the Committee Boat for the protection of the committee. Berth numbers were drawn for and agreed.

The third A.G.M. of the club was held at the Imperial Cafe on Wednesday March 17^th. and at this meeting the Committee was re-elected en-bloc.

Affiliation to the YRA was agreed and Mr. Neale was elected as club representative.

"It being the wish that the Looe Sailing Club should be in line with other affiliated clubs and elect a Commodore and Vice-Commodore, Mr. Neale was unanimously elected Commodore. Mr. Neale then nominated as his Vice Commodore, Mr. Dingle, this was seconded by Mr. Martin and carried."

The rest of the A.G.M. dealt with details of starting times, the reefing of sails, etc. etc.

At a meeting held on April 12^th. " A request was received from the Coronation Committee to decorate the boats of the club with bunting and balloons, from 8 PM to 9 PM, and either row them up and down the river or moor them at different berths to give a spot of colour to the River Carnival which was being held on Coronation night"

At the same meeting the Commodore, Mr. Neale, had offered to charter a Lugger and would be pleased to pay for one man to take her to the International Regatta at Torquay in June for one week. Mr. Martin said that " the two club 14 ft. registered dinghies would probably be sailing at Torquay and he thought that the trip, if accepted, should be opened first to the Owners and Committee." The very generous offer was accepted.

The secretary was asked to order new enamel badges of the club burgee.

Throughout the season a number of meetings were held to discuss mainly sailing matters and a number of protests were heard.

On October 29th. the matter of the Annual Dinner was discussed and it was agreed to hold it on November 20th. at the Cabin Cafe, tickets to be priced at 2/6 each. It was unanimous that the four Looe members of Endeavour crew should be invited to the dinner as guests of the club.

" A desire among the Boat Owners to see popularised in Looe another class of Boat, cheaper than the present 14 footers and to be a club one design class, led to an Owners meeting " reported on December 20^th 1937.

" Through the generosity and enterprise of the Commodore, a new class of boat had arrived from Christchurch and had been given a good trial. having been tested by several members of the club. The type is known as a Bermudian Half-decked Sloop, length 14 ft. 6 inches, beam 5 ft. 4 inches, with a sail area of 121.5 sq. ft. total. The price would be £46 to Looe. Red sails £1 - 3 s extra, and galvanised plate extra.

Mr. Harry Pearn of Looe had also built a similar class boat, the length and beam being two inches more than the Christchurch boat, also there is an increased sail area. The price would be £46 with red sails, and no extra for galvanised plate. The boat was still in the builders yard and had not yet been tested afloat."

It was agreed to adopt the Half-decked sloop and free discussions then took place as to which boat to adopt.

"It was agreed by everyone that there was no comparison in the two boats as regards construction and finish, the Looe built boat was superior in every detail."

"Finally Mr. Neale proposed that subject to approval for the new class being forthcoming from the Sailing Committee, Mr. Pearns boat be accepted, subjected to fair performance under sail. Mr. D. Dan be asked to try out both boats and report to the club." This was passed

".....The name of the class to be Looe Redwings. Mr. Neale hoped that the names of the boats be a series of either fish or flowers, or anything the owners thought best."

On January 14^th 1938 The Sailing Committee met with the Boat Owners regarding a Club one design class.

The recommendations of the owners meeting of December 20^th were read.

Finding that " no headway could be made with both parties present, the Owners were asked to retire while the Committee gave their recommendations careful consideration. Following considerable discussion the Committee decided to refer back the recommendation to the Boat Owners and adopted a resolution that the Committee feel that in order to retain harmony in the club that we agree to the onerous recommendation of a club one design class, but the whole of the boats of this class be built at Christchurch. The Owners were recalled and the decision of the Committee was read to them."

14 Footers (25 Races)

12 Footers (26 Races)

SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY OF LOOE SAILING CLUB 1937

• Hambly Challenge Cup (Points Aggregate 14 ft. Dinghies)
• Eddystone Challenge Cup (Points Aggregate 12ft Dinghies)
• Rathbone Challenge Cup (For special race each season for 14 ft dinghies)
• Rathbone Challenge Cup (For special race each season for 12 ft. dinghies)
• 20 fathoms 5/16" galvanized chain for mooring club dinghies(Presented by W.Neale)
• Ten 1-1/2 Cwt. concrete sinkers with iron bolt and eye as moorings for club dinghies (Presented by the Boat Owners)
• Club Burgee (Red Pennant with white disc, letters LSC in Blue)
• Club Committee Flag (Red pennant, letters "COMMITTEE" in white)
• One port and one starboard Course Flags.
• Three Dhans (line and weights for each)
• Three Dhan flags (yellow and black square)
• One green canvas Spray Hood complete with iron frames and gunmetal fittings for use of Committee (presented by Mr. A Collins)
• One 14 foot rowing boat.

The fourth Annual General Meeting of the club took place at the Imperial Cafe on Friday April 1^st 1938 and began with the meeting standing in silence for one minute in memory of the late Chairman Mr. John Little who died during the close season.

After the reading of the minutes the Treasurer gave the financial position of the club for 1937. "It was remarkable that despite an expenditure of nearly £27, a small balance was recorded."

During this meeting Mr. Albert Mutton was elected to take the place of Mr. Little as Chairman and Messrs Cecil Pape and Harry Whale were asked to join the re-elected Committee.

Confirmation of affiliation to the YRA was given at the meeting and it was also agreed to subscribe £2 . 2s for £1000 third party insurance for boats whilst racing.

Mr. A. Collings reported that he was unable to continue to put his motor-boat at the disposal of the club and it was therefore agreed to accept Mr. Harry Pearns offer of suitable boat at a cost of £10 for the season excluding August Bank Holiday.

Subscriptions for 1938 season were set at 3/- for Boat Owners and 2/6 for Social Members.

Rules were set regarding the definition of "Boat Owner."

The question of accepting the Half-decked Bermudian Sloops which had already been built in the town, was again brought forward. A move to "Go into Committee to Thrash the matter out" was defeated and the meeting continued with the Press present.

Eventually the meeting agreed to allow the class to open "Under Certain Circumstance" was agreed.

It was at this meeting that the Boat Owners Committee was dissolved and representatives of the Boat Owners were seconded on to the Management Committee for all purposes excepting in the case of Protests.

The use of spinnakers was to be allowed under some circumstances.

At the first meeting of the joint committee, on May 6^th, the Sailing Officials were appointed as follows:

;

Vice Chairman	Captain J.Mitchell
Recorder	Mr. C.Curtis
Starter	Mr. T.H. Martin
Timekeeper	Captain Mitchell

Matters regarding starting times, cancellation of races, and finishing lines were also discussed and agreed upon.

During the season a number of protest meetings were held and decisions made except in the case of "Dabchic" versus "Bobadilla". On August 25^th "Dabchick" went to the assistance of "Echo" who had capsized. At the time "Echo" was first, "Bluewater" second with "Dabchick" third. "Dabchick" made a request for a resail under rule 40 ("Going to the assistance of any boat or person in peril"). After some discussion it was agreed to write a letter to the YRA for a decision. About a month later (at the next meeting) a letter from the secretary of the YRA was read out which contained two possible solutions. One alternative was to give the benefit to "Dabchick" and the other to give it to "Echo" ! ".....which placed the Committee in a bigger mess than ever". Eventually it was agree to let the results "As Finished" stand.

On Saturday November 19^th an emergency general meeting was held at the lifeboat tower to discuss the possibilities of the club having their own club-house.

There was no doubt regarding the enthusiasm of all present and it was agreed to write to the Harbour Commissioners enquiring upon what terms they would be prepared to lease a piece of ground approximately 60 by 25 feet on the Granite Quay for the purpose of erecting a building for storage of the club boats and with a room above to be used as club premises. It was agreed to form a small committee to deal with the matter in its preliminary stages. The following were elected: The Commodore, Chairman, Mr. E Soady, Mr. Middleton and the Secretary.

14 ft. Class:

Looe Redwings

12 Footers

January 3^rd 1939

"At the Commodores special invitation I attended a meeting at his house on January 3^rd at which the four Looe boat builders, Messrs F. Curtis, A. Collings, G. Pearn and R. Dan were present, to inspect the Plans and Specifications from the Cowes designer Mr. Uffa Fox of the new fourteen-foot half-decked Class, to be adopted by the club.

The Commodore stated that he had bought the plans outright, and that the designer had placed no restrictions as to building, and had mentioned nothing of Royalties for himself.

The specifications were gone through very fully and various points discussed and with one or two minor reservations as to details of rigging were accepted by the builders.

Each builder was put in possession of a full set of plans and specifications and it was decided that they would endeavor to agree on a price in a few days at which they could build these boats. The Commodore promised to have four complete sets of moulds made by one man, to ensure them being as alike as possible.

He further said that seeing the designer had not mentioned Royalties for himself, it would be only fair that the builders should recognise the rights of the Looe Sailing Club as owners of this design, by paying the club a small Royalty on each boat built for owners outside the club.

The Secretary asked whether the plans would be accessible to an amateur member of the club to build to. The Commodore said that as long as the professional builders treated the club fairly, he thought that the plans should not be available to anyone else and that he had no intention of letting anyone else have possession of his set.

The Commodore stressed the value of these plans etc. and considered them an asset to the club and to those builders privileged to build to them.

At the fifth A.G.M., held at the Imperial Cafe’ on Friday 31^st March 1939 most members of the Committee were re-elected with the exception of Messrs. Mitchell, T. Pengelly and C.Pape who expressed the wish not to be re-considered.

It was at this meeting that the Commodore, Mr. Kneale, proposed that the position of Chairman should be changed to that of President, to bring the club into line with other sailing clubs. Mr. A. Mutton thus became the clubs first "President". He was also simultaneously elected as the club's first "Rear Commodore".

In addition to making the usual arrangements for the coming season it was also decided at this meeting that a Royalty of one guinea be charged for the building of any new Redwing "...for anyone outside of the club and outside of the Port of Looe". A half guinea would go to the club and a half guinea to go to the designer, Mr. Uffa Fox.

The President told the meeting that the sub committee (re a new clubhouse) had met several times with the Harbour Commissioners and had come to the conclusion that under present circumstances the scheme should not be pursued. The cost would be about £600, ".....and with a big ground rent and only a three year lease, it would be a millstone around the necks of the club for years, perhaps for generations......."

A matter regarding the possible use of a Gunter Sliding Rig for the existing 12 footers was raised and as it did not conform to the intentions of "Class A" it was decided to allow two sails at present in the club to be used but no further departure from the blueprint to be allowed.

Only one full Committee meeting was held during the 1939 season and this took place at the Lifeboat Tower on Wednesday April 26^th. During this meeting the Sailing Officials were elected and it was also decided that instead of a sub-committee of five forming the "Bad Weather Committee" Mr. G.Pengelly be responsible for deciding if the weather be suitable or safe for sailing. Mr. Pengelly agreed. Henceforth this position appears to be known as "The Clerk of the Weather".

The Harbour Commissioners were to be asked permission for the club to be allowed to use a portion of the quay near the slipway at West Looe for the purpose of resting about a dozen boats.

Discussions also took place concerning starting and finishing lines and it was also suggested, by the Commodore, that in consideration of the difficulties the 12 footers had in bad weather, owing to the amount of canvas they carried in one sail, he had asked Mr. Dan to draw out a Bermudian sail plan. He thought of having one of the twelves re-rigged and would like a race arranged outside of the Points races, to see how she would compare with the others. If considered safer he would then ask the other owners to consider re-rigging their boats.

The Sailing Committee also seems to have held only one meeting during the whole of 1939 and it too dealt with normal sailing matters such as courses, Protest Flags and the award of cups.

The 14 footers paid a visit to Torpoint Sailing Club and an invitation was received from the Charlestown Regatta Committee inviting our boats to take part in their regatta on August 17^th This offer was appreciated but declined.

The final entry for the year 1939 comes traditionally as a personal report by the Secretary. He refers to a very successful season both from a numerical and financial standpoint. The club now has three classes with a total of twenty-six boats, nineteen of which were built in Looe.

Membership was now 124 with a total of 65 Vice-Presidents.

Mention is made of the 14 footers sailing against the Mosquito Club at Torpoint and of "Nimrod" (Roy Dan) and "Red Rover" (Raymond Martin) sailing for the Prince of Wales Cup at Cowes. Additionally "Nimrod" was unbeaten whilst sailing at Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and Babbacombe.

The Looe Redwings were proving themselves to be a popular class and during the year Uffa Fox made a visit to Looe and whilst here sailed the 14 footer "Red Rover" coming in first. "....Mr Fox was delighted with the Looe Bay as a sailing course and said that an invitation to sail for the Prince of Wales Cup at Looe at a future date would be favourably considered"

The Annual Dinner was an unqualified success where Mr. John Payne ('Notable Singer') delighted the company with songs and recitations.

14 footers

Looe Redwings

12 Footers

The following extract is the only entry made for 1940 and is written in a new hand.

"The sixth Annual General Meeting was held at the Imperial Cafe’ on Wednesday 17^th April, Mr. Albert Mutton presiding. Present at the meeting were Messrs. W. Neale, C.R.Martin, G.W.Pengelly, T.Martin, C.Curtis, H.Whale, H & S Richards, J.Symons, R.Pengelly, L.Pengelly, Eric Soady, Roger Soady, B.J.Beech, L.Freeman, H.Knapp, N.Pearn, and J.H.Mears.

In the absence of Mr.C.Taylor the minutes of the last general meeting were read by the chairman and confirmed. The Treasurer's report was then read and accepted.

The election of officers resulted as follows:

The President then stated that Mr. Charley Taylor was the only Secretary the club had had from its formation in 1934. He had to give it up through urgent private and business reasons. It was decided that a letter be sent conveying the Club's grateful thanks for his services.

The remaining elections concluded as follows:

G.W.Pengelly and Mr. H Whale were unanimously re-elected to the committee and given power to enlist others to bring the body up to full strength. Mr. G.W.Pengelly kindly agreed to act as Weather Clerk as before.

The Honorary Vice-Presidents were then elected:

Messrs A.H.Brian, A.A.Hosking, T.Pengelly, A.Collings (Senior) and Capt. J.Mitchell. It was proposed and accepted that Mr. C. Taylor be added to this list.

The Chairman remarked on the difficult year facing the club and impressed on the meeting that we were determined to keep it going as strongly as possible. He appealed to the boat-owners to keep their boats sailing whenever they could. If they were unable to sail themselves at times they might be able to depute other members to sail for them. He hoped that all three classes would be racing, but so many men might be called away that they would have to curtail the list. If there were any 14 foot International boats in the district the club could look after them, and owners would be assured of a race.

It was decided that subscriptions should remain as before except that those serving with the forces should be considered as Honorary Members.

The meeting then went on to decide the usual sailing arrangements for the coming season.

Messrs Knapp and C.Martin brought up the matter of the boat carrier which several members had gone to so much trouble to construct. There was an outstanding debt of £2 19. The Chairman pointed out that this was not really club property and did not feel free to accept the liability. Mr. C.R. Martin then promised that he would do his best to collect the outstanding amount so that the carrier could be handed over to the club as a present from the boat owners - free of debt. On this promise the chairman then voiced the best thanks of the club for the generous gift.

Mr. T. Martin requested that when the gun was fired to cancel a race all boats participating should return to harbour at once out of respect to the decision of the Committee.

It was also decided to hold a race on Whit Monday, May 13^th at 10 30 A.M.

Mr. J.H.Mears and Mr. C.R.Martin were empowered to sign cheques jointly

A hearty vote of thanks to the President concluded the meeting.

This Minute was not signed until April 1946 and no further meetings were minuted until August 1945.