Most will be aware that the event was booked for the Prince Regent but they reneged on their commitment a few weeks before Christmas and therefore the hunt was on to find an acceptable venue. The Crown Hotel came up trumps.
It was a classic case of the swan elegantly swimming above the surface whilst a few frantically beavered below the surface to ensure a successful event.
Chris Hogg as always delivered a technical display whilst Mark Bugler and Vernon Taylor provided logistical back up. The ladies, Josie Dadd and Sharon May provided colour and softness, whilst Catherine Jacobs and Sue Stow had the unenviable job of sorting out the trophies.
After the glamour shots for the VIP's and the entry into the dining room, grace was delivered by Mark Bugler.
A silver service dinner was quickly dispatched and after speeches the prize giving was swiftly dealt with which only left the raffle and the dancing.
Commodore Kathy Claydon during her speech informed everyone that take-up of IRC had been incredibly successful with just under 50 club boats grasping the opportunity to embrace the reduced cost of getting a rating for their boat.
Rosie Wilkinson was awarded the Whittaker Trophy for her sheer determination to carry on sailing despite having dislocated a number of her fingers, photographs taken in surgery backed up by X-rays were visually displayed for the enjoyment of all.
Adrian Pattison picked up the Vincent Shield for his outstanding work in ensuring that not only club open events went smoothly but the Weymouth Regatta also was supplied with documentation commensurate with its status.
All of the recipients were skillfully snapped by John Arnold who volunteered to document their success on memory card (doesn't sound the same as film does it!)
The main raffle prize was kindly donated by the Henri Lloyd outlet shop in Weymouth - a Rio crew jacket, which was won by the Mayor! The £172-80 raised will go to the Weymouth Lifeboat.
Live music was joyfully received and delivered by the equally excitable Leggomen who were joined on rhythm guitar and backing vocals by M.C. Steve Dadd.
A weary bunch of partygoers eventually wended their way home well after 0100 hours carrying their silverware and memories of another great annual dinner.
Although celebrating the previous year's sailing, the annual dinner signals the start of the new season, with class dinners, talks and the inevitable lift-ins just around the corner. The first event of the season, the Spring open series, starts in a mere eight weeks time on the 29th March.
Submitted on 1st February 2015