YOB's (Youths on Boats) Prizegiving Party
A record number of YOBs with their families and friends gathered at the club for the annual YOBs prizegiving and disco on Friday 2nd Jan. Despite cold winter weather and the post Xmas blues the turnout was impressive. Although the poor weather during the summer prevented completion of the planned YOBs series of races, and accordingly the winning of the prizes for that, trophies were still awarded,.
Memorial Cup Cadet of the Year Tom Rees
Digby Cup Most Prominent Racer Sophie Atkins
Peter Rose Cup Most Impoved Thomas Williams
Yates Challenge Cup Highest Achiever Cory Ronayne
WSC Cadet Cup Most Enthusiastic Alice Perrett
The If Only…! Most Enteraining Alice Perrett
Autumn Dinghy Cup Autumn Series Ross & Craig Groves
Thomas Williams {TH as he is known by his friends} joined the party over the internet as he now lives in the Caribbean.
The prizes were presented by our Commodore during a short ceremony which was dutifully attended by most, but skilfully avoided by a small number of the younger (and smaller) members who hid under the buffet table at the other end of the room.
After his election as captain by secret ballot, Nathan Moss took on the responsible task of handing out raffle prizes, gently reminding one of his fellows that taking a bottle of wine “for mother” would not be permitted. Many thanks to Michelle Samways for her ticket selling skills – raising enough to pay for all the refreshments.
Before feeding time, the YOBs were invited to risk plunging their hands into a mystery box; prizes being given for the correct identification of such interesting objects as a lobster, a stuffed parrot, a model boat and a lighthouse. Many guessed all the answers correctly, although we were assured there was no cheating.
A superb buffet supper followed, enough to feed everyone (much to one starving Coffee Club member’s relief). Then, with the disco turned up, the evening started to really take off. Groups formed in various parts of the room, the cool teenagers shunning the music at first; but Sooty’s clever playing of some old standards got the more active grown-ups moving and the ice was broken. More up to date numbers attracted, in turn; girls dancing together, boys dancing together, then everyone moving to “Mamma Mia”. Some athletic demonstrations of break dancing followed; both on the dance floor and out on the deck.
A good deal of energy was expended by all; we had a memorable evening, enjoyed ourselves and behaved ourselves; even the oldies! Thank you to Sooty for the brilliant (and free) disco. Thanks and congratulations to the Samways family for all their hard work for the YOBs throughout the year and particularly for organising this event so successfully.
Rob Atkins
