Dear Fellow Members,
We do hope that all of the membership, their family and friends are keeping well and in good form in these uniquely difficult times.
With the Government announcement on the 10 May that restrictions are released from 13 May
for unlimited personal outdoor recreation with members of their own household, or with one other person subject to social distancing it was something of a relief to hear early last week the RYA announce that following their work and representations on behalf of their 112,000 members that all forms of watersport are included in the list of permitted outdoor recreation. There is very good guidance as to the details on the RYA website. Whilst we are not for the time being allowed to sleep on board (i.e. boats are treated the same as caravans, second homes and campers) at least we have just seen the reopening of marinas, yards and clubs to allow some work on boats and day sailing. We all look forward one day to the return of some form of hospitality to allow Yacht Clubs, bars and restaurants to resume welcoming us. The RYA to whom we are an affiliated class have done a good job with collective representation on this one.
We received our first members report of enjoyment of the newly permitted sailing facilities from Peter Hooper from the Crouch who cast off for his first sail at lunchtime on the 14 May on TRINCO. Peter described the moment of unfurling his headsail and sailing as pure joy to be back on the water.
In view now of the current position and after consultation last week with the organising members, Simon Jollands, Richard Pickance (South Coast Rally) and Kevin Thornton and Peter Hooper (East Coast Rally) we have no option now other than to sadly say as there will be no permitted venue hospitality in our venues, and a big part of the fun of these rallies is the class fellowship meeting members off the water, that both are now postponed. If circumstances permit we hope to schedule them later in the season, possibly on a slightly less formal basis than previously enjoyed. We have an electronic committee meeting on 1 July and will know more then about the shape of things for the forthcoming months.
For a bit of fun we are planning a meeting on Zoom on the Saturday evening of the Rally Weekend on Saturday 27 June at 18 00 hours for 1 hour, for those interested or whom have entered the Rallies and anyone else in the Class who is interested in joining. The idea is to have a drink and gossip, with two talks.
Kevin Thornton who has planned the local hosting of the East Coast event will speak about the planned venue, the River Medway and Cruising Captain
Simon Jollands will be taking us on a tour of some of his favourite Solent venues. The talks will each be of about 10 to 15 minutes, leaving time for discussion about each. If you would be interested in joining the meeting please let us know by email in advance and we will include you on the list of invitees.
Mention of the Committee meeting date earlier reminds me to say that if anyone has any ideas for suggested meet ups of our membership in other regions, when regulations etc permit it then please let us know and we can do our best to facilitate it, and we can review this in committee.
Also, on the subject of the East Coast, Roland Elworthy (VIM) has in recent times been appointed as Manager of Harbour Marine Services based at Ipswich Yacht Haven and Roland enjoys any CO 26 projects and the inter reaction with other members / owners. With this in mind for any east coast or other owners he will tells us he will offer a 10 % discount on parts and labour.
The committee agreed at our last committee meeting to proceed with an order for a small re-run of the popular 50th Anniversary book and this is being commissioned with the printers. For cost reasons it will be in paperback format. We have a few advance expressions of definite interest and if anyone would like to go on the list could you let us know please.
After some years of little contact with our friends from across the pond we have been delighted to hear from Paul Carter the owner of a 1979 J J Taylor sail no 230. Paul started the popular Facebook page Contessa 26 Facebook page some time ago, which runs in addition to the Associations Facebook page. About half the members are North American, but the group has worldwide interest. With a group of about 8 they are in the early days of deciding how to progress with a local Association and in the meantime have started a “virtual yacht club” for their local membership. Most of the local boats are of course Taylors. We have been exchanging interesting news in some detail and we look forward to further friendship and contact with them. More should follow on this in our Annual Magazine with hopefully contribution and an update from them.
In common with everyone we are greatly missing the CO 26 season. The timing of this email would normally be themed with a reminder and gentle “push” forwards final entries for our June Rallies. We guess like many others we have become avid Zoomers and Houseparty users for contact with family and friends. These are something we in common, we suspect with many others, hadn’t even heard of 3 months ago.
We look forward to some CO 26 sailing soon.
Mike and Barbara.