5
The Round the Island this year was a slow race, Stralende, the winner taking 11.06
hours, was still hotly pursued with Crackerjack and Mistral finishing within seven
minutes of them. Just for the record Stralende has won the last four years. They
obviously have learnt something!
Can I please remind you all, that we receive commission from insuring with GJW
direct. This really helps our finances and keeps our subs down.
Finally, to the Committee that have supported Nicky and I so strongly all year long.
They have all worked hard to put the best interest of the Folkboat Association at the
top of all our endeavours. A huge thank you to them for their efforts.
Secretary’s Report - Nicky Henderson
As you know I took over as Secretary from Tony Blachford on the 1st May 2018 and
was given a very comprehensive hand over, for which I would like to thank both Tony
and Debbie. I took possession of a hard drive, some 10 or so large boxes of archive
material and a tin box with a card index of every Folkboat known to the Association.
The tin box has proved to be invaluable! I hope to get this information transferred
to a detailed database this year. As I am sure you are aware a database is only as
good as the information in it. I would appeal to members to please inform me of any
changes in their details, or their boat’s.
Also, if you come across a boat that you do not know, please note the name, number
and any other details you can and even persuade the owner to become a member.
Another appeal: I am in the throes of preparing the Yearbook for the Website. I have
some contributions but am looking for more and photographs. If not for this year,
please keep it in mind for next year.
I have struggled with the website and the Committee have kindly said I can have a
day with our website builders in the hope that I can become more proficient.
The number of Nordic Folkboats in this country is fairly static, due to the cost of
importation, exchange rates and no doubt Brexit. Quite a few boats have changed
hands over the winter. We have had a few new members and I know of a few more
coming.
The British and cruising Folkboat numbers are definitely declining; it is a lot more
difficult to keep in touch with what happens to these boats. Unfortunately, I have
heard of several boats that have come to the end of their sailing lives. As we all
know the cost of maintaining a wooden boat is close to prohibitive and a labour of
love. Let’s hope that with the heightened interest in classic boats and a more active
section in the Association the trend can be reversed.
I would like to thank David Gredley, who has dealt with anything remotely technical
for me. Also, thanks to the Royal Lymington Yacht Club for the use of their facilities
and the Royal Solent for coming to my rescue when my printer let me down.
