Well two actually. Prior to the Prize Giving in the autumn
efforts were made to identify and locate club trophies. This was largely
successful with records of holders of the recent past and the current holders
now being on file. The main starting point for any trophy search is “A Century
of Sail” by John McMillan –the club’s centenary record. I am reliably informed
that the original research about trophies for this volume was conducted by Jean
Cheyne, honorary member, former Secretary and still involved in the club.
However we are left with just a few mystery items. As follows


The Lord Brassey Challenge
Trophy. This was
presented in 1904 and it has a long history. What the “Century of Sail” fails to
mention is that it is, to put it politely, of quite a distinctive appearance. I
can vouch that, having had it perched on the top of a unit previously, it is an
acquired taste. It is ugly. On the base is an ink well with, either side, two
large ram’s horns.


The Nigg Cup.
This is probably a cup presented in 1901 and which does not have an inscription.
It is so known because it has been used over a number of decades [but not
recently] for a race between Invergordon and Cromarty / Nigg. This race is to be
re-instituted this year so this another reason to find it.

If you have these trophies or know where they are then you may contact me (John Burgis) in
confidence. An amnesty is in force

The RYA Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace, London 1st and 2nd of March

This is a really worthwhile event, unlike the now much degraded London Boat Show.

Two free tickets are on offer from the RYA. You just have to represent the club at RYA “Club briefings”. Contact me (John Burgis) to find out how you get them. There are a multitude of other talks and training sessions available. With topics as diverse as “Rig Tuning”, “Tactics” and even“Posture and Hiking” – I know a few folk who should be making a bee-line for that one. And this on top of stands that represent virtually every dinghy class and all the equipment manufacturers.


 

RNLI Invergordon 19th February @ 7.30pm

Visit the local RNLI Station. Danny and Howie will be doing their double act on “Sea Safety” after an introduction to the Station and The Boat. These guys are at the sharp end of safety at sea so this will be a
worthwhile and interesting night.



The Two Daves. Marine Hotel, Invergordon 5th March @ 7.30pm

Dave Allan will be giving an illustrated talk on his, trip to the Albacore Worlds at Abersoch last summer. Get all the highlights here! 

Dave Bilsland, our self-confessed Rules Specialist, will give an insight into recent rules changes.



Officer of the Day Instruction 16th March at IBC

Dave Bilsland [yes the same one] will draw on his vast experience on International Race Committees to set us right on the essentials. We all need to sit in on this one.


Spring Meeting, Marine Hotel, Invergordon 26th March @ 7.30pm

Now a Starter for 10 for the new season with social undertones. Get to grips with the programme and take some refreshment as well. 
 
Ist Aid Course, IBC 29th March @ 9.00am

Jacqui Sleeman will refresh your knowledge and instruct you in the essentials.


 

Stuart has the arrangements well in hand. It takes place on 18th and 19th April [changed from previous] and there are still a few places available. If you are interested then you should contact Stuart at paterson.stroma@gmail.comor 01808 521386

A good night was had by all on Wednesday the 5th of February at Ardross hall, in a talk from Donald Mackenzie on sailing in the Fastnet race on a 40ft boat, EOS. Donald has also participated in several other races on EOS, and a trip to the Sydney-Hobart dosent seem completly ridiculous in the future
Happy Sailing!