The East Coast OGA held their Area AGM at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club on Saturday 31, October 2026. This year we were accommodated in the new Woolverstone Room, next to the Clubhouse, which provided us with an excellent, comfortable space with light refreshments, presentation facilities and access to the Club bar if required. The AGM was preceded by a most interesting illustrated talk by Sarah Curtis, outlining the history of Harry King & Son (aka King’s Boatyard) at Pin Mill on the River Orwell. Sarah’s ten years of research is due to be published by Golden Duck later this year and promises to be a fascinating book.
49 members sat down for the AGM at 5.30pm, chaired by Paul Masters, Area President. three members sent apologies and two joined the meeting via Zoom. The minutes from last year were read and approved. Matters arising from the 2025 Minutes were addressed by Area Secretary, Pete Elliston and the meeting continued with the President’s and Secretary’s reports.
Treasurer, Yvonne Graham presented the annual accounts which were accepted by the meeting. Nick presented a summary of the work undertaken over the year by the Communications & Event Management sub-Committee, thanking members for contributing content and noting our increased visibility in the national Press. Ed Roberts reported on the Handicap and Racing Committe’s work, noting that all calculations and adjustments are published on the website and that, if necessary, a standing protest committee is available for disputes. Pete Elliston introduced Marie-Louise Ferrigno, who joins the Committee to take over the Gaffling Project on the East Coast, and summarised progress and plans for the fleet.
Election of Officers
Paul Masters had intended to stand down but, in the absence of any nominations for President he agreed to serve as President for a further year, carried by a show of hands.
Jodi Warren stood as the new Area Secretary, taking over from Pete Elliston who stood down at the end of his three-year term, carried by a show of hands.
Sarah Adie stood down from the Committee, having served for three years.
All remaining current and new Committee members agreed to stand en bloc and were duly voted in by a show of hands.
The AGM closed at 1900 allowing time for the prize giving
Summer Cruise presentation of the Two Rivers Race (Butt & Oyster trophy & plaque) and Victor Ludorum, awarded to ‘Transcur’ (Pete & Clare Thomas)
At the end of the Summer Cruise, Steve Yates was asked to judge between the 11 boats completing the passage to Southwold and award the Teamac Concours d’Elegance trophy.
2nd place: ‘Gilda’ (Des Trollop)
Winner: ‘Glee’ (David Fairhall not present, collected by Pete Elliston on his behalf)
Bateman’s Tower Trophy (now a painting) awarded to Ian Young for going ‘above & beyond’ in donating the Gaffling ‘Shrimp’ to the East Coast OGA.
Bermudan points Series won by ‘Hussar’ (Carey Stephenson & Ken Crudgington)
Dinghy Points Series won by ‘Shrimpling’ (Georgina Tall & Marie Louise Ferrigno)
Needham Trophy, for gaffer over 100, awarded to ‘Transcur’ (Pete Thomas)
Tom Felgate Memorial Gaffer Points Series
Third place: ‘Capriccio’ (not present, Paul Cook, accepted on his behalf by Steve Yates)
Second place: ‘Crow’ (Will Harvey)
Winner: ‘Transcur’ (Pete & Clare Thomas)
Pete Elliston was presented with a gift in recognition of his service over the past three years as Area Secretary & Vice President.
Sarah Adie was presented with a bouquet for her work on the Committee over the past three years.
Flowers were also presented to Jodie Warren in anticipation of her involvement as the new Area Secretary.
Supper was served at 1930. Grateful thanks are extended to all the staff at Royal Harwich Yacht Club, once again, for providing us with an excellent venue for the talk and AGM, the Woolverstone Room, as well as superb catering and service in the bar and dining room afterwards.
You must be logged in to post a comment.