Copy of Commodore’s speech at QYC prize giving on 1/10/05.

We now conclude the prize giving with the Commodore’s award of the Saul Salver. This was presented originally by Hugh Press to mark each year an outstanding contribution to the club by a member. I hope he will forgive me if this year I award it to four people, rather than an individual.

Arthur and Shirley Clarke, Hugh Press himself, and Pat Taggart on Salpara have provided the racing support for the club’s events once again this year – the Spring Series, Regatta and the Lifeboat race. It is not until you are on the committee boat that you realise quite how much effort goes into providing our fun. We are all sometimes guilty of taking all this for granted – we just turn up and expect a start.

They also provided the team for the Jaguar course for the 4 days of SLRW.

I have counted a total of 121 races started by this team this year alone, and it may be more.

Recalls, postponements, course shortening were all taken in their stride, not one mistake, not one request for redress from a single competitor.

Which was above and beyond the call of duty. What was really exceptional was the willingness with which Hugh stepped in at short notice when we suddenly realised neither of our usual OOD’s, John Magowan or Richard Ferguson, were available for the 2-day event in August.

Arthur, Shirley and Pat rallied round, and with Hugh as OOD the event was run with care, thought, skill, and above all professionalism,

It is for all the above reasons I have mentioned that I take great pleasure in awarding the Saul Salver to Arthur, Shirley, Hugh and Pat.

(To rapturous applause!)