Most sailing clubs have innovative events planned to start off the New Year. The Ripon Sailing Club started off the New Year in style with an annual prize giving ceremony followed by dinner. This is an annual event and this year it was held on 28th January, Saturday with the Annual General Meeting taking place on 29th. It also happens to be the 60th anniversary year for the club. Hence, there are several other events lined up that have had a promising start with this dinner and awards ceremony.

The dinner was a chance for the club to showcase talent of the different members, both young and old. There had been several series races and trophies won in 2016 for which awards were handed out at this event. Many even won armfuls of trophies. Several had engraved glasses as well as silver trophies to take home, handed to them by honorary members like Christ Wright and Commodore Bernard Clark of the club.

The Bellwood trophy was awarded to those who have rendered significant service to the club down the years. For instance, Judith Hart received an award for his longstanding service in administration activities of the club, along with a voucher for a Croatia Yacht Charter. Steve Jackson was given Trier’s Trophy as he had begun new in 2016 and had gotten himself a boat to dedicate his skills to learning the ropes of sailing.

After the prizes were handed out the members were then treated to a meal catered by Advent Catering. There was dancing as well to the tunes of Ceilidh. For those who attended it was surely a great night to enjoy and celebrate.

And for the club it was a wonderful way to start the New Year. The following day AGM planned certain rule changes that would apply to the racing format to be followed this year. Many other celebrations were also planned during this meeting.