Only a few weeks ago I was thinking what I might write in this end of year message to you all, and, just like you I’m sure, was almost assuming that Covid would be under control and we would be enjoying something more like old-fashioned freedom. Wrong!

Nevertheless, although the first few months of this year were a bit of a wash-out, a lot of club members managed to get afloat and we’ve enjoyed plenty of socialising at the club too, although not quite as actively as we might have hoped. We even managed to hold the Boat Jumble, the Laying-Up Supper, and the AGM and Christmas Party, albeit on a slightly smaller scale than in the past and, thankfully, with no reported detriment to anyone’s health at all. Let’s hope that the medical experts are right in speculating that this perishing Omicron ‘spike’ will be short-lived.

It continues to be a privilege to able to serve as your Commodore, a role made possible only with the  dedication and expertise of an excellent team in the form of the Officers and Committee and those other club members who also go out of their way to ‘make things happen’. You’ve all ensured that the club remains in good shape, and long may that continue. And as the year comes to an end, thoughts turn to planning our sailing adventures in 2022, and indeed the club’s new event calendar is already taking shape and a May cruise to St.Kats has already been booked.

I do sincerely hope, even if you are among those members who found it difficult or impossible to join in with any club activities during 2021, that you can look forward to managing more next year.

Angela and I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a successful New Year. May we all remain healthy and able to continue to enjoy the companionship of Hollowshore Cruising Club.

Best regards Dick