Soon after Maj. Gen. Odling became the Hon. Sec. of the AOA in 1975, he instituted the East Coast Rally and Race as an annual event at West Mersea on the Essex coast. The Rally coincides with the Town Regatta in August when yacht races on the Saturday are organised by the West Mersea Yacht Club. Atalantas sail as a class, slotted into the club’s programme and the club presents the winner with a tankard (Now the first three are presented with a plate). The AOA also awards the Atalanta Trophy (wooden model) originally donated by the Fairey Marine Company for the Round the Island Race mentioned above. The West Mersea Race attracts Atalantas based on the East Coast and entries annually number from 4 – 9. After the race, members and their crews socialise and watch the town water sports. In the evening, all are invited to supper by Bill Margaret Odling at their home, The Gun House, Fingringhoe, a few miles away. There they always find a great welcome and a splendid meal in a picturesque barn. (The evening event is now held in East Mersea).
continues in The Scout Hut
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Results over the years (table extract to simplify updating)