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On all counts, this turned out to be an outstanding event, in spite of the snow which blanketed most of the country during the Friday before, giving rise to great despondency in the press, but which deterred all but two of our intrepid members coming from Paris, Scotland, Yorkshire, Cheshire, West Wales, Norfolk, Suffolk and Sussex. Attendance at the AGM was the highest for several years, and by lunchtime only two out of 34 people failed to reach St Katherine’s Docks.

The Committee usually meet before the AGM, and on this occasion we got through the agenda quickly and rearranged the main cabin aboard “Repertor” in time for the AGM at midday, which was nevertheless delayed by 15 minutes so that a few members who had phoned ahead could arrive. After the Commodore welcomed everybody, he reported the sad news that the previous owner of A17 Gambol had passed away just before Christmas.

The Hon. Secretary’s report and Accounts were accepted, and it was noted that during 2012 many boats had “flown the flag” at various classic boat events around the coast. Members are encouraged to check the “Events” section of the AOA website, and plan their voyages accordingly.

Another item of business was to agree that the AOA Constitution be amended so that owners of the Fairey Fisherman may become full members of AOA.

Next, Officers and Committee members for 2013 were elected, please see the forthcoming Spring Newsletter for full Minutes of both meetings.

Our Patron Alistair Currey then presented the AOA Annual Trophies as follows:

John Searle Trophies for outstanding restorations – A71 Blue Jackaroo, A141 Rakia & A148 Johara
Wooden Boat trophy for winner of the East Coast Race – A183 Bluster
Odling Trophy for Best Technical Article – A142 Sugar Plum for important and helpful information about keels
Etchells trophy for Best Log – A118 Walrus for Andy’s account of their voyage to France
Currey Trophy for Most Adventurous Voyage – A45 Tammy Norrie for A Race Too Far
Sinclair Trophy for Services to AOA – A16 Devorguilla for individual assistance to very many owners
Because there were so many excellent Bulletin articles this year, our Patron generously awarded runner-up prizes of a Captain Currey Bosun’s Knife to A162 Salone, A183 Bluster and A184 Aquilo II.

A buffet lunch followed, and although “Repertor” doesn’t have a bar licence everyone present took the opportunity to mingle and enjoy each others’ company, along with the excellent menu.

After lunch, the owner of “Repertor” gave a highly informative talk about the history of Thames Barges, and Atalanta owners were particularly interested in how the barges raised and lowered their huge masts whilst “shooting” Thames bridges, manned only by one man and a boy.

This was followed by another talk by Martin Bennett and a lively discussion, about the different methods of sealing Atalanta keelboxes.

The day ended at 16:00. Hopefully, a good time was had by all, and everyone returned home safely despite the snow. I feel very proud to belong to such a determined and resourceful Association.

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