Dear member,

I’m sorry that this letter is a bit late but we just had to make a quick trip to the BVI as skipper and mate to stand in for someone who had to cry off at the last moment. What a chore! We had last been there in 1974 when we did our Atlantic circuit and there had not been too many changes. Obviously there were many more boats about but only a small proportion of the charter boats were out so early in the season. All the best anchoring places are now occupied by dozens of well spaced out mooring buoys, free during the day, but $US 25 for the night, OK for a crewed up charter yacht but a real financial burden for the private cruiser.  There were also more marinas and hotels but all pretty discreet and nothing high rise. 

We had good weather for our week but the previous six days had seen more rainfall than in the previous 6 years. I had expected to be able to get weather updates from the local weather guru David Jones (my namesake) who had helped me keep clear of hurricane Lenny on a delivery trip in 1999.  Those of you who have done the ARC or sailed in those waters may have used his services.  Unfortunately, I heard whilst I was out there, that he had died prematurely.  A sad loss to the cruising community.

It was a pleasure to see that the birds have taken the proliferation of boats in their stride. The Pelicans were working their team fishing game; the Frigate Birds were soaring high above the island tops and the Brown Boobies (Gannet look a likes) were diving for fish. At one marina remarkably tame Turnstones were gobbling up crumbled biscuits on the dock next to the boat.

I attended a talk the other evening given by a broker about buying and selling boats. I expected to get some real tips to pass on, but it was all pretty obvious.

- Clean the boat with a lady’s critical eye, and make the boat smell sweet.

- Take all your personal effects off, and remove portable equipment, but do not leave any holes in instrument panels etc.

- The boat should be equipped as per a new boat sail away inventory.

- Liferaft, dinghy and out board should not be included, and should not even be mentioned until negotiations are complete as offers will be made to include these items.

- Provide as much historical information as you can about the provenance of the boat and equipment, with supporting documentation if possible, and do not hide any problems. They will eventually be found out by survey and a promising deal may fall through.

Likewise it is very important when buying a boat to ensure that all the paperwork is in order, preferably bills of sale from construction. Although you might be happy about the sparsity of this information will the person to whom you are selling the boat be as relaxed? Full Part One registration is a real benefit on resale.

Best wishes for Christmas and happy sailing next season

Yours

David 

 

ANNUAL DINNER

This will be held on Friday 9th January at the East India Club.  The price has taken a hike this year but we still hope to see lots of old and new faces.  The application form and further details is at the back of this Newsletter.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

For those members who do not pay their subscriptions by Standing Order please be reminded that the £15 annual subscription is due on 1st January 2004. It should be paid to the Hon. Sec. Marjorie Selby at the address at the head of this Newsletter.

NEW MEMBERS 

Ketil Karlsen            R32 HEIDI                  Stavanger

Stuart McDiarmid     R32 MORWENNA     Peel, I.O.M

 

 

WEB SITE

At my request, as I am computer illiterate, Andrew has added a help button to explain the operation of the ROA Forum. I printed the four pages out so as have them to hand whilst going into the section and found them a great help.

 

SOUTH COAST

VP Barry Thunder

The annual laying up supper was held once again at Landers in Haslar Marina.

33 owners and guests attended and everyone enjoyed good food and the company of other Rival owners. Our President made a special award to Andrew Gardener for all the hard work he had done in setting up the ROA web site, and as importantly for continuing to make the site such an important part of the ROA. Five owners brought boats to Haslar and at least three members embarked on a wild and windy sail together on Sunday morning in a lightweight French made boat just to confirm that you are better off sailing in a Rival in such conditions.  Note - See Fun Stuff

The Folly Meet is set for the weekend of 22/23 May 2004. So don’t forget the date for your diaries.

 

EAST COAST

VP ERIC ORME

Eric is arranging a lunch time Meet for February. Details will be posted on the web site as soon as they are confirmed. You can register an interest by emailing him at eric.orme#audience.co.uk

                                                                                

                                                                                  SCOTLAND

VP LES MORISON

Les intends to have a Dinner at the same venue in Stirling in February. Date to be confirmed.

 

WEST COUNTRY

VP MICHAEL SMITH

There was a lowish turnout with 15 members and friends at the Salcombe Yacht Club for the Autumn Meet on September 27th .  Numbers were boosted at the last minute by the arrival of R38 RIVAL SPIRIT from the Solent area to join R41 WILD ROVER and R34 WILLIWAW. Her owners were willingly press-ganged into joining the party. Also present were R38 MALISH and the new and former owners of TENACITY II. As ever the SYC put on a very good dinner and conversation flowed freely until the imminent departure of the last water taxi required the revellers presence on the quayside.

Next season’s Meets will probably in the Yealm (May) and Fowey (October) -to be confirmed.

 

 ANNUAL DINNER

 

THE PRESIDENT and OFFICERS of THE RIVAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Request the pleasure of your company at the ANNUAL DINNER to be held as usual at the EAST INDIA CLUB in the CANADIAN ROOM, on Friday 10th January 2004 at 1900 for 1930. 

Tickets (including table wine) are £30 for each member and one partner.  Additional guests £35 each.  Dress - Jacket and tie/ Skirt. 

Please return the reply slip to the President by Monday 6th January 2004, which is the final cut-off date for diners.  Last year we had to turn away Members so please book early.

 Mrs Jane Ashe  Penhale Cottage, Shoe Lane, Upham, SOUTHAMPTON SO32  1JJ

Tel  01489 860396

ANNUAL DINNER

PLEASE RESERVE........MEMBER PLACES for the Rival Association Dinner at the EAST INDIA CLUB on the 9th January 2004 at £32.00 each and ......... GUEST PLACES at £35 each.

I enclose my cheque for £............ (Payable to the Rival Owner's Association)

From.........................................................Address..........................................................

............................................................………………………………………………..

………………………………………………...........................Tel..................……….

BOATS AND GEAR FOR SALE

For Sale