DAVID Jackman, the youngest Commodore in the long and distinguished history of Looe Sailing Club, presided over proceedings when the Buller Street faithful decamped from their traditional headquarters and charted a course across the river to the Hannafore Point Hotel.
A well-attended annual dinner and dance heard from Mr Jackman – who has done such sterling service on the club's behalf – that the past season had been one of ground-breaking success with a healthy influx of youngsters ensuring that Looe would achieve even greater heights in the years to come.
He thanked his president and secretary, Paul Sedgbeer, and his flag officer colleagues Dominic Lozynski (vice-commodore) and Paul Richardson (rear-commodore) for their support, and all the members who had work so tirelessly to ensure that both domestic and national championships were well run and much enjoyed.
However, Mr Jackman said that none of their efforts would have come to much without the continued backing from the local authorities, including Looe Harbour Commissioners, Looe Town Council, the East and West Looe Town Trusts and Caradon Council and he wanted those bodies to know that the club really appreciated the support which they gave the club. Looe might be a small club in terms of its accommodation and numbers but it was a giant on the national sailing stage because of its reputation, which was only enhanced by both the work of its membership and the local authorities.
Mr Jackman is coming to the end of his two-year stint as Commodore but, like that other giant White House organisation across the 'Big Pond', the transitional hand-over to a new leader will not be completed until the New Year – the elections are, in fact, set for March.
Two National championships were hosted by Looe this year and Mr Jackman thanked the shore and on-water helpers who ensured that everything ran smoothly. He also praised Brian Carvey and Paul Sedgbeer for their work in overseeing the domestic programme and water safety officer Dominic Lozynski for keeping in place the rescue service.
He said that as a result of a highly-successful Merlin Rocket Championship Week earlier this season, Looe Sailing Club was in a position to host a free gala buffet on the evening of Friday, December 5, to which were invited all those who had helped at past championships or were prepared to assist, both on and off the water, at next year's 130-boat RS Nationals – the biggest sailing title series to descend on Looe for many years.
The 'open' buffet invitation would also extend to members, friends and other supporters. Messrs Richardson, Carvey and Sedgbeer assisted in the presentation of silverware which was distributed by old friend and faithful Sailing Club supporter Craig Rich, the former BBC South West weatherman who now lives in Saltash.
Two of the biggest cheers were received for the winners of the special Jack Sargent and David Pengelly cups. The Sargent Trophy, in memory of the late illustrious Looe harbourmaster, is awarded for endeavour throughout the club, and was won by John Crabb.
He and his brother, Ben, also won the Dave Pengelly Trophy – in memory of the late much-loved yachtsman and businessman – which was awarded for their commitment to youth sailing and training.