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INAUGURAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING  Saturday 23rd January, 2010 SEPA's first AGM took place at The Holiday Inn in Southsea and was attended by well over half the membership, before joining with the members from ORDA for a joint forum, to discuss this season's exciting new collaboration with SEPAs promoters Ensign Craft Limited.  The Chairman - Barrie Williams - welcomed the members and called for a minutes silence to remember Alex Edmonds, who so tragically lost his life at Dover last year. Although, SEPA had cancelled their national event at Margate, due to the unfortunate circumstances, he said he was 'surprised but grateful to hear not a single criticism of our decision'. He went on to explain that the Committee felt it was 'just too close in both time and distance' and 'that the memory of that day would remain with us for ever.' He went on to say that SEPA are still determined to promote, encourage and train new competitors into the sport of powerboat racing and although it had been felt that newcomers would be recruited from powerboat clubs in the South East, it had become evident that the style of boats being used nowadays are not suitable for racing. A fantastically successful taster day at Allhallows had seen some 60 people turn up to try their hand at powerboat racing but we are still looking for growth in the sport. In pursuit of this aim, SEPA is proud to announce two fantastic new venues for 2010. Together with our Promoters - Ensign Craft Limited - and an exciting collaboration between the various offshore racing disciplines, SEPA plan to host two multi-class offshore races in the South East of England this season. These races will be fully sponsored, publicised and televised National events, coupled with a rock Concert, creating a weekend Festival of Power that is aimed at attracting thousands of spectators to a fun filled event, with something of interest for all the family. We are working hard with the Marathon and Offshore classes as well as OCR and Thundercats to produce a weekend of high profile national and international multi-class events, which bring in the crowds and where competitor costs are kept to a minimum. Live music from local and well known bands, radio road shows, together with fun fairs, markets and outdoor eateries will all help to add to the carnival type atmosphere.  The Secretary - mirrored the Chairman's comments that the first year of 'aiming to establish ourselves as a formidable RYA affiliated club had been a tough one - marred by the loss of a dear friend'. In memory of Alex, the Committee of SEPA have decided to present an award 'The Alex Edmonds Award for outstanding contribution to the sport'. This will be presented annually to a SEPA member/members to recognise their dedication or outstanding contribution or achievement over the past year, as nominated by the SEPA Committee.The RYA Championship Winners Ball will take place on the 6th February. immediately following the Brass Monkey Basic race in Poole, as well as reduced rate medicals from the RYA on the same day. Entry forms are available from RMYC. Provisional 2010 calendars were distrubuted, but this will be regularly updated on the website, as it may be subject to change before finally being ratified by the RYA. SEPA hope to host some further taster/training days but are not able to give specific details until such time as the RYA's official guidelines have been released. Again these details will be displayed on the website and you will know as soon as we know. The Secretary concluded her report by informing the members that embroidered team clothing is now available to order, details of which will soon be displayed on the website. In the meantime, please contact Sheena Williams on 01624 221600 if you would like to place an order. For a young club, SEPA are self sufficient as far as Officials are concerned - many with a number of years experience - but should anyone wish to train as an Officer, please contact The Secretary on the above number. Good luck for the 2010 season! 2010 DINNER DANCE & AWARD CEREMONY Saturday 23rd January 2010 SEPA and ORDA combined for a joint Dinner & Awards evening at The Holiday Inn, following the AGM, although most of the organisational skills belonged to ORDA's secretary Shirley Simkins, who saw that the Presentation flowed smoothly and the dinner went off without a glitch! Our thanks go to her for hard work!  The wine was flowing, the food excellent and the air buzzing with excitment for the coming season. Competitors from offshore, V24 and OCR mingled and chatted amongst each other, with an air of expectancy and a sense of renewed purpose. A great time was had by all as they boogied and toasted each other far into the night. Cliff Smith was instrumental in bringing one of the best raffles ever witnessed to a close, with nearly everyone in the room winning a prize. (The wife of the Grandaddy of OCR racing - Betty Reilly won a blackberry but she's still trying to work out which pie she can bake it in!)   As a new club, SEPA only had two Awards to present this season, with the aim being on building up a collection of Perpetual Awards to honour the achievement and contribution of our members. In honour of a dear friend lost, the SEPA Committee decided to present a perpetual shield to recognise the person/ persons who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport of powerboat racing.  The ALEX EDMOND AWARD for outstanding contribution to the Sport for 2010 goes to Steve Allen and his lovely partner Ali. Ex-racers, Steve and Ali, have since thrown themselves into providing a reliable and dedicated rescue service at our races; professional in their approach, they regularly officiate at races at their own expense, just so you can go racing. Their dedication earns them not just this honourary award, but our grateful thanks because without this support, we as organisors would find it virtually impossible to organise powerboat races. Another Perpetual Award has been donated to us by our Promoters, who have consolidated their belief in the growth of our sport by presenting a shield for the best newcomer.  The ENSIGN CRAFT AWARD for 2010 goes to Sian Williams and George Butler who made a creditable impression on the OCR B class in their first season. Not sure what sort of impression Sian has left on co-driver George though, as he is embarking on a driving career of his own for the 2011 season, in his 17' Argo. George has worked hard during the close season on perfecting the paintwork and kitting out the Finnish hull and if sneak preview reports are to be believed, its looking magnificent. We look forward to the battle of George v Sian with relish! |
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