IN 2016, the enthusiasts at the Upper Tamar Lake Sailing Club promoted almost a hundred races in 12 series as well as staging another dozen or so ‘social’ events.

On Saturday, December 3, some fifty members of the club assembled to celebrate that successful year, to present trophies to the many winners of these contests, to eat a fine three course Christmas dinner and to shake a festive leg on the dance floor.

The venue was The Weir, the stunning glass-walled restaurant (and wildlife centre) a little way up the river from Bude.

It was remarked how unusual it was for them to see each other in heels, dresses, collars and ties rather than in waterproof, breathable coveralls and rubber boots, although they were soon raising a fine hubbub and attacking their dinners.

The presentation of cups followed. Regular readers of the year’s race reports will not be surprised to learn that many awards were made to Jane Anderson, sadly not present this year, nor the Pollard family — young James and Nathan together with, this year, their father Brian, were also major recipients.

The club has an admirable record for promoting and rewarding junior sailors and there was a big welcome for this year’s winners of the Peter Pocock Cup, Raily Graham and Arne Hamer.

When the trophies were all presented, the club’s tame disc jockey, John Weller, started the dancing music.

The club then expressed their gratitude to rear commodore Linda Spiller for organising the event and all the other social occasions, as well as thanks to Mandy Pollard, the club’s secretary and photographer extraordinaire!

Upper Tamar Lake Sailing Club will resume sailing in March. Anyone interested should visit their website at www.utlsc.org