2018 AGM President's Report

(Farewell David & thankyou!)

This was my 8th season as President of the Cavalier 28 Association and my 14th season of racing with the Cav fleet. Sadly, it is my last on both counts as I transition to the classics division following the purchase of a 1946 timber Ranger 24 gaff rig. This was not an easy decision and one made jointly with my wife who shares a similar passion for sailing and a desire to spend more time on the water together.

In this report, I wanted to reflect on what I have cherished about being a member of the Association and sailing with the Cav fleet. I write this not to indulge myself but hopefully with the encouragement and respect for my fellow Association members who share a similar passion for the Cav 28.

The Cav 28 is a wonderful boat and “pound for pound”, “dollar for dollar”, I don’t think can be matched for value when considering the combination of social day sailing, picnicking, overnight stays, twilight racing and one design racing. Little did I know how quick they were going to be and the space efficiency available in the cockpit and down below. My friends first reaction when they see a Cav is to talk about a “floating caravan” but are quickly silenced after a day out sailing either socially or competitively, when they to see their benefits. Each year I head to the Sydney Boat show and crawl over the new boats and come away with the realisation that for the money, Iam well served.

• Saturday racing has been a great joy in so many ways with the Cavs fleet. The comradery both on and off the water is the envy of many other classes. Whilst the fleet all take racing seriously, the sportsmanship, integrity and friendliness of all the crews makes this fleet special. The good natured banter, the occasional three cheers, the encouraging phone calls after a race are a delight. I regularly talk with owners of other classes and they do not share the same experience.
• One design racing makes for great racing. The starts always get the heart rate pumpingand throughout the course there is always another boat within range to match race with no matter where we are in the fleet. To think that we often have the whole fleet finish within 10 minutes after a two to three hours of racing is testament to the consistency of the racing fleet.

Our Association has a proud history and I think the traditions and standards that we have observed in terms of our class rules, annual dinners, website and reach out to all Cav owners has been a credit to the committees that have served us over the years.

• By keeping our class rules, we have enabled competitive and affordable racing. We have seen many other one design classes come and go with the those who have the deepest wallets being able to buy the newest technology.
• Our website has kept the Association connected and provided a great platform for us to share race results, sailing patterns and learn from each other.
• Our use of RaceQs has been a great introduction to review the highs and lows of each race.
• The annual dinner is one of the highlights of the year and gives us a great opportunity to celebrate each other’s success.
• We have endeavoured to include more Cav owners into our annual racing events by having non spinnaker events.
• Our Committee has always been committed to doing their best for the Association. With this in mind, I do want to call out Stephen for his discipline in our meeting governance and records and of course his wonderful Cavalcades; Peter for ensuring that our financial situation is in good shape, Craig for working with the Sydney Amateurs on racing committee and John for his work with the website and RaceQ’s

Our crews are the heartbeat of great times on our Cavs. Without doubt one of the highlights for me over my time on Quattro has been the friendship that has developed with my crew. Having spoken to all the skippers I know you all share the joys and frustrations of forming and keeping a great crew. I have very fortunate to have a consistent crew who all enjoy each others company and give their all to our races. I think our formula of racing every second week allows for a more consistent commitment to crews. I do want to acknowledge and thank all our crews for their commitment and contribution to the racing year.

In closing off, I wish everyone continued success for another great season next year. I look forward to seeing you all on the water either racing on Saturdays or enjoying a casual sail. I have kept my sail no A8 so have kept a small vestige of my association with the Cavs.

Thanks again for the privilege of serving and sailing together.

David Brown

President 2000-2018