By Adam Hilton

MEMBERS of Upper Tamar Lake Sailing Club met at Launcells Parish Hall on Saturday, November 23 for an action-packed evening.

With plenty to get through, cups were presented to the winners of their race series, club officers elected for 2025, before a game of skittles and a bring-and-share supper were also enjoyed. This combination of activities made for a well-packed and jovial evening!

Brian Pollard and Tash Routley.
The winner of the double hander cup was won by Brian Pollard and his crew, Tash Routley. Picture: Mandy Pollard (Mandy Pollard)

The club is fortunate in having continuity in its officers – the commodore (Adam Hilton), secretary (Vicki Duncalf) and rear commodore (Louise and Colin Witchell jointly) were all willing to stand again and were elected, leaving the vice-commodore (Nathan Pollard) and treasurer (Linda Spiller) as newcomers to their posts. Roger Heasman, who was thanked for sterling work bringing in new members, will join the 2025 committee along with Jenny Routley.

The formal part of the meeting included a review of the club’s finances; prudent management suggested a need for a small boost to income. After a lengthy freeze on membership fees, a 10% increase was voted on, making an annual individual membership a modest £27.50.

The club ran some four score races in 2024, divided into series of around eight races. Jane Anderson and Nathan Pollard were, not for the first time, the most successful sailors but Dave Perrett was a new name among those receiving a cup.

Nathan and Brian Pollard (son and father) each enjoyed a productive season. Picture: Mandy Pollard
Nathan and Brian Pollard (son and father) each enjoyed a productive season. Picture: Mandy Pollard (Mandy Pollard)

When sausage rolls, quiches and wonderful cakes had been consumed, a knockout skittles game was mounted. Once a winner, always a winner; Nathan Pollard was victorious!

The winners of the trophies were as follows, while Tash Routley took home the John Dabbs Club Award prize.

John Dabbs presenting the club award named after him to Tash Routley. Picture: Mandy Pollard
John Dabbs presenting the club award named after him to Tash Routley. Picture: Mandy Pollard (Mandy Pollard)

Barnwell Cup: 1 Jane Anderson; 2 Nathan Pollard; 3 Vicki Duncalf; Sail Boat Trophy: 1 Nathan Pollard; 2 Jane Anderson; 3 Brian Pollard and Tash Routley; Tamar Memorial Trophy: 1 Nathan Pollard; 2 Brian Pollard and Tash Routley; 3 Dave Perrett; Spalding Trophy: 1 Brian Pollard and Tash Routley; 2 Roger Heasman and crew; 3 John Dabbs and crew; Harman Cup: 1 Nathan Pollard; 2 Jane Anderson; 3 Vicki Duncalf; Commodore’s Cup: 1 Nathan Pollard; 2 Jane Anderson; 3 Dave Perrett; Frosbite Trophy: 1 Nathan Pollard; 2 Dave Perrett; 3 Brian Pollard and Tash Routley; Pursuit Trophy: 1 Nathan Pollard; 2 Brian Pollard and Tash Routley; 3 Vicki Duncalf; Midweek Tankard: 1 Dave Perrett; 2 Sue Murray; 3 John Dabbs and crew; Rogers Bowl: 1 Dave Perrett; 2 John Dabbs and crew; 3 Linda Spiller; John Dabbs Crew Award: Tash Routley.

A game of skittles, which was won by Nathan Pollard, was enjoyed by members. Picture: Mandy Pollard
A game of skittles, which was won by Nathan Pollard, was enjoyed by members. Picture: Mandy Pollard (Mandy Pollard)