Page 6 - Folk Boat Year Book 2022

International Liaison
Earlier this year I was invited by the chairman of the Nordic Folkboat International
Committee (NFIA), Per Buch of Denmark, to join a virtual meeting with
representatives of other countries with Folkboat Fleets. The aim of the meeting was
to see how NFIA could assist countries to further their interest in Folkboats and the
development of fleets. We discussed ways to circulate information and news stories
via NFIA resulting in a plan to create a communication sub-committee to handle
website and social media content, all countries being encouraged to send in
information and histories of their fleets. As part of our anniversary promotion we
shall be contributing Chris Baldwick’s excellent article on the history and successes of
Folkboats in the Round the Island Race, to be found in this edition. If you have an
internationally interesting story send it to: treasurer@folkboat.com.

During the discussions several countries talked of wanting to encourage more classic
and non- Nordic Folkboats into their events. I gave the example of Folkboat Week as
the premier UK FB event, and a huge success story in terms of numbers of entries and
the combination of Nordic and Open classes. What was the secret of its success they
asked? Foremost is the welcoming atmosphere of the Royal Solent Yacht Club, a
necessary ingredient to attract competitors and a recipe that attracts sponsorship,
helping to give competitors the all-important, good social experience.

Cruising Folkboats
We were very sorry to see Philip Jenkins stand down as Captain of the Cruiser fleet,
he has bought a bigger boat! What a traitor, never mind, he tells us he will still be
crewing at FB Week. Philip has been an excellent captain with a wonderful sense of
humour who has encouraged the true spirit of Folkboating at its best. Tim Cowin has
bought “Smokey”, Philips boat, and is also taking over as captain of the cruising
division, the job doesn’t normally come with the boat so we are absolutely delighted
that Tim is taking over the leadership, he is well known in the cruiser fleet. We look
forward to him joining the committee.

Along with the drive to get more cruisers taking part in events it has been good news
to hear that Kim Morley, the new Captain of the Hamble fleet, is encouraging a
separate start in some Hamble events for cruising Folkboats and providing some fun
racing and good social events. He needs owners to commit. The Hamble fleet is
growing thanks to a really good effort by Kim, particularly on the social side.
6