Page 6 - Folk Boat Year Book 2023

We are now a four division fleet through the introduction of the one metre class with
nearly a dozen radio controlled models on the water, giving the opportunity for
winter racing for those in need. This form of racing has been popular in Hamburg, the
concept being to have the same hull colour and sail number as your proper boat and
a massive electric samovar of gluhwein as a trophy to keep spirits high.

We look forward to podium finishes from Madeline at the Nordic Gold Cup in Tallinn
where 70 Folkboats from Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and the UK are
expected (so no pressure Ed) Ed Donald is also representing the UK fleets at the
Folkboat International Cup in San Francisco

Most of you will be aware of the recent loss of two stalwart Folkboaters, John Bence,
Commodore of RLYC amongst many other accomplishments and owner of Box Clever,
and John Whyte, also RLYC, our recent Class Captain, owner of Scaramouche and
keen golfer. Both Johns offered me lots of advice (mostly wanted) and camaraderie
and John Whyte in particular introduced me to the bonhomie of Folkboating - aka
Friday afternoons in the Chequers. They are both sadly missed and our thoughts go
to their families.

I am shortly leaving for Australia,
initially to stay with Chris and Carrie
Hills (Padfoot) near Sydney before
travelling up to Darwin to sail to
Singapore via Bali and any other
islands we bump into along the way.
Please be kind to James during my
four-month absence which will sadly
include Folkboat Week. In the
meantime, I wish you good sailing,
good drinking and good luck.

Water Music, my home for 4 months

6