We had a good turn-out of members  at this extra meeting, arranged at relatively short notice at The Old Ship Inn, Heybridge Basin on the River Blackwater. We all enjoyed a wonderful lunch in good company on a mild and sunny autumn day, with a ringside seat to watch the comings and goings on the river. This is an event which it would seem worthwhile to repeat and possibly also arrange in other areas where members congregate.

Those present received their Autumn issue of the Bulletin, other members will receive theirs in the post shortly.

27th-29th August 2011:  Bradwell Meet. This annual event is held at Bradwell Marina on the River Blackwater, Essex.  Once more interested non-members are welcome to join us by boat or other available transport.  There may be the possibility of hitching a ride for a sail in company  or, if there are sufficient numbers a Match Race will take place, weather permitting. This event is usually hosted by our President but unfortunately he will not be able to do so this year. If no other ‘Host Boat’  is forthcoming the event may have to be cancelled.  Again please contact us for confirmation and for further details.

Members should, by now, have received their copy of the Spring Bulletin.  Please note that the telephone number for the Plans Secretary is incorrect on the inside of the back cover. It is however correct in the front cover so please refer there should you wish to contact him.  We apologise for the error.

Rarely do we come across a book of such specific interest to our members. Cevamp is a 26ft Eventide built by former EOA member Alex Williamson. During the building a Builders Meet was held at his home, a pub in mid-Wales, which was reported in the members Bulletin of Winter 1986. One of our current members remembers attending the meet. Cevamp, sail number YM1202 was launched in July of that year. Unfortunately by that time Alex was no longer fit enough to do much sailing and so use of the boat fell to his son Mike and future daughter-in-law Jackie.

The book is a wonderful tale of the early sailing adventures of the boat and of the couple during their courtship, played off against the frequent foul weather of the Irish Sea. As Jackie gets to grips with sailing skills we visit with her the harbours of the area, meet up with interesting people and enjoy the wildlife. It is a highly recommended, entertaining read, both as a story of romance and a recounting of sailing adventures and should interest not only sailing enthusiasts but also the less nautically inclined members of their families. This well written book is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable sailing books we have ever reviewed.

The book can be ordered from all good book shops by quoting the ISBN number. It is also available on line from Amazon or can by ordered direct from the author by emailing wordaid@btinternet.com. There is an additional charge of £2.50 to cover post and packing.