Hello to all MOA members
The MOA Committee's thoughts are turning to events for the forthcoming season. A backdrop to our thoughts is a feeling that attendance at events is dwindling and that we should investigate this trend and consider what we can do to reverse it. On February 17, in Warwick, the AGM will seek to ratify a plan of official events for 2018 and we would like as much input as possible from the membership. This forum topic is an opportunity for you to contribute your thoughts and suggestions.
This coming Summer is the 25th anniversary of the first ever MacGregor gathering, on the Norfolk Broads in August 1993 - see Newsletter No 4. In order to commemorate this and to promote the club's 25 year history, the Committee is wondering whether this year we should focus our attention on a single event, a gathering of some significance and scale.
Several venues for this have been mooted: a return to the original area explored in 1993, the Norfolk Broads or the Blackwater estuary or the cruising area around Chichester. The timing of this anniversary event is, probably, the first or second week in August but this is negotiable. The August date accommodates those of school age and MOA members who work in education.
The question is: would you be interested in attending such a gathering and, if so, do you have a preference regarding the location? It doesn't have to be one of the three mentioned.
Do any have alternative suggestions for any sort of gathering that you think might attract interest?
There are many other questions that relate to what the 133 members want from the MOA. For me, being in the association has been about joining events that have helped me to develop my sailing skills, getting me to visit new cruising grounds and allowing me to meet new folk. I always find the Newsletter interesting and I find the Forum topic's particularly useful. There is an amazing record of events in the website library of Newsletters and, under Resources, all the on-line threads relating to events during the digital age are available - a fascinating mine of information about our boats and where they can take us.
I am not sure what more the MOA can do but it would be good to hear from members (especially from the silent majority who rarely contribute to forums or attend events) with any thoughts about the way things are or about the way things might be. This is your chance! At the very least, let us know your thoughts on this Summer's gathering.
When it comes, have a Happy New Year - and I hope to hear from you or perhaps see you, in 2018.
Quentin Sands, past owner
1991 26C Mrs MacGregor
1993 Mac19, Margarita
Hi everyone
Bobbie and I hope to fit in a bit more sailing in 2018. We are happy with all the usual options either UK or overseas. We fully understand the reason behind the idea to focus on one significant event and no doubt there will be opportunities for some folk to fix up some sailing in company here or there.
Having said that, unfortunately we would not be able to attend in those first 2 weeks of August. We are committed from 6 August to 17 August.
I recall the 21st year event was held at the back end of August. It seemed to work. It's just a suggestion - I guess it's a matter of finding what's best for the moajority. (That's a typo but I've left it in - moa - jority - geddit?)
PS We're not able to commit to attending the AGM at the present time - we hope we can get there but we have to hang loose until about a fortnight before the date.
Regards to all
Hello all
As relatively new members, we are currently 'getting to know' our 26X, and so do not plan to venture too much further afield than the Solent during the forthcoming season --- though Chichester and surrounds might not be too far to contemplate.
As to dates, we are tied by my shift work and an Ambulance Service reluctance to grant leave to coincide with the dates requested. That said, July seems to be preferable to August as things stand at the moment. The best we can hope is to be able to fit in with the majority view, even if it means we can only join the party for a day or two.
Thanks for all the hard work Quentin --- we look forward to hearing more as and when.
Best wishes to all --- and ifit's not too late --- a Happy New Year, too.
Stuart and Judy McWilliam
'Just Add Water', Mac 26X, Hythe Sailing Club.
Hi All
I think a 25 year event would be a great idea - the 21 year one was very good. I dont mind where any of the proposed would be good and the time of year ok too
Happy New Year!
Rod and Jill
so far I have reserved August 11th for a week but can be flexible with adequate notice . Te earlier we can decide tthe better....at latest at the AGM but its alwauys good to get a broad idea beforehand so
PLEASE HAVE YOUR SAY.....also re venue....South Coast , East Coast , West Country ....wherever.
We are really keen to focus on a SINGLE MAJOR EVENT this year
but PLEASE ALSO MAKE SUGGESTIONS (with proposed dates ) FOR YOUR LOCAL AREA IF YOU ARE WILLING TO SUPPORT THEM
Roly Simpson
It will be hard to repeat Stephen Hinde's 21st anniversary muster. I wasn't there but it seems to have gone down in history.
I would be happy to help out and share some local knowledge on the River Blackwater, West Mersea and the River Crouch if members fancy this part of East Coast.
Plenty of good sailing to be had with good winds and fair weather, otherwise there is the bar and local pub.
I haven't visited yet but the Walton Backwaters come recommended.
The area is very busy in Summer and visitors moorings get booked up early.
I don't have any dates in mind as Mrs A hasn't booked our holidays yet but she does plan for us to be in Provence sometime in August
http://www.bradwellmarina.com/
http://www.wmyc.org.uk/
https://www.rya.org.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/emails/uptospeed/Walton%2...
http://www.visitmyharbour.com/harbours/east-coast/walton-backwaters/
Simon Armitage
Sowenna (26M)
I don't have any dates in mind; Mrs A hasn't booked the holidays yet.
Hi Quentin,
As a very new owner and member I don't really feel qualified or entitled to have a say about where and when the 25th meet should be held, however you do say in your request "it would be good to hear from members (especially from the silent majority who rarely contribute to forums or attend events) "
So my preference would be for somewhere not too far away, which means the South or East as my towing & sailing experience with a Mac is small. I am very tempted by the Broads as that's where I started sailing a trailer sailer some 40 years ago and it would be great to return. Good weather can make or break a sailing trip and I feel that on balance June/July are usually kinder than August but being a man of leisure I can probably make most times.
Well, that's my Twopenny's worth - for what its worth.
Regards,
John Pompei
ASHANTI 2008M
PS I'm thinking of having ASHANTI Coppercoated does anyone have any experience of this 'cos its blinking expensive (mostly the costs are the prep and the fact that the yard is proposing to epoxy first )
Mrs A has reminded me that if we are to go to France this August, it would suit us if the East Coast Muster (if it were to happen) should be at either the beginning or end of August to give us a clear run, so to speak, otherwise July is good, so far.
I'm looking for a tow car right now as, after 5 years or so of not towing, I'm getting itchy feet.
So, I'll hopefully be able to go anywhere come spring so I really don't mind where. The important thing for me is when! The calender is beginning to fill so the sooner the dates are published the better.
Hi Quintin
I have not ever attended the AGM and would love to but again not to be This year. . We will be doing our usual get together here in Ireland . All welcome to join us on the River Shannon. Two events are being planned. One on the Lower Shannon... Killaloe to Limerick City and on down river to Kilrush and beyond .No.2 event Athlone to Lanesboro on Lough Ree. Again for anyone intrested ALL ARE WELCOME
Hi Tom, good to hear from you. So you're taking on the Ardnacrusha again...very brave. If you get to the point that you have firm dates for your trips, let us all know. Lough Ree is on my list for the future. Either way, have a great 2018 and look forward to seeing you again sometime. Love to the Irish. Quentin
Quentin Sands, past owner
1991 26C Mrs MacGregor
1993 Mac19, Margarita
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