On Sunday 22 August 2021, the club invited Pam Roche and her husband Steve to unveil the plaque on the new Hartley Wayfarer Seal 2. Pam represented the Hollinghurst family at the event, held in memory of Steve Hollinghurst whose generous bequest paid for the new training dinghy. In addition, the Michael Robinson Sailing Trust provided additional funding to realise this ambition. In honour of this, the boat has been named after the yacht Steve Hollinghurst owned at the Club.
The boat was purchased to promote sailing to a new generation of sailors, who can benefit from the club’s facilities and the amazing stretch of water off the Club.
Despite the inclement weather forecast the rain held off and the breeze was good enough to give the visitors and club members a spectacular view of the wayfarer in action. In fact Steve went out for a blast in the boat and came back only slightly damp from the experience! The Medway Recorder also took people for a more sedate spin around the moorings.
A dedicated group of volunteers prepared the buffet, provided tea and coffee, and even got up early to make scones and cakes for the party afterwards. Dave Burton, on behalf of the commodore, welcomed Pam and Steve and explained the context to the crowd that attended. He then invited Pam to unveil the plaque on the dinghy. At the buffet, Sid Gascogne gave an address as President, reminiscing about Steve Hollinghurst and reminding new, prospective and established members of the importance of encouraging sailing to all.
As always with events like this, there were many people who helped out before the day, and then on shore and on the water. Without naming them in case we forget someone, we just want to thank them for their time and generosity in making the day a success. Having said that, Dave Burton needs a special mention for being the driving force behind the acquisition of Seal 2 and organising and motivating the volunteers.
Photographs on the Club Facebook page for those who want to see the new boat.