Planning a Winter Talks Programme

Published 22:16 on 7 Nov 2025

Winter refreshers for those with withdrawal symptoms.

Many members will remember the very successful Friday evening talks run by Dennis Shepherd and Mike Bartlett in the halcyon days before Covid changed the world. They used to provide a reminder about boating activities and add a scent of salt water during the cold winter months. Last year the training team ran a day on electronic navigation which was well received by those who attended. Following this, we felt that there may be some interest in reviving the Friday night talk on a once-a-month basis from January to April this winter, either on a Friday evening or a Sunday morning. The format would be a short presentation followed by discussion or activity in total lasting about an hour and a half, prior to adjourning to the bar for a pie and a pint. If this trial run is successful, then an extended programme could be considered for the winter of 26/27.

Our thoughts are to try to include all types of boating activity, power and sail, undertaken by Club members. In order to do so we would like members to let us know if there are any topics or activities that they would like included. To get this off the ground we have put together a very short survey (4 questions) which we hope members will respond to. The survey is online and can be accessed here: WINTER TALKS SURVEY

The survey will close on 14 November. We will use the results to guide our planning for the proposed January to April 2026 sessions. Please note that you are not limited to one choice and can tick as many boxes as you wish.

AYC Training Team.