An Introduction to the
OLD WELLINGTONIAN SAILING ASSOCIATION

OWSA is in its tenth year as a club.  Formed by a group of friends taking part in the Arrow Trophy, it has now established itself as one of the most active and successful clubs supported by the Old Wellingtonian Society.

Diary

The OWSA diary of events is now well established :

• OWSA has entered the Arrow Trophy regatta with a boat, occasionally two boats, for at least the last 12 years, winning the Arrow once.  This is a key event involving crew and supporters.  The existence of the club is critical to underwriting the £2000 damage waiver per boat and this really encourages participation.
• A rally in the Solent for at least 5 boats and sometimes 8 with mixed crews.  A great opportunity for a weekend social which has been blessed with great weather in the three years it has been run.
• Dinghy sailing against the school team is an annual fixture for a trophy.  Six OWs against all comers in Laser 2s.  In recent memory, the wind has blown old boots across the lake the school uses and this has given weight an advantage !  The trick has been to encourage the school sailing with the school winning regularly and linking this with OWSA sponsorship of professional coaching.
• The OWSA year kicks off with an AGM at RORC.  A good chance to confirm plans for the year ahead and to confirm the formal business quickly and efficiently (a pre-AGM committee meeting helps).
• A dinner with not less than 50 guests.  It is always a struggle to find a venue that will attract people but also break even at about £50 per head (a key break point to attract younger members with partners).  We have been privileged to take advantage of OW contacts to use the Painted Hall at Greenwich, the HAC, Trinity House and the Tower of London.  

Membership and Finances

Our membership is pretty static at 80 contributing £15 per year plus the OW Society gives an annual contribution with an incentive to encourage under 23 involvement adding further cash.  Last year six of the Arrow team were under 23.  This matches the school’s aim to connect with recent leavers while at University.  The club has sufficient cleared funds that two boats can be supported at the Arrow by underwriting the waiver and subsidising the crews.

OWSA helps to sponsor the success of the school sailing.  This ranges from the team through to sailing in general, to the the CCF naval section, to staff, to elite training.

Support of young sailors and school

Raising the profile of OWSA activities in supporting junior members and school,

i.e. bursaries and training, has a triple benefit of developing sailors per se, our junior membership and our relationship with the school.

In our 10^th anniversary year we are making additional effort and this seems to be paying off in terms of increased interest and attendance.

June 2008