I’d like to open by saying a big THANK YOU to Maria, who continues to hold my hand whilst I get to grips with the job and your expectations and needs. I’ve been on your side of the fence for many years, so I hope I have some idea of what you need and want…so be patient and know that I am a very good listener I’m based at Spinnaker Sailing Club, near Ringwood, and for those of you who don’t know me, I’m the short and portly, old and bald chap seen around the freshwater venues. Apologies, but personally, I have never been a fan of sailing on the sea, so you won’t find me rushing to launch at many of our coastal events, but just as many sea sailors are no fans of lake sailing, the ability to have a fulfilling and enjoyable weekend, whether it’s fresh or salt water, is a testament to the true versatility of the boat we all love to sail Our Area travelling season is almost upon us and as I write I’m nursing my many aches, pains and bruises from an extremely blustery and taxing Silver Wings (TV area) Open. Last Season saw Alex Butler, from HISC, become our champion, beating the 9 other helms who competed in the minimum 4 events required to qualify for the title of Southern Area Champion. In total 156 individual helms competed in our events in 2025, a number I hope we can surpass this year Reports for the first event of the new season, Bough Beech, will appear in the next issue. The Spring Championships report at HISC appears elsewhere in this issue. Then, over the weekend of 18th May, my home club, Spinnaker and then Dell Quay see out May. Details of all our events are on the Association website, and we publicise regularly via Facebook and WhatsApp All our open meetings cost a fair amount to put on, and survive only because of our participation and sponsorship, and I’d like to record our sincere gratitude to P&B for their generous sponsorship of our Southern Area events this year I know life is complicated for many, and time is such a precious commodity for us all but making the e ff ort to make even just one travelling trip, to enjoy the hospitality and friendship of another club really is good fun and is very rewarding. There are so many fantastic places to visit and sail in our area, each presenting its own unique challenge or attraction, and every event only happens because of the dedication and commitment of the local club volunteers. One or two more entries really makes a huge di ff erence to the economics of running an event, so, if you can, please try and find the time for one or two events near to you to visit this year Finally, if anyone has any ideas as to new things we can try in the area, please let me know. I look forward to meeting with you all over the summer Happy and successful sailing to you all. Southern Area News 2026 Ian Matthews
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