1. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Alderney Sailing Club held on Thursday 26 February 2026 at 1830 in the Club Premises.
2. Attendance and Opening Remarks
All present agreed for an AI minute taker to be used to assist with recording the meeting. The outgoing Commodore Nigel Vooght opened the meeting promptly at 1830 and welcomed all present. With approximately 40 club members present, the meeting was declared quorate.
3. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from: Helen Akrill, Richard Babbe, Joules, Martin and Andree Smith, Heike and Noel Peck, Nigel Soane-Sands, Brendan Noone, Ros Whittome, Brian Goddard & Jo Cama, Neil & Annie Harvey, Bill & Sue Abel, Leslie & Linda Aldis, Dr. Peter and Sheila White, Hugh Harrison & Sue Ewart, Charlie Smith & Dan Slimm, Carol Johnson, Lucy Mellor, Robert Camrass.
4. Approval of Previous Minutes
The Minutes of the AGM held on Thursday 27 February 2025 were accepted without amendments. Proposed by Stuart Trought and seconded by Donald Hughes.
5. Honorary Treasurer’s Report
Ellis Downes presented the annual accounts completed by Brendan Noone, explaining that the accounting period covered 14 months rather than 12. He noted a deficit of just under £3,500 due to depreciation and the extended period including additional rent and insurance payments.
Bar income remained stable at approximately £5,900 per month, teas and suppers generated £8,500, and merchandise profit rose to nearly £800. Membership subscriptions fell by £6,000 and the membership database is being upgraded with the purchase of new software. Net assets total just over £100,000 with £21,000 cash available.
The detailed accounts are to be made available on the club website shortly.
A proposal to adopt the accounts was made by Clive Fisher and seconded by Anthea Clarke. The vote passed unanimously.
6. Commodore’s Report
Nigel Vooght reviewed his original objectives: refurbishment completion, rule updates, and increased sailing activity. All were achieved, though more work is needed to grow participation. He highlighted the need to plan for replacement of the ageing dinghy fleet and thanked all volunteers and contributors. He mentioned that recent conversations with other Channel Island sailing clubs had resulted in keen interest in the planned Regatta at the end of Alderney Week this year. On a sad note he mentioned the recent untimely loss of stalwart Committee member Richard Ward and how grateful the club has been for his support.
7. Election of Officers
All positions were proposed, seconded, and duly elected unopposed. Commodore: Ellis Downes, Vice Commodore: Tess Woodnut, Rear Commodore: Sally Simmons, Honorary Secretary: Ros Whittome, Honorary Treasurer: Jonathan Martell, Assistant Sailing Sec: Boyd Kelly, Asst Motorboating Sec: Andy Le Clercq, Asst Sec House: Ronnie Cairnduff, Marketing and Publicity: Ilona Soane-Sands, Asst Sec Bar: Pete Hamer, Bar Manager: Rosa Chadney, Committee Member: Bev Hope-Smith.
8. Incoming Commodore’s Address
Ellis Downes spoke of his long-standing connection to the club, thanked Nigel for his leadership, and emphasised goals including increasing participation, youth engagement, attracting harbour users, and maintaining the refurbished clubhouse.
9. Any Other Business
Sally Simmons reported that new durable life membership cards had been sourced and would be distributed upon arrival after Committee approval.
10. Close of Meeting
The meeting closed at 1857.
To download a copy of the Minutes , pleas follow the link below:
ASC AGM Minutes 26Feb2026Approved