An introduction from our new Commodore

Published 19:29 on 1 Jun 2025

Dear Members,

I'm honoured to have been recently appointed as Commodore of your Stoke Gabriel Boating Association. This month has marked my first official meetings in the role attending the AGM, Executive Committee and Trustee meetings and it was a real privilege to meet and work with some of the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep your club thriving. Many of you will have seen me out on the water in the trusty yellow Whaley, supporting safety boat operations, or met my children at the various sailing and paddling events they've so enjoyed. The SGBA has given my family a great deal over the years, and I'm excited to give something back.

With around 1,000 active members by summer, our club is buzzing with activity on the water! A huge thank you to the raft of volunteers keeping everything afloatwhether that's managing the website and bookings, handling membership enquiries, training, assurance, maintaining boats and facilities or supporting events. Let's not forget those working in welfare, safeguarding, running our new merchandise store and so much more! It's a hugely busy and exciting organisation!

Sailing continues to thrive

Thanks to our training teams we are an accredited RYA facility, which means that you are not only receiving irst class training and support, but you can obtain a formal qualification at the same time!

It's wonderful to see so many of our younger members getting out on the waterespecially during the recent May half-term training sessions. A huge thank-you to our training and support teams for their energy and expertise.

Sunday Sailing remains ever popular, and do keep an eye on other events as they become available. There are of course adult designated sailing courses and to those of you passing powerboat courses don't forget to put them into practice by supporting the sailing events- It's great fun and the shore team will usually keep you topped up with hot tea if it's raining! Our Saturday racing continues and, despite what you may have heard, it's not scary! It's designed for sailors who are competent and confidentplease reach out if you're interested or have questions.

Paddles and picnic, not rapids and ropes!

Paddling is close to the hearts of many members mine included and for those of us who find wetsuits a bit more of a squeeze these days, it's a great way to enjoy the water. As our name suggests we are a 'boating association', and we're working on ways to give paddling a bit more emphasis while maintaining safety and access for all. Please do continue to follow our safety policies, including the non-negotiable use of lifejackets/buoyancy aids. That said, SGBA is not the right place for training or indeed more advanced or adrenaline-seeking paddling! If you're looking for white-water rapids or long expedition-style trips Dartmouth, Totnes, or Dartmoor Adventures will be more suitable. Here at SGBA, it's more about paddles and picnics than extreme sports and we'll do our best to provide more organised paddling events where possible.

As with all our equipment, please do not borrow paddling boats/kit unless you know you are competent and safe to do so. We are situated in a beautiful spot and relatively peaceful part of the river, but spring tides can easily catch you off-guard if you do not have sufficient knowledge. We continue to deliver sea sense training, and if in doubt please ask.

What's new?

The social committee has been hard at work putting together a fantastic calendar of eventsCurrent events include (but are not limited to!) BBQs (8 June, 19 July, 24 Aug, 28 Sep, 26 Oct) family sailing sessions, racing events, social paddle trips (10 July, 12 Aug) the Mill Pool challenge (July 27), SGBA regatta (31 Aug), Middleback Cricket (7 Sep), Winter talks, working party events (1 Nov), and much more! Please sign up in advance to support planning.

The new pontoon project is shaping up nicely. While there's still work to do, we hope to enjoy the benefits next year. We'll keep you informed of any temporary changes to usual site access.

Please note that the SGBA has also been investing in new and replacement kit for your enjoyment including SUPs, the Red Admiral Yawl. Last but not leastour new merchandise store is now live! Get your SGBA hoodies ready for the summer season!!

A little about me

For those who don't know me: I come with a naval background, run a busy mediation practice, and juggleas so many of us dofamily, work, and now this wonderful new role. I was genuinely delighted to be asked to serve as Commodore, and while I may not have been intimately involved in club operations until now, I've long admired the incredible work of our EC, trustees, volunteers, sponsors and donors. They are the heart of SGBA, and I'm grateful to be joining such a committed team.

I look forward to meeting many more of you over the coming weekson the water, at an event, or simply around the boat park. Please do get in touch if you have thoughts, questions or ideas. In the meantime, let's acknowledge the tremendous work being done behind the scenes, and enjoy a brilliant summer season together.

Warm regards,

Serena Davis
Sail Smart. Stay SEAL Safe: Safe Conditions Emergency Contact Appropriate clothing Life Jacket of Buoyancy Aid

Last updated 19:29 on 1 June 2025