Barrie Martin has accepted the appointment as Fleet Captain: Southampton Water to Poole Harbour replacing Iain Muspratt who moves to Vice Commodore South Coast. Accepting his burgee, Barrie said "I'm delighted to have the opportunity to help south coast members get the best from the club"

Barrie Martin fleet captainDavid Roache announced the appointment  'parish notices' on Tuesday. The role of Fleet Captain is to bring the activities of the Club closer to members and to ensure that members’ concerns are heard and expectations met.

In practice this will mean that Barrie will be communicating with members in his area to ensure that they are aware of upcoming Club events on and off the water, perhaps organising local events throughout the year and generally making sure that the Club is staying closely in touch with its members. He will seek to include all members not just those who regularly attend rallies or go to the Club.

Tim Bizzey remains as Fleet Captain for the area from Southampton Water to Chichester Harbour.  You can contact Barrie here and Tim here.  You may want to tell them what your cruising plans are for 2010 or let them know if you have moved your home port – any news of members’ activities would be welcome.

Barrie's boat, A Day at the Races has been moored in Beaulieu since her relaunch in March 2003 . Apart from the Round the Island Race she's taken part with respectable results in the RSYC double handed series and won a race in Cowes Week 2004.

In 2005 A Day at the Races came fifth overall in the Cowes Week handicap class and third in class in the British Classic Yacht Club Regatta. In 2006 she was again third in class in the British Classic Yacht Club Regatta. Designed by Peter Nicholson for Owen Aisher to compete under the old One Ton Cup Rule, the boats original name was Yeoman XIV.

Built by Camper and Nicholson in 1966 her construction was of teak planks over mahogany frames. In 1967 Peter Nicholson helmed her in the Copenhagen One Ton Cup as one of three British boats.

Barrie Martin bought her in 2001, attracted by the pedigree, but particularly by her materials.