Sailing veteran Debbie steps down after 25 years of service
Stokes Bay Sailing Club member began life as a cadet, before becoming a committee leader, and eventually worked her way up to vice commodore
A SAILING club veteran is stepping down after 25 years of service, it has been announced.
Debbie Wood, from Gosport, has confirmed her departure from Stokes Bay Sailing Club (SBSC), having spent a quarter of a century in the club, and a total of more than 50 years associated with the sailing world.
On her journey to becoming vice-commodore, she started out as a cadet before leading a plethora of committees.
During her time at the club, membership peaked at more than 800 people and Debbie took on a range of responsibilities, including unblocking drains, tackling beer barrels and organising community events.
A spokesman for the club said: ‘Debbie has organised and run hundreds of successful sailing events for Stokes Bay, from local regattas to class worlds.
‘Simply put, what Debbie does not know about the world of dinghy sailing and SBSC is probably not worth knowing.
‘While doing all of this for our club, Debbie supported both parents through long illnesses as well as giving her free time to provide care in the community service.’
Now that she has more free time on her hands, Debbie is looking forward to spending more time going on walks with her partner Carol, and her dog Cedric.
The spokesman added: ‘SBSC owes a huge debt of thanks to Debbie, for her service and her passion for our club.
‘She has been there every step of our recent past, helping guide and counsel and support the club and its members and committees. We were honoured to have Debbie as part of the SBSC family, and for all at the club to call her a friend.
‘We wish her every happiness for the future; to take that overdue break, relax, and socialise, and be assured the club is in safe hands, and wish us luck in the search for your successor.’
With Debbie’s departure, Stokes Bay Sailing Club is looking for a new administrator – which has been described as an ‘outward facing role’ on flexible hours.
It comes as the club plans a refurbishment of its office space in Stokes Bay.
For more information, people can go to stokesbaysc.co.uk.