Our 2026 AGM was held at the RA Mess in Larkhill on the 13th March, with a total of 34 members in attendance. The meeting not only provided an overview of the past season, but charted plans for an exciting future for the Club, while also pausing to remember two former members who had passed away during the year.
The Commodore’s report highlighted the Club’s continued strength and momentum, with a clear direction for the year ahead, including an ambitious Adventurous Training programme that will see St Barbara V deploy to the Mediterranean. There was also a strong focus on governance and member engagement. This was reinforced by excellent participation in the annual membership survey, with 114 responses providing valuable insight and a clear mandate on future priorities . Financially, the Club remains in a robust position, with the 2025 annual accounts unanimously approved and recognition given to Major Colin Walsh for his outstanding stewardship over the past decade as Treasurer.
The standout decision of the AGM was the unanimous support for plans to replace St Barbara V, following a detailed and well-received presentation by Lt Colonel James Boutle. Members endorsed both the criteria for a replacement offshore yacht and the intent to move forward at pace, with the committee now tasked to act swiftly should a suitable vessel become available in the coming months . Additional updates included continued support from the Army Sailing Association and RA Sports Board, as well as new initiatives such as the introduction of a Club WhatsApp Community to better connect with members.
The meeting concluded on a high note with the AGM awards and a fitting tribute to the Club’s volunteers, before shifting gears into an inspiring and much-talked-about presentation from the crew of Force Atlantic. Their account from the Atlantic Rowing Challenge, teamwork, and endurance provided a powerful reminder of what the Club stands for at its very best—adventure, resilience, and camaraderie—rounded off perfectly by a well-earned curry supper and plenty of discussion long into the evening.
Click this link to review the AGM reports and slides shared at the meeting, and visit Cups and Trophies to see the list of all the AGM awards for 2026.
Images from the AGM including prize winners
