Report on the Stella Social and AGM 2026

Minutes of the Stella AGM

Apologies

Scorpio *90,  Stardust *89 , Starfox *32, Lys of Slaughden *96, L’Etoille *109,  La Vie en Rose *1

Secretaries Report

It has become absolutely apparent during the year that the policy of allowing sheathing is saving Stellas.

Starfox, the first officially accepted sheathed Stella, continues to cruise regularly in the west coast of Scotland. The owners of Stella no 84, Happy Return, have contacted the Stella Class Association and asked to join the association. Happy Return is based in Eire. She was sheathed as part of a comprehensive restoration a few years ago.  At Aldeborough Week, it was lovely to have both Starshell, *2 and Polaris *99. It is extremely unlikely that either of them would be sailing today without the adoption of sheathing as part of a rebuild.

The recent article on the subject in Classic Boat was referenced.

Aldeburgh was very successful as a Stella Worlds venue.

Collecting Stellas. Continues. Samantha was collected last November and is afloat in SYH. We have ongoing intermittent enquiries from a Stella in Holland, and one in Scotland.
The Stella list on the website needs updating, we will endeavour to deal with that.
New Treasurer- slightly out of sync with the AGM’s, Peter Haldane has stepped down as the treasurer, after many years- since 2011 we think. Juliet Dearlove has stepped in. We have the same bank account but now using on line banking.

Treasurer’s Report

The annual membership subscription was  increased to £25.

Proposed by Juliet Dearlove, seconded by Helen Montgomery-Smith, unanimously accepted.

Racing Agenda

The Stella Worlds 2026 will be based upon :

SYH Regatta, 26th 27th 28th June. Planned to be in-river races.

Aldeburgh Week, 23rd to 28th Aug. There is ongoing discussion about the possibility of 2 races per day on one or two days. Or slightly longer races than last year.

It was noted that should two or more Stellas enter Mersea Week then that would be added.

Cruising Agenda

The cruise to Aldeburgh was very pleasant last year. Persephone and Lodestar sailed there in company, from The Deben.  Perhaps we could synchronise the arrival of a few more boats in 2026

Election of Officers

Secretary, Mark Montgomery-Smith

Treasurer, Juliet Dearlove

PRIZE GIVING

The Buxey Trophy

Was won by Persephone, for a combination of great performances in SYH and Aldeburgh Week, including 2 first places at Aldeburgh Week

The Crew of Persephone, from the right, Juliet, Mel, John, Roger and Charlie, being presented with The Buxey Trophy

The Stella Star 

We have introduced a new prize this year. A star shaped trophy, given as a keeper.  In recognition of the fact that anyone, or group, who keeps a Stella going, is a star!

We chose Stella Maia as the first winners of the Stella Star, in recognition of the sterling efforts of Steve and Lyn , and their crew Barbara and Keith, who have kept Stella Maia in excellent condition for many years, using entirely traditional techniques, and doing all the work themselves.

Steve and Lyn  with The Stella Star

Outgoing Treasurer Award

The association decided that it would be appropriate to thank Peter Haldane for his wonderful long stint as Treasurer, and also as record keeper.

We have bought a glass decanter, engraved with an image of a Stella, with the sail number 1, and the name la Vie en Rose engraved in the same font as Peter uses on the transom of La Vie en Rose.

Although Peter was unable to be present due to being poorly, we carried on with the presentation, during which we all joined in a rousing rendition of the song la Vie en Rose, in the style of Louis Armstrong.

The Engraved Decanter

Thanks

Thanks to Haven Ports, particularly Claire, and Peter, the chef, and all the bar staff who looked after us brilliantly.