In all true great democracies of the world, a position at the top table becomes vacant, there is a scrupulously fair election process and you have a new leader. Alas, at Aldenham things don't always follow the traditional course and by hook and by crook (I was ambushed, my Lord!!!!) you have a new RS 300 class captain.

But first credit and thanks must go to my predecessor Steve. Through his sterling efforts, hard work and trailing around the country over the last couple of years, Aldenham is now the biggest fleet in the country. Now the onus is on the current fleet members to maintain that presence, keep up attendances and if at all possible explore the outside world beyond home waters. Well done to the stalwarts who have continued to sail throughout the winter, don't worry spring will soon be around the corner when the rest of the fleet will join in.

Though the medium of email (even Bazza has worked that one out – but I hear he can't resist standing up whilst logged on), the RS crew have been kept up to date regarding various events for 2011, so I won't repeat them all, but highlights to look forward to this year:

2/3 April 2011 – Oxford SC – First local open meeting

Saturday 16 April 2011 – RS 300 Training at ASC by the RS Southern Area coach – Hopefully all our local RSs will attend, and any Laser sailors secretly interested in joining the mayhem that is the 300 fleet, (but don't want to confess to your mates), come down and have a look!

23 to 26 August 2011 – National Championships - Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy – This is a grand All RS class event to test the Olympic sailing venue and a great opportunity to tread where the stars will be sailing in 2012. So far Bazza and yours truly have confirmed to fly the Aldenham flag.

Saturday 24 September 2011 – ASC Open