1997 Rotary Convention Glasgow (Scotland)

1997 saw us assemble in the land on the bag pipes and haggis, in other words Glasgow Scotland. Our AGM which was this year our "Golden Anniversary" took place at the Queen Mary Suite Glasgow Marriott Hotel. A succulent luncheon was served. Following the AGM Immediate Past Commodore Jack Keyser Installed Ken Winters (Auckland New Zealand) as Rear Commodore, Joe Phillips (Hawaii U S A) as Vice Commodore and Arnold Verkade (Westzaan Netherlands) as Commodore.

Following the Glasgow Convention some 20 Iforians together with their First mates attended a post convention rally in Reading England. Following a welcome at the Calcott Hotel we boarded seven long boats to sail the Kennet-Avon Canal.This was a total new experience for most of us as we are used to sailing in open waters. The boats were more than 22 meters (73 foot) long and 2.30 metres "eight foot " wide , with only one engine and without any mechanical help, we had to manoeuvre through a narrow canal through locks and bridges. All locks had to be opened and closed by hand as we passed through them, which on the whole was quite hard, tiring, and heavy work.

Kennett-Avon Canal

IYFR Gathering, England

Unfortunately for us the weather played havoc with us as 1997 in England was the wettest and coldest month it had been for centuries. However, despite all the termoils that were sent to try us. We did in fact enjoy a great deal of fun and frolics together, and with out doubt everyone really appreciated the enjoyment of a really hot Shower or Bath on our arrival back to the Calcott Hotel in Reading. Sadly the following day of course saw us all making our final farewells before returning to our homes. July 1997 saw once again the Suffolk Fleet (G B) entertain the physical disabled people for a cruise on a Thames Barge cruising the Orwell and Stour Rivers. Together with International Commodore Arnold Verkade and his first Mate Koosje they boarded the Thames Barge "Thistle".

Thames Barge Thistle. Steel Barge 86 Foot in length built 1895

This is a two day event which over the periods caters for some 100 very disabled people. At the end of the day all are provided with a hot meal in the Schooner Club Wolverston. during this visit our International Commodore and his first Mate were invited aboard the "Admiral Nelson" This is a ship specially built for disabled people (mostly for people in wheelchairs) They can board the ship themselves either at the stern, or they can wheel themselves along the Bow-spite. Once aboard they are shown how to use and fit safety harnesses, life jackets etc after which they all sign ships papers to qualify them as able seamen. They are than given full run of the ship (which includes all decks). They are usually at sea for at least a week and, at the end of the voyage are awarded certificates of competent at sea. The excitement and keenness these disabled people show is quite phenomenal.

Aboard Lord Nelson

October 1997 saw two Fleets chartered in Germany and we welcomed members of the Weser-Jade Fleet and the North west Washington Fleet. Also in October our International Commodore Arnold together with his First Mate Koosje travelled to South Africa. A wonderful programme was prepared by IRRC Tony Whitehead and Fleet Commodore Anto Wolheim and Chris Middleton. The Western Cape Fleet (South Africa) was initiated in 1972 and therefore was celebrating its 25th Anniversary. The Fleet has many projects which include Sailing trips for the underprivileged children and the handicapped. Together with Past International Ken Warr and first Mate Molly, both very active sailors, also with IRRC Fleet Commodore Harry Braun and 1st mate Sadie they watched the arrival of the yachts taking part in the round the world Whitbread race. They also were able to see the whales in their natural environment. Following this event they then drove to Port Elizabeth to meet members of the Eastern Cape Fleet

Rotary Club of Cape Town (Charter 1925) Meeting 21/10/97 Left to right: IYFOR International Commodore Arnold Verkade, his 1st Mate Koosje, Presedent Steven Boers (1996-97)

Left to Right: P. Comdre. Graham Higgo, Skipper 'Albatros II John Goodwin, P.I.C. (1983-1985) Ken Warr, P. Cmdre Harry Braun, P. President Ken Waddington

October saw the usual sailing events always organised by Commodore Ferit Biren in Turkiye, taking place. A very highly successful regatta was completed with the presentation of the 1X International Bodrum Trophy.

February/March (1998) saw our International Commodore Arnold Verkade with Ist Mate Koosje visiting the New Zealand & Australian Fleets. Commencing in Auckland they met with Rear Commodore Ken Winters to sail the Auckland waters in the "Pacific Mermaid" where they spent time in Whangarei, finally participating in the Warkworth Rotary Race appeal.

They then flew to Brisbane Queensland to be greeted by IRRC Max Cribband members of the Queensland Fleet. After sailing the Brisbane and Gold Coast waters they visited the Mid North Coast Fleet at Forster and enjoyed an excellent evening at Taree.

Sydney was the next port of call and were welcomed and stayed with Past International Commodore Frank McDonald and First Mate Edith. They were warmly welcomed by members of the New South Wales Fleet and taken on a tour of Sydney Harbour. Following this they met up with members of the Hunter Fleet and enjoyed sweet memories with them as they again sailed the Hawkesbury River.

After a two day drive they reached Metung to meet the Gippsiland Lakes Fleet to sail in that wonderful old ship "Spray" with a delicious BBQ on board. It was here that they saw the Penguins walk out to sea.

After being taken home to Melbourne by IRRC Geoff Crockford and his First Mate Muff they visited the Victoria Fleet. Flying from there to Port Lincoln they were welcomed by Fleet Commodore Kevin Wiebrecht. The next day a visit to a Tuna Farm was arranged which was a new experience for our International Commodore and his First Mate.

Following this visit they then flew to Perth to be welcomed by IRRC Tony Smith and Fleet Commodore Pip Aspar and with the Fleet members enjoyed a wonderful Luncheon together. Whilst in Perth our International Commodore had the pleasure of spending a weekend on Rottnest Island (As many of us have experienced, a man's only weekend.) At the end of the visit to Perth Our International Commodore Arnold and his First Mate Koosje returned back to Amsterdam.