Review of 2024
Published 19:04 on 13 Feb 2025
The weather was the main topic of conversation. Unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. It seems most of our planned events got cancelled or postponed.
Some successes are worthy of highlighting. The East Coast had 2 events in quick fire succession in May (that was possibly the way to go in 2024). Firstly at Titchmarsh on 17th, a muster of 6 Legends gathered in glorious sunshine and pirates outfits. The event included an evening of merriment at the Victory Pub with other car borne Leggies joining.
The second May time fling was held over 24th to 27th at Bradwell. A note from the log of the event reads: "The meeting is now etched in Pyfleet folklore. Jenga. On a yacht, at anchor, played by 10 people reaching 34 levels, to the sounds of the Monkeys, Neil Diamond, Queen, The Stones and other classics being belted out. No wonder we couldn't light up a barbecue, we weren't responsible enough to be given matches". Sounds great fun.
The South coast was not to be outdone. On May 17th, 10 Legends rocked up to Southampton Town Quay, with a BBQ, a safari supper, a treasure trail and a meal at Ottoman Kitchen. On Sunday morning, 3 Legends slipped away to form a cruise in company to Holland, with the idea of meeting more members along the way. The weather crossing the channel was reported as "the worst in living memory", but the objective was achieved. Some Kent based Legends were met along the route.
In July our Welsh Captains orchestrated a North Meets South Rendezvous at Milford Haven. 6 Legends gathered in this most Westerly point of our events for 2024. A good deal of sailing was had to bring the North and South groups together and suitable celebrations were reported!
At our Annual Legend Owners Association Rendezvous at Cowes in September, we were joined by a representative of our chosen charity 'Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust'. They informed us that over the years, members of the LOA had raised just over £18,000 for the Trust. Those present committed to make it £20,000 by the end of our 30th Anniversary Year in 2025 and the raffle at the evening dinner made a healthy contribution to the target.
The manufacturer, Marlow Hunter, finally closed it doors. Whilst ceasing production of large yachts around the time of the pandemic, they had kept a presence for spares and advice. As a result the Legend Owners Association and members can be seen as the 'go to' destination for a wealth of information and knowledge around the Legend brand. We have gathered a good deal of reference documents which we will make available in 2025 to members. Members have often found solutions to matching the American systems to the European equivalents (imperial to metric)
Membership remained steady and strong at around 250, with new Legend Owners joining as some members decided that their sailing days were coming to an end, most citing the weather as a deciding factor.
Social events brought the year to a close with dinners in Swansea at the end of August, a Laying Down Supper in Colchester for the East in November and a Christmas party in Gosport.
Last updated 19:04 on 13 February 2025