AGM Questions.
Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2026 3:38 pm
An open letter to the committee of the Fairey Owners Club
Dear fellow club members,
I am writing with the intent of getting to the bottom of some of the goings-on that have occurred this year in the club, particularly with regard to events that have been organised by the club and to try to understand whether everything that has been done in the name of the wider membership has been satisfactory. I am a long-time member of the club, and I am very concerned that it has been allowed to stray into dangerous waters by the current leadership.
The F.O.C. 40th anniversary Summer Rally
As with previous notable events such as the 25th and 30th anniversaries this would usually have been held in an appropriate venue such as the Royal Solent Yacht Club. Instead, it accepted the undoubted generosity of Whittle Marine and it was held at their premises, where a marquee, catering, wet bar, live music and taxis were hired in, not an inexpensive enterprise and a financial risk unlike at a yacht club where a pre-agreed ticket price would limit liability for the club. It is my understanding that club events should generally ‘wash their face’ financially so as to not disadvantage the more remote members who cannot attend. This one would appear on face value to have been an overt promotional vehicle for Whittle Marine to showcase their services. This was not appropriate and the Commodore should not have allowed it to occur.
The Cowes Classic Power Rally at the Yacht Haven
Much has already been said about this event - not least by me, but I understand it is a topic under discussion by the committee and that will likely run into the AGM. All I will say here with regard to future years, is that the Cowes Classic Powerboat Rally would like to be free to return to running our rally in the Yacht Haven without interference and we will of continue to welcome all classic boat owners.
I am however, still confused as to whether this was either, a fully sanctioned F.O.C. event, or an independent Whittle Marine promotion. I have heard both narratives, but, given that in the entry form, the F.O.C. e-mail address was used for correspondence and the F.O.C. bank account was used for entry monies then I believe it was unarguably a club event.
My forensic accountant always says to me ‘Follow the money and there you will find the truth’ so I have some questions for the club treasurer that I would like reported to the membership at the upcoming A.G.M.
1. We should be provided with a detailed profit and loss statement for the 40th Summer rally that lists the revenue and expenditure items for the event, showing which fell to the club and which to Whittle Marine.
2. Likewise for the Cowes Yacht Haven rally, a schedule that lists the revenue and expenditure items for the event, showing which fell to the club and which to Whittle Marine.
3. We should see a detailed schedule of advertising revenue for the club magazines published in the year. I am concerned that other purveyors of marine services to the members may be put off from placing advertising because they might perceive some favouritism.
The club as I understand it, has around 300 members paying an annual subscription of £30, so has revenue of £9,000 together with the income from advertising placed in the twice-yearly club journals, those adverts I believe go a long way to cover the costs of printing and mailing. It has approximately £40,000 on deposit at the bank and those reserves have been steadily accruing over the years.
I would argue therefore, that it has no need to indulge in commercial sponsorships and the like. It should in fact be quite scrupulous in not compromising it’s aims and integrity by doing so.
That being said. in the past year It clearly appears to have been compromised by commercial interests.
I will close by saying that I think the club should only allow clearly paid-for advertisements in the club’s magazine, as any other forms of commercial promotions, help or sponsorships are evidently muddy waters.
It’s a fine line and I think the club has crossed it.
Paul Hooper
Organiser of the independent, non-profit, Cowes Classic Powerboat Rally.
Dear fellow club members,
I am writing with the intent of getting to the bottom of some of the goings-on that have occurred this year in the club, particularly with regard to events that have been organised by the club and to try to understand whether everything that has been done in the name of the wider membership has been satisfactory. I am a long-time member of the club, and I am very concerned that it has been allowed to stray into dangerous waters by the current leadership.
The F.O.C. 40th anniversary Summer Rally
As with previous notable events such as the 25th and 30th anniversaries this would usually have been held in an appropriate venue such as the Royal Solent Yacht Club. Instead, it accepted the undoubted generosity of Whittle Marine and it was held at their premises, where a marquee, catering, wet bar, live music and taxis were hired in, not an inexpensive enterprise and a financial risk unlike at a yacht club where a pre-agreed ticket price would limit liability for the club. It is my understanding that club events should generally ‘wash their face’ financially so as to not disadvantage the more remote members who cannot attend. This one would appear on face value to have been an overt promotional vehicle for Whittle Marine to showcase their services. This was not appropriate and the Commodore should not have allowed it to occur.
The Cowes Classic Power Rally at the Yacht Haven
Much has already been said about this event - not least by me, but I understand it is a topic under discussion by the committee and that will likely run into the AGM. All I will say here with regard to future years, is that the Cowes Classic Powerboat Rally would like to be free to return to running our rally in the Yacht Haven without interference and we will of continue to welcome all classic boat owners.
I am however, still confused as to whether this was either, a fully sanctioned F.O.C. event, or an independent Whittle Marine promotion. I have heard both narratives, but, given that in the entry form, the F.O.C. e-mail address was used for correspondence and the F.O.C. bank account was used for entry monies then I believe it was unarguably a club event.
My forensic accountant always says to me ‘Follow the money and there you will find the truth’ so I have some questions for the club treasurer that I would like reported to the membership at the upcoming A.G.M.
1. We should be provided with a detailed profit and loss statement for the 40th Summer rally that lists the revenue and expenditure items for the event, showing which fell to the club and which to Whittle Marine.
2. Likewise for the Cowes Yacht Haven rally, a schedule that lists the revenue and expenditure items for the event, showing which fell to the club and which to Whittle Marine.
3. We should see a detailed schedule of advertising revenue for the club magazines published in the year. I am concerned that other purveyors of marine services to the members may be put off from placing advertising because they might perceive some favouritism.
The club as I understand it, has around 300 members paying an annual subscription of £30, so has revenue of £9,000 together with the income from advertising placed in the twice-yearly club journals, those adverts I believe go a long way to cover the costs of printing and mailing. It has approximately £40,000 on deposit at the bank and those reserves have been steadily accruing over the years.
I would argue therefore, that it has no need to indulge in commercial sponsorships and the like. It should in fact be quite scrupulous in not compromising it’s aims and integrity by doing so.
That being said. in the past year It clearly appears to have been compromised by commercial interests.
I will close by saying that I think the club should only allow clearly paid-for advertisements in the club’s magazine, as any other forms of commercial promotions, help or sponsorships are evidently muddy waters.
It’s a fine line and I think the club has crossed it.
Paul Hooper
Organiser of the independent, non-profit, Cowes Classic Powerboat Rally.