The Bristol Channel Yachting Association (BCYA), outside of the OGA, lays claim to be the largest sailing association in the country after the RYA. Over the weekend of the 1st and 2nd July 2022, the BCYA Welsh rally was held at Cardiff Bay's Waterfront. It was attended by many boats from around the Bristol Channel, not least of which were representatives of the BC Old Gaffers Association.

At a pontoon ceremony, BCYA Chairman, Gordon Craig, introduced the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Graham Hinchey and his wife, Ann Hinchey, the Lady Mayoress.  After a short speech, the Lord Mayor presented a number of prizes including the BCYA Champion's Cup, awarded, for the second time, to Hannah Mills OBE, double Olympian champion and now the UK's most successful lady sailing Olympian and a member of Cardiff Bay Yacht Club. The cup was received on her behalf by her mother, Mrs Mills.  The Lord Mayor chose the best dressed boat and awarded the Red Dragon award to the crew of Tanga.

The BCYA's Certificate for the most deserving Bristol Channel Club or Association of the year went to the Bristol Channel Old Gaffers Area. In accepting the award, David Botterill named, and paid tribute to, all the officers of the Area in recent times.  As one of those former officers I would like to add my own thanks to all the current team that make the Area tick.

Viv Head