ABOUT THE CLUB 1865 - 1984

After The War

After the War ended, the sailing activities quickly began to get under way again. The dinghy class of Snipes steadily grew in number and once more the racing became very keen and competitive. Prominent names in this class at that time, and names still to be found on various trophies today, were John Shore, Peter Boon, Kim Lauder, Derek Hibbs, Peter Fletcher, Heather and Wendy Farmer and Eric Cake. The young ladies, daughters of the Hon. Sailing Secretary, soon began to prove that dinghy racing was not confined to men. Cruiser racing began to become popular again and was much encouraged by the Commodore, Norman Hibbs. He persuaded owners of other cruisers and members of other Yacht Clubs to combine and race together. A cruiser Association was formed and Norman Hibbs became their first captain. This, of course, was the start of the present day Poole Yacht Racing Association or P.Y.R.A. as it is known today. Norman Hibbs was a controversial figure but undoubtedly made a great contribution to yacht racing in the Harbour and to Poole Yacht Club in particular. Cruiser racing was organised to Cherbourg, Ouistrem, Weymouth, Lymington, Yarmouth and Beaulieu and became extremely well supported and popular.

One event that should be recorded took place in 1950. Jerry Payne, a prominent club member, sailed his large ketch rigged gaffcutter, Karen III, across the Atlantic under the burgee of Poole Yacht Club. He arrived at the New York Yacht Club in Kentucket U.S.A. from there he sailed down to Bermuda and later raced back to England in the Atlantic Race. A very creditable performance in those days and one with which the club was proud to be associated.

In 1955 Norman Hibbs retired and John Kitson took office but for some inexplicable reason the Club began passing through an uncertain stage. The 'Snipes' had dwindled in number, mostly because they had to be kept on moorings and a series of gales devastated the fleet.