The Association hopes that you find all the information you need about the Association on this web site.
However, if you have further questions, please contact the Commodore.
Commodore
Ian Cameron
I first started sailing, many years ago, as a member of Glasgow Schools Sailing club. Then, sandshoes and a jersey were considered normal equipment for dinghy sailing!
A number of years ago, I moved to Inverness where I became a member of Chanonry Sailing Club, based at Fortrose on the Moray Firth.
At Chanonry, I was the RYA sailing instructor and senior sailing instructor for a number of years, teaching sailing to all ages. I have always loved being on the water, be it on a kayak, sailing dinghy or Wisp, my Leisure 17. Wisp came into my life some years ago and is shared between a group of six. Obviously, although the Leisure 17 is roomy for its size, we do not all sail together!
Owning Wisp, it was simple common sense to be a member of the LOA and through that membership I am now Commodore.
As Commodore, I will do my best to promote the Leisure Owners Association and wish all Leisure owners, everywhere, good sailing and fair winds.
Rear Commodore
Steve Blaney
I started sailing approx. forty years ago in a Mirror dingy and since then have had a variety of yachts including an Alacrity, Newbridge Venturer, a Jaguar and a Hunter before getting my first Leisure.
I joined the LOA shortly after buying my first Leisure, a Leisure 23 some twenty three years ago. I have had the pleasure of sailing my boats up and down the East coast of Scotland and England, meeting many interesting people along the way.
I bought my present boat – “Sundance” a Leisure 23 SL – sixteen years ago and have spent many happy hours in her. Having spent the last three years as Commodore, I am now happy as Rear Commodore to help and advise our new Commodore, Ian Cameron and everyone else who asks, in any way I can from my experience as Commodore and with the LOA.
During my time as Commodore we re-organised the running of the Association into a more modern smooth running organisation. We formed a Management Team which brought all the people involved in the running of the LOA into one room where we share information and ideas at regular meetings on Zoom. It is my hope that under our new Commodore the LOA will continue to grow and evolve.
Secretary
Jan Pepper
John and I bought our first Leisure 23 in 1992. We had never sailed before but were lucky enough to meet up with LOA members on the East Coast who showed us how to sail our boat – although we are still learning! Due to the support we received from the Association when volunteers were needed for the East Coast Section in 1997, we offered our services and have been involved ever since.
As East Coast Organisers we arranged summer cruises, rallies, laying up and fitting out suppers, and made many good friends. So when we decided to buy a bigger boat it had to be a Leisure 29 – we were fortunate to find ‘Osprey of Exe’ in 1998. At this time I became Vice Commodore then Commodore 1999-2001, followed by a term as General Secretary 2008 – 2010. I look forward to meeting up with East Coast members again soon.
Magazine Editor
John Stockdale
I’ve been crewing on other skipper’s boats for more years than I care to remember: the Scottish Islands, across to Ireland, France and Spain. Two years ago, with not the slightest intention of actually owning a boat, I – quite by accident – acquired part ownership in a Leisure 23. Maggie, my wife, mentioned to our son-in-law how much fun she’d had on a trip out with friends in, it should be said, perfect weather on Windermere. “Count me in,” I told her.
Unbeknownst, lines were being irretrievably cast off. With a deadline of 48 hours before bidding closed on Ebay, we found ourselves canoeing out to take a look at a rather sad and lonely but delightful L23. The rest is history.
As all owners know, buying a boat is the easy bit and the crest of a very steep wave with only one way to go. However, the benefits have far outweighed the heartaches. A careless email or two later and you can also find yourself as an editor on a Committee. Take heed all you wayward sailors!
But please do send in those stories and articles. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
SE England
Area contact
Don Mapp
I supposed I gained my love of sailing from my uncle who use to take us kids sailing and fishing in the crystal clear waters of Belize (British Honduras) where I was born.
I have had many hobbies in my lifetime, some of which, such as flying, gliding, hang gliding and para gliding I have had to give up. I now mainly do diving, sailing and kayaking.
I gained my dinghy “Day skipper” around 1994, but did not really start learning how to sail until I bought my first Leisure 22 in 2015. Later I bought a L27 which I renamed to “C’est la Vie”. It was a steep learning curve about how to renovate a boat and Sailing. I keep it at Erith Yacht Club on a swing mooring. Several members now come to me for advice on many boat related things. I often post boating things on Facebook, etc.
I have, since buying my first boat, got my CEVNI, Powerboat, Radio and ICC certificates.
Management Team
Members can find the contact details of the Management and Support Teams by logging in to the Discussion Forum.