James C. W. Damant
Commodore 1947-1953
Never an Admiral of the club, but his House (Racing) Flag takes pride of place with the past Admirals. He was a Flag Officer for a total of 25 years. He was the son of founder member H C Damant and was elected to membership in 1902. The Island Sailing Club's History book 1889 - 2014 shows the part the Damant family played in forming the Club. Jimmy's brothers bought the Club premises and the quay, etc., from Godfrey Baring, son of the General, in Sept 1900. In 1917, Jimmy became the sole landlord, and finally, in 1946, Jimmy "sold" the Clubhouse and the land upon which it stood - quay, etc. to the Club Trustees for the token sum of £500. Jimmy owned various yachts, including a 6 metre called Loretta and Philippine, which had already been owned by two previous Commodores. A bronze plaque to perpetuate the memory of Jimmy Damant is in the entrance hall to the Club.
When elected Commodore Jimmy had a narrow gutted ex-six metre called Loretta.
On Sunday 4th October, the Commodore suddenly died. His ashes were scattered at sea from Evenlode by the Vice Commodore in the neighbourhood of Gurnard Ledge, in the presence of the Rear Commodore Lennie Mew, the Hon. Sec. Bruce Benzie, Tom Damant, Colonel Francis Mew, Vic Newman, Uffa Fox and Edward Watts.
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More Info...This can be found in THE ISLAND SAILING CLUB HISTORY BOOK 1889 - 2014