Meet the committee…
The committee exists to support the Graduate Dinghy Class and the sailors who make it thrive. It brings together volunteers from across the fleet who care about keeping the class active, accessible, and forward‑looking. Their work ranges from organising events and safeguarding the class rules to helping newcomers, promoting the fleet, and ensuring the Grad remains a rewarding boat to sail for years to come.
Class Chairman:
Bob Murrell
Bob leads the committee. The Big Boss.
Sailing Club - Chipstead SC
Graduate sailed - G3027
Based in Beckenham
Contact Bob
Treasurer & Membership Secretary:
Roger Cherrill
Roger stops us from bankrupting the class.
Sailing Club - Chipstead SC
Graduate sailed - G2962
Based in Purley
Contact Roger
Championship Secretary:
Maggie Murrell
Maggie sorts out our Championships & Open Meetings
Sailing Club - Chipstead SC
Graduate Sailed - G3027
Based in Beckenham
Contact Maggie
General Committee Member: Richard Thorpe
Winner of an “Unsung Hero” award at the RYA Dinghyshow 2026 - supplies Grads to approximately half the fleet.
Sailing club - Toddbrook SC
Graduate(s) sailed - G3013, G3004, G2950, G2873, G2750 (and probably a couple more that he is hiding from his wife)
Based in Marple
Contact Richard
Web Editor:
Fresh Abendstern
Fresh made this website, please send any and all complaints in his direction.
Sailing club(s) - Toddbrook SC, Hooe Point SC, Humpybong YC, Royal Dirty Northern B@stards YC.
Graduate sailed - G3020
Based in Plymouth
General Committee Member: Isaac Marsh
Marsh won the Tiger Trophy pursuit race in his Grad in 2023
Sailing Club(s) - Northampton SC, Royal Dirty Northern B@stards YC
Graduate sailed - G3025
Based in Northampton
General Committee Member:
Chris Parker
Chris is the wooden boat guru.
Sailing Club(s) - Southport SC, Bassenthwaite SC
Graduate sailed - G2906
Based in Southport
Contact Chris
General Committee Member:
Richard Stead
Richard has a strong history in the fleet, joining the committee last year.
Sailing club - Littleton SC
Graduate sailed - G2943
Based in Hampton
Contact Richard
Join the Team · Join the Team ·
Join the Team · Join the Team ·
Being part of the Graduate Class Committee is a genuinely rewarding way to support the fleet and help shape the future of the class. The committee is made up of volunteers who care about keeping the Grad active, welcoming and well‑run, and we’re always keen to bring new voices and fresh ideas into the mix.
The commitment is deliberately manageable: we meet once a month on Zoom, with occasional small tasks between meetings depending on your role and interests. It’s a great opportunity to give something back to the class, stay connected with sailors across the country, and play a part in keeping the Graduate thriving for the next generation.
If you’d like to get involved - whether you have a specific skill to offer or simply enthusiasm for the boat - we’d love to hear from you.