We were very fortunate to have great weather on Opening Day this year, with bright sunny skies, warm temperatures and gentle breezes. We couldn’t have asked for a better day to celebrate the Official Opening of the 2021/22 Sailing Season.
Our official vessel for the Sail Past was again the magnificent Tall Ship, One & All, moored at Marina West on the end of J-Row. The Sail Past was conducted internally within the North Haven Marina Basin and it was a momentous occasion as the Club launched its fleet of Elliott 7s with the boats sailed by youth sailors from clubs right across the Adelaide metropolitan coast. It really was awesome to see the kids come together and get involved as they kicked off the Sail Past. The powerboats were led by Geoff Gowing in Andante followed by the yachts led by Geoff Boettcher in Secret Mens Business (SMB). It was great to see all the boats out on the water dressed in colourful flags with just as lively costumes for the crew members. Well done to everyone who participated. It was fantastic to see more boats participate this year and also the geniality and seamanship of our Club members.
This year a ten-piece band from the The Pipes & Drums of The Royal Caledonian Society of South Australia played to signal the start of the official presentations. It was wonderful to again welcome one of our Life Members, Graeme Footer, to officiate the opening of the 2021/22 Sailing Season. Nick Bice, in his new role as Vice Commodore received his burgee and without delay stepped in to assist with the presentations. Nick Bice welcomed Mitch Wiley from the Yachting SA Board on stage to present the 2020/21 State South Australian Sailing Awards to two very worthy recipients in recognition of their outstanding achievements and dedicated work to the sport of sailing in South Australia. The Australian Sailing SA awards went to: Volunteer of the Year, Rod Hunter (CYCSA) and Male Sailor of the Year, David Snoad (BSYC/CYCSA).
CYCSA Volunteer of the Year, John Collett
Our Club ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award for 2020/21 was presented to John Collett, nominated by the Racing Association. Congratulations and thank you John for volunteering your time, dedication and expertise to our Club, both on and off the water.
Well done and congratulations to all award recipients and thank you on behalf of our Club members for your efforts and contribution to not only the Club but to the sport of sailing.
Once the formal presentations were complete the official guests enjoyed afternoon tea in Mariners Restaurant while the band, Groove Brothers and Soul Sister, kicked off in the patio providing great party music entertainment. Despite Covid restrictions with dancing not permitted, the Club was a hive of activity with some members taking their party onboard while others stayed around the club house enjoying the revelries. The addition of a paella station and oyster bar also proved to be a hit, boosting the atmosphere for socialising and creating a warm foodie vibe to the outdoor area with guests delighting in the tasty seafood specials on the cosy picnic area set up on the lawn.
I look forward to seeing you all again for Opening Day next year. Mellissa Vahoumis Marketing & Communications
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Australian Sailing SA State Award recipients - David Snoad and Rod Hunter with Mitch Wiley
