FROM OUR COMMODORE

It has been a huge couple of months with my term as Commodore being extended for another year. A lot of wonderful things have been happening at the Club over the last three months. The Elliott 7s have been met with great excitement and the support from Club members has been tremendous. I have no doubt they will be well supported throughout this sailing season and will cement their place in our history. Opening Day and the History of the Sail Past Opening Day is steeped in more than 600 years of tradition. Stories have it that a small harbour in England lost many boats, and sadly the crews thereon, during the fishing season due to being poorly maintained. The mayor of the town decreed that before the fishing season commenced all boats from that harbour had to sail past the mayor and other dignitaries to be inspected for seaworthiness. A ‘Review of the Fleet’ evolved to become an annual event that was replicated in many harbours and sailing clubs and then, over 200 years ago, became the Sail Past. Opening Day heralds the beginning of the sailing season and is celebrated throughout the world. Protocol demanded that a flagship be anchored with the Admiral and staff on the quarterdeck to receive and return the salute. Vessels sailed past dipping their colours in salute and with their captain also saluting with the ship’s company standing to attention. The Vice-Admiral would lead the fleet passing in review and the final vessel in the line would carry the Rear Admiral. Needless to say, the tradition has morphed with the Commodore and Flag Officers taking the place of Captain and Vice-Admiral. The 2021 Opening Day of the CYCSA was outstanding especially when you consider we still had restrictions in place due to the current pandemic. I have been very privileged over the past six years to have been able to represent the Club at many opening days both local and further afield. This year we attended Opening Days at Lake Bonney Yacht Club, Port Lincoln Yacht Club, Garden Island Yacht Club, the RSAYS and the St Kilda Boat Club. We were made to feel very welcome and took part in various sail pasts and shared great camaraderie with these fellow boat clubs and have wonderful memories. The Club’s Expectations To be a member of the CYCSA brings with it an expectation that our members behave responsibly. Please be aware of the environment and follow the EPA’s Code of Practice which is available on the Club’s website. This is the Club’s commitment to maintain its Clean Marina status. Please be mindful of our precious environment and be aware of what should not be going into our waters. As we move into another phase of this pandemic and into a time of transition but not yet knowing what is ahead, it is vital we continue to treat each other with respect and courtesy. Kindness and being helpful will greatly assist our members, employees and visitors to continue to enjoy our sanctuary. Stay safe.

Jacqueline Heffernan

CYCSA RSAYS