OPENING DAY

from Groundswell December 2022

by Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia

CRUISE IN COMPANY

S ailor Cowen

With the erratic weather of late we were very fortunate to have the perfect window of great weather on Opening Day this year as with bright sunny skies and gentle breezes, we couldn’t have asked for a better day to celebrate the Official Opening of the 2022/23 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 commenced with our fleet of Elliotts 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. On their return to the Club the kids were treated to pizza and chips for their involvement. The powerboats were led by Jim Smyth in Gladiator followed by the yachts led by Richard Lea on Sahara. 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 the geniality and seamanship of our Club members. Off-water there was plenty happening with face painting, goody bags and a jumbo jumping castle for the children. Meanwhile the grownups enjoyed the soothing sounds of the Jazz Kings band and appreciating the sushi, oyster and gin cocktail bar. This year we started the formalities on the lawn with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by local Aboriginal man, Kaurna Senior Michael Kumatpi Marrutya O’Brien, a descendant of the Kaurna (Adelaide Plains) and Narrunga (Yorke Peninsula) people. The official presentations followed in Horizons Function Room and it was an honour and our pleasure to have Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia join us to officiate at the Opening of the Sailing Season. Along with Her Excellency our Club Patron, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, AC, CSC, also assisted with the presentations. Thank you to all our dignitaries and special guests. Vice Commodore Nick Bice stepped into the Commodore position and Jeff Dinham (JD) remained as Rear Commodore. We welcomed Mike Holmes as our new Vice Commodore along with Di Schwerdt joining JD as co Rear Commodore. To thank Jacqueline Heffernan for her commitment and dedication in serving in various flag officer positions over the past seven years she was presented with a beautifully framed past Commodore’s burgee and flowers. This year we welcomed our eleventh Life Member in our 49 year history, Geoff Boettcher. Geoff has been one of the CYCSA’s most active and successful on-water sailing competitors in the Club’s history and has had a significant impact on keeping the spirit and reality of competitive keelboat yacht racing alive and well at the CYCSA, in South Australia and on the National stage. Well-deserved Geoff! Our Club Volunteer of the Year award for 2021/22 was awarded to Bill Walker, nominated by the Racing Association. Congratulations and thank you Bill for volunteering your time, dedication and expertise to our Club both on and off the water. Special mention was also given to new CYCSA staff member, Youth Sailing Head Coach Maddy Salter, a finalist in the Australian Sailing Sports Professional category. 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. Recognition was also given to our Elliott sponsors. Major sponsors are Musto, Northrop Grumman, State Swim, Rinaldi Property & Construct/Greenhill Finance Brokers, Foodland and Footers Property & Investment along with supporting partners Orthopaedics SA, Dr Jason Ward and Adelaide Boat Sales. Following the conclusion of the presentations in Horizons the official Elliott sponsors launch ceremony took place on the marina. Sir James Hardy engaged guests with his heartfelt speech, christening fluid flowed and the sponsor representatives enjoyed the libations. Once the formal presentations were completed the official guests enjoyed afternoon tea in Mariners Room while the band, ‘Urban Cover’, kicked off in the patio providing great party music with a packed dance floor. The Club was a hive of activity with some members taking their party onboard while others stayed around the clubhouse enjoying the revelries. The addition of the cocktail bar and food stations 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 meals, picnic style on the lawn. It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces around the Club and I look forward to seeing you all again for Opening Day next year.

Mellissa Vahoumis Marketing & Communications

SAIL PAST AWARDS It wouldn’t be Opening Day without acknowledging the winners of our Sail Past awards and it was a pleasure having Barbara Page assist in presenting these awards. Congratulations to all participating members and crews for putting in such a fantastic effort and display of seamanship this year!

Best Dressed Boat – Power Andante Best Dressed Boat – Yacht Tirriki Best Dressed Crew – Power Ithaca Best Dressed Crew – Yacht Grand Akt Best Dressed Novelty – Power Annie Best Dressed Novelty – Yacht Rocksalt Seamanship Award – Power Suzanne Seamanship Award – Yacht Secret Mens Business (SMB) Seamanship Award – Junior Sailor Cowen (for most valued performer)

SAIL PAST LUCKY DRAW WINNERS For the fourth year running, as an extra incentive to get members involved and to participate in the Sail Past, we held our Sail Past Draw. The sail past winners were randomly drawn and won food and beverage vouchers for our Admirals Bar & Bistro. The winners were - 1st Prize ($400 value) Gladiator 2nd Prize ($200 value) Jenny Maree 3rd Prize ($100 value) Ithaca

25 YEAR BADGE RECIPIENTS Congratulations to the following members who achieved the milestone of 25 years of Club membership this year. They were: Ray Baddeley, Jeremy Barnes, Stuart Henry, George Rutar, John Rynes, Russell Spier, Trevor Stirling, Michael Warman, Brian Watkins and John Watson. Thank you for your ongoing contribution to the well-being of this Club through your long-standing membership. Not all were able to attend on the day to accept their 25-year badge and certificate and those who were not present have received their badges by post.