AT THE HELM WITH OUR GM

FROM THE HELM

This being my fourth written report for a December issue of Groundswell, I can easily attest that it is my favourite report to submit as it sees the culmination of many key events during year’s end leading up to everyone’s favourite time of the year, Christmas. I think our tireless and dedicated Groundswell publication team would agree with me on this one and while on that subject this provides a perfect opportunity to thank our Groundswell team of Gay Footer, Pat Catley, Di Schwerdt and Mellissa Vahoumis along with other contributors who collaboratively produce a high-quality publication every three months which the Club distributes with immense pride. Well done to all! Since September we have held the Commodore’s Dinner, the Club AGM, the inaugural South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta, Opening Day and the Melbourne Cup luncheon as Club run events as well as six weddings, numerous corporate seminars, three very well attended Boating Conversation evenings and given away $2900 to a very happy Russell Phillipson in a record members draw jackpot. We welcome new members draw sponsor and Club Insurance broker ICF to the weekly Thursday events which continue to be as popular as ever even with a building jackpot.

OPENING DAY Out of the many events run recently Opening Day was a spectacular success. Nestled in between what only can be described as very average spring weather was an almost ‘Sail Past’ perfect Saturday on 29 October. We received an abundant amount of positive feedback from the day which had many standout features, most notably the fantastic attendance of our special guests which included Her Excellency, Governor of South Australia Frances Adamson, Sir James Hardy, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce (Club Patron) and CYCSA Life Members Geoff Catt, Graeme Footer, Geoff Boettcher, Andrew Saies and Craig Evans. It was fantastic to have Craig and his wife Julie join us from Western Australia to attend their first Opening Day post Covid era. A well supported Sail Past of around 50 vessels kept those in attendance on the One & All busy ‘hooraying’ prior to a welcome and smoking ceremony performed by local Senior Kaurna Man, Mickey Kumatpi O’Brien, at the BBQ area. The Official Ceremony commenced in Horizons Function Centre where all the annual awards and accolades were presented. The first handover of the position of Commodore in four years was a highlight. Our outgoing Commodore Jacqueline Heffernan was honoured for her wonderful contribution and service over many years. She passed the baton over to incoming Commodore Nick Bice who took over proceedings and introduced his new team for our 50th year; Mike Holmes (Vice), Di Schwerdt (Rear) and Jeffrey Dinham (Rear). Our Flag Officers expanded to four with two Rears this term to assist with the heavy workload a Golden Jubilee year will bring. Live entertainment and a pop-up bar serving oysters, sushi and BBQ skewers as well as a range of Gin and Fever Tree cocktails proved very popular. Those who frequent our bistro on a regular basis would no doubt have met our two new hospitality additions. Both coming to the CYCSA with vast experience we welcome Orlando Bagnara as our Host/Function Coordinator and Haresh Singh as Bar and Bistro Manager. Both have outstanding resumes and are welcome additions to the Club at a time when attracting quality hospitality staff is very difficult. We are very fortunate to have them join our team so please make them feel welcome. Welcome Haresh and Orlando

LOOKING FORWARD At the time of writing, we are gearing up for another three regatta involvements over the coming months. We are hosting both the State, South Australian and National Etchells Championships in December and January respectively along with being the host/starting Club for the 2023 Teakle Adelaide to Port Lincoln Race which this season has been elevated to the Australian Yachting Championships. These will provide plenty of activity and on-water action to keep the CYCSA team busy. I urge all members to support our Associations and their respective functions from now right through 2023. A lot of time and energy is put into organising these events which are all done by volunteers and a few of the events that are upon us are the All-Associations Christmas Bash, the Kids Christmas Party and our always popular Crabbing Day. Let’s get plenty of people involved and out on the water with some much-needed improvement in the weather. Wishing you all and your families a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and some memorable nautical moments. It goes without saying, stay safe.

Adam Hays General Manager