ANZAC WEEKEND AT PORT VINCENT

Having been a very popular event historically but dropping off the calendar for several years, this year’s ANZAC Day fell on a Monday presenting the opportunity to reinstate an event over at our Port Vincent Marina. A working group of Rosemary Gould, Jacqueline and Martyn Heffernan and Jenny McAuliffe set about structuring the threeday event in early February. The race or cruise over on the Saturday was well supported with over 30 CYCSA boats participating. Once settled in, the evening festivities commenced with a BYO BBQ along with live entertainment from popular local country solo artist, John O’Dea, who provided some quality entertainment playing many Aussie classics in the large tent on the green. Sunday saw a leisurely start to the day for those wanting a morning sail, fish, or a well-earned lie in from the night before. The festivities recommenced from lunchtime with an official opening ceremony for the Clubhouse extension completed earlier in the year. Local developers, The Lillis Group, were present informing those in attendance of their exciting plans to the marina precinct most notably developing townhouses, floating accommodation and a café in E-row along with apartments and a commercial area. Our Flag Officers officiated at the prize giving prior to the opening ceremony where awards were given to the following –Best ANZAC Biscuit - Clair de Lune crew Best Dressed Powerboat - David Swinton, Hooked Best Dressed Sailboat - Clair de Lune crew Best Wildlife Photo - Nick Bice Winner of Line Honours - Brenton Peglar, Playground Winner on Handicap - Simon Jenkins, Clair de Lune. As well as Board members Mark Hutton and Christopher Cox, Life Members Graeme Footer and Geoff Catt were in attendance to assist Commodore Jacq Heffernan with the official clubhouse opening ceremony. Local MP Fraser Ellis was also present as he chatted with Club members and was suitably impressed with the substantial attendance, renovations and future plans to reinvigorate the Port Vincent area. Our longtime sponsors, Charlesworth Nuts, provided the ‘Chappy’s free BBQ’ which along with a special cake rounded out a memorable ceremony. Attendees left to enjoy the rest of their Sunday with a few making the decision to return to Adelaide. Monday morning’s ANZAC Dawn Service at the War Memorial near the Bowling Club was very well organised with around 500 people on site to show their respect to all current and former serving men and women. Graeme Footer and Terry Denham laid a wreath on behalf of the CYCSA before the local CWA provided breakfast and ANZAC Biscuits down by the wharf. At around 10am on Monday a pilgrimage of weary but satisfied CYCSA members motored their way back to North Haven due to the strong easterly on the nose. With some very positive feedback coming through the office during the weeks after, we certainly look forward to seeing this event back soon. A big thank you to all who contributed with a special mention to Linsay Patterson whose expert versatility was well utilised over the weekend.

Adam Hays General Manager