GEOFF WELLS REAR COMMODORE POWER

IHOPE ALL OUR MEMBERS and their families had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. There was some ideal weather to make the escape to Rottnest or ports further afield on boats or other forms of transport. It was great to see all the power yachts (and one yacht!) rafted up for the recent ‘Rock the Dock’ party in all their finery. It was a great evening with special mention going to David Grocutt’s Sirius, becoming an impromptu flybridge saxophone platform during one of the band’s songs.

We held our annual Twilight Time Trial on Friday, February 17 where we had 18 boats compete, which included competitors from Royal Perth, Claremont, Perth Flying Squadron and Fremantle yacht clubs. Taking out first place was Havana (Tim Cummins and Ken Stevenson) on 4 points, closely followed by Kizuri (Evan Moore and Neil Clegg) on 5 points and Azure (Stephen and Emma Lewis) on 6 points. Thank you to all our volunteers who provided race management and manned the eight checkpoints, we greatly appreciate it. The BBQ that followed on the lawn was enjoyed by all.

You may have received, by the time you read this, a request to support our Camp Quality Day on Sunday, April 2. If you are able to supply yourself and your boat to take out some well deserving families that would be greatly appreciated. This year the focus is on Kids with Carers who have Cancer (KICC) so it is generally one of the parents who are going through their treatment and may not always have the time or opportunity to spend time with their children. We are looking to be able to take out 120 – 150 people so a few boats will be needed. Please consider volunteering if you can, even if to just provide a hand on land. It is a very rewarding day for all involved.

I’d like to thank all those members who have been supporting the Saturday Keelboat racing by performing their river safety boat duty. We’ve had a few windy Saturday’s and knowing that support isn’t far away is always comforting. In return, we hope that we can count on some of our sailors to support the forthcoming Time Trialling season by volunteering to man a checkpoint on a Saturday afternoon.

Speaking of which, our Time Trialling Season Opening Day is Saturday, May 6 which isn’t far away. We’re looking to have a great season with lots of good competition and a strong State Team. New time triallers are always welcome and we can provide training to get you up to speed (usually 8 knots!) quickly. It is a fantastic way to use your boat regularly over the winter months and get familiar with different parts of the river. On the day there will be a short time trial followed by a raft-up on the main wharf for the Opening Ceremony and live entertainment. It is a fun day so make sure you bring your friends as well. Look for the nomination details soon and I hope to see you there on the day.

Simon Barwood