Commodore’s Message
The Bridge “En Mai fais ce qu’il te plaît” Loosely translated as “In May do as you please” – well that is very much the spirit, that come what May we are going to let loose and have some fun. Starting appropriately with the Nations’ Cup, which last year was such a blast (as evidenced by the photograph above) and in difficult circumstances if you recall! So, in 2022 we expect an event of epic proportion to celebrate our communal return to the waters of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. And as you read these lines it is my genuine belief that participants in that perennial favourite will have had a truly memorable time, with pictures to be shared aplenty and tall tales galore; chiefly from the rowdiest corner populated by sailors in green attire and sporting peaked caps! Some time ago I wrote: “The presentation of the then 116-year-old Georgian silver vase with dolphin handles, which was purchased out of the HKRNVR pre-war mess funds, was handed to Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Commodore, N.V.A. Croucher by Lieutenant Commander J.C.M Grenham RNVR (Ret.) for a competition to perpetuate the memory of HKRNVR members who gave their lives during World War II. Initially the intention was that the race course would replicate the routes that the HKRNVR would patrol. Over time sadly, elements out of our control have forced us to fall back on our tried and tested courses. Still a very fun and competitive race. But we shall renew with tradition and history. The grandson of Lieutenant Commander Grenham, Nick, is a member and we hope he will be able to handover the trophy once prize giving resumes!” Well I do hope that this historical regatta will finally take place now on 7 May, which is integral in awarding the Top Dog Trophy and its associated bragging rights! And the fun just does not end just yet! The Spring Regatta is scheduled over the 14 and 15 May weekend, where close to 100 boats of all shapes and sizes are expected to take part. Time to get your vessels in racing condition after our imposed idleness and a quick brushing up of Racing Rules of Sailing might not go amiss either! As you can see everyone has been working double time to ensure the Club can reschedule as many sailing, rowing and paddling events as is physically possible to ensure that you can hit the water running so to speak. So spare a thought for all individuals, volunteers and staff, assist them whenever possible and be tolerant! And the activity does not end with our sports. You may have noticed that work has been undergoing in the Chart and Club Rooms, adjacent to the Main Bar. These two areas experience some heavy usage, which has actually increased as members seek refuge therein to do some quiet work. And as neither has been renovated in over 20 years, we decided to take the opportunity to carry out a soft refurbishment, which shall see new furniture and a redesign of the Club Room to incorporate the now obsolete Telephone Room. This additional space will provide a more comfortable and practical environment for short meetings or temporary working environment, where the usage of phones will be allowed! So no more excuses!
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| MAY 2022 AHOY!
