Dear Members
As another summer sailing season nears its end, it was pleasing to see increased keelboat participation, particularly on Wednesdays in the Twilight races. We saw strong participation in many classes in regattas held around the bay and interstate throughout the season. During the Half Yearly AGM, I presented our Club Captains report, highlighting other positive improvements in participation with the Juniors and Youth program going well, Sunday mornings fully subscribed, and Sunday afternoons growing.
As the days grow shorter and the weather cooler, several cruising boats are heading North, and I would like you to join me in wishing them all fair winds and safe travels. The following boats are leaving over the next few weeks:
It’s a Privilege – Queensland
Sagred – Queensland (Airlie Beach)
Saffron – New Caledonia + Vanuatu
Chakana – New Caledonia +Vanuatu
Aquacadabra – New Caledonia +Vanuatu.
For those of us remaining in Melbourne, the end-of-season Cerberus Trophy will be raced on Saturday, 29th April; this is a fun, relaxed race, with a BBQ on the hardstand at the end of the day. Weather permitting, it is a great way to celebrate the end of the season, and it would be great to see a large fleet on the water.
Our monthly Guest Speaker Dinners, bought to you by the Cruising Group, continue this Friday night. This month we have author Christiaan de Beukelaer presenting his book “Trade Winds”, A Voyage to a Sustainable Future for Shipping. In May, Wayne Seaward and the crew of Cyan Moon presenting on their recent Rolex Sydney to Hobart race success. Once again, please keep an eye out for dates and topics on the third Friday of each month. Bookings can be made via Mandy at Reception.
Have a great week ahead!
Peter Gebhardt
Rear Commodore