Commodore Richard Lowe formally opened the 2018-19 season at the 56th Opening Day on Sunday 4th November. Reverend Peter Martin led hymns and prayers and performed the Blessing of the Fleet.
After a cool and gray start to the morning, clouds parted to reveal a beautiful sunny afternoon for the 70 plus members and guests. The wharf was full, with 12 boats alongside resplendent with flags and bunting.
Before opening the season, Richard announced the agreement of a new 21 year lease with Parks Victoria. This is a significant milestone for the Club and will now allow it to proceed with further redevelopments and refurbishment that have been put on hold over the past 4-5 years pending approval of the lease.
Les Irving-Dusting again fired his trusty and much loved cannon (twice) as the national flag was broken to mark the Opening of the Season.
Vice Commodore Chris Laker presented Dennis Smart, President of Cottage by the Sea, with a cheque for $3,000 raised by members over the previous season. In response Dennis reflected that QCYC has been supporting Cottage by the Sea for at least 20 years, and probably significantly longer. There is currently a programme of substantial refurbishment of the main building at Cottage by the Sea and the support of the local community is greatly appreciated.
Club Captain Michael Phelan presented Mal Billings and Peter Geary with the HMAS Memorial Trophy. In response Mal expressed great honour on again being the recipient of the Trophy. He highlighted the importance of continuing the tradition and spirit of the race with acknowledgement of its history. He thanked the organisers and hoped that more boats would continue to enter and to grow the race into the future.
After the formalities, members and guests enjoyed a buffet lunch in the clubhouse, catered by Stuart North.
More photos are available in the Photo Gallery.
Last Modified on 20/11/2018 08:57