The sun shone and produced an absolutely beautiful day for the 59th Opening Day. A group of volunteers worked on Saturday and Sunday to give the clubhouse a final touch-up and the Committee greeted invited guests and Members dressed in the new Club polos which looked particularly smart.
Commodore Lee Renfree was presented with her Commodore’s burgee by Vice Commodore Tom Hinton. The Opening Day ceremony was run by Lee and the Reverend Peter Martin from St Georges, Queenscliff and St James, Point Lonsdale. Mayor Ross Ebbels of the Queenscliff Borough broke the flags and Les Irving-Dusting fired the canon. Rev Peter blessed the fleet from the south wharf and Lee sent the wooden cross into the water with a spectacular throw.
A cheque was presented to CEO Adam Wake of Cottage by the Sea who thanked the Club and Members. The HMAS Goorangai Memorial Trophy was awarded to Brighton’s Commodore Peter Strain by Captain Matthew Close, Chairman of the Port Phillip Sea Pilots.
At the end of the ceremony everyone moved into the clubhouse for a light lunch of lasagne and arancini balls from Geppettos Tratoria in East Melbourne with sandwiches, gourmet pies and sausage rolls from The Rolling Pin in Queenscliff.
Prospective Member Graeme Davis was very surprised when Commodore Lee welcomed him in her opening speech but said he worked for Parks Victoria. Prospective Member Graeme was rather confused but the two were introduced after the ceremony.
Prospective Member, Graeme Davis, left, met Parks Victoria’s, Graeme Davis, right.
Last Modified on 23/01/2022 17:09