SS27 REPORT
W
e have enjoyed a competitive but slightly unusual season thus far. What has seemed like a longer heat wave than normal has nevertheless delivered welcome sea breezes most Saturdays. Some with gusto if you will excuse the pun. So much so that the fleet has experienced two demastings. This is rare for such durable yachts as Spacesailer 27s, but disquieting for those on board. Thankfully no one has been injured and its now a waiting game for the necessary repairs with the Covid affected supply chain issues adding to some frustration. Thanks to the generosity of our skippers, most of the displaced crew have found temporary places on other ‘27s’, so we remain a strong and enthusiastic fleet.
A highlight of our annual social calendar, the recent Parkinson’s Cruise was another great success. A fleet of 8 boats was bolstered by Bruce Uren with SS22 [Wildfire SP 254] and Mal and Margaret Taylor providing additional support with their power boat “Detour”. We were blessed with a beautiful warm evening with light breezes, capped off with a magnificent full moon rise as the cruise returned to the club house for a carvery dinner and guest pennant presentations by Commodore Michael Cook and Rear Commodore Regatta Troy Dalglish. Initiated by Peter Willmott [Liberty SP88] some 14 years ago, the SS27 Association has maintained solid links with the Parkinsons’ Association of WA despite Peter’s passing several years ago. Liberty continues to sail in this event each year, paying a fitting tribute to Peter’s memory. Thanks must go to Matt Rose of [King Canute SP 330] for taking over from Colin Stevenson after some 8 years of enthusiastic management of this event. Thanks also to Amanda Watson, who has been another longstanding supporter of this event, and of course to all of the skippers and crew. We regularly receive effusive letters of appreciation from our Parkinsons’ guests.
As we sail into the later half of our racing season, the State Championship appears to be in the very firm grasp of Paul Rees and his crew on Karina SP 191. Well sailed gentlemen. Bob Beissel is proud of you. Meanwhile, the Club Championship is still in close contention. Stay safe on the pond everyone. G
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