HERRESHOFF HILL HEADLINES
congratulating Glen Stanley for his enormous contribution to the H28 fleet as Chairman for the previous 13 years. He spoke about the camaraderie within the sailing group, which has prevailed throughout the years, and was pleased to see so many representatives, past and present, of the families who have left their mark on the character of the fleet. Many thanks to all members of the sub-committee formed to organize the celebration, to provide a special evening for all.
Keelboat Prize Night
Prominent night enjoyed by all at the 2023 Keelboat Prize Night. Perpetual sailing attendees Swiftsure Saga and Wynella were rewarded by taking out most trophies. Well done to Bill and Glen and their crews.
60th Year Celebration.
The highlight of the year was the 60th anniversary of H28s sailing as a class division. Club records show that a meeting convened by 12 SoPYC members on Thursday, February 28, 1963, resulted in a successful proposal put forward by Frank Corser and seconded by Loyal Weaver for H28’s to sail as a “class fleet.” The resolution saw the fleet commence sailing as a class division from the 1963/1964 season to the present day. Such a historic milestone surely deserved a proper celebration. On Saturday, March 1, 2023, the largest fleet of H28s seen for several years, with 12 yachts crossing the start line, assembled. They included Aloha, Anna, Corella, Georgina, Mariner, Napea of Carrick, Swiftsure Saga, The First Jindarra, and Wynella, with visiting yachts, Bella, Manta, and Tehana. It was a very hot 38°C day with a delayed start, which finally saw the boats drift northwards on a very light, fickle easterly breeze to Sampson. The breeze swung to a light but more encouraging southerly. Fastest on the day was Mariner, skippered by Kate Lammonby. 1st on handicap was Aloha, skippered by Andrew Minto, and the 1st visiting yacht was Manta, skippered by Geoff Barr. All three winners were presented with trophies marking the anniversary event. Following the race results, over 90 members and associates of the H28 family moved to the Wardroom for a night of fine dining, fellowship, and reliving memories of the past 60 years. The evening began with a welcome by Commodore Troy Dalglish. Invited guests included Rear Commodore Victoria Blankensee and Vice Patron Len Randell. Rick Steuart set the scene with a continuous slideshow of over 400 photos displayed on two large screens, depicting the yachts and many of the colorful characters crewing in the H28 fleet over many years. The Chairman of the Division, Ernie Little, acted as MC, and he opened his comments by
The Australian Wooden Boat Festival Hobart 2023
Some H28 sailors spent a long weekend at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival last February. They were invited by the organizers to represent the state of WA, and originally, the Herreshoff 28 was viewed as the representative class. When it was pointed out that the H28 was a Yankee design, the prime focus was quietly switched to Len Randall, a noted marine designer, and Vice Patron of SoPYC. However, the class still had its day, and with the assistance of a WA-built, Hobart-based H28 originally called Anita, we were able to show off the H28 class to the people of Hobart. With 14 WA visitors from SoPYC, we were able to man a booth in the Wooden Boat Builders Marquee and kept the flag flying while accompanying Len Randall, who was a guest speaker at the symposium on Sunday. The assistance of the Club was most appreciated, and it was noted that several WA visitors who found us were delighted to have the Club represented at the festival. John Pierzak. Images courtesy of Rick Steuart
The AWBF team
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