Commodore’s Report

John Midolo

Commodore

Looking back over the past six months or so since writing my last article for Soundings, it may have been a long time between drinks but a lot has been happening. All of us here in the West have been lucky with the threat of COVID-19 not interfering in our calendar events too much.

As you read this, we will be nearing the end of our 75th year celebrations of the Club.

This all started with a perfect day for the opening of the 75th season. This rolled into the successful running of the Goolugatup Sailing Carnival with the major sponsor being The Ron Tough Foundation. With the sailing season well undeway we saw good fleets in all divisions.

After a couple of date shifts due to COVID restrictions, we finally saw the pinnacle event of the 75th take place on the 16th of April. And what a night it was! The weather was perfect, food and entertainment excellent and wow – the fireworks. They were something else. As you will be aware, the birthday year of our Club brought forth lots of questions about its history. This prompted the formation of the Archive Committee, which gathered loads of memorabilia to showcase for a reunion gathering in the Ballroom, a particularly well-attended event.

The Ocean Racing Committee lobbied ORWA to run an Ocean Race in recognition of the birthday year. This event ended with a night race around fixed marks starting at 17:30 off hallmark buoy with the fleet finishing at about 23:30. After the race, the skippers and crews were treated to a sausage sizzle at FSC, hosted by SoPYC, which continued into the wee hours. Presentations were held at the Club the following Wednesday after the afternoon results had been finalised. Based on the feedback it was very successful and will possibly turn into an annual event.

Of course, there have been the usual events throughout the year: Valentine’s day, wine tasting and with the upgraded Quarter Deck looking good and our Food and Beverage Manager Michael at the helm, this has been a huge success.

The power season started on a high note with the preseason cocktail party in the Ballroom, another resounding success. I bet there were a few sore heads the next day.

Unfortunately, the final race of the sailing season was cancelled as COVID-19 restrictions struck again. As a result, closing day was cancelled and the uncertainty of the virus even put Power Opening at risk. At one stage I thought about renaming the Club the South of Perth Sailing and Football Club, but the government saw sense and restricted the footy as well.

After a bit of toing and froing we made the decision to start the season as planned. We had an excellent Autumn day with a good turnout of time- triallers. At About 16:00 we heard news of another COVID-19 lockdown and the compulsory wearing of masks. But it didn't have much of an impact on the day, as a lot of members chose to stay put and eat and drink the night away.

There has been a buzz from the OWG office as as it collates the results and trophies of the season in readiness for the prize nights for both keel and centreboard (OTB) fleets. These are always good events that wrap up the season.

In closing, it has been a busy period for management with the finalisation of the budget and awarding the contract for the kitchen renovations. We are still nowhere closer to resolving the Jetty 1 issue and decking to Jettys 4 and 5, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you once again for your support.

Cheers,

JOHN MIDOLO Commodore

From the ARCHIVE

We need your help!

Do you know these mothers and grandmothers?

Bernie Kaaks, Rick Steuart and Amanda Watson would like to thank Club members who have helped to uncover previously unseen gems. This photo of the first SPYC Ladies Auxiliary is from the Frank Sampson Family Collection. Frank Sampson was the first Commodore. If you can identify any of the women in this wonderful photograph from 1946, please contact the Archive Group via Bernie Kaaks’ email: poweradmin@sopyc.com.au