Rear Commodore Regatta Report

Stephen Grover

Rear Commodore Regatta

Service to SoPYC can come in many forms, by people of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. That is one of the strengths of our Club and, indeed, our sport. Recently, the Club officially recognised the contributions of Janis Kukuls and Geoff Sneesby in their many roles, in particular as starters for afternoon and twilight races over many years. Geoff has also been a long-term competitor in the H28 fleet (Nerima) and sat on many a protest panel over the years.

Given their length of voluntary service to the Club over an extended period of time it is only fitting that they are now able to take a rest and enjoy the view from under the start box, not inside it!

Sincere thanks to both gentlemen on behalf of the sailing group and from South of Perth Yacht Club in general for their overall contribution to the fabric of the Club.

In handing out acknowledgements of outstanding service it would be remiss of me not to mention the 25 year contribution of Cliff Lawrence (pseudo Sailing Captain) on the board of the Ron Tough Yachting Foundation. This foundation has a huge influence on Youth Sailing in and around the WA sailing scene and having a strong representative like Cliff has been more than helpful to SoPYC over the journey. The fact that the Goolugatup Sailing Carnival was able to garner such a large portion of the sponsorship dollars required to run the event was due in no small part to his contribution. Thank you Cliff!

The mention of Geoff Sneesby's time on the protest committee reminds me to encourage sailing participants to hone their knowledge of the sailing rules (although I hear from Power Boat sources that they have similar issues!). I do this not to commence a string of petty disputes or bring on wasted “Time in the Room” but to encourage owners and crew alike to gain a better “feel” for the sport of sailing. The basics are exactly that, basic, but without them unnecessary incidents can develop. The Club has regular rules nights featuring guest speakers. Look them up on the Club’s website; your added knowledge will enhance your sailing (and Powering) experience.

Unfortunately, the summer season was hampered by COVID restrictions, making closing day a non-event and forcing the cancellation of the Anzac Day ceremony and Diggers Cup at RPYC.

Looking back over the year, our 75th as a Club and 60th at our Coffee Point site, a number of additional events have been conducted.

The Goolugatup Sailing Carnival (GSC) was completed in January over 10 days with more than 200 competitors from all over Australia and some from overseas in the field. We even included an afternoon Keelboat race (sponsored by Jane Brook Wines, of course!)

SoPYC co-hosted the race with the Royal Perth Yacht Club and it was deemed a resounding success by those who came together on the day.

Representatives from the Ron Tough Yachting Foundation, our naming rights sponsor, declared the 10-day GSC “A” Class in all respects.

Well done all concerned.

The annual Billy Run (11 contestants), Night Race (14 contestants) and the Time on Distance Race were all quality ocean racing tests co-ordinated by Betty Walsh and her team.

I am sad to report that Betty will be stepping down from her position as Ocean Racing representative to pursue other interests. Thanks 'Betty Boo' for your fantastic contribution.

The DF 95 fleet continues to grow in number and quality. A list of the guys who form the fleet reads like a Who's Who of the yachting history of SoPYC racing and administrative fraternity over the years.

Our Sailability Group forms a valuable and necessary link with those less able amongst us and it is great to see the completion of a MOU between the Club and Sailability (SoPYC).

Thanks must go to John Hassen and Bradley Abbott for their patience and persistence in putting this document together.

On a slightly sour note, the Club organising authority for the Australian Youth Match Racing Championships has taken the decision to postpone the running of the event until 2022. This has been done with the imprimatur of Australian Sailing which understands our issues with COVID and border closures. Our own research has shown there is a reluctance from those on the eastern seaboard to commit to events in WA, given the fluidity of the likelihood of lockdown. The decision is, of course, disappointing but sometimes, “You can't fight city hall!”.

Finally, congratulations to all the winners and placegetters in the Summer Series of sailing with presentations for Off The Beach on May 28 and Keelboats on May 30. I'm sure they will both be enjoyable events.

Stephen Grover Rear Commodore Regatta

STOP PRESS:

Word is circulating about re-establishment of a wellsupported style of racing from over 20 years ago. Not much detail at this stage but I won't keep you in the dark much longer!