SYC Cruising Flotilla

SYC Cruising Flotilla Nick Halsey

Six boats joined our Valentine’s Day Cruise to Calypso Bay, while another three boats joined us by road at Harrigan’s Irish Pub. The stafflooked after us well, and we all

enjoyed our dinner. The following day we departed to Dux. Our Easter cruise was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. While there was considerable confusion in the early days as to whether we were allowed to be on the water, many cruisers were able to get away and self-isolate on their boats.

We had a very successful End of Season cruise comprising 12 boats. Starting from the south arm of the Coomera River, we travelled to Jacobs Well. In the evening we met for dinner at the Jacobs Well Bayside Tavern. The team at the pub looked after us.

Everyone was very pleased with their meals. The following day we moved to an overnight stop at Tiger Mullet Channel, where we braved the chilly winds whilst having BYO drinks and nibbles on Gold Bank. On Sunday the fleet moved to Dux for

a BBQ lunch and the important distribution of Skite Plates. In normal years the plates are only issued to those who have attended three or more cruises. The Committee decided to issue plates to 12 crews who had participated in 2 or more cruises in the season. In the past year, we have received some sponsorship from BMS, a boat brokerage firm. On this occasion, they provided

funds for 6 lucky people to win prizes in a random number selection draw, which was well received and hopefully will be repeated on future cruising events. One lucky husband and wife team who are both members each won a prize which proves there is a benefit ofhaving your

partner join as a Related Associate Member. For those of you who may be new to the Club, these cruising events range from short 3 day cruises, close to home anchorages; such as Tiger Mullet Channel, Millionaires Row and Canaipa Point. And longer cruises to more distant places such as Fraser Island, Mooloolaba and the Tweed River. On occasions, several SYC cruisers have travelled in groups as far as Bowen and beyond.

Planning for the cruising events for the 2020 /2021 Season is well underway with the first being a 9 day Brisbane River

Cruise commencing 22 August. We hope to be able to have at least 12 events this season, with Days Gutter and Bribie Island being the most distant. During June the Cruising Committee, which had shrunk to 3, put out a call for helpers in the event that some or all of the current Committee were not available due to plans to be away on extended cruises. Several people responded and may be called upon should the need arise. The Committee extends a thank you to those who put up their hand and would also like them to participate in our future cruises. Presently we have to remain flexible and adapt to the changing

situations. An experienced member will be joining the Committee in the near future to help fill the gap left by Lloyd Abbott

who worked hard on the Committee for several years, and his efforts are

appreciated.

Nick Halsey SYC Cruising Flotilla