More than 60 enthusiastic sailors, members and visitors, attended the opening of the 2017-18 sailing season on Sunday, November 26, at the Augusta Yacht Club (AYC).
The weather for the day was mild and overcast with a moderately strong wind blowing from the southeast, promising some good sailing later in the day.
AYC Commodore Herman Gerritsen welcomed visiting flag officers from DBYC, shire representatives, a visiting contingent of Windrush sailors, members and friends.
After introducing the 2017-18 flag officers, Vice-Commodore Mal Buzza and Rear-Commodore Ian Ladyman, Gerritsen then proceeded to give a short summation of the club’s 23 year history.
Cr Mike Smart performed the official opening and congratulated the club on its achievements over the years, observing that with continued support from council the club would continue to provide a top rate facility enjoyed by locals and visitors for many years to come.
After the raising of the club burgee to signify the official opening of the season, everyone enjoyed a few drinks and a magnificent lunch provided by the club.
Wind continued to increase and by the time the sailors were ready for the traditional sail past it was 16-17 knots with gusts in excess of 20 knots, this was enough to cause some concern amongst sailors as the wind was coming straight up the river causing difficult conditions.
The sailpast was without incident and boats remained on the water for the start of the first race of the day.
As predicted conditions soon took their toll on many boats, as gear that had been unused for months gave way to the trying conditions.
Most boats were able to carry out repairs and apart from everyone getting well and truly drenched and several acrobatic manoeuvres the race finished with all but two crossing the line.
The second race was conducted without the monohull fleet as they decided it was far more relaxing to enjoy the spectacle of the catamaran sailors being harassed by the deteriorating conditions.
Rising Damp, sailed by Shane Walsh and Geoff Harrison was first and fastest for the monohulls and 6428 sailed by Cliffe Rolfe was first and fastest in both races for the multihull fleet with Yellow Taxi sailed by Eion Lindsay taking handicap honours.
A very successful day was finished with presentation, drinks, nibbles and excuses around the fireplace beneath the paperbarks on the banks of the Blackwood.
Next Sunday will be a regular club sail at the Augusta Yacht Cluib.
Racing starts at 1pm with the usual after-race BYO barbecue around 4.30 – 5pm.