Surely then a time to rest – but no, next the “Salvage Crew” swung into action opening the latest “Can of Worms” being the rebuilding of the Southeast wall of the clubhouse. Thanks go to Bruce Dover, Trevor Cosh, Bob Langley, David Field, Bruce Brown, Martin Van Der Wal, Herschel Smith and David Salter.
Having lost our clubhouse to the necessary repairs the annual life members lunch was held at the Mosman Rowers (thank you Rowers!). Members of the Jeremy and Gale families were invited so that we could let them know just how much we treasured John and Bill’s contributions of time, energy, passion, spirit and wisdom to this club. The directors are considering proposals over the next few months for how to best recognise their contributions and provide further inspiration to the spirit of the club.
And finally, a couple of wet weekends of working bees to tidy up inside, outside and on the water. After that I think you will have all earnt a couple of weeks off. Thank you to the directors and volunteers, the staff and the “Salvage Crew,” it has been a busy time and we all appreciate the effort.
Amid that busy “quiet time” the board considered a significant proposal – to invite our member Hugh Treharne to take on the role of co-patron of the Amateurs. The directors unanimously approved as – “Hugh’s extraordinary contribution was not just to the sport of sailing at the highest levels, but to the “Amateurs in particular. He looked after our moorings, raced on our boats and inspired us, quietly adding to the spirit of the place.”
Robbie Treharne told us that Hugh beamed with joy at the idea of being our club patron and he graciously accepted the invitation. Unfortunately, just a week later Hugh passed away; our condolences go to the Treharne family. In order to pay our respect and having obtained permission from his family we will still install Hugh Treharne as co-patron of the club for at least the next year. His quiet, determined spirit will lead us into our next year of sailing.
The last word for this Signals is to offer congratulations to Sean Langman and Shane Guanaria who led their crews in Back to Black and Zen, racing in the returning year of the Admirals Cup and the 100th year of the Fastnet Race. The two boats formed a formidable team placing 5th overall including some podium finishes in the closely fought series. In the lead up to the race Sean and Shane have often been seen honing their skills in our club’s answer to the Admirals Cup – The Ranger Couta Sprints!
Of late at the Amateurs we have had a busy time, at times joyous and also sad. With the passing of several long-standing members, for some of us it feels like the end of an era. However, with the club’s strong foundations in spirit, I feel confident our next seasons will be as bright as any previous – a toast then to the spirit of the Amateurs!
Peter Scott
Commodore
