Welcome back from holidays, We are already well into racing and I wish you all a safe and successful time on the water. Since Christmas there have been three races abandoned due to storm warnings, so when we do manage to start a race we should be truly thankful. I just wanted to share this letter of appreciation to all of us at the Club from one of our members.
“I found the SASC nine years ago by accident and, as a result have had some great sailing experiences and made some wonderful friends. When we are out on the water, I often say to Bill (Isabella) what a wonderful club the SASC is and, just as often, he says the same to me. Sunday’s sprint races were just amazing, one of the most memorable sailing experiences I’ve ever had. Close, competitive racing in perfect conditions, in beautiful boats, in the best of the Corinthian tradition. Afterwards, back at the Club, the atmosphere was simply electrifying.”
Best wishes to all, David Jones As David notes, when we get it right it is wonderful, however, we are the Amateurs and sometimes things don’t go to plan. Two recent issues which we are looking to improve upon are the rubbish management at the Green Shed and the booking of food/tables for après Twilight racing. These are both responsibilities shared between members and the Club staff, and it works well when we talk to each other. Please let us know if you are coming to dinner and if it’s time to swap out the bin!
After 50+ years sailing on the harbour I sometimes catch myself feeling a little blasé about going out for another race. That is until I notice a new face at the Club or hear someone like David just relishing the wonder of it all. They take me back to my first days at the Club over 20 years ago. Waiting on the pontoon for the tender, rigging and setting sails, turning off the engine and without a word spoken the miracle is there again.
There’s plenty of racing ahead of us with the Sydney Harbour Regatta and the various divisions of the Club races leading in to the pointy end of the season. Be mindful of the rules whilst sailing and test your crew’s knowledge regularly. Everyone on board should have a basic understanding of right of way and keeping awareness of other boats a priority. After Summer racing winds up there will be cruises and parties so reach out to senior members who know where the fun is.
If you are enjoying your sailing and time spent at the clubhouse let your friends know about us. Louise Macauley (Crew Concierge) with help from Philip Brown has done a great job at finding places on boats for people to get a first taste or reacquaint themselves with the joy of sailing. We get at least four inquiries a week and the Club membership is all the healthier for this. If anyone has an hour a week to help Louise please contact the Office or Racing. Jim Paskalis is out of action for a month, so our tender drivers and volunteer drivers will be stretched. Wishing Jim a speedy recovery and if anyone can step up to help with the tenders I know it will be appreciated.
Looking forward to all that the Club offers and catching up with old and new friends.
Peter Scott
Commodore
