Skate Report (Nautical News November)

Well I’m back into writing this month’s article, been a bit slack in getting one done over the winter months but there wasn’t a lot going on in Skate land.

The good news is that we are still around with a few of us still out there on the water having a ride and enjoying the fun on the beach afterwards.

It was terribly sad for the Skate guys with the passing of Our Legendary Club & Skate Life Member Bill Sloan. Bill was held in enormous high esteem by all for his tireless efforts to promote & support the Skate class as a friend and rescue boat owner & driver. He will be long remembered by us all.

At the recent Club Medal Presentation evening, it was fantastic to see the number of current & former Skate sailors present. It just goes to show you just how many people have enjoyed sailing the class and are still active long term members of this fantastic Club. Most of these people were wearing both the 20 & 30 year badges with some not far off receiving the 40 year medal. Great effort guys!

Out State heats have commenced with Gavin taking out the first heat, the Bunbury weekend is to be re-scheduled and we may end up having a couple of back to backs at Busselton later in the season.

Thanks go to Steve, Paul, Pete & George for making the effort to get out sailing as often as possible, I know that a few of the other guys will be out there once there other commitments are complete and our fleet once again will be gathering momentum.

Our Australian Championships are in NSW this Xmas – New Year at St George Sailing Club and we are going to have approx 4 boats go from WA ,  putting them in to the container for transport to and from the event certainly makes it easier for the competitors to spend time with the families at Xmas before getting there on Boxing Day. I’m going to be on the midnight horror to Sydney on Xmas night so that I can get out on the Harbour for the start of the Sydney to Hobart which is a fantastic event to witness.

Looking forward to the racing in Sydney and I will do a full report when I get back.

Have a great Xmas & New Year.

Allan Spencer