Colin Wilson Trophy
“Steadying the ship”
By his daughter Megan Berry
Colin Wilson joined in 1962, in 1969 he was elected to Management and was elected Commodore in 1973.
Colin was a Powerie, having no sailing connection, unlike most other power yacht owners.
Colin launched several small trailer boats, all named Fayda which was his pet name for his wife Fay
The early 70’s was a challenging time with high turnover of Commodore, Club Management and Flag officers due to deaths and professional mismanagement and theft. Colin having retired from his refrigeration business, moved from Commodore to Managing Secretary (General Manager) “to steady the ship”
Colin held the position for the next 13 years with the assistance of Mrs Betty Taylor in the office.
After retiring from the General Managers position on staff, Colin resumed his voluntary roles including one on the Power Yacht Committee 1988 where he was responsible for the first computerised timing and data.
Colin was honoured with Life Membership in 89 and was awarded Vice Patron in 2006
Hid daughters present the Colin Wilson Trophy for Time Trialling each year in recognition of Colin’s contribution to our club
The event
The heavy falls of rain in the morning, still lingering as menacing dark clouds and showers in the afternoon, was no dampener in the competition for 20 hardy time trailers.
Congratulations Jason Claricoates and Caroline James onboard The Dolphin scoring 5 points over the 8 checked marks. Dolphin made the clean sweep, with 1st place and least points pennants and being awarded the prestigious “off the stick” Colin Wilson Trophy. Dolphin’s total score with handicap was 10, along with Purrfect John and Lynne Cooper who were 2nd place on countback in port fleet, also with 10 points. Doug Smith and Angie Kaaks, onboard Reel Time were 3rd place. Doug has been awarded wins in the past 2 weeks, only to have the results altered with a protest. His expression when collecting his pennants is saying “are you sure this time?”
Anton and Sebastian Jennings onboard Magnifique II were 1st place in the Starboard fleet with a total score of 13. Guy Skinner and Fiona Lyons onboard Thanet scored 14 for 2nd place. Brand new time trialler, Travis Martin with experienced navigator Kim Muraszko missed a 3rd place by a countback from Garry Morrison and Amanda Watson onboard Lone Star, with 16 points.
Seafarers Measure: Navigator /Skippers Time Trial
Next week the Skippers give over the wheel to the Navigators, testing skipper timekeeping role for the day. Nominations for the event need to be into Matt in the OWG ASAP. The trophy is the Seafarers Measure, the historic relic, the actual rum measure from steamboat, Seafarer donated by former Power Starters and first Cruising Section Captain Mollie and Allen Coy .
Lloyd Evans Time Trail: State Heat 2
The second of the CPYA state heat series was hosted on Sunday morning by the Claremont Yacht Club. Early start times down on the bank off Claremont for the start and finish of the event.
Four SoPYC teams were among the fleet of 32 boats competing for the prizes. In form teams from Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club took out 4 of the top 5 positions, the winners Kizuri scoring 12 points over the 16 checked marks. The best of our team were The Dolphin in 6th place and Lone Star in 7th place. Claremont hosted a delicious post event long buffet lunch with selections of roasts, curries seafood chowder and dessert. After the lunch loads of fun raffle winners accepted prizes and Corica Strudels for the event winners. Power Captain, Paul Hodgson from Claremont made special mention and thanked the Race Officer, Brian Smith saying ‘it would not have been possible for CYC to host the event without Smithy’, while presenting him with gifts in appreciation.
Words by Megan Berry, Amanda Watson
Images by Amanda Watson (presentations) and Bernie Kaaks ( “The Dolphin” on water image)
