The morning of April 1 saw an intimate mix of staff and yachting friends gathered to send off Bernie Kaaks on his retirement.. The morning tea was a wonderful tribute to his many accomplishments around the club and the many shoes he had filled over his 40 plus years at the club.
Bernie began racing Red Witches and moved on to a Spirit 28, standing in relief management roles when needed, sailing captain not once but twice, a race officer and some considerable time as both an offshore sailor and navigator, then took on the roles as both sailing and power administrator at separate times with SoPYC.
Past Commodore Guy Skinner gave the thank you speech, bringing forward several of Bernie’s minor accomplishments and some of his history, then presented him with a large crystal whisky decanter engraved with the clubs burgee and matching glasses.
Bernie was generous in his acceptance and his farewell speech. He felt that he has left the On Water Group in the capable hands of Sharon Skinner and was quick to say he would be around and available to help if some unforeseen situation arose. He spoke of the past work that the club had done for charity and community events and expressed the hope that some of that spirit would return to the club.
He reminisced that family had always been a big part of the club and looked to see some of that return to the club where kids could come down and play around the club while their parents were out sailing. ‘It was a pity’ he said, ‘to see so many masts in the pens, when they should be out on the water sailing on a Saturday. Promoting the spirit of sailing was paramount within the club.’
Bernie thanked all for their support and stressed the friendship of the club to he and his family during his many years of service. The morning finished with the guests returning to enjoy the buffet and another cup of tea while they congratulated Bernie on his retirement.
