On a day when cold, wet, and windy conditions were predicted, the 2023 Power Opening Day at South of Perth Yacht Club proved to be a pleasant surprise as the weather eased, leaving guests and competitors in high spirits. The time-trialling fleet and assembled VIPs were relieved that no one was caught in the rain, save for one unfortunate individual – but more on that later.

The event kicked off at the Yachties Bar, where guests and competitors mingled and enjoyed delicious platter food and complimentary refreshments served by the club’s F&B staff. As the attendees took their seats on the Quarterdeck, the Past Commodores, dressed in full regalia, and the management team, flag officers, and captains were seated on either side of the podium. The cannon was loaded, and burgees furled, signaling the start of the season.

Guest speaker Elly Spillekom from the Fremantle Shipwreck Museum provided an engaging talk on the early Dutch coastal explorers, the Abrolhos Island, shipwrecks, and the beginnings of wooden boatbuilding on the Swan River. This proved to be a perfect introduction to the upcoming Cruising Section’s guided visit to the museum on June 18th.

The Sail-Past parade brought a festive atmosphere, with the King’s Coronation Day as the popular theme for boat decorations and flags. Kudos to Holidaze for winning the best-themed boat award, complete with crowns, purple robes, and portraits of Charles and Camilla adorning the starboard gunnel.

While the rain held off, one unlucky author of this article, took an unplanned swim after slipping while backing into the pen. Thankfully, a change of clothes and a warm cup of tea set me right, albeit a tad embarrassed.

The time trial saw a record three yachts among the fleet of 24 starters. Graham Brown, a first-time entrant, claimed the Darkside Trophy with his mast-less yacht, Freo Doctor. Course 401 took the fleet in a loop around the river, from Attadale and back, with the H28 sailors and regular checkpoint volunteers ensuring a smooth event.

As the results were announced in the lively Yachties Bar, seven new time triallers were welcomed and awarded port. Despite the earlier mishap, the Bent Prop trophy went to Darryl Wilks for inadvertently leading new “time-triallers” astray.

The day’s winners included Guy Skinner and Fi Lyons in the Port Fleet, and Jason Claricoates and Caroline James in the Starboard Fleet. The Sherwell Family trophy is next on the agenda, honouring past member Avon Sherwell, with an interstate competition at the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Squadron also on the horizon.

Results:

PORT Fleet

1st Thanet Guy Skinner and Fi Lyons (8 pts) Least Points/ Trophy winner

2nd Lone Star Garry Morrison Amanda Watson (10Ppts)

3rd The Pickled Tickle Mark Hayman and Jared Tickle (12pts)

STARBOARD Fleet

1st The Dolphin Jason Claricoates and Caroline James (12 pts)

2nd Trailer Trash Paul Stott and Peter Black (13pts)

3rd Holidaze Vern and Judy Bailey (15pts)

As the South of Perth Yacht Club’s time triallers prepare to compete in the Taylor Cup, we wish them the best of luck, both on the water at Williamstown and during their tour of the stunning Mount Martha region and wineries.

Amanda Watson