There was excitement in the air as the crowd realised that it would be the last time the ceremony would be held on the beach, thanks to the new clubrooms.

Club patron, South West MLC Barry House, opened the season with a blast from a shotgun.

The first highlight of the day was the naming of the two Mirrors, generously donated by the local Lions club, and two new Minnows built by dads and club members for juniors Jack Sapsford and Morgan Flower. Mary Stewart, the vice-president of the Zonta Club, presented the club with a cheque, which will go towards a third Mirror.

Another highlight was lone highland piper Ben Air, from Augusta Yacht Club, playing as the fleet sailed past for the Commodore’s salute. The final highlight of the day was the two Patron’s Cup races. The juniors participated in their first race on a shorter course, for the Junior Patron’s Cup – a miniature of the original perpetual Patron’s Cup.

The winners were Frostbite, crewed by Mary Pethick and Sarah Hales, from Blue Thunder, Patrick Sewell and Seb Roocke.

The Seniors Cup was won by Ragged Edge (Peter and Ric Wagner). Second place was Aeolus III (Barry Baudains and Colin Lovelady).