The dull, cold weather resulted in a smaller crowd than usual for the Opening of the Sailing Season at Dunsborough Bay Yacht Club.
Commodore Steve Flower welcomed the guests, Commodore Ken Waller and his wife, and city representatives Councillor Terry Best and chief executive officer Mike Archer and in the absence of the Patron MLC Barry House MLA the new Liberal Elect member of State Parliament Libby Mettam declared the season open.
Members, friends and guests then enjoyed a light lunch prepared by Chris Ryall and helpers, and watched the Sail Past from the balcony of the clubhouse.
A mixed flotilla of boats then took to the water for the annual Patron’s Cup and Junior Patron’s Cup.
The wind had notched up noticeably, gusting to 20 knots, as a result there were many capsizes as the fleet got to the start line, and the first two laps saw continued troubles.
However, the wind eased to 12 knots and the fleet evened itself out.
Patron Barry House very kindly flew back from Perth to present the two cups to the winners.
Now the season proper has started there will be junior sailing on Sunday mornings, with racing in the afternoon – see the program on the club website through the YWA website.
Results: winner Junior Patron Cup The White Rabbit Caelin Winchcombe, winner Senior Patron Cup Red Fury Nic Lewis.
