Geographe Bay Yacht Club season opened on Saturday October 11 with twenty yachts taking part in the Sail Past.
Flag officers attended from Mandurah and South of Perth Yacht Clubs.
The official season opening was made memorable with a strong and tuneful rendition of the National Anthem by Bella Oates.
The conditions were mild with winds of about 13 to 15 knots allowing an incident free race for the Patrons Cup which was won by Amber Dreams.
Second place was Electric Tram and third Millenium Falcon.
Members and guests appreciated the continuing improvements to the club rooms as they watched the sun set, while satisfying their hunger and thirst.
This week October 18, the weather was less enjoyable.
Gusts were frequent, several in the region of 26 knots while at other times boats were becalmed.
Sailors greatly appreciated the efforts of support crews who spent a cold and uncomfortable afternoon on the water, coping with several crippled boats.
Ayres Rocket pulled out early with a breakage.
Suicide Blonde and Amber Dreams soon followed broken rudder, David Lodge broke his mast, luckily not damaging his sail and fellow laser sailor Bryte Townsend retired.
Zac Nichols allowed discretion to guide him to early retirement after a great performance on his maiden race.
The most dramatic performance of the day was from Lets Dance who after several gasp worthy broaches lost a crew member over board.
After an impressive retrieval drill they sailed on to finish the race.
Two of the club’s increasing fleet of tasars Straight Jacket and Charisma sailed well, showing that the club will be well represented at the Tasar World Championship to be sailed at GBYC in the first week in January.
