With the festive season upon us I would like to wish you and all your families an enjoyable Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.  

The club  this season has been busy with numerous sailing events and social activities but before these events can take place many hours of preparation organisation and running of these events are undertaken by our  volunteers and the support of the club sponsors a huge thank you goes out to all those involved. 

The club is always on the look out for more volunteers both on and off the water.  Helping out in a rescue boat is a great way to witness the on water action.  You would be buddied up with an experienced operator and further down the track you may like to do a powerboat rescue course which are available through Tamar Sea Rescue at reasonable rates.  There are also plenty of onshore duties also which can be undertaken.  I encourage you all to volunteer just half a day to assist your club.  

The club is operating like clockwork with a strong program of small and large projects. Recent projects approved by your committee include replacement of carpet and roller blinds giving the club rooms a much improved appearance for the members and visiting guests.  The club has also purchased a new ride on lawn mower to help Leigh keep the grounds in pristine condition. Projects about to get under way are the Corsair shed extension compound and the upgrade of the rescue boat shed.

Major projects in the pipe line are the slipway environmental catchment area, the dinghy rigging area sea wall, the roof upgrade of the club rooms and a personnel lift to be installed for members and friends unable to navigate the stairs to the upper deck.  These projects are beyond our budgets and we will be applying for further grants.

There are many exciting events planned for the second half of our sailing season both on and off the water.  We have several major regattas planned including the Blockbuster weekend, the Hansa State Titles which will include Australian Champion Chris Symonds, our very popular new event Woman on Water and The Classic.  Each of these will host a Saturday night function.  The Blockbuster will see a return of Bootleg so for those of you who missed them last year put your dancing shoes on and join in for the evening.  These social events are open to all members and friends and you don’t need to have sailed in the regatta to attend.

January 15 sees the start of the CNW midweek series followed by a BBQ afterwards.  The first Wednesday night will be a hamburger evening. So come up for a McRymple burger or two. Our seafood evening will remain and will be held on 12 February.  If anyone would like a vegetarian option please advise Canteen Co-ordinator Amanda in advance and this can be arranged.  This applies to all functions.

On a sad note we saw the passing of Keith Burrows a keen and active sailing member for 10 years with the club. He crewed with good mate Ray Boon on Hippopotamus.  Keith had also purchased his own pride and joy a Holland 25 three years ago. Our commiserations go out to Glenda and family.

I would also like to acknowledge the passing of Dr Robbie Roberts a long standing member of Port Dalrymple Yacht Club and supporter of the junior sailing. Commiserations to Barb Greg and Family.
New members to join the club for November and December are Holly James, Oliver Robinson, Bridget Brown, Rhys Witt, David O’Brien I welcome you all to Port Dalrymple Yacht Club.

With Christmas and New Year approaching we have a number of sailors and crews representing PDYC participating in National Championships and major ocean races.  Good luck to all those participating in these events.

All the best for a safe and joyous Christmas and most of all enjoy your sailing.

Stephen McElwee
Commodore
Port Dalrymple Yacht Club