Governor to open Royals sailing season
by Mike Sabey on 6 Oct 2006
Galaxy is expected to lead Royal’s Opening Day Sail Past - Royal’s Opening Day Sail Past Royal Yacht Club of Victoria .
The sound of a single round fired from an historic ceremonial cannon booming across Hobsons Bay on October 7th will signal the official opening to the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria’s new sailing season.
Australia’s oldest and proudest club is planning a colourful Opening of the Season comprising bands, champagne, blessing of the fleet, a spectacular sail past and salute by many of Victoria’s finest heritage and state of the art new boats on Hobsons Bay flying flags, spinnakers and bunting.
Guest of honour will be Victoria’s Governor, Professor David de Kretser AO who will declare the season open in a short ceremony at the flagstaff and he will also take the salute in the Sail Past.
Run Plan Saturday 7th October
1300 - Official guests arrive
1400 - Official Opening Ceremony by Guest of Honour
Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser AO
1430 - Sail Past Commences
1515 – Short Novice Skippers Race - Jubilee Trophy
1745 - Presentation to Winner Novice Skippers Race - Jubilee Trophy and winner Best Dressed Yacht
Commodore Michael Smith says: 'Royal's forthcoming active summer season will comprise over 200 races for traditional and modern keelboats, junior off the beach sailors on Saturday afternoons together with Sunday morning, Wednesday twilight and Friday races.'
The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria was founded in 1853 and has since conducted 153 Opening Days.
The cannon used to mark the Opening of the Season is a solid stainless steel replica of a late 19th century deck swivel cannon. Made by master cannon maker Beaufort Armourers of North Carolina, who have made Cannons for many heads of state including President Reagan and personalities such as Walter Kronkite.
Today the Club has more than 220 boats on its register, boasts a very safe marina, extensive clubhouse facilities including bars and a restaurant, operates a Sail Training Academy, slipway, travel lift and crane and provides access to the water from several boat storage yards and extends on water safety services to all sailors.
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/27946