Doc of the Swan - A tribute to the memory of Etchell sailor 'Baron'

by Yachting Western Australia on 21 Feb 2011 With only a month to go, it is now time for anyone linked to the medical fraternity to register for the 2011 Doc of the Swan – a light hearted charity yachting challenge with nearly 45 years’ history.

The title Doc of the Swan will be determined on Sunday 27th March 2011 when entrants from the medical/dental profession or related areas of work, meet at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club to compete in the two divisions to establish the winners.

This year’s Doc of the Swan will be a tribute to the memory of the late Chairman Gordon Baron-Hay. Sadly, this dedicated, long time organiser of the event, 'Baron' as he was known to many, passed away on 26th January 2011. In his honour the RFBYC Etchell fleet will provide a sail-past. 'Baron', an Etchell sailor, bequeathed his Etchell Z-IPI to his dedicated crew Gus McBriar.

Mr Malcolm Hay OAM will this year present the inaugural Dr Baron-Hay Perpetual Trophy for Doc of the Swan. Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club members along with generous members from other river clubs, generously offer their boats for the event. An experienced owner is thus on board to assist inexperienced skippers, crew and non-sailors who nominate to enter the event.

The fun and camaraderie of the day includes the matching of skippers and crews with their craft, hijinks on the water, outrageous outfits and a post-event social function at the club house. Spouses and family members are welcome to view from the clubhouse or on the spectator boat and are encouraged to stay on for a barbecue afterwards.

This worthwhile event encourages anyone (they don’t need to be sailing club members) from the wider medical fraternity to join with colleagues and nominate a team in support of a medical charity.

All WA sailors are asked to spread the word and encourage medicos to ‘have a go’ and enjoy the experience for a worthy charitable cause.

www.wa.yachting.org.au