ERIENCE - Sandringham Yacht Club

CENTENARYThe Rock and Roll “gig”was a big, fun night withthe 180 present enjoyingthemselves dancing to themusic by the exciting andpopular “The Vincents”rock and roll band.At the Past Commodores’and Life Members’Dinner, CommodoreSteve Richards outlinedhis hopes for the futureat SYC. He also advisedthat the upgradedOTB facilities will beofficially named “The LouAbrahams Off the BeachSailing Centre.”The Centenary Year Black Tie Ball was a stunning night. TheCommodore announced that Robyn Coombs was the ClubPerson of the Year and that Marty Power had won the Stirrersaward. Congratulations to both these popular members.From violin playing in the upstairs lobby by students fromFirbank Girls Grammar School, a soloist in the Harbour ViewRestaurant and the Soul Sister band in the Port Phillip Room,there was something for everyone to enjoy.The Schools Competition proudly sponsored by “HockingStuart” Sandringham created considerable interest fromstudents within the City of Bayside. The video entries wereof a very high standard that embraced the subject of thecompetition in a highly professional manner. Prizes wereawarded on Opening Day by Jennifer Middleton from HockingStuart to the winners who were the AJJ Team from BrightonCollege and the Sandringham College (Beaumaris) Team.Opening Day 2011 saw the conclusion of the Club’sCentenary Year Celebrations.Matt Allen and his wife Lisa were special guests of the Club.Matt, who was a junior member of SYC and went on to sailin keelboats with Lou Abrahams and then with considerablesuccess in his own boat, is a Past Commodore of theCruising Yacht Club of Australia and currently a Boardmember of Yachting Australia. He gave an inspirationaladdress on sailing as a sport for life and encouragementto young sailors to embrace sailing. He spoke of thedevelopment of responsibility, leadership and the creationof lasting friendships.A Centenary Year Planning Committee initiative was thecreation of a “Time Capsule” containing relevant informationabout the Club and its history over the past 100 years. Itwas handed over on the day by Past Commodore GeoffHenderson to Past Commodore Kevin Wood who respondedon behalf of the Planning Committee. The Commodore andKevin Wood unveiled a commemorative plaque that will bepositioned over the Time Capsule after it is buried in theveranda entrance to the clubhouse. The plaque stated thatthe capsule is not to be opened before 2050.Included in the contents of the Time Capsule was achronological calendar of significant events and milestonesin the life of Sandringham Yacht Club, as shown on pages30 & 31. The calendar is the result of extensive research andconsultation with Graeme Disney and other club members.Balloon prizes at the FashionistaFashionista Dinner and ParadeMembers enjoying the Alfresco Long Table LunchCed Le Meledo and hiswandering musiciansCommodore Steve Richardspresenting Doris Little with thefundraising cheque generatedfrom the Fashionista28Summer 2011 | syc off the wind