Speeches
Saturday, 12 October 2024
Adelaide Sailing Club opening of 2024/25 season
I am pleased to be with you for the opening of the 2024-2025 season.
It’s great to be back at Adelaide Sailing Club and I look forward to the sail past a little later.
The 2023-2024 season has been a significant one for the history of your club, with not only local sailing but hosting major competitions including the 2024 ILCA Men’s World Championships and Olympic Qualifier, the ILCA Masters World Championships and the Australian National and Oceania ILCA Class championships.
It was my pleasure to speak at the Opening Ceremony for the 2024 ILCA 7 Men’s World Championships and to welcome interstate and overseas officials and competitors to Adelaide.
The eyes of the sailing world were firmly on South Australia as you hosted some of the best sailors from around the world including Australian champ, Matt Wearn, who went on to defend his Olympic title in the Laser Class at the Paris Olympics.
I congratulate your club on hosting these events with such success, showcasing South Australia, our pristine waters and strong sailing culture.
I thank everyone involved, in particular your volunteer community, who dedicated a mammoth 5830 hours of volunteering for the Men’s Olympic Qualifier alone!
Your hosting experience last summer will stand you in excellent stead for two more events you are hosting this season.
I am pleased to hear that Adelaide Sailing Club, in conjunction with Henley Sailing Club, will host the 505 World Championships in December and January, which will see approximately 80 boats compete from around the world[1].
Shortly after, you’ll also host the Finn 2025 Australian Championship, which will bring dozens of boats from around Australia to Adelaide[2].
I wish you all the very best with these events.
Friends,
I was pleased to hear of other developments at Adelaide Sailing Club throughout the year, such as the renovation of your Canteen, providing a practical space for your sailors to mingle and your sailing school students a place to learn.
I congratulate the club on winning multiple Australian Sailing State awards, with the ceremony held here last month.
Several winners will go on to the national final in Sydney in November, and I wish them the best for this competition.
In addition, I trust you all enjoyed watching the coverage of the Paris Olympics sailing events, where the Australian team – one of the youngest in recent years - secured a gold and silver medal, along with three additional top ten finishes.
Very inspiring viewing!
Friends,
I congratulate the Adelaide Sailing Club on a successful 2023-2024 season and I thank past and present members of the Board, staff, members and volunteers for your varied contributions.
Once again I thank your volunteers, so often the lifeblood of clubs, for their contributions, whether on the water, or off through committee work or the demanding cycle of maintenance, repair and refurbishment.
I wish the club every success and declare the 2024/25 season open!
[1] https://www.int505.org/2025-505-world-championships-adelaide-australia/
[2] https://www.adelaidesailingclub.com.au/majorevents/finn-nats-2025