Speeches
Saturday, 02 November 2024
Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron opening of 2024/25 season
As patron of the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron, I am pleased to be with you for the opening of the 2024-2025 season, remarkably, your 155th Opening Day.
As you know more than most, weather conditions can vary and occasionally that can necessitate a change of plans. Rod, my brother Stuart and I thoroughly enjoyed being on the One and All and alongside your Commodore and I was honoured to take the salute, albeit in a rather unusual way.
The sail past is always an exciting spectacle and a wonderful way in which to herald the new season, but there is much to be said for the “stroll past” also. In fact, that was a better opportunity to exchange smiles and the occasional quip with squadron members.
The opening of each season brings a promise of great sailing, but importantly great companionship and fellowship.
The friendships made, the experiences shared and the commitment to the squadron founded through a shared love of sailing, brings you together and binds you together.
I commend the Squadron for its commitment to community out‑reach, enabling people to try their hand at sailing in keelboats, for your women on water training, and for enthusing the next generation of yachtsmen and women.
I thank the members and volunteers for your varied contributions on and off the water because you are the Squadron.
I wish the club every success for the season.
May you all have fair winds and following seas.
It gives me great pleasure to declare the 2024/25 Season Open.