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13_Yachtsman 2015.qxp_Yachtsman Magazine 19/08/2015 4:31 pm Page 37

Club Cruising
Cruise Report 2014-15
By Jim Cormack, Rear Commodore Cruising

As the season rolls around we reflect on the adventures
and activities held throughout the year, from First Friday
dinners to extensive offshore cruises whilst not forgetting
the regular estuary cruises to one of the best cruising
grounds – our own backyard.
The major excitement for the year was definitely the
cruise across Bass Strait to Hobart for the 2015 Australian
Wooden Boat Festival. Although only 9 boats made the trip, they were supported
by a significant number of members as crew or assistants and the lead up courses
in Cruise Communications, Diesel Maintenance, Electrical and Navigation which
catered for a number of aspects of cruising assisted many to more broadly understand
those important aspects. The lead up event to this was a cruise to Jervis Bay and
Sydney Harbour. For some this was the furthest they had cruised. The experience
gained from this and the Tasmanian trip will prove to be of invaluable assistance for
the longer cruises scheduled for the future, as newer members look to extend their
activities beyond the confines of the local district.
We spent many enjoyable hours and days cruising the waters of Pittwater, the
Hawkesbury and Cowan Creeks with excellent attendances at Refuge and America
Bays, Akuna Bay and Bobbin Head as well as a, first of its kind, progressive dinner
in Castle Lagoon. Walks, kayaks, creek explorations in dinghies, picnics and happy
hours ashore and on other host boats were just part of the activities enjoyed with
friends whilst cruising. Many thanks to the volunteers who coordinated the cruises

and made our newcomers feel so welcome.
Our members were actively engaged in supporting Cruising functions as was evident
by the participation rate in our Come Cruising Promotion where points were accumulated
for participation in various events from 1 point for a First Friday Dinner to 5 points
for a major Blue Water Cruise. The eventual, and very popular winners were Keith
Baker and Graham Camier who will enjoy Boatyard services to $1800 and $900
respectively. Thanks to all those who supported the promotion and came week after
week and month after month to the functions and events,