Sailing RQYS Opening Day of the 124th Sailing Season

RQYS Opening Day of the 124th Sailing Season

'Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron - aerial view'

Celebrating 124 years of sailing in Brisbane, the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron on Saturday 6 September celebrates the opening of the 2008/09 Sailing Season.

Following the traditional Blessing of the Fleet the Opening of the Sailing Season will be performed by the Commanding Officer, Navy Headquarters South Queensland - Commander Forbes Peters, RAN.

The Manly Boat Harbour spectacularly comes alive with a flotilla of yachts, powerboats and dinghies as the Fleet Sailpast for Salute is taken by Commander Peters and Commodore of RQYS, Keith Anderson.

The Sailpast is extended this year to include Norfolk Point where the public will be able to view the vessels and their colourful dressing as part of the Manly Boat Harbour Festival. Guest commentary will provide an interesting insight to the boats, their history and exploits.

In the afternoon the Southern and Northern course fleets, including Lasers, Optimists, 470's, Tasers and Etchells will sail their first races of a long and busy summer sailing season. The Division Yachting fleet, many only just returned from the Hamilton Island Race Week will compete for the traditional Opening Day Regatta silver pewter for first placing.

Commodore Keith Anderson stated, 'The Opening Day Ceremony and Opening Day Regatta are a highlight of the season for all members and their guests and the Sailpast past Norfolk Point will allow the Squadron's strong tradition and celebrations to be viewed by the public.'

http://www.rqys.com.au

by Val Meggs

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