Bright Opening Day
After a week of welcome rain, fine spring weather arrived Sunday to add the final touch to a well organized Opening Day 2009. Following the welcome by Commodore Bob, the season was officially declared opened by Janice Munt MP who posed the question "If we sail all year round - why do we have a Opening Day !?" The best reply seemed to be " in order to have a Party".
So on with the party it was - and the first item was the Sailpast. Skippers had been busy over the weekend decorating their boats and it turned out to be one of the most colorful displays seen in a long while. Some boats with themes, others with just an array of flags or balloons. It all made for a great procession as just on 30 vessels paraded past the official party.
Some had come armed for mischief and the odd water bomb or spray from a water cannon caught many unsuspecting crews off guard. Some failed attempts were even made at the officials.
It was then time to head back in for lunch. A spit roast in the hands of Renee had been on since early and along with bread and salad prepared by the girls upstairs (see photo), everyone soon had a plate full of food and had found their spot to sit and socialize. Great music for our Party Day was once again provided by "Blueaz." During the afternoon a raffle was drawn and the winner of the Best Decorated Boat was announced. This year the prize was taken by the boys and girls aboard Pelican. Well done.
The celebrations went late into the afternoon - even later for some we've heard !? So congratulations and a great vote of thanks to all those members involved in the organisation of this years event. For those of you who couldn't make it for one reason or another, we hope you'll get a taste of the the fun day from the shots below.
