Speeches
Sunday, 26 October 2025
Cruising Yacht Club opening of 2025/26 season
I am pleased to be here at the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia to declare open the 2025/2026 sailing season.
I begin by congratulating Andrew Saies on his recent election as Commodore of the club, just over a month ago, and I thank Mike Holmes for his efforts in the role over the preceding 12 months.
It’s great to be back at the club though once again on a day when the weather has disturbed your plans. Some of you may recall my last visit on 2 April, when I joined what was intended to be the final event in the sunset racing series during what can only be described as a gale.
Despite the challenging weather that day, perhaps because of it, I was greatly impressed by your members' prowess, teamwork and camaraderie - qualities that define the spirit of the club and the sport of sailing itself. And, of course, I greatly enjoyed going out on Greg Patten’s G-Wizz.
The Cruising Yacht Club has established itself as a cornerstone of South Australia's sailing community since its incorporation in 1973.
Over five decades, you have demonstrated a remarkable devotion to both competitive and recreational sailing.
I am pleased to see how the club has evolved, with an emphasis on community sailing, competitive sailing, and inclusivity.
These values are reflected in initiatives such as the South Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta, now in its fourth year and the second largest women's regatta in Australia.
I also congratulate club members on their outstanding efforts in the past year.
This includes the members of Clockwork, the Sydney 38 owned and skippered by Mary-Ann Harvey and Andrew Lloyd, on winning their division in the prestigious Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, and representing the club with distinction at Hamilton Island Race Week and the Geelong Festival of Sail.
I am pleased to see youth sailing continues to thrive, with Fraser Baker and Will Gaylard selected to represent Australia in the International 420 Class at the 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships in Portugal this December.
The club's engagement with the Adelaide University Sailing Club and the Elliott fleet provides valuable opportunities for young sailors, helping to nurture the next generation of members and competitors.
I recognise that sailing and boat ownership do not currently enjoy the popularity of the past, and that yacht clubs across Australia face the challenge of adapting to changing patterns of participation and membership.
However, I am confident you have the membership, history, dedication and resourcefulness – witnessed again today - to build on past successes and forge new opportunities across all ages and all facets of the sport.
Central to this success are the volunteers who give their time and expertise - whether on the water, through committee work, or in the demanding cycle of maintenance, repair and refurbishment.
I thank the Board members for their governance and commitment, the Commodore and Flag Officers for their leadership, and all volunteers who contribute to the vitality of this club.
As Governor, I have seen first-hand the importance of community organisations that bring people together, promote healthy activity, and create spaces for connection and shared purpose.
The Cruising Yacht Club exemplifies these values, and I wish you well for the season ahead, for the continued growth of your programs, and for the next chapter in your club's proud history.
It is now my great pleasure to declare the 2025/2026 CYCSA sailing season open.