Variable breeze from 7kts to 23kts greeted the reduced fleet that faced the started for Sunday’s long river race from Settlement Point to the Dennis bridge turning mark. The handicapper was in form, dealing with the varying winds and a segmented race, managing to produce two separate segment winners, and with the longest segment sailed being decided by a mere 0.77 seconds on handicap.

With Cool Change being series mathematically unbeatable any thoughts of skipper Teddy Clausen taking it easy disappeared, when that yacht crossed the start line at speed and took the early lead.

Line honours regular Enticer, however, soon overtook Cool Change which settled in an intense duel with Zig Zag, falling behind only in the shadows of the line, while the heavier Third Man trailed. Clear segment handicap win to Cool Change.

The longest segment from Hibbard to the Dennis Bridge turning mark saw Enticer take a commanding on water lead, and with the chasing pack forming an in line procession, Zig Zag led the pursuit. With the handicapper having the final say, and with 0.77 seconds being the margin Cool Change just edged out the speedy Enticer. The final segment saw a reversal of fortune for Frank Lagudi’s Third Man, with that yacht taking an emphatic segment win.

Overall, on a day of variable winds Cool Change took the honours, but on a day when the on water activities were somewhat overshadowed by post event celebrations recognising club legends.

Members past and present came together to celebrate the life memberships awarded to club members Les Boaden and Gordon Southwell.

Les Boaden, foundation member was recognised for an unbroken membership of over 40 years and an unrivalled list of achievements besides multiple race and series wins both within and while representing PMYC; while retiring Skipper of High Flyer 3, Gordon Southwell was recognised for his commitment to the Club and racing, his generosity, and the introducing and encouraging of new sailors.

Jim and Nancy Ringland were recognised for their time and commitment to the Club, particularly for the many years of writing race reports for the local newspaper, and maintaining our Club photographic history.

Les Boaden received further recognition together with Foundation members Kevin Brown and Andrew Walmsley, who with much ceremony were inaugural inductees into the ‘Order of the Buoy and Anchor’.

The august nature of the celebration of these members was however interrupted with much laughter at mirthful interjections from assembled members, on an evening marked by the camaraderie found in recognition of our wonderful sport.