2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the Exmouth Yacht Club

1969 was the official beginning of the Exmouth Yacht Club (EYC) in WA.
Prior to this, interested sailors and friends got together on the beach south of town beach and operating out of a tent, ran races on the gulf.

In 1969, two founding members lent money to purchase a large tin shed that had been used as a base for the construction of the town’s school.

The marine rescue group operated out of this shed in the  1970s until the marina was built with facilities for them to operate there.
This shed is still in use at EYC for storage and to house the rescue boat.

A new club house was subsequently built in 1986-87 and in 2008 a new toilet block was added to this building.

In the mid 1990s, a caretaker's cottage was built.

The 40th celebration was held on Saturday July 25th.
It was a very well attended and successful event for the yacht club. From start to finish, 200-300 people of all ages joined in the activities or just enjoyed watching and catching up with friends, making it a very relaxed and festive occasion. It was great to see past as well as present members, friends and new comers all involved.

Celebrations started at 2pm with the judging of the Recycle Regatta.
Due to a 20 knot wind, the starting line was upwind near the Novotel. Six teams of contestants raced for their vessels and paddled furiously. Most abandoned the idea of heading out to the first marker and opted for being blown along the shore back to the club house. AB Seaworthy started out heading for the buoy and almost made the marker, but hit the current and was blown backwards. Chapmans struggled with wind kite and peddle power whilst the solitary solo sailor, Kyle in his Special K craft, being lightest weight and with a sail, whisked into first place.
A crowd of about 200 lined the beach and cheered everyone on.
Judges Amanda ( Arts centre), Sue ( Marine Rescue) and Stuie
(Marine and Harbours) conferred & awarded the following prizes.

Chapmans - Most Innovative (Chapman Family)
ABSeaworthy – Poached & Perseverance Award (ABC Norwest)
Special K – Fastest Boat (Kyle Anastasakis)
Wreck Creation – Piping Hot Award (Edwards & Woodwards)
BTGT – Fastest Manufactured Award (Bree & Gena Thomson)
Udderly Cowrageous – Most Environmentally Conscious (EYC)
The Owl & the Pussy Cat – Least Crew Miniature (Sue Ferrari)

The Sailing regatta started at 3pm and those not involved enjoyed the spectacle as well as other events organized. These included: afternoon tea (lionesses), buggy rides on the beach (Argo Tours), play dough and drawing  tables and a baby beautiful competition (Playgroup), motor bike display ( Moto Cross), sandcastle competition  (EYC) – judged by the ABC team.
The history display covering the 40 years of yacht club activities was well patronized throughout the weekend. Thanks to those who prepared and/or donated photos and information.
CARE had a stall, Tai Wan On had takeaway and EYC a sausage sizzle.
At 6pm, official welcome, presentations and cutting of the cake by Stan Dellar (a foundation member) was followed by local band Fat Goat playing until late.

Exmouth –Carnarvon Challenge

This consisted of three races, the first of which was on Saturday afternoon.
Barry Scott from Carnarvon Yacht Club instigated this by suggesting he donate a trophy for an interclub competition, something that hadn't been done for about 10 years - just like the recycled regatta.
This was an exciting race with solo sailors struggling at times to keep their yachts under control. Seven yachts set out in a strong southerly wind of 18-20 knots. One yacht (James) capsized twice but quickly righted and continued on. One (Doug) had hull problems and had to be towed back and retired from the competition.

The second and third races were held on Sunday morning.
After a filling sailors' breakfast Sunday morning whilst awaiting the incoming tide, 6 yachts decided to brave the conditions of a  strong SSE wind of 22 knots and set out at about 10am. Water breaking over the trampolines meant those who had no wet suits were soon freezing. One yacht (Pete & Suzie) now frozen solid,  decided not to compete in the last race despite the wind easing slightly.
A sailors’ lunch followed whilst scores were sorted and then winners announced.
 As Carnarvon had two yachts competing, Exmouth nominated two of their yachts to be in the scoring for the winner of the cup
and final results were equal, with both teams on 34 points.
Carnarvon took the trophy (donated by Barry and Kay Scott of Carnarvon)  home to show the team and then it will come back to Exmouth to be competed for again in 2010.
 Exmouth-Carnarvon Sailing Regatta
1st Benny Dei Giudici(Carnarvon)
2nd James Chapman( Exmouth)
3rd Matt & Joe
4th Pete & Suzie Lalor (Exmouth)
5th Romeo De Boni (Carnarvon)
Equal 6th Mandy Merlin & Roge Kempe & and Jan Van Der Schaar
Prizes for both this event and the recycle regatta were kindly donated by local businesses and were much appreciated.

Awards and AGM Night for 2009

Naughty or nice didn’t draw much response in regard to dressing up, maybe it was too cold to be naughty!
Free drinks started the evening off well.
A short AGM was held where a committee was formed, but needed a follow up meeting to elect office bearers. (This was held on the following Sunday – congratulation to Doug Ross for taking up the helm as commodore!).
Then awards were presented, followed by dinner.
Numbers were down slightly, however it was a great night for those who attended.
Asking people to bring food to share worked well as the food was delicious.

Later in the evening, people were encouraged to dob in people for misdemeanors over the last year. This raised $92.03 (more than last year) to donate to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Club winners – see James

Note photo of Indi Perrett receiving her “Most Promising Junior” award donated by Pat Eves.

Article by Suzie Lalor and Tricia O'Donnell
Photos by Tricia O'Donnell.