FROM THE QUARTERDECK - A Report from the Vice Commodore Tony Bullard

“Where has our summer gone?” everyone asks. And at the time of writing its getting even worse with much of the region subject to extreme weather and/or flood events. Could this be our future summers as a result of climate change?  Let’s hope not and hope that summer may arrive in February.  Hopefully most of you have survived the bad weather OK.

tony enjoying the holiday spirit!

Boating has been a distant thought for most of us. I know a few hardy members have been out there exploring the seas over the last few weeks and good on you - you hardy souls. When there’s a weather window, you need to go for it.

I had my own weather window just before Christmas. My son, his wife, and our two grand-daughters aged 4 and 6 were visiting from London. The forecast for 3 days looked ok so off we went.

Five on a Davidson 28 is cosy but easily done – they were built for six! We didn’t go far – just to Motuihe and one of my favourite bays at Rakino – Woody Bay.

It was a special time watching the London city kids getting back to nature, learning to swim, body boarding, catching fish and making sandcastles. They even learnt, shock horror to them, that you can get around in bare feet!

We are so lucky to have the amazing Hauraki Gulf and further afield as our playground and setting for making wonderful memories. 

The sailing calendar resumes this weekend with a race down to Ponui Island on Saturday culminating in a visit to Man O War winery on Waitangi Day. Weather gods permitting of course. Here’s hoping we get a full season in from here on.

Down in our clubhouse, the clubhouse is open Thursday to Sunday and our caterers are resuming Friday night meals this week. If you haven’t been down for a while, get this into your social calendar. We’re also doing free hot chips or cheese boards on the other non-meal nights.

The management committee is looking into improving the Sir Peter Blake Lounge experience and so we are rearranging some of our Sir Peter Blake memorabilia, cleaning up the clutter in the lounge area, and improving some seating options in the lounge, bar and dining areas.

We want your experience in the club to be as enjoyable as possible, so if you have any other ideas, let us know. Looking forward to seeing you all down their again soon.

Fingers crossed the weather improves and have an enjoyable rest of the summer.