The cooling months of the year is when the grey and not so grey nomads of the water sail into the beautiful Whitsundays for the annual Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (SICYC) Rendezvous at the diminutive Shag Islet in the Gloucester Passage. But this year there is a twist! SICYC has turned the event into a ‘Season of Sail’ to provide further fun for yachties (aka the SICYC “Vice Commodores” or “Shaggers”) cruising up the Queensland coast to the Rendezvous in August. So what’s in this “Season of Sail” for the Shaggers?
It is about enjoying the company of fellow cruisers while travelling to the annual Rendezvous, as early as April. Members enjoy the benefits of a fantastic fraternity on the water while being hosted by various marinas and be invited to a feast of events on the way as part of the Season of Sail.
By keeping their VHF on a dual watch 16/72, members can transmit on Ch 72 asking if there any Shaggers in the anchorage and arrange to meet with them—a great way to meet up on the way up the coast.
This year, several marinas welcomed the members during the Season of Sail on the way north from Brisbane. Hervey Bay Boat Club offered a short term berth discount and a “Meet and Greet” every Friday evening for the members. Bundaberg Port Marina and tenants offered various discounts and berth packages, while Mackay Marina offered a berth discount.
Abell Point Marina, host of the annual Rendezvous, and selected tenants offered discounts including berth discounts of 15 percent off the weekly rate, with courtesy cars made available.
The premier social event of the season, the Prostate Cancer Gala Ball was held on 16 July. It was an evening of elegance with a twist, all for a great cause—to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). Special guests for the evening were distinguished professor, Judith Clements AC, the mayor of the Whitsundays, Cr Andrew Wilcox (the Vice Commodore of Horseshoe Bay Bowen), and Matt Hayden, an ardent supporter of the PCFA. Paul Darouzett, owner of the Abell Point Marina, and Cr Wilcox, personally welcomed all the guests. The Lure, a new events facility at Abell Point Marina, was the venue of the “Sea Princess” and “Black Tie and Board Shorts” Gala Ball for the members, SICYC sponsors and friends, and early bird cruisers.
The SICYC Season of Sail continued with the SICYC “Family and Friends BBQ” on 29 July at the North Village of Abell Point Marina. Paul Darouzett, owner of Abell Point Marina, again welcomed all Shaggers.
“Welcome to Airlie Beach” is an annual event at which the Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) formally welcomes all Vice Commodores. The welcome event hosted by the Commodore of WSC will be held on Friday 5 August 2016. Special entertainment will be provided and meals will be available at reasonable rates. Honorary temporary membership of the WSC will be granted to all Vice Commodores present.
The “Great Whitsunday Fun Race” (GWFR), jointly sponsored for the first time by SICYC and WSC will be held on 20 August 2016. Fifty percent of race proceeds will go to PCFA.
The big event, the “SICYC Rendezvous 2016” will be held in the vicinity of Shag Islet from 25 to 28 August. Early bird activities will commence on 23 August at both Cape Gloucester and Montes Reef Resort. This year’s Rendezvous theme is Parrot Head.
With over 240 yachts and some 1000 people expected to attend the Rendezvous this year, there will be fun and good times for everyone.
For more event details and membership information, visit www.sicyc.com.au.
