SYC NEWSLETTER August 2024
Message from the Commodore Tom Hutchinson
Ormidale Barbecue The 2024 Ormidale BBQ took place on Saturday the 3rd of August. Even the most optimistic would not have anticipated the rain stopping, the wind dropping and the sun coming out as the BBQ was being prepared on the beach. That however is exactly what happened.
Seven members were in attendance with a further four locals joining the group for a most splendid evening of food, wine and good company. Thanks to Don and Marje Gillies for once again hosting the Commodore on Black Pepper, and a special thanks to our Master Chef Don for cooking the food on the BBQ. It would be remiss of me not to also mention Caroline, Norena and Marje who organised the food and also to acknowledge our Secretary Graham for his amazing ability to rescue our camp fire which, in my hands had been smouldering without a sign of a flame for a considerable time.
Commodore Tom starting the fire
On a personal note, this was the first time I have been able to wear sailing boots following my injury. The bad news was that the large boots I had borrowed leaked and after a prolonged period standing on the beach, I was unable to remove the boot due to my ankle swelling. Many thanks to Graham and Don for hauling the offending item off of my foot.
Once again it was a successful and enjoyable event. The poor forecast of strong winds and rain (apparently the theme for this summer) had daunted others from joining us.
(above) Key BBQ Organisers (below) Chef Don juggles two barbies
Prior to the BBQ, Caroline and I with Norena crewing were lucky enough to enjoy a brief weather window when we sailed to Kerrera for the weekend and caught the race start for the final leg of the Clipper Round the World Race in Oban. The view from Kerrera Marina of the Parade of Sail was exceptional and we thoroughly enjoyed the view and commentary from the race organisers via the handheld radio. The turnout on shore and on the water was good with the Marina at Kerrera emptying as boats with dress flags joined the end of the parade. Pipers could be heard from the shore and then aboard the Clippers themselves. After a brief stop for lunch, we climbed to the monument and viewed the start of the race from outside Dunstaffnage Marina until the boats disappeared sailing down the south end of Mull heading for the finish line in Portsmouth. Tom