Salutations set-off a successful season at Benoni Sailing Club
The sail past and salute is a longstanding tradition around the globe.
Benoni Sailing Club opened the new sailing season with the traditional opening cruise and sail past on a chilly, windy spring morning on September 9 at Homestead Dam.
As is customary, the commodore (this season David Cutts) took the salute from all the sailors as they sailed past and wished them well for a great sailing season ahead.
“It’s a tradition that’s been going for many years throughout the world whereby the commodore salutes the fleet,” said Cutts.
“It’s not something new for Benoni.
“I go out on the water and salute each boat as it goes by.
“It’s a bit of fun and we will do the same at the closing cruise.”
Cutts said the turnout of boats on the morning was slightly disappointing due to the cold weather with only 10 boats taking to the water for the sail past as opposed to the normal 20 or so.
The commodore said the club is celebrating 50 years of existence this year and added that they will potentially be planning a few parties and some special races in celebration, for example a night race where all the boats are lit up with torches and lights on a specific evening.
Cutts, a longstanding member of the club, said getting new blood into the club is key for its long-term existence, but admitted that it’s difficult to attract youngsters to the sport.
“We have got quite a few successful young sailors coming in, like Matthew Inglis, one of our rising stars, but obviously we’d like to attract more young sailors,” said Cutts.
“As far as the club goes, 50 years ago it was just trees here.
“There were no houses, no nothing and we were in a little tin shed back then.
“We’ve seen a lot of growth in the past 50 years including the building of the clubhouse.”
The commodore encouraged those interested in sailing to come around to the club.
Dinghy racing takes place on most Sundays and visitors and interested people are welcome to join in.
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