The RQYS Sail Cruising Group (SCG) provides great opportunities to sail in company and enjoy social activities around the Bay and further afield. As the SCG is an integral part of RQYS, the Squadron provides significant support to the Group to run cruises and activities throughout the year. The SCG has a long and successful history, boasting healthy membership and cruise participation — with some participating members going back as far as 2002. SCG holds several major events on the yearly Squadron calendar, including the Australia Day Cruise, Christmas in July and the Christmas function held at the Club. These are shared with the Power Cruising Group and are well attended. In addition, cruises further afield — such as to the Clarence River, a Cruise North and even Tasmania — are facilitated when Members volunteer to organise and run these events. It is only the dedication and commitment of the Volunteers in the group who step up to be Cruise Captains and organise cruises and events that makes the SCG’s popularity possible, and we are very appreciative of those that volunteer their time for Squadron activities and events, including our own. Unfortunately, 2024 did not get off to a great start when the unfavorable January weather forced the cancellation of the Australia Day Cruise. Thankfully the weather was more favouable for the Clarence River Cruise in February/March. Boats departed in a good easterly breeze on their way down to Iluka and the fleet enjoyed excursions to places upriver, including the old Scottish town of Maclean. A Midweek Cruise was held in February, and these midweek cruises have become popular, with great company able to enjoy uncrowded anchorages. Horseshoe Bay was the destination enjoyed by six boats. The weather was calm and sunny; some people stayed an extra day. Guest speaker Dario Gualtieri came along to the Friday briefing to talk about his gap year, sailing up the east coast and out to hundreds of Pacific islands. The Easter Cruise plan was to watch the start of the Brisbane to Gladstone Race then to cruise to the Sand Hills. The weather and tides however had other plans, so everyone headed to Canaipa instead. On Sunday, the fleet cruised to Deanbilla and visited the Little Ship Club for lunch. On Monday after breakfast some members explored Dunwich before heading home. A MOB (Man OverBoard) demonstration was held on the visitors’ pontoon at the Squadron in April, with a good turnout of Cruising Group members. Stacey Jackson from 27 South Ocean Training did a great job, including deployment of a danbuoy and ‘Dennis the dummy.’ The demonstration went well — and, yes, Denis was safely recovered! Did you know that the Squadron’s Sail Cruising Group provides many educational opportunities to develop skills and learn from fellow sailors in convivial social outings afloat and ashore? Co-Chairs Shane and Sue Atkinson report on a weather-afflicted 2024 which was nevertheless packed with interesting events and special cruises. Clearance to Clarence (Canaipa too!) More fun when cruising in company, interstate ventures to new places are also safer, when the weather gods smile. Sail Cruising Group Report Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Yearbook 62
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mzg4Mjk=