Wednesday 19 October 2016

The Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club

Before we leave Raby Bay, I wanted to say a few words about a sailing association with the rather relaxed name of The Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (BTW -  a Shag is a type of common cormorant Down Under, and there's an actual Shag Islet somewhere further north). We joined the club when we were here six years ago - stayed in touch with friend Ken (who started the club about 7 years ago) for several years and renewed our interest when we reached Townsville and spent time with Club officer Michael Johnson on SV 'Pleasure'.

ANYONE can join who has an interest in the marine environment. When we joined, it was simply a social club and we had wandered into the Shag's Breath Cafe across from our dock here at Raby Bay. Ken and wife Rhonda Thackeray started it after he was refused entrance to a more traditional Yacht Club because he was not an officer of a reciprocating club. Now everyone in the club is an officer - I'm Vice-Commodore in Tuwanek Point, BC and Larry is the V.C. of Pirate's Cove, BC.

Joining the SICYC (2010)  with Rhonda and Ken
Since starting the club, they branched out and now have members world-wide. However, the most fantastic effort they have made has been to start donating all funds to help research into Prostate Cancer. So far this year, they have raised the astounding amount of $105,000!

Over several weeks on Wednesday nights, we've joined the fun ... we  just wanted to thank the club for their hospitality and to commend them for their good works!

The Hog's Breath Cafe in Raby Bay

No comments:

Post a Comment